British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Hi there, I found this website from a search regarding snoring, as my hubby is moaning at me waking him up nearly every night. When he wakes me up to inform me that I have been snoring, I have noticed that I am lying on my side, not my back. I also get a feeling of being "choked" if I lie on my back. Yes, I am female, aged 37 years and after calculating my BMI, a bit of a "heffalump". When he is not moaning at me for snoring at night or dozing off during the day, my husband thinks it amusing to divulge my problem to anyone, especially his sister whilst making me feel embarrassed. I know I should see my GP, but I am worried that he will not take me seriously.

Tracey,

I'm 43 and have been diagnosed and treated for sleep apnoea since I was 30. The first step is definitely to get along to your GP and you should find some extra help on here to take along with you. Take the Epworth Test (hopefully one of the helpful folks on here will post a link to it for you) to see how sleepy you are as it can be an indicator of underlying problems and write down everything you want to say about what's going on so that you can be sure to give over all the information.

I feel for you with your hubby, it's never nice when someone, even in what they think is kindly jest, harps on about something that is causing us embarassment and difficulties. Perhaps having a quiet word at a private moment to tell him how it's making you feel (I don't know him or you obviously so can't comment on how effective that might be) - we often end up laughing or 'going along' with things that upset or humiliate us out of a desire not to show how hurt/vulnerable we are or to not be a 'bad sport'. Most people if they understand that something will really offend/upset tend to modify their behaviour but if we don't let them know then they can quite unwittingly continue to cause hurt.

Unfortunately the person who suffers from the immediate effects of snoring is so often a partner and it can be hard to remember that the snorer is not doing it deliberately and is not trying to annoy them but simply has a physical condition that is causing them to make unconsious noise.

Please see your GP and don't feel alone or embarassed - we've ALL been in the same situation here at some point.

Best of luck

LINK----> epworth_sleepiness_scale

Go see your GP, they should take you seriously, if you are getting choking sensations even more so. If not push a bit harder to get tested for O.S.A (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea).

Oh and your partner..........

I have had a go at the Epworth, apparently I am a mild risk, but when I do the Berlin Questionnaire, I'm a high risk. The trouble with both these tests, they both ask if I drive? I have recently passed my test, but I am not driving at the moment as I haven't got an automatic car....yet! But I do fall asleep as passenger in hubby's car. which causes him to moan... Also I have found out that my sister-in-law snores too! No wonder she looked uncomfortable whenever my hubby/her brother goes through "My wife snores like a pig" routine.

Again I'd stress what Suse and Sleep2Snore have said ... GO TO YOUR DOC. OSA is a medical condition that needs professional diagnosis and treatment. And if your husband is so insensitive to tease or mock you about it, show him this website. It's a medical condition. Would he mock someone with diabetes or a broken leg? And if the answer is yes .... that says far more about him than you. Look after yourself as number one and get professional help. Don't hesitate to post if you have any questions or need support. We're here for folk like you. All the best.

Hi im 22 and my friends have recently told me that I snore. I suffer from asthma and have been overwight. Im currently in the gym working that off.

I am embarrassed by this and whenever I can I will not stay round friends houses as I am embarrassed by my snoring ...... I am tring the hebal sprays but, I want to be confident enough to stay round friends houses without thinking that my snoring is an issue .......wat do u suggest ???

GO TO YOUR DOC and get him/her to check you out.

Right, I have managed to get an appointment my doctor.(You have to be quicker than Usain Bolt to ring for an appointment! ) Will it be useful to print off a copy of the Berlin test as well as the Epworth? Keep you posted......

Alsacienne: there is a history of diabetes in his side of the family.......And a case of MS.

Many OSA sufferers also suffer from diabetes. It's important to get both conditions managed for a good quality of life and a long one too. MS ... not sure of any link but it's also something to be taken seriously. GO TO YOUR DOC .... for your conscience's sake if nothing else! Good luck!

Been to the Doc's. Was amazed that he took me seriously. He also prescribed a nasal spray (Something called Nasofan-anyone heard of or used it? )and informed me that he is going to refer me to the ENT department at the local hospital regarding a Sleep clinic. He advised me to lose some weight as well.. I also printed out a copy each of the Berlin and Epworth.

Well done Tracey!! It takes courage to persevere when you're not sure of the outcome ..... and I hope that s/he'll continue to help. Good luck with the weight loss ... and that the appointment with the ENT clinic will come through very quickly. Do keep us posted ... and I'm only sorry that I don't know anything about the spray but hope it helps.

The spray I have been prescribed is for allergies, very fitting as I get a floral smell whenever I use it!I don't know how well this spray is working because;
1)I have been using it for a couple of days.
2) my bed partner has sleeping on the sofa because he is currently suffering from an ear infection and believes that sleeping semi-upright, helps any fluid/phlegm to drain from his ear...


As for losing weight, I am going to need to the luck i can get as I work in one of these "burger bars"......