Did you know that snoring may have a connection with smoking? There is much information published about the dangers of smoking. The negative effects of smoking on heart, circulatory and respiratory health are widely recognised. A less well publicised effect of smoking, however, is that it increases the chances that you will snore. Studies showing the link between smoking and snoring have been published in medical journals such as the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. These studies have concluded that smokers are more likely to suffer from habitual snoring (defined as loud, sleep-disturbing snoring, a minimum of three nights a week) than non-smokers. It was also found that ex-smokers had a higher incidence of snoring than people who had never smoked. In addition, those exposed to passive smoking on a regular basis, also had a higher chance of developing heavy snoring.

The evidence points to a very clear conclusion: if you smoke or are constantly exposed to environmental smoke (passive smoking) you are more likely to be a chronic snorer. The main idea behind these findings is that the chemicals contained in tobacco smoke can irritate the linings of the airways. This causes them to inflame, which in turn makes them narrower. This narrowing of the airways, including the nasal passages, obstructs the normal flow of air when breathing and results in snoring.

Some scientists also think that, when asleep, the body suffers from a form of nicotine withdrawal which can cause chemical changes within cells related to the breathing process and these changes can contribute to snoring. A third school of thought is that nicotine causes damage to the nerves controlling the airways. Again, this can lead to snoring.

You can now see that there are very strong links between smoking and snoring. They are also connected in other ways. Smoking does not just damage the person smoking - the effects of passive smoking can also be serious. In the same way heavy snoring reaches out to destroy the sleep of anyone within earshot of the snorer. Like smoking, snoring can cause a lot of stress and strain relationships. Wouldn't it be great if you could 'kill two birds with one stone'? If you could stop snoring (or at least reduce it greatly) by giving up smoking.

We all know that smoking is very addictive and that it is not an easy habit to break. We also all know the benefits that giving up will bring: greater energy, fresher breath and odour free clothes, healthier heart and lungs, a cleaner and healthier environment for your loved ones. If you now add to these benefits the fact that you can stop snoring, this may provide the extra motivation you need to kick the habit. Just imagine yourself breathing easily at night, no noisy snoring to disturb you or your partner. You both awake the next morning, refreshed and energised after a snoring free night, ready to face the day ahead with clarity. By giving up smoking you can make your wish of 'no more snoring' come true.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Snoring