How to get help with snoring

Snoring is a vibrating sound made when airflow narrows through relaxed tissues in the nose or throat during sleep. A blocked nose from Allergic Rhinitis or Chronic Sinusitis can make this more noticeable. Snoring may also be associated with Obesity, although it can occur at any body size. Loud, frequent snoring with pauses in breathing, choking sounds, restless sleep, morning headaches or marked daytime sleepiness raises concern for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Ask someone who sleeps nearby what they hear and whether they notice breathing pauses. Your own impression may miss events that happen while you are asleep.

Try sleeping on your side, keeping the nose clear, and avoiding alcohol close to bedtime. Treat nasal allergies only with products suitable for you, following advice from a pharmacist or clinician. A regular sleep schedule and activity that supports your overall health can also help. If body weight is part of the picture, a clinician can discuss a Weight Management Programme suited to your needs. Avoid relying on mouth taping or untested devices, especially if your nose is blocked or breathing pauses occur.

Book an assessment if snoring is persistent, disruptive, or accompanied by witnessed breathing pauses, gasping, morning headaches, high blood pressure, or daytime sleepiness. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty while awake, chest pain, fainting or confusion. A clinician may examine your nose and throat and arrange sleep assessment when the pattern suggests interrupted breathing.

Could nasal blockage or sleep apnoea explain my snoring? Should I have a sleep assessment? Which treatment is safe with my medicines and health conditions?