While occasionally viewed as funny or as just a normal part of the sleeping process, snoring can actually present a serious threat to your long-term health. Sleep apnea, a significant sleep disorder, causes your breathing to start and stop during rest. In most cases, snoring ranks as the number one sign and symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a life-long condition that if left untreated can increase your risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, depression and diabetes.