Snoring is very common, with 45% of adults estimated to snore at some point during the night. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be a problem in itself, it can disturb the sleep of a partner, and even lead to the break up of marriages. It can also be a sign of an underlying health problem.

If you are experiencing persistent unwanted snoring, the first step is to see if there are any changes you can make to your lifestyle.  Simply changing your sleeping position from lying on your back to lying on your side can help, as the tongue and palette can collapse onto the back of the throat, which causes a vibration sound as you breathe.

To avoid turning on your back as you sleep, the NHS advises attaching a tennis ball to the back of your nightwear, or investing in a bed wedge or full-length pillow. It is also advisable to avoid drinking too much alcohol or taking sleeping pills, as these can cause the throat muscles to slacken and narrow during sleep, and lead to snoring.

Using nasal sprays or strips to unblock your nose before bedtime may help, if the airways in your nose are narrow or prone to blockages. If none of these changes makes any difference, it is advisable to see a doctor, who will examine your mouth and throat.

Sometimes, snoring can be caused by a condition called sleep apnoea, which is when breathing is temporarily stopped during sleep. This may cause you to wake up choking, snorting, or gasping, and is potentially serious if left untreated.

The doctor may recommend using a custom-made anti snoring device, which is a bespoke mouth appliance, moulded to fit your bite. It prevents the lower jaw and tongue from falling back as you sleep, and holds the airways open. This prevents disruption to beathing patterns, and also reduces the vibration in the airway, meaning you should snore less.