What to do about snoring

Snoring is the sound of tissues vibrating as air moves through a narrowed upper airway during sleep. Nasal blockage, sleeping on the back, alcohol or sedating medicines, and excess tissue around the airway can contribute. Allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis may restrict nasal airflow. Obstructive sleep apnoea often presents with loud snoring, pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, and unrefreshing sleep, although snoring alone does not establish that diagnosis.

Try sleeping on your side and keep a regular sleep routine. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime and do not change prescribed sedating medicine without discussing it with the prescriber. If nasal congestion is present, seek advice on treating its cause rather than repeatedly relying on decongestant sprays. Where weight contributes, gradual weight management may reduce airway narrowing. Record observations from a bed partner, including breathing pauses, gasping and how often the snoring disrupts sleep; these details can guide an assessment.

Book a routine appointment if snoring is persistent, affects household sleep, or occurs with morning headaches, poor concentration or marked daytime sleepiness. Seek prompt medical assessment when someone observes repeated pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep. Daytime sleepiness that makes driving or operating machinery unsafe should be addressed urgently; avoid those activities until assessed. A clinician may examine the nose and throat and decide whether a sleep assessment is appropriate.

Ask whether nasal inflammation, airway anatomy, medicines or sleep apnoea could explain the pattern. You can also ask whether a sleep study is needed, which treatment fits the suspected cause, and how to judge whether a mouthpiece or other device is suitable. Mention driving-related sleepiness clearly because it changes the urgency of assessment.