Snoring is a common problem, more likely in men than women and in particular in the overweight. When a constriction occurs at the back of the throat, breathing causes vibrations in the soft tissues of the tongue and soft palate which are heard as snoring.

Snoring may be an embarrassing problem that only causes sleep deprivation for the snorer and their partner but may signify a more serious medical condition called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA occurs when the narrowing in the asleep airway is more severe causing periods of breath-holding (apnoeas). Apnoeas cause a reduction in the oxygen circulating in the body and the resultant stimulation of the brain causes wakefulness. Multiple episodes of wakefulness throughout the night cause daytime somnolence (difficulty staying awake during the day). Long term, OSA increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and possibly diabetes.

OSA is diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG, sleep study). Clinical evaluation including endoscopy of the nose and throat is essential to diagnose if there is

a reversible cause to the blockage depending on site or level (nose, palate, tongue, throat). Simple things may help including weight loss, avoidance of sedatives including alcohol, elevating the head of the bed and sleeping on your side.

Some patients may benefit from a specialist mouthguard (mandibular advancement splint) to open the airway at night and pull the jaw forward. Irrespective of the cause, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices can be used to maintain airway pressures to overcome the obstruction. The device requires the user to wear a mask during sleep.

Surgery may also help. Nasal blockage may respond to medication especially if there is a background of allergy, and septoplasty and turbinate surgery will help mechanical obstruction of the nose. Large tonsils and/or a long soft palate or uvula may be treated by a uvulopalatoplasty (UPPP) where removal of the tonsils, reduction of the uvula and stiches to stiffen the soft palate can reduce obstruction and vibration.