SNORERS may be the butt of many jokes, however those affected find it anything but funny. The number of sufferers needing medical help for snoring has risen by 66 per cent in the past seven years.

It affects three times more men than women and can cause such severe arguments that couples have considered divorce.

Snoring is the vibrating noise caused by an obstruction in the upper airways. Often the obstruction is caused by an enlarged soft palate or uvula (the tissue at the back of the throat and the grape like bundle of muscle that hangs from it), a blocked nose or a larger than normal tongue.

However, being overweight or obese is increasingly to blame. During sleep the muscles in the mouth and throat relax causing the tissues to sag slightly, which can narrow the airways. Being overweight, especially around the neck, puts even more pressure on the tissues making them sag further still.

“About 20 years ago the only people I saw with snoring problems were those with an enlarged soft palette – now I see as many people who have obesity-related snoring,” says Dr Yves Victor Kamani, an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Although snoring can be a major irritation for sleeping partners, it can have serious health repercussions for the snorer, too.

Around five per cent of heavy snorers will go on to develop sleep apnoea. This happens when the muscles around the neck area relax so much that the airways briefly close, interrupting the oxygen supply to the heart and other organs.

They are three times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and bronchitis than non-snorers.

In severe cases, these episodes occur up to 30 times a night and have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, raised blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease.

The good news is that the snoring can be treated. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake or losing weight maybe enough to stop the problem.

If this doesn’t work, one key to beating snoring is to identify what kind of snorer you are.

“Most people tend to be either a nose, mouth or tongue snorer and the remedies for these differ greatly,” says Marianne Davey of the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association.

NASAL SNORING

Occurs when the airways are congested and produces whistling through the nostrils. Try nasal strips which hold the nasal passages apart and improve air flow.

MOUTH SNORING

An obstruction behind the soft palate makes the uvula vibrate when inhaling and produces a snorting, pig-like sound.

A mandibular advancement device (such as Snorban £45.00) is used during sleep and encourages breathing through the nose.

Laser treatment is also available (although rarely on the NHS) and is quick and relatively pain free.

TONGUE SNORING

Caused by restricted space behind the tongue and results in heavy breathing. A mandibular advancement device which helps hold the tongue forward and lower jaw down, making more space for air flow may help.

SLEEP APNOEA

Treated using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which maintains air pressure in the airways at night to stop them collapsing. This is available from the NHS or can be bought for about £700.

* The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association: 01737 245638/www.britishsnoring.co.uk