Snoring

Few people admit to it but statistics show that half of the population do it.  It is a cause of suffering for numerous people across the world; those who have to put up with the lullaby of their partner's wheezing and those who endure constant awakening caused by their own noise or by the dig of an elbow, a slap on the face or even a firm push out of the bed from their nearest and dearest.

Yes, snoring is right up there with the Crazy Frog as one of the most annoying things on earth.  It is caused by parts of the nose and throat, specifically the soft palate vibrating as a result of air not moving smoothly through airways as it is inhaled and exhaled.  At night the muscles that allow the airway to stay open relax and become floppy causing the airway to narrow, vibrate and make that dreaded noise.

There are snoring solutions such as nasal strips or sprays which encourage you to breathe through your nose, devices that reposition the jaw and pillows which prevent snoring by keeping the sufferer's airways open.  More drastic options include corrective surgery for structural problems in the nose or treatments to remove any excess tissue.  However, before any of the above is considered here are several lifestyle factors that, if controlled, can also minimise snoring effectively.

• Smoking causes airways to become inflamed or blocked which decreases airflow and increases snoring. Quitting or cutting down on cigarettes could reduce snoring.
• Obesity puts extra pressure on airways. Maintain an optimal weight to subdue the snores.
• A blocked nose forces the sleeper to breathe through their mouth. Keep airways clear regularly giving yourself a facial steam bath or dropping eucalyptus oil on your pillowcase.
• Alcohol and drugs cause the muscles in the airways to relax more than usual. Avoid alcohol or drugs close to bedtime.
• Sleeping on your back narrows your airflow. Sleep on your side to prevent this.

The Travelodge have identified the following types of snore:

• The Snorter: fast blowing of air through the nose and mouth producing a noisesimilar toa horse's snort.
• The Snorchestra: long, low snores that progressively develops into a deafening crescendo.
• The McEnroe: a grunt like a tennis star taking a swing during a match.
• The Walrus: continuous groaning sounds.
• The Old Banger: a noise like a vehicle with a spluttering engine.

You may have just been described as a walrus or a horse but fear not snorers you are not alone; here is a little list of people who have had the same problem:

Winston Churchill

Michael Douglas

Chris Moyles

Teddy Roosevelt

Queen Victoria

Bruce Sturrock (Palmers Chairman)!