I want to stop snoring: what should I know?

Snoring is a vibration caused when relaxed tissues in the nose, mouth or throat partly narrow the airway during sleep. A blocked nose from Allergic Rhinitis or Chronic Sinusitis can make airflow noisier. Weight around the neck may also narrow the airway. Snoring alone does not establish a diagnosis, but loud habitual snoring with pauses, gasping or morning headaches can occur with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Try side sleeping, raising the head of the bed slightly, and keeping nasal passages clear. Avoid alcohol and sedating medicines close to bedtime unless a clinician has prescribed them and advised otherwise. Keep a regular sleep schedule. If weight is contributing, discuss a safe plan or a Weight Management Programme with a clinician. Nasal symptoms that persist despite simple measures deserve an assessment.

Arrange a medical review if snoring is persistent, disrupts your sleep, or is noticed with choking, witnessed breathing pauses, morning headaches, poor concentration or marked daytime tiredness. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or blue lips. A clinician can examine your nose and throat and decide whether sleep assessment is appropriate.

Could nasal blockage or another airway problem be contributing? Do my symptoms suggest Obstructive Sleep Apnoea? Which medicines, devices or sleep changes are suitable for me? Should I be assessed while asleep?