Doctor has worrying message for anyone who thinks their snoring is normal

Are you a snorer?

If the answer is 'yes', then answer me this - did you know your life could be at risk?

Well, maybe not 'at risk' - but one doctor says this nasty nighttime habit should be considered somewhat of red flag, and in some cases, could indicate a fault occurring within the brain.

One doctor says loudly snoring isn't something that should be overlooked (Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty)

For those in need of a little science lesson, according to the Sleep Cycle Centre (SCC), snoring occurs when the tissue inside of the throat relaxes as a result of transitioning from a wakeful state to sleeping.

Air then passes through the throat as the individual breathes, causing a vibration that escapes as a noise - which can sometimes be rather loud.

As we say, however, one social media-using medic has recently dosed out a 'PSA' about the risks of snoring, reminding her followers that not only is it 'not cute', and it could even prove fatal.

Taking to Instagram earlier this week, Dr Anastacia 'Staci' Whitman - a 'Board-Certified, Functional Dentist' - claimed that snoring is actually a 'critical sign that your brain might be getting up to 20 percent less oxygen'.

This, she added, could 'potentially [lead] to serious health issues'.

According to the National Library of Medicine, male sleepers who snore heavily in the night have an increased risk of suffering the likes of hypertension, angina, stroke and neuropsychologic dysfunction.

The medic in question emphasised that snoring is 'not cute' (SandraMirey Photography/Getty)

It is understood that this is due to something known as nocturnal oxygen desaturation.

Normal oxygenated air is 21 percent oxygen, and anything lower than 19.5 per cent, would be considered hypoxia.

If someone experiences the latter, according to SCC, this state can prompt chemoreceptors in the brain to start firing which, in turn, tell the sleeper's body to start start breathing by any means possible

Whilst this could cause some sleepers to wake up, it could cause others to start snoring.

"Nearly 22 million Americans suffer from sleep-disordered breathing, which can impact cardiovascular health, cognitive function, immune health, and behavior," Dr Whitman continued.

"Addressing this can significantly improve your overall well-being. Plus, mouth-breathing is a top cause of cavities."

Dr Staci went on to note, however: "Of course, the exception here is if we are sick or stuffy, but no amount of snoring or audible breathing is normal. Breathing should be silent and effortless."