What should you know about snoring too much?

Regular snoring means the tissues around the upper airway vibrate repeatedly during sleep. Nasal congestion from Allergic Rhinitis or Chronic Sinusitis can increase resistance, while sleeping on the back, sedating medicines, alcohol near bedtime and Obesity may contribute. A pattern that is getting more frequent can reflect a change in nasal health, sleep habits or airway narrowing.

Frequent snoring is not the same as a diagnosis. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea should be considered when airflow repeatedly becomes limited or stops, with signs such as gasping, restless sleep, morning headache or strong daytime sleepiness. Only an appropriate clinical assessment can sort these possibilities.

Keep a simple sleep diary covering nights with snoring, nasal symptoms, alcohol, medicines and sleeping position. Ask a partner whether they notice pauses or choking. Improve nasal comfort with advice from a pharmacist or clinician, keep a regular sleep routine and try sleeping on your side. Do not tape the mouth or depend on a strap when nasal breathing is difficult. If weight may contribute, discuss a Weight Management Programme.

Make an appointment when snoring is frequent, worsening, or affecting your sleep, relationship or daytime alertness. Mention witnessed pauses, gasping, morning headaches and difficulty concentrating. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty while awake. A clinician may examine the nose and throat and arrange sleep testing when the pattern suggests a sleep-related breathing disorder.

What pattern should I record before my appointment? Could allergy, sinus disease or airway narrowing be involved? What would make a sleep assessment appropriate for me?