Fixing a noise nuisance that we keep quiet

Are you a snorer? You might not know – which can lead to awkward conversations with partners (or the person in the room next door).

At this time of year you might be sleeping in a strange house, so how can you kip quietly?

Nearly everyone snores at times, and Kim Ah-See, a consultant ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon at BMI Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen, has some tips.

Men are more likely to snore, partly because of their larger body.

Snoring is caused by things in your mouth, throat or airways vibrating.

For men, larynxes tend to be lower down, causing them to have thicker necks and more tissue and fat deposits on their airways.

Snorers are often advised to lose weight.

However, someone with a small jaw is also more likely to snore as the shape of their head will push their tongue further back in their head.

Children snoring can be a sign of enlarged tonsils or adenoids – small lumps above the roof of the mouth that help shield the body from bacteria.

Mr Ah-See says it’s common for people to snore if they’ve gained weight and the problem tends to worsen with age.

He recommends patients lose weight and eschew alcohol and cigarettes.

Smoking irritates membranes in the nose and throat which can block airways.

Alcohol relaxes these tissues and muscles, meaning the body has to pull in air more forcefully, increasing snoring.

Mr Ah-See says: “It can also be worthwhile speaking to your dentist about a mandible advancement device,” he said.

“It is a custom-made splint or mouthguard that fits over the upper and lower teeth, which is designed to move your jaw into a forward position while you sleep.

“This position will expand your airway, helping you breathe better and possibly reduce snoring.”

Stuffy air can worsen allergies or congestion, so treat a blocked nose with nasal douching and antihistamines.

Try to avoid sedatives – these can cause the same problems as alcohol.

One of Mr Ah-See’s ENT colleagues, surgeon Wale Olarinde, said people tend to seek help when snoring wakes their partner.

But things could be more serious – sleep apnoea, where there is reduced flow of air into the lungs during sleep.

Mr Olarinde detailed symptoms that could give cause for concern.

“If you notice undue morning headaches, daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating, unexplained mood changes or your partner has noticed you stopping breathing at night, it is important to seek professional help.”

BREATHLESS: Snoring can be a sign of potentially dangerous condition sleep apnoea.