VHI’s Dr Bernadette Carr

My husband who is aged 45 years has always snored. Recently I noticed that he seems to be holding his breath at times although he is still asleep. Should he go to his GP?

Snoring is very common and can affect anyone at any time (including children) but particularly those aged 40-60 years and twice as many men compared to women.

Snoring is the noise made either when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth or the nose or the tongue and upper throat come into contact and vibrate during breathing. Some people snore occasionally whilst others snore every night and loudly.