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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is there something I can do to prevent snoring?

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    Sleep Medicine Snoring
    Both my parents were snorers growing up and living in a small house it made it difficult to fall alseep some times. How can i ensure i dont end up snoring? Are there any preventative measures i could take?
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    Sleep Health Foundation

    The Sleep Health Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of ‘valuing sleep’ as part of a healthy lifestyle alongside regular exercise, a … View Profile

    The main risk factors for snoring are:
    1.         the shape of the upper airway
    2.         obesity
    3.         alcohol an/or sleeping tablet ingestion
    4.         nasal obstruction
    5.         tiredness.
     
    If one has an asian face then one is likely to snore and there is not much one can do about it, without using a dental appliance.  The other things are all within each person's power to address.  Nasal obstruction can be dealt with medically or surgically depending on the nature of the problem.

    A proper diagnosis is important.  If concerned visit your GP and ask for a referral to a suitable sleep specialist.  For more information on snoring click here.
     
     

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    A/Prof Nicholas Stow

    Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon

    Clinical Associate Professor Nicholas Stow completed his specialist training in NSW, then undertook 2 years of subspecialty training in Sinus and Nasal Surgery in Switzerland … View Profile

    It's difficult to predict whether snoring will ever be a problem for you. Multiple factors usually contribute to snoring. While certain facial features, which are partly related to heredity, may predispose to snoring, you may not end up snoring like your parents. 

    Maintaining a healthy weight is probably the most important factor which you can control. Alcohol may exacerbate snoring, so it is sensible to minimise your intake. If your nose is blocked, seek treatment for this with your GP. 

    If you do start to snore, see your GP about it, because there are usually effective treatments to help you with it (and those who live with you).

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    Dr Maree Barnes

    Respiratory & Sleep Medicine Physician

    Dr Barnes has competed specialty training in sleep medicine and is currently working at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. Dr Barnes’ current research focuses are: … View Profile

    There are certainly some factors that will make it more likely that you will snore. These include using alcohol, smoking and having insufficient sleep. For some people, they snore only when lying on their back, so a device that stops you lying on your back can be helpful. This could be as simple as sewing a tennis ball into the back of a firmly-fitting t-shirt or singlet to wear to bed.
    There is no evidence that any medications or tablets help snoring, but if it works, then that's good. It is important to remember that often snoring is associated with sleep apnoea. This is a disease where the airway closes over and you stop breathing for periods of time during the night. It is a serious medical problem, so it is important to see your GP to discuss this if you snore regularly. This is because even if the snoring is no longer a problem, you may still have sleep apnoea.

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