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Snoring is very common and is not usually caused by anything serious. There are things that can help if it's a problem.
Simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce snoring.
try to lose weight if you're overweight
sleep on your side – try taping or stitching a tennis ball to the back of your sleepwear, or buy a special pillow or bed wedge to help keep you on your side
consider asking your partner to use earplugs if your snoring affects their sleep
do not smoke
do not drink too much alcohol
do not take sleeping pills – these can sometimes cause snoring
If you snore, the GP will look inside your mouth and nose to check for any problems that might be causing it.
It can help to bring someone with you to your appointment who can describe what your snoring is like, such as a partner.
The GP may do a blood test or refer you to a specialist for treatment or further tests if they're not sure what the cause is.
Talk to a doctor about the best snoring treatment for you.
| Possible cause | Treatments |
|---|---|
|
Possible cause
Tongue partially blocking the back of your throat |
Treatments
A device you wear in your mouth to bring your tongue forward (mandibular advancement device) |
|
Possible cause
Mouth falling open when you're asleep |
Treatments
A chin strap to hold your mouth closed, or a device you wear in your mouth to make you breathe through your nose while you sleep (vestibular shield) |
|
Possible cause
Blocked or narrow airways in your nose |
Treatments
Special devices (nasal dilators) or strips that hold your nose open while you sleep, or decongestants or nasal sprays to reduce swelling inside your nose |
Surgery is sometimes used to treat snoring if other treatments do not help.
But it's not widely available on the NHS, it does not always work and snoring can come back afterwards.
Snoring is caused by things such as your tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose vibrating as you breathe.
It happens because these parts of your body relax and narrow when you're asleep.
You're more likely to snore if you:
Sometimes it's caused by a condition like sleep apnoea, which is when your airways become temporarily blocked as you sleep.
