The UK’s biggest snorers revealed

If you’re a snorer – or your partner is – chances are you probably won't be surprised to hear that there are around 15 million snorers in the UK, which is approximately half of the adult population. However, some cities seem to have more snorers than others.

Curious about where snoring is most prevalent, our sleep experts analysed snoring-related Google searches to find out the places where people are most eager to find a solution for this nighttime nuisance.

The UK's biggest snorers

If you’re in South Wales and hear rumbles in the night, it could very well be your neighbour snoring. The city of Swansea takes home the crown as the snoring capital, with more than 23 monthly searches per 1,000 people.

Rank	City	Monthly snore searches per 1000 people
1	Swansea	23.64
2	Derby	17.33
3	Milton Keynes	11.13
4	Plymouth	10.83
5	Bexley	8.67
6	Portsmouth	6.99
7	Sutton	6.84
8	Aberdeen	6.61
9	Swindon	6.22
10	Norwich	5.60

Derby takes the second spot, where 17.33 searches per 1,000 people are made monthly. Milton Keynes rounds out the top three, with 11.13 snore-related searches each month.

The UK’s quietest sleepers

On the other end of the spectrum, some UK cities don’t hear a peep, and appear to be sleeping soundly. Edinburgh claims the title of the city with the fewest snorers. Just 1.3 Edinburgh dwellers per 1000 search for snoring aids every month.

Rank	City	Monthly snore searches per 1000 people
1	Edinburgh	1.30
2	Southampton	1.52
3	Northampton	1.70
4	Cardiff	1.92
5	Nottingham	1.94
6	Liverpool	2.11
7	London	2.38
8	Sunderland	2.48
9	Coventry	2.53
10	Leicester	2.55

Southampton and Northampton round off the podium, wth 1.52 and 1.70 searches, respectively.

How to stop or reduce snoring

If you’re one of the many people searching for ways to reduce or stop snoring, our sleep experts have pulled together some tips to help you – or your partner – get a quieter night’s sleep.

Sleep on your side

Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft tissues to fall to the back of your throat, blocking your airway and leading to snoring. Switching to side sleeping is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent this. If you find it hard to stay on your side throughout the night, try strategically placing a pillow to keep yourself in position or invest in a specially designed pillow that encourages side sleeping.

Adjust your lifestyle

Your day-to-day habits have a big impact on your sleep – and can even contribute to snoring. Alcohol, for instance, relaxes the muscles in your throat, making snoring more likely. Reducing alcohol intake, especially in the run up to bedtime, can help. Likewise, quitting smoking and adopting a healthier lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can also help to reduce snoring, especially if you’re overweight.

Invest in specialist devices

There are many anti-snoring devices on the market, from nasal strips to mouthpieces and chin straps. Each type targets different causes of snoring, so it’s important to identify the root of your snoring problem. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor to find the best solution for you.

Start exercising your mouth and throat

Just like every other muscle in the body, the muscles in your airway need exercising. Training these muscles can reduce snoring by helping you breathe more easily through your nose – rather than your mouth. Exercises that focus on the mouth, throat, and tongue can improve muscle tone and reduce airway blockages during sleep. The Sleep Foundation recommends doing these exercises for at least 10 minutes a day, three times a day, for a period of three months to see results.

When to see a doctor

If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and anti-snoring devices but still find yourself struggling, it may be time to speak to a doctor. While snoring is generally harmless, persistent snoring can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition such as sleep apnea, which requires professional treatment.

For more tips on how to get a good night’s sleep, take a look at our other articles in The Sleep Journal.