Snoring is not only a marital problem, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. In sleep apnea the airway closes as the tongue relaxes.  This causes a temporary lack of oxygen while you stop breathing, after a few moments a gasp for air occurs and the cycle repeats. This constant cycle of sleep and arousal disrupts the critical sleep cycle causing day time drowsiness. The longterm consiquences include high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heat attack. day time drowsiness and motor vehicle accidents.