A lot of spouses are kept awake by a snoring husband or wife. Sleep experts say one in four people snore, Sometimes that annoying grunting and growling sound is a sign of a more serious condition.

Peter Belliner has had a snoring problem for more than 20 years. He suffers from a medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.

The disorder can cause you to stop breathing in your sleep.

His wife, Mary, says she used to have to sleep in a different room every night because of Peter's loud snoring.

Four years ago Peter started strapping on what's called a C-PAP air pressure control device.

The device provides continuous air flow while he sleeps.

Peter says it's reduced his snoring by 95 percent.

Now his wife doesn't have to go in another room to sleep.

Snoring occurs when the soft palette in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway.

To correct that problem many patients turn to a surgical procedure.

One of the most popular is the Pillar Implant Surgical Procedure.

Three implants are placed in the soft palette to stiffen it.

That keeps the soft palette from moving.

Doctors Hospital Sleep Center Director Dr. Carmel Joseph says that surgery doesn't work for everyone.

He says patients may get better results by visiting a dentist.

"As a sleep specialist I would refer the patient to a dentist to make a special bit block for a period of time to move the lower jaw forward. It opens up the back part of the mouth and the snoring goes away," said Dr. Joseph.