It is estimated that about three-quarters of people who snore suffer from some degree of sleep apnea. Snoring is the noise created when relaxed tissues in the throat vibrate as one breaths during the night. This tissue relaxation characterizes obstructive sleep apnea as well. A person who chronically snores and experiences any other symptoms that could indicate sleep apnea should seek a professional evaluation, given that severe sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems.