Mount Sinai South Nassau presents:

TRUTH IN MEDICINE

A: Yes. Snoring is a very real health concern. Snoring is a sign of disrupted sleep, which can lead to many health problems.

The big concern: obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which blocked airways cause people to stop breathing many times a night, disrupting sleep and cutting off oxygen to the body and brain.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity and diabetes, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Everyone can experience problems with sleep from time to time. However, you might have a serious sleep problem if:

• You fall asleep during normal waking hours
• You wake up not feeling rested in the morning
• You gasp, choke or stop breathing during sleep

If you or someone close to you is not sleeping well because of snoring, a visit to the doctor may be helpful.