Snoring could be stopped by adopting certain sleeping positions.
The condition is “very common” said the NHS in a nod to the nation’s lost sleep.
“Snoring is caused by things such as your tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose vibrating as you breathe,” they said.
“It happens because these parts of your body relax and narrow when you’re asleep.”
Philanthropist Sara Davenport recommended two positions to help someone avoid snoring.
The foetus
Sleeping in this position means lying on the side, with hands lying infant of the face and legs tucked up underneath.
“This is the most popular of all the sleep positions and the way 51 per cent of all women sleep,” said Sara in her new book ‘Reboot Your Health: Simple DIY Tests’.
“Sleeping on your side keeps your spine elongated, and reduces neck and back pain. It alsoo reduces snoring and acid reflux,” she continued.
The log
In this position, slumberers lie straight and on one side of their body.
“Only 15 per cent of us sleep in the log position, but it keeps your spine straight and unstressed. It’s bad for wrinkles but good for snoring less.”
Don’t sleep like this to avoid snoring
To stop snoring, there are also several positions you should avoid, according to Davenport.
The Starfish
“This is likely to make you snore but is good for minimising back and neck pain,” she said.
“The starfish reduces acid reflux and is one of the few positions that leaves you less wrinkled from not squishing your face into the pillow.
“It doesn’t squash your breasts either.”
To sleep in the starfish position lie on the back with hands resting on or near the pillow, and legs stretched out beneath.
The Soldier
“This is the position preferred by eight per cent of us, but it is the most likely to make you snore and comes with a high risk of sleep apnoea,” she said.
“Again, this position is good for acid reflux, as well as back and neck pain.”
To sleep like this someone should lie on their back with arms by their side and legs outstretched beneath.
The NHS added it is possible to stop snoring by losing weight or sleeping on one side of the body.
“Consider asking your partner to use ear plugs if your snoring affects their sleep,” continued the NHS.
