Three-quarters of British adults are snorers, and one in three snores so badly it stops their partner from sleeping, research has found.

The study, commissioned by hotel chain Travelodge, named Coventry as the nation’s snoring capital, with 90% of the locals afflicted by the habit.

This was followed by Sheffield, Glasgow and Plymouth.

The poll, of 1,788 adults, found 21% blamed snoring for making them feel less sexy in the bedroom

SNORING HOTSPOTS

1. Coventry (90%)
2. Sheffield (87%)
3. Glasgow (86%)
4. Plymouth (82%)
5. Leeds (82%)
6. Newcastle (79%)
7. Bristol (79%)
8. Manchester (78%)
9. Liverpool (77%)
10. Belfast (75%)

One in 10 said the embarrassment of snoring had stopped them sleeping with a new partner.

And one in five of those with partners said snoring had had a negative impact on their relationship.

Famous people renowned for their snoring include Winston Churchill, Michael Douglas, film director Ken Russell, and TV pundit John McCririck.

Former US President Teddy Roosevelt’s snoring was so bad that when he stayed in a Washington hospital all the other patients had to be relocated to a different floor so that they could sleep.

Chris Idzikowski, a sleep expert from Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said: “Modern lifestyles can be blamed for this increase in snoring, with boozing and unhealthy eating to blame.

“Our research shows that although snoring is often made fun of, it’s a real problem that can have important effects on our wellbeing and lifestyle.

“Apart from lack of sleep and tiredness, snoring can cause intimacy issues and put an unnecessary strain on relationships.

“But there are a number of things people can do to prevent and/or reduce snoring.”

Snoring can often be caused by reduced airflow to the nasal passages, so sleeping with your head raised off the mattress, or on your side or stomach can help.

Losing weight, and cutting alcohol consumption can also work for some people.

The survey identified five distinct types of snorer:

• The Snorter (18%): Distinguished by a rapid blowing of air through the nostrils and mouth, similar to the sound of a horse snorting.
• The Snorchestra (12%): Typified by long, low snores that gradually build into a deafening crescendo.
• The McEnroe (10%): Distinguished by violent grunting sounds, similar to the noise made by tennis stars when competing.
• The Walrus (8%): Typified by continuous groaning noises when sleeping.
• The Old Banger (5%): Sounds like a broken car with a spluttering engine.

Taken from the BBC website

Sleep is a fundamental biological need, vital for good physical, mental and emotional health. Its as important as diet and exercise. You need it.

If you need lots of coffee and tea to make it through the day, feel sleepy at inappropriate times and overreact to minor things, then you are probably not getting enough sleep.

There are many reasons for poor sleep. Amongst them are:-

Worry – This makes it difficult to switch off.

Drinking Caffeine or alcohol and eating late. However it is equally important not to go to bed hungry. A substance in the brain, known as hypocretins, make us feel both hungry and wide awake, or satisfied and sleepy.

Exercise – Avoid strenuous exercise too late in the evening. This will keep your body hyper active. If you do go to the gym, then practise yoga which will help you sleep better.

If you are a couple, consider sleeping in separate bedrooms. One study showed that, on average, couples suffer 50% more sleep disturbance if they share a bed. Have a cuddle and then go the other bedroom.

Despite this only 8% of those in their 40s and 50s sleep in separate bedrooms, though why if your partner disturbs you.

Temperature – make sure your not too hot or too cold. What you should have is a cool room and a warm bed.

Help prepare your body for sleep by relaxing your state of mind and body. Try these suggestions:-

Write down your worries. If your mind is racing with all the things you have to do tomorrow then list them.

Dim the lights to remind your body clock what time it is.

Have a calming warm shower or bath – but not too hot. Add sleep-inducing essential oils or bubbles to your bath.

Play some soft relaxing music or listen to a relaxation or mediation tape.

Read something quiet – though nothing work-related or stimulating – for a short time. it’s a great way to get those eyelids drooping.

Don’t smoke or use caffeine at bedtime as these are stimulants. Have a herbal tea like camomile, instead.

Switch off your mobile, your blackberry, and your brain.

Do not have a TV in the bedroom.

Create a sanctuary for your self by making sure your bed is big and comfortable enough.

Check the room temperature. Ideally this should be at between 16C and 18C.

Keep the room quiet and dark.

If you have a pet which sleeps with you and can keep you awake, then ban it from the bedroom.

From an article in Daily Mail. Dr N Stanley