Snoring is caused by the narrowing of your airway and vibration of soft tissues in the back of your throat as you take air in. These tissues typically consist of large tonsils, long soft palate or uvula and excess fat which can narrow the airway.

Apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for at least 10 seconds at a time, then starts to gasp for air. This is dangerous because oxygen to the brain is reduced, causing greater strain on the cardiovascular system. This lack of oxygen often causes morning headaches, high blood pressure and feeling exhausted.