SNORING

Condition and Symptoms

Snoring is very common and usually is not caused by anything serious. Snoring is caused by structures such as your tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose vibrating as you breathe. It happens because these parts of your body relax and narrow when you are asleep.

You are more likely to snore if you: 

• are overweight

• smoke

• drink too much alcohol

• sleep on your back

Sometimes it is caused by a condition like sleep apnoea, when your airways become temporarily blocked as you sleep.

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Treatment

Mrs Bentley may suggest simple lifestyle changes which can help stop or reduce snoring.

• Try to lose weight if you are overweight

• Sleep on your side 

• Consider asking your partner to use ear plugs if your snoring affects their sleep

• Do not smoke

• Do not drink too much alcohol

• Do not take sleeping pills – these can sometimes cause snoring

Mrs Bentley recommends a consultation if: 

• Lifestyle changes are not helping

• Your snoring is having a big impact on your or your partner's life

• You feel sleepy during the day, or make gasping or choking noises while you sleep – you may have sleep apnoea, which can be serious if not treated.