The research by The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association reveals that both snorers and their bed partners are more likely to suffer adverse health conditions than non-snoring couples.

Snorers are at a much higher risk of adverse health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol and with snoring sounds reaching up to 100dB, it's little wonder that bed partners are suffering from excessive tiredness, headache, gastro-intestinal irritability, nausea and palpitations.

"Sleep deprivation caused by snoring can have a devastating psychosocial effect on the bed partner," says Marianne Davey, association director.

"Our research found that 97 per cent of bed partners suffer from chronic sleep deprivation as they are prevented from getting to sleep and are constantly woken during the night.

"They claim to have just three to five hours sleep every night.

"Conditions such as lack of concentration and motivation, anxiety, depression, irritability and being argumentative are more apparent in bed partners of snorers than those of non-snorers."

Mrs Davey said with 15 million snorers in the UK, more and more bed partners are complaining of sleep deprivation and the consequent health effects.

More than three quarters of bed partners believe their bad health would improve if the snoring stopped.

"Our research shows that 12 million snorers know they disturb their bed partner's sleep, yet two million of them say they don't care. A good night's sleep is a key part of our well-being."

The association is trying to raise awareness of how snoring is affecting the health of the nation, as well as giving advice for people who are sick of their partner's snoring and reducing the apathy from snorers who are making their partner miserable.

For some, snoring can seem like a harmless habit, however it can signal serious health problems and irritate anyone sharing the same bed as you. For those who have tried all the traditional methods to stop snoring such as losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing alcohol intake before bed, surgery may be the only cure.

Top ENT consultant George Mochloulis says surgery should be the last resort.

"People who come to me have normally tried everything else and that's as it should be."

Mr Mochloulis of the Private Clinic which holds consultations in Leeds, says the number of snorers has increased over the last 20 years, mainly down to the increase in obesity.

"Snoring can be as mild as someone having a few drinks and then a bad night's sleep, or as serious as one of my patients who said his neighbour had asked him to do something about his snoring," he said.

He believes attitudes to snoring have changed.

"Ten years ago someone would go to the doctors and say they had a problem with snoring and they would be sent away and told it wasn't a medical condition, but with the links to sleep apnoea, doctors are now taking it more seriously and there are things that can be done."

Mr Mochloulis uses laser or radio frequencies to either remove the snorers uvula or scar the back of the throat which reduces the likelihood of someone snoring.

The operation is done using local anaesthetic, takes about 15 minutes and costs £2,000. There is a 50 to 80 per cent success rate.

For more information on snoring, visit www.british
snoring.co.uk/snoring

For more information and a free consultation call 0800 599 9911 or visit www.privateclinic.co.uk. The next consultations are in Leeds on May13 and June 10.



SNORING FACTS

There are 15 million snorers in the UK. 10.5m men and 4.5m women.

The three main reasons for snoring are: being overweight, smoking and excessive alcohol.

Snoring sounds range from 50dB to 100dB – the equivalent of a jet aircraft.

Snoring can be hereditary – nearly 70 per cent of snorers have a familial link.

Bed partners of snorers visit their GP more frequently than bed partners of non-snorers.

Patients being treated for sleep apnoea has risen 66 per cent in the last seven years. 15,691 patients were diagnosed with sleep apnoea in 2007 compared to 9,476 in 2000.