Snoring Facts

• Is snoring common?
• What is snoring?
• What factors are known to affect snoring?
• Nasal congestion
• Alcohol
• Weight gain
• Smoking
• What effect does snoring have on health?
• ...on relationships?

Is snoring common?

Snoring is one of the most common sleep-related complaints and is a major cause of sleep disruption and stress. Over 40% of adults snore, which means there are more than 14 million snorers in the UK alone. Because it's not just the snorer who suffers, there are just as many partners and other family members whose lives are affected by snoring. In a recent survey it was shown that snoring affects nearly half the adult population.

What is snoring?

Snoring is the noise made by the vibrations of soft tissues at the back of the throat when breathing during sleep.

What factors are known to affect snoring?

Certain conditions, often relating to lifestyle and diet can affect snoring. Following a sensible diet and leading a healthy lifestyle is good advice to keep our bodies in good condition.

The following are common factors that may increase the level and frequency of snoring:

Nasal congestion

Suffering from a cold, the flu or allergies can cause nasal blockages and limit airflow through the nasal passages leading to breathing through the mouth.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can loosen throat tissues, therefore increasing the vibrations. Over 51% of the snorers from the Snoreeze 2001 Census agreed that consuming alcohol increased their snoring problem. It is recommended that you refrain from drinking alcohol one hour before bedtime.

Weight gain

The presence of fat cells in the back of the throat, common in individuals who are overweight, may reduce the width of the airway and increase snoring.

Smoking

Smoking can irritate the back of the throat and smokers are twice as likely to snore since their airways become inflamed and blocked. 14% of snorers from the Snoreeze 2001 Census believed that smoking influenced their snoring.

What effect does snoring have on health?

Although snoring is not considered harmful in itself, it has been linked to certain serious health conditions, such as headaches, stress and high blood pressure.

Physical consequences of snoring and a more serious condition called sleep apnoea - whereby the sufferer stops breathing - are a lack of sleep, leading to chronic tiredness, poor concentrations and irritability, and drowsiness during the day. For further advice on sleep apnoea, please consult your medical practitioner.

...on relationships?

Snoring can adversely affect relationships and become the cause of irritability and rows between couples. The Great British Snoring Survey carried by Passion For Life in 2006 showed that 48% of snorers believed that snoring had adversely affected their relationship with their partners, with 36% revealing that it had been the cause of quarrels. 46% of those affected said they have resorted to sleeping separately at times because of snoring. A tenth of the sample had even considered living separately or splitting up because of snoring.