What should you know about Boots snoring?

Snoring is produced when relaxed tissues in the nose, mouth or throat vibrate as air moves during sleep. Nasal blockage from allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis can narrow the airflow route. Alcohol, smoking, sleeping on your back and excess weight can also contribute. Snoring alone does not establish a diagnosis, but obstructive sleep apnoea presents with repeated pauses or reductions in breathing during sleep and deserves medical assessment.

Keep nasal passages comfortable, consider side sleeping, avoid alcohol close to bedtime and work towards regular sleep. If weight is contributing, a structured weight management programme may be discussed with a clinician. Do not use sedatives or commercial devices without checking that they are suitable. Ask someone who sleeps nearby whether they notice gasping, choking or pauses, since these events may not wake you.

Arrange a GP assessment if snoring is loud and persistent, affects sleep or relationships, or comes with morning headaches, poor concentration or daytime sleepiness. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty while awake, chest pain, fainting or blue lips. A clinician may ask about sleep patterns and consider testing for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Ask whether blocked-nose symptoms, medicines, alcohol or weight may be involved, whether your pattern suggests obstructive sleep apnoea, and which treatment options fit your health and sleep routine.