Sleeping next to a person who snores could be detrimental to your health, according to health experts.
It is crucial to differentiate between simple snoring and sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. "What you don't want to do is simply make someone quieter at night while potentially missing an underlying sleep-related breathing disorder," said Dr. Simon, a sleep expert.
Signs of sleep apnea include breathing pauses, choking sounds during sleep, frequent awakenings, and morning headaches. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, treatment options may include a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or, in some instances, surgery.
For those experiencing simple snoring, lifestyle modifications can be effective. These can include weight loss, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption before bed, and altering sleeping positions, such as favoring sleeping on one's side over the back.
Individuals can encourage their partners to consult a general practitioner (GP), who can offer further advice or refer them to a specialist. A specialist may recommend treatments for nasal obstructions or allergies if they are contributing to the snoring. Another potential solution is the use of a custom mouthguard designed to gently reposition the lower jaw, thereby keeping the airway open.
Professor Ama Johal noted that many couples endure snoring for extended periods, negatively impacting their relationships and overall well-being. "The key thing is that there is help out there, it's just tapping into it," Johal stated.
