Occasional snoring might be cause for good-natured joking, but long-term, heavy snoring is often no laughing matter. Left unchecked, it can become a thorny issue in relationships, and might even be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious medical condition. While you should definitely consult your doctor if you or your significant other is concerned about an ongoing problem, the resources at sites like WebMD.com, the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com), and MedicineNet.com can help you understand more about your symptoms and how to take steps -- like sleeping on your side and avoiding alcohol before bedtime -- to prevent another noisy night’s sleep.