The condition occurs when the muscles that keep the airways open during the day relax, causing the airways to narrow.

The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association co-founder Marianne Davey says: "Snoring is the coarse sound made by vibrations of the soft palate and other tissue in the mouth, nose and throat. There are many causes and it's important to find out what causes your snoring so you find the right treatment."

What causes it?
Watch your weight. Robert Royston, a clinical scientist at the Royal National Throat Nose & Ear Hospital, London believes the number of snorers will soar because one of the main reasons for snoring - obesity - is rocketing.

"Overeating leads to an enlargement of the tissue in the neck which, when lying down, can compress and restrict the airway raising the likelihood of snoring. Higher levels of obesity will produce more snorers."

Before you blame your partner's waistline, bear in mind research at St Thomas's Hospital, London. It reveals that a tendency to snore may be in our genes, as some snorers produce more of the hormone ghrelin, increasing appetite and weight, and so predisposing people to snore.

Other aggravating factors: Smoking, alcohol, sleeping tablets, having a cold or pregnancy. Excessive consumption of dairy products, and common allergies such as hay fever, stimulate mucus raising the incidence or level of snoring in sufferers.