Smoke alarm sounding for no reason?

I was just roused from bed by my smoke alarm. I ran out of my room and by the time I got there it was off. No sign of smoke or flame. It was very unnerving all the same. While I was standing there it went off again for several seconds. I took the battery out and un plugged it. Anyone know if this was a regular malfunction or if I should be concerned and check for some other sign of trouble?