Snoring

Overview

Snoring is very common and often harmless, but it can disturb a partner's sleep and may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Symptoms

• Loud breathing noises during sleep
• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Daytime tiredness
• Pauses in breathing or gasping, which suggest sleep apnoea

Causes and risk factors

Risk factors include being overweight, alcohol or sedatives before bed, sleeping on the back, a blocked nose, enlarged tonsils, smoking and older age.

Diagnosis

A doctor examines the nose and throat. A sleep study may be recommended if sleep apnoea is suspected.

Treatment

Treatment includes weight loss, avoiding alcohol at night, side sleeping, treating nasal blockage, mouth devices and, in some cases, surgery.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if snoring is loud and frequent, or comes with pauses in breathing, choking or daytime sleepiness.