How the AIR in your home might be to blame for your partner’s snoring
IF you're constantly having a rubbish night's sleep due to your partner's snoring - then it might not actually be their fault.
The air in your home could be the reason you wake up bleary-eyed each day.
Around two billion people across the world snore and it's an issue that is thought to occur in more men than women.
Snoring can sometimes be down to lifestyle choices - and we've all watched someone snoring away after a big roast dinner or a few too many drinks.
While it's true that these things will lead to snoring, experts have also warned that pollution in your home could be having an impact.
David McDonnald, founder of , said the quality of the air you breathe could make a big difference.
“If you’re experiencing breathing issues during the night, there are a number of simple steps you can take to increase your breathing quality and ensure a better night’s sleep.
"Cleaning your home regularly, introducing houseplants and monitoring the temperature around you are just a few factors to consider.
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What causes snoring?
Snoring is basically caused by the soft tissue in your head and neck vibrating as you breathe in while sleeping.
The soft tissue it can affect includes nasal passages, the soft palate, the base of the tongue and the tonsils.
As you get your nightly rest, the airways in your neck and head relax and narrow, which increases the speed at which you breathe.
This also changes the air pressure in your airways, which in turn causes the soft tissue to vibrate, causing the snoring sound.
The vibrations that happen during snoring are thought to weaken blood vessels and muscles in the head and neck.
This further reduces the ability of the airways to keep open, meaning snoring is likely to be more frequently and even louder.
"After all, we all want a good night’s sleep so it’s important we do all we can to achieve this", he explained.
Here David highlights the five things you can do that will help.
1. Only smoke outdoors
David highlighted that smoking is one of the biggest factors which contributes towards breathing problems, whether you’re a smoker or not.
He added: "Being around second-hand smoke can still impact the quality of air around you and your breathing.
"With this in mind, smoking should only take place outdoors, to leave indoor air as clean as possible."
2. Buy a houseplant
It might mean you have to look after and feed something other than yourself, but David said that houseplants have an abundance of benefits and will help purify the air around you.
"Plants can give off large amounts of oxygen, which will have a positive impact on your breathing, as well as adding a decorative appearance to your home", he said.
Indoor plant specialist revealed the best options when it comes to picking house plants to improve your air quality.
Daniel Bruce said Snake Plants are one of the best options.
He explained: "This is because of the level of oxygen they produce, combined with their ability to absorb C02, they make a great combatant against airborne allergies."
He also listed Peace Lilies and Boston Ferns.
He explained that Peace Lilies are known to combat mould spores (they absorb them as food) as well as other airborne toxins that cause humans breathing issues, these plants are perfect for room with high humidity where mould usually builds up.
"Think of them as a natural mould cleaner", he said.
3. Clean air filters
Increased air pollution has been linked to breathing problems during sleep.
David said it's important to make sure the air around you is filtered and as clean as possible.
"Clean your air filters as regularly as possible, as this will allow you to breathe better throughout the night", he added.
4. Eliminate allergens
While having filters and making sure they are clean will also help towards you having cleaner air at home, it's also important you keep your home clean to reduce the amount of allergens and bacteria that is being produced.
"By simply hoovering and cleaning the surfaces around you, this will reduce your chances of breathing difficulties in the night and lower the chances of you snoring", David said.
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5. Keep a constant temperature
Studies have suggested that when temperatures increase, specifically during the warmer months, your breathing during sleep will be affected.
Medical experts have recommended that you sleep in temperatures of around 65℉ (18.3C), as this will reduce your chances of breathing problems.
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