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Snoring

Snoring is very common and is not usually caused by anything serious. There are things that can help if it's a problem.

Things you can do to help you stop snoring

Simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce snoring.

Do

  • 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

Don’t

  • do not smoke

  • do not drink too much alcohol

  • do not take sleeping pills – these can sometimes cause snoring

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • lifestyle changes are not helping your snoring
  • your snoring is having a big impact on your or your partner's life
  • you feel sleepy during the day, your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, or you 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

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.

Treatment for snoring depends on the cause

Talk to a doctor about the best snoring treatment for you.

Causes and treatments for snoring
Possible cause Treatments

Tongue partially blocking the back of your throat

A device you wear in your mouth to bring your tongue forward (mandibular advancement device)

Mouth falling open when you're asleep

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)

Blocked or narrow airways in your nose

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 for snoring

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.

Causes of snoring

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:

  • are overweight
  • smoke
  • drink too much alcohol
  • sleep on your back

Sometimes it's caused by a condition like sleep apnoea, which is when your airways become temporarily blocked as you sleep.

Page last reviewed: 04 August 2023
Next review due: 04 August 2026