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Snoring Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about snoring

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Does snoring run in families?

This isn't certain. Snoring can have many causes, and it's possible that some of these may run in families.

Explanation

Physical factors such as tonsil size, a large uvula or overbite could potentially run in a family and make snoring more likely.

There is also some evidence suggesting that children who have parents with allergies are more likely to have allergies themselves, and are therefore more likely to snore. However, the research isn't conclusive.

Being obese or overweight also makes snoring more likely. While being overweight is known to be related to your diet and how much exercise you do, it's also possible that some people inherit genes that make it more likely that they will be overweight. This could also make snoring more likely in some families.

Further information

Sources

  • Guidelines for GPs and other doctors. The Sleep Apnoea Trust. www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org, accessed 14 March 2008
  • Parker RJ, Hardinge M, Jeffries C. Snoring. BMJ 2005; 311: 1063. www.bmj.com
  • Kalra M, LeMasters G, Bernstein D et al. Atopy as a risk factor for habitual snoring at age 1 year. Chest. 2006; 129: 942-946. www.chestjournal.org
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I have a four year old daughter who snores - is it harmful and are there any treatment options?

On its own, snoring is unlikely to cause any harm to your child. However, severe snoring is linked to obstructive sleep apnoea. In this condition breathing is interrupted while you are asleep. This can be harmful because of the tiredness it causes in the day. There are treatments for both conditions, so you should talk to your GP.

Explanation

It's difficult to know if your child has sleep apnoea. However, because of the tiredness it causes some signs include daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, a short attention span and disruptive behaviour.

Snoring and sleep apnoea in childhood is commonly caused by enlarged tonsils during an infection. This will usually stop when the infection has gone. However, if the tonsils are big enough to cause sleep apnoea when the infection has passed, having the tonsils removed (tonsillectomy) may be a way of curing it.

Other treatment options for snoring include encouraging a healthy lifestyle to avoid obesity, trying not to sleep on the back, only using one pillow, or elevating the head of the bed, for example with pillows under the head end of the mattress (this may help reduce nasal congestion which is linked with snoring). See Treatments for more information. If you child has any allergies, this may also make snoring more likely. Talk to your GP for more advice.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, and Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005: 401
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What is the best position to sleep in to avoid snoring, and can orthopaedic pillows really help?

Sleeping on your side may help reduce snoring by improving airflow while you sleep.

Explanation

When you sleep flat on your back, your airways are more likely to be narrowed, increasing the risk of snoring in some people. By sleeping on your side, or by having your head and shoulders slightly tilted upwards, you're less likely to snore.Some orthopaedic pillows may help by making sleeping on your side more comfortable.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, and Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005: 401
  • Parker RJ, Hardinge M, Jeffries C. Snoring. BMJ 2005; 311: 1063. www.bmj.com
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr James Quekett, Bsc, MB, ChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFFP, General Practitioner (GP) and GP Appraiser, Gloucestershire, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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