What should you know about very loud snoring?

Sound level is affected by airflow, body position, nasal congestion and the shape of the upper airway. A loud noise can arise when relaxed tissues vibrate, but loudness by itself cannot show whether breathing is being interrupted. Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Sinusitis may narrow the nose; Obesity may increase pressure around the throat. These contributors can occur alone or together.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea presents with repeated narrowing or closure of the upper airway during sleep. A partner may notice silence followed by a gasp, while the sleeper may notice dry mouth, morning headache or tiredness. The absence of a partner's observations does not settle the question.

Ask someone who hears you sleep to describe pauses, choking or restless movements. Try side sleeping, keep the nose comfortable, and avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Do not use a loudness-reducing device as a substitute for assessment when sleep is disrupted. A clinician can review medicines, nasal symptoms, jaw and throat features, and decide whether a sleep study is useful. If weight is a factor, ask about a Weight Management Programme.

Arrange an appointment if the noise is persistent, has recently changed, wakes you or another person repeatedly, or occurs with daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating. Seek prompt medical help for repeated choking during sleep or severe breathing difficulty while awake. A review is especially sensible when loud snoring comes with witnessed pauses.

Could nasal congestion or throat narrowing explain the volume? What signs should my household monitor during sleep? Should I have testing for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?