SNORING
Understanding snoring
What makes the sound, what makes it worse, and when it's worth a word with your doctor.
Snoring is one of the most common things that happens in a bedroom. In a survey of almost 5,000 people in the United Kingdom, 40% said they snored regularly 1. Most of the time it is a harmless nuisance, louder for the person beside you than for you. Sometimes it is a sign of something worth checking.
These guides explain what happens in your throat when you snore, the everyday things that make it louder, and the signs that point to sleep apnea rather than simple snoring. Each one is written in plain language, says what the research found and how sure it is, and links every study it relies on.
- GuideWhy we snoreWhat actually makes the sound, and why your sleeping position, your nose and your evening all play a part.
- GuideSnoring or sleep apnea?Most snoring is harmless. Here are the signs that it may be sleep apnea, and what to do about them.
- GuideIs snoring bad for you?The honest answer: simple snoring is mostly harmless to you, less so to your partner, and sleep apnea is a different story.
- GuideSnoring and alcoholWhy a glass of wine at dinner can mean a louder night, and how to find out how much it matters for you.
- GuideSnoring and weightHow weight narrows the airway, and how much a modest change can quiet it.
- GuideSnoring in womenWhy snoring often starts in pregnancy or after menopause, and why sleep apnea in women is easy to miss.
- GuideSnoring in childrenSnoring with a cold is normal. Snoring on most nights is worth a word with your child's doctor.
- GuideSleeping with a snorerSnoring is often harder on the person beside the snorer. Here's what helps you both sleep.
Sources
- Ohayon MM, Guilleminault C, Priest RG, Caulet M. Snoring and breathing pauses during sleep: telephone interview survey of a United Kingdom population sample. BMJ. 1997;314(7084):860-863. doi.org/10.1136/bmj.314.7084.860
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Find out
how you snore.
Snores listens through the night on your iPhone and shows you in the morning how much and how loudly you snored, with clips of the loudest moments. Tag what you tried and see what goes with quieter nights. The sound stays on your iPhone.
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This page is general information, not medical advice. Snores is not a medical device and does not diagnose sleep apnea or any other condition. If you are worried about your sleep or your breathing, talk to a doctor.