What's Up Docs? Why do you snore?
May 5, 2026
Dr Sophie West, consultant respiratory physician who leads Newcastle’s sleep service and helps set national sleep-breathing guidelines. She explains why snoring happens and which anatomy and behaviors make it worse. The conversation covers when snoring is harmless versus signs of obstructive sleep apnoea, practical fixes from sleep position to devices, and how to seek help.}
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Family Recording Reveals Real World Snoring Impact
- Chris Van Tulleken's child told his mother his snoring was 'overwhelming', exposing family disruption.
- The hosts play a short family recording where the daughter says Daddy's snoring woke her at 5am.
Male Pattern Fat Increases Snoring Risk
- Men are about twice as likely to snore, partly because central obesity increases neck size and narrows the airway.
- Sophie West links visceral fat, larger neck circumference (>16 inches) and higher snoring risk.
Avoid Alcohol And Sedatives Before Bed
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives near bedtime because they relax throat muscles and increase the chance of loud snoring.
- Sophie West notes sedatives reduce airway responsiveness so obstruction becomes louder or more frequent.