A cough is a natural reflex that allows the body to clear the windpipe and bronchial tubes of secretion. At night, however, it becomes an annoyance that interferes with sleep.

If you ever stop breathing while you sleep, you're not alone. The condition is called sleep apnea, and it affects about one percent of the general population, and four percent of middle-aged men.

People who snore rarely complain about it. For their partners, however, it can be a major problem. The first step is to make sure that loud snoring is not a sign of sleep apnea.

If you stop breathing while you sleep, you probably won't notice it. It is generally the sleeper's partner who notices the symptoms. The condition is known as sleep apnea, and is both serious and life threatening.