Julie,  Let me ask him, he's sleeping right now, as he works tonight, but I will ask him when I wake him around 5:00 EST, that would be about 4:00 your time, I think. 

I will let him read your message to me and I will have him write you back, here.  He's been in the sleep business for more than a decade and as an RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) for twenty years.  He and I met when we both were in college.  Of course, it's quite possible he may not be able to offer any advice except to advise you to make an appt with your doc for potential sleep apnea.  But he will read your message, give it some thought and write you back.

LMAO @: oh and by the way my mother and father are absolutley to blame - they have a whole brass ensemble going in their bedroom! in fact if me my mum adn dad and my four brothers got together - well lets just say there would be a lot of logs been chopped!

You're funny...

~ Dazzle

ausjulie,

This is Dazzle's husband Snuzin,

Although weight, alcohol and smoking can exacerbate snoring, ridding oneself of them will not always clear snoring.  Your family history of snoring possibly indicates that you probably will still snore after ridding the above.  Only occasionally will "Lifestyle changes" clear snoring and the more important issue of Sleep Apnea, which is a condition where the snorer actually stops breathing.  Snoring is an irritant, the more important issue is often the Apneas.  Your body shape and size of neck can be a huge contributing factor.  If you have Apneas while sleeping this will need to be addressed as they can contribute to the weight and energy problems.  To recognize whether you have this problem have your husband watch you when asleep and look for the "arousals" or brief awakennings such as:

Does your snoring/breathing sound strained?  If so, than it is.

Are there quiet spells between periods of snoring followed by an explosive gasp and rapid breathing to catch up?

Do you suffer from symptoms of Sleep Deprivation? ie:

Morning headaches/irritability, Hypertension, Mood swings/depression, diminished Immune Sys or Metabolism, Short term memory problems.

Just think of all the symptoms you would have if you had stayed up for 24 hrs.  Most ppl can recognize Sleep Apnea they just don't know it.

This is a very brief explanation of some of the symptoms or the 2 cent tour of Sleep Apnea.  I hope this helps.  If you have any more questions pass them to Dazzle and I'll try to help.

Snuzin

Hahahahahahaha!!

Yeah and I know your name and where you live, too. 

Don't worry about it, though, the fact is, you're willing to tackle these health issues instead of turning a blind eye like so many many many people we know.  And frankly, my dear, I think that's beautiful!

I hope we can find some answers for you and the sleep issue.

Cross your fingers!

*Hugs*

~ Dazzle