Why You Snore - But Don't Shoot The Messenger

Snoring. We don't like to admit doing it, but sometimes we've got to own up and start trying to do something about it.

It's a weird one. We don't really experience what's happening and yet to our sleeping partners, it's often almost intolerable. It's that much harder to empathise with if they don't snore, so it probably will take a little longer for us to take action.

The causes of snoring are many, but easy to understand.

Let's have a look at why you snore.

You are much more likely to snore whilst sleeping on your back.

I know you're not really in control of whether you roll about when you are actually asleep, but what can help a little is to ensure that you go to sleep lying on your side.

Also make sure that your head is elevated.  Sleeping with your head back can encourage snoring.

Being overweight can be a massive factor in snoring.

If you have excess body fat, there will be a fair amount on your neck and throat areas, which can distort the shape of your throat and cause you to snore.

Try to eat earlier during the evening, which also will help your metabolism burn calories and fat more effectively.

Get out there and do some cardiovascular exercise, anything to get the blood pumping and you taking some deep breaths.

You'll breathe better and easier and with the added bonus that being tired from exercise will help you to sleep.

A glass of wine or two isn't going to make a lot of difference. A bottle or two will have you waking the neighbours.

Try to limit your alcohol intake. This was my big downfall. I would be tipsy and fall asleep (sometimes with my clothes on!) and snore like a mad-man. Being inebriated it was impossible to wake me.

Often I would wake up in the morning, confused, sprawled across the bed, my wife nowhere to be seen as she's sleeping in the spare room and realize. 'Uh-oh, I'm gonna be in big trouble.'

While this is more about quitting snoring than booze, reducing your alcohol intake will make a massive difference.

An absolute no-no if you want to stop snoring.

Giving up is easier than ever now that it's so unfashionable.

Smoking restricts your airways and decreases your blood flow.  Both of these are going to make it more difficult to breathe when you sleep, making your chances of snoring, and loudly, much greater.

It's a horrible health risk, and to be frank, you'll always snore as long as you smoke.

If you sleep at irregular times you won't be able to get a consistent sleeping pattern going.

 You'll need this because, the more tired you are, the more you will snore. And if your snoring coincides with a period of light sleep for your partner, they will never sleep well.

The best way of establishing a decent sleeping pattern is this:

• Always rise at the same time every day, without fail
• Obey your body clock.  When it says you are tired, go to bed

Giving advice is always easier than taking action.

Check out some anti snoring devices and give yourself a better chance of reducing your nocturnal noisiness.

Don't miss the opportunity to give your partner a good night's sleep.