Snoring is very common and is not usually caused by anything serious. There are things that can help if it's a problem.
Causes of snoring
Snoring is caused by vibrations in your tongue, mouth, throat or airways 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:
- have overweight
- smoke
- drink too much alcohol
- sleep on your back
Sometimes the cause of snoring is a condition like sleep apnoea. This is when your airways become temporarily blocked as you sleep.
Preventing snoring
Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent or reduce snoring.
Do
-
sleep on your side - try using 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
-
consider any changes you could make to manage your weight, if you have excess weight
Don't
-
do not smoke
-
do not drink too much alcohol
-
do not take sleeping pills – these can sometimes cause snoring
When to contact your GP
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- lifestyle changes are not helping
- your snoring is having a big impact on you or your partner's life
- you feel sleepy during the day, or make gasping or choking noises while you sleep - you may have sleep apnoea, which can be serious if not treated
What happens at your appointment
Your GP will look inside your mouth and nose to check for any problems that might cause your snoring.
It can help to bring someone with you to your appointment who can describe what your snoring is like, such as a partner.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist for treatment or further tests if they're not sure what the cause is.
Treating snoring
The treatment for snoring depends on the cause. Talk to your GP or specialist about the best treatment for you.
| Possible cause | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Possible cause Tongue partially blocking the back of your throat | Treatment mandibular advancement device - a device you wear in your mouth to bring your tongue forward |
| Possible cause Mouth falling open when you're asleep | Treatment vestibular shield - 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 |
| Possible cause Blocked or narrow airways in your nose |
Treatment
nasal dilators - special devices or strips that hold your nose open while you sleep sprays to reduce swelling inside your nose |
| Possible cause Sleep apnoea | Treatment a CPAP machine - a small pump that gives you a continuous supply of compressed air through a mask |
Surgery for snoring
Surgery is sometimes an option to treat snoring if other treatments do not help. This aims to widen the airway in the throat, nose or mouth.
But it's not widely available and does not always work. Snoring can come back after surgery.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
