DefinitionSnoring is a loud, hoarse, or harsh breathing sound that occurs during sleep. ConsiderationsSnoring is common in adults and is not necessarily a sign of an underlying disorder.Sometimes, however, snoring can be a sign of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This means you have periods when you completely or partly stop breathing for more than 10 seconds while you sleep. The episode is followed by a sudden snort or gasp when breathing resumes. Then, snoring starts all over again. If you have sleep apnea, this cycle generally happens multiple times a night. Sleep apnea is not as common as snoring.Hypopneas are episodes in which the airway becomes partially blocked. They are not as severe as apneas, but can contribute to the overall airway blockage.A doctor (or a sleep specialist) c