Snoring isn't just annoying — it can be a sign of a serious medical condition known as sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea snore because their airway is closing throughout the night, which prevents them from getting enough oxygen. There are strategies that can relieve snoring and mild sleep apnea, and doctors can provide more serious solutions for severe cases. A number of factors can trigger the vibrating, buzz-saw breathing sounds that we call snoring. Someone might snore sporadically if they're suffering from allergies or a cold, if they've been drinking, or even in some cases if they sleep on their back.