People warned that snoring could lead to major health risk and best ways to stop it from happening

We all know that snoring is annoying, but a new study has warned it could lead to a major health risk.

Most of us think of snoring as being harmless, albeit quite irritating if it's your partner who snores like a motor and you have to sleep (or try to) next to them.

Some people only snore if they're unwell and congested or if they've drank alcohol.

Meanwhile, others never seem to experience snoring, while some snore all the time regardless.

But is it 'just one of those things'? Or, could it indicate a greater issue at play?

Snoring can be a common problem (Getty Stock Photo)

Around 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, while 25 percent snore regularly.

Men are more likely to snore, meanwhile there are certain factors that put you at a higher risk.

For example, if you've been drinking alcohol, taking sleeping pills, sleeping on your back, or if you have a higher BMI, you're more likely to snore.

There are a number of conditions associated with snoring, too. For example, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is when your breathing stops and starts during your sleep.

According to New Scientist, OSA is associated with a number of cardiovascular diseases - for example, strokes.

Snoring can also be linked to carotid atherosclerosis in which solid, fatty deposits build in the arteries of the neck, which in itself causes a major stroke risk, too.

New Scientist explains that it was originally thought this link was associated with OSA, rather than snoring in general, but a study has changed the consensus.

In 2008, scientists at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Sydney, looked at the carotid arteries in snorers and non-snorers.

They discovered that the heavier the snorer, the more likely they were to have carotid atherosclerosis.

It was believed that the vibrations produced during snoring could be damaging the artery.

To understand if this was possible, researchers exposed carotid arteries in rabbits to hours of vibrations similar to snoring.

The arteries constricted as they had predicted, indicating that the theory was possible.

Following the study, Jeremy Rich and his team at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, looked at 77,000 cases of regular snorers.

They found that while most had OSA, 6,000 people did not, however they were still at a higher risk of death.

Snoring can be difficult for partners, too (Getty Stock Photo)

In addition to cardiovascular issues, milder heath problems associated with snoring include sleepiness in the daytime, irritability, headaches and a reduced cognitive performance.

Meanwhile, the long-suffering partner can also be at risk of hearing loss.

So what can you do if you're a regular snorer?

The NHS explains there are a number of different treatments you can try, as well as surgery.

For example, an instrument can be worn in the mouth called a mandibular advancement device, which brings your tongue forward.

Other treatments include using a chin strap to keep your mouth closed, as well as strips that hold your nose open while you sleep.

There are different ways of treating snoring (Getty Stock Photo)

For treating sleep apnoea, the NHS explain that the condition 'can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink'.

However, some people need to use a CPAP machine, which gently pumps air into a mask you wear over your mouth or nose while you sleep.