Snoring is a sound emitted from the upper airways when a sleeping person breathes. One type of snoring is known as “compensation snoring” and completely normal. Snoring is still a taboo and seldom talked about, even though nearly every other person is affected by it.

The snoring sound is made by vibrating tissues obstructing the upper airways. Snoring can be more than just a nuisance for a partner. It can also indicate a condition called “obstructive sleep apnoea”. The apnoeas deprive the brain of oxygen. This leads to poor quality sleep, which in turns leads to drowsiness during the day and can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, impotence and depression.

Diagnostic measures include various questionnaires and polysomnography. For polysomnography, you will be given a portable recorder and shown how to use the machine at home. It will record your sleep parameters overnight. You then return the device to the practice the following day, where it will be analysed. Once we have the results, we will discuss the available treatment options.