Although people joke about snoring, doctors are less inclined these days to make light of loud Z’s. The reason: What keeps your spouse awake might signal more serious health issues. Snoring should get checked if it gets louder and has symptoms such as gasps for air or interrupted breathing. Sleep experts are less concerned about what’s called primary snoring as a steady rhythmic sound that might get an individual elbowed to move.

Dr Tanay Joshi, Consultant, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine  Medanta Hospital, Indore said There are basically two types of snores, one is just a rhythmic type of snore, and usually the volume level stays about the same. The other type of snoring, which about 75% of people who snore will have, is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) along with the snore. That’s more like a crescendo-type snore where the volume gets louder and louder, then all of the sudden you don’t hear anything for a while because the airway is closed.

That scenario sounds like a loud snort. Nearly 1 billion people, globally are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea that involves repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep. Warning signs include that crescendo snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and interrupted breathing which could last 10 seconds or longer.

Is sleep beneficial, or are you chronically tired and take daytime naps? Can somebody watch for irregular breathing patterns during sleep? Does it look like you’re struggling to breathe? How you answer could determine whether you need to seek medical help. Discuss snoring concerns with a primary care physician, who might refer you to a sleep doctor or a chest physician.