Experts warn that Britain is in the grip of a snoring epidemic, with an estimated 15 million snorers in the UK. The British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association says that while most people snore occasionally, chronic and extreme snoring is on the rise, driven by factors such as pollution, rising temperatures, and the obesity crisis.
Snoring can be more than just a nuisance; it can signal serious health issues. Obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, affects an estimated eight million adults in the UK. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and even sudden death. Research also links untreated sleep apnoea to dementia later in life.
Matt Hillier, now 32, was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnoea at age 30, despite being young, active, and a healthy weight. He says, 'I thought I was too young and healthy, and I had no family history. But I know my mum, sister and auntie are snorers. So it could be a genetic anatomical thing.'
Professor Ama Johal, clinical lead at Aerox Health, says, 'Snoring still carries a lot of embarrassment and humour, so people tend to joke about it instead of seeking help. They don’t connect it with their general health or quality of life.' Chronic snoring can cause fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, and brain fog, and is linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.
Ryan Chin Taw Cheong, the only NHS ear, nose, and throat consultant specialising in snoring and sleep apnoea full time, says, 'The snoring epidemic reflects the tip of the iceberg of a more sinister condition – obstructive sleep apnoea.' He notes that 10% of car accidents can be linked to sleep apnoea, and that loud, regular snoring should be seen as an early warning sign.
