Most people snore from time to time, but some have such big problems when it comes to snoring that it could be a sign they have sleep apnoea. 

This is a serious sleeping disorder that causes the body to stop and start breathing repeatedly when they are asleep. 

Some people with sleep apnoea can wake up multiple times an hour, as a result of a loss of muscle tone in the back of the throat and upper airways. They might even stop breathing for around 30 seconds and usually start again when they are startled with a snort. 

According to sleep expert Dr Daisy Mae from Get Laid Beds, it affects one in eight people in the UK, and while it sounds scary, it can be treated. 

“Simple measures such as stopping smoking, losing weight and treating acid reflux can help,” she stated. 

This is why snoring is heavily associated with sleep apnoea as many people with the condition do not know they have it and may simply think they are heavy breathers once their head hits the bed. 

However, not all snorers have sleep apnoea, and they might simply snore for other reasons. These include the anatomy of their mouth, if they have been drinking, nasal problems, their sleep position, and if they are overweight. 

The good news is there is plenty they can do to reduce their snoring. These include using an anti-snoring device that stops the tongue partly blocking the throat or preventing the mouth opening. 

They could also cut down on alcohol, sleep on their side instead of their back, tape their mouth so they breathe through their nose, or even have nasal septum surgery in extreme cases.