One in six British couples sleep in separate rooms and snoring is largely to blame. In fact, leading estate agents Savills recently reported that there is a growing demand for a 'snoring room' separate to the master bedroom.
Wheezing, snorting, rattling, rumbling, honking and even whistling; it's no wonder that living with someone who is snoring can be a major cause of marital disharmony. One survey found that some people are losing up to three weeks' sleep per year thanks to their partner snoring. And with an estimated three million British adults snoring regularly, this is proving quite a problem.
What causes snoring?
When we sleep our airways relax and narrow and, as we inhale, the soft tissue in the mouth, nose or throat vibrates. This problem worsens if there is an obstruction, such as a cold or seasonal allergy. Other factors that can make you more susceptible to snoring include:
- alcoholic consumption
- certain medications that include a sedative such as sleeping pills, antihistamines or cold medicines
- sleeping position
- being overweight
- a deviated septum
- asthma
- smoking
Is there a cure for snoring?
There are a number of treatment available that can help to relieve snoring, but the first option should always be to introduce a number of simple lifestyle changes that may improve, or even totally stop, your snoring.
# 1 Lose weight; even thin people snore so this is not a cure-all, but excess tissue on the neck narrows the airways. If you've put on weight recently and noticed an increase in snoring or you've just started, then losing weight could be the answer
# 2 Exercise; this is linked to number one in that you've probably started to work out regularly to shift the pounds, but increased exercise has the further benefit of strengthening neck muscles which may prevent your airways from constricting as much as before
# 3 Change position; lying on your back can increase your chance of snoring as the base of the tongue and soft palate are more likely to collapse against the back of your throat. Sleeping on your side may lessen snoring – simple fixes can be to invest in a full-length pillow that supports your back or even just fixing a tennis ball to the back of your pyjamas to stop you rolling over
# 4 Cut out the booze and fags; both smoking and alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of snoring, particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime
However, if your snoring is not improving then it could be the opportune time to make an appointment with ENT surgeon Mr Julian Hamann to discuss further treatment options. Call 01892 740671 or email julie@ent-care.co.uk to book a consultation.