Our blog
Sleep, privacy and data confidentiality themed blog by Adrian Zacher. He tweets @snorerdotcom #snorercom
How to Choose the Best Anti-Snoring Device? Sleep-Expert Review against the Top 13 Criteria
If you’re looking for the best anti-snoring device, read my impartial review of the top-selling features and benefits. I compare Over-the-Counter (OTC) versus prescription Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs).
read more![I HATE Instant Snoring ‘Cures’ – they Do More Harm than Good [2018 Update]](https://snorer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Superhero_stop-400x250.png)
I HATE Instant Snoring ‘Cures’ – they Do More Harm than Good [2018 Update]
I HATE instant snoring cures, because they do more harm than good. Learn why I get so agitated, why you should too, and how to ACTUALLY stop snoring.
read more![Over-the-Counter (OTC) Anti-Snoring Devices [The Definitive Guide 2018]](https://snorer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Steve_asleep-400x250.png)
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Anti-Snoring Devices [The Definitive Guide 2018]
Over-the-Counter (OTC) anti-snoring devices are widely available. But are they any good?
read more![Chin Straps for Snoring? Safe, Effective or Dangerous? [2018]](https://snorer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Dr_holding_magnifying_glass1-400x250.png)
Chin Straps for Snoring? Safe, Effective or Dangerous? [2018]
Using video, X-ray images & diagrams, I provide an expert technical review of chin straps and their underlying concept. I explain why (with 1 exception) most chin straps are dangerous, because they may collapse your airway. I explain the options to stop snoring, treat obstructive sleep apnoea/apnea (OSA).
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The ‘Stream’ is the old ‘internet in a box’
The ‘stream’ is the old internet-in-a-box but in a more sinister way. To use your data to make money from you.
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Stop Worrying About Offending Obese Patients – GPs advised
Stop worrying about offending obese patients. In this post, Adrian explores the GP/patient interaction dilemma re discussing obesity. Clinical research (a parallel, two-arm, randomised trial) suggests the GP should broach the subject and it will be positively received if intervention is offered.
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Why can’t I say ‘FAT’?
FAT. There it is, I’ve said it. Yet, the word ‘fat’ is such a divisive word, it carries such stigma, that it has become a word you can’t say out loud. In this post, Adrian discusses the rise of PC culture and the corresponding rise of obesity. Are they inevitably intertwined?
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The Destruction of GP/Patient trust – Guidelines from the GMC
The DVLA and General Medical Council (GMC) in March 2016, reinforced the fact that it is the individual’s responsibility to cease driving and inform the DVLA, should anything impact upon ability to drive safely. They went on to impose a significant and impossible burden on the GP.
read moreSleep Apnoea Testing & Data Privacy – How do they relate?
Data Privacy Day Today, 28th January is #DataPrivacyDay. If you don't know why data privacy and seeking help for sleepiness could potentially threaten your income and career, you need to read this. We really do NOT want to discourage sleepy people from seeking help...
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My Adventure into Sleeping Better and More
Sleep Better - Feel Better The tips of this page are based on my personal 'adventure' into how I recently (with some evidence from using an ApneaLink and a NightShift) improved my sleep quality and duration, by applying the knowledge that I have gained through working...
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Updated NICE Guidelines for Sleep Apnoea
In my view improving NHS provision and fast tracking certain individuals, at this time of austerity, has for any rational person to be considered at best, highly unrealistic. At Snorer.com we applaud the intent behind the 2015 updated NICE Guidelines for Obstructive...
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Stop Snoring, treat Sleep Apnoea – Recommended by NHS Doctors
Stop Snoring and treat Sleep Apnoea. Recommended by NHS Doctors? Did you know that you can get FREE expert snorer help? Get treatment for sleep apnoea/apnea by visiting your Doctor and a sleep-trained dentist can help with snoring.
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Could Snoozing KILL YOU?
Why do we ignore the Warning Signs?
This morning when I woke up, I lay there thinking about snoozing. Not thinking I wanted to snooze, but about snoozing per se. My wife was practicing the art of snoozing (repeatedly - but that's another story). I was thinking it's not a great idea. How to communicate...
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Do You or Your Partner Snore? READ ME
Do you or your partner snore? Its not great. Don’t despair, I’ve helped thousands of couples stop snoring and WAKE UP to a happier, brighter, more alert day. I vehemently believe in working with medical and dental professionals and NOT self-diagnosing/self-treating.
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Robot ‘Teddy Bear’ Pillow for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Robot ‘Teddy Bear’ Pillow for sleep apnea? Now, I’ve heard everything. My advice is to look for clinical evidence of effect before you buy anything to ‘treat’ yourself. Consult your Doctor, get assessed, diagnosed and PRESCRIBED a valid treatment.
read moreNew website live today 25 Nov 14
Check out our new website! Lots of new content and a bright, fresh design. Really hope you like it and that it communicates what we do now and what we intend to do... Related I Hate Instant Snoring Cures - they do more harm than good Chinstraps...
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TURN OVER! You’re Snoring…
If you or your partner snore, then the words: "TURN OVER! - You're Snoring..." May be all too familiar! Of course, the premise here...
read moreAnonymous Sleep Apnoea Testing – What’s the Idea?
If you snore or your partner does - you are no doubt overwhelmed with information. Some of it good and some less so. We think you need help - so we set about providing it. Worried about the impact a diagnosis of sleep apnoea could have on your job? If you...
read moreGoogle+ debate about Mouthpieces to stop Snoring
Today, (23 Oct 13) we started a debate on Google+ about the contentious area of self-diagnosis of 'snoring' (individuals arbitrarily ruling out obstructive sleep apnoea) and then electing to self-fit an oral appliance ('mouthpiece' or 'gumshield'), as...
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BBC “Trust me – I’m a Doctor” – Screening
BBC “Trust me – I’m a Doctor”. Screening for symptoms of sleep apnoea/apnea (OSA) permits early detection and this confers an advantage. For OSA it is possible to recognise those that will develop the disease and those that won’t. Effective therapies exist for both snoring and sleep apnoea/apnea.
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Sleep apnoea severity and its poor relationship to daytime sleepiness
You may have been told you snore, and perhaps someone has suggested you get checked out for 'sleep apnoea', whatever that is. Perhaps you are thinking "Why?" The answer is not so much that you are a damn nuisance because of your snoring, but we would guess...
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Riding the Sleep Train to London (is Everyone Asleep – and Snoring?!)
Riding the ‘sleep train’ to London. Is Everyone Asleep – and Snoring?! A symphony of snoring surrounds me (not sure that ‘symphony’ is actually the right way to describe the noise – but you get the idea).
read moreCollaborator for ASAP(sm)
We invented the ASAP Anonymous Sleep Apnea Process℠ to help snorers get checked out for sleep apnoea - without risk to their job. For ASAP℠ to work as intended, Snorer.com needs an expert home sleep testing collaborator and we are truly delighted to say...
read moreWe are GO ! Welcome to Snorer.com
That was really good to type! We have worked so long to create the content of the guides, develop the website and build the business relationships to make our ideas reality. It feels really good to go live and show the world. So whats it all...
read moreHere we go! Build up to going LIVE!
We're getting really excited and find ourselves checking, rechecking and checking again. The plan is to go live at the end of August (so when you read this you will see how nervous and excited we were!). Final work now by our clever IT man and...
read moreWorking away… Tired but I’m Not Stopping
It seems that I have been working on Snorer.com forever! But now finally, I can see it taking shape and with some excellent help it is becoming a reality. So, this is a post to embarrass the kind and expert folks who will see this (I hope!) when the site...
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Taxing your Latte – a Caffeine Tax?
Are high caffeine drinks the symptom or cause, of our short sleeping, overtired population? While sipping a new thing to me, a Caramel Machiato (bit too sweet for me), and enjoying the 'Cafe Culture', I looked around me and a thought occurred to me. "Is perhaps the...
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Sleep-Deprived New Dad. OSA is like a Cross between a Hangover and Jetlag
Its been some time since I blogged...(I have good excuse!). I am now a very happy, proud and exhausted (relatively) new Dad. My son is now about 5 months old. For the last 7 months, my wife and I have had disturbed sleep. The last two months of her...
read moreSleep Apnoea and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Sleep apnoea and rheumatoid arthritis?An interesting story has been covered in the Daily Mail about some Taiwanese research into sleep apnoea and arthritis.Despite the scary headline, only 2.91% of 'heavy snorers' went on to develop rheumatoid arthritis so...
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BBC Breakfast – Snoring & Sleep Apnoea interview with Dr Dev Banerjee
Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Discussion - BBC Breakfast Breakfast anchors Bill Turnbull and Louise Minchin interviewed a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) user Chris Fitzgerald and Dr Dev Banerjee a 'Sleep Expert'. Below are some notes and my comments re the...
read moreHealth Informatics – What’s that about?
Why is Health Informatics (HI) of any interest? Chronic diseases are projected to be the leading cause of disability and most expensive problem for healthcare systems (World Health Organisation, 2002). Long-term monitoring of the individual patient’s condition and how...
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Does your Child Snore? They Shouldn’t – Consult your GP
You might think it cute that your baby/child is snoring gently in their cot or perhaps a sign that they are sleeping well. However, sleep experts have long suspected childhood sleep related breathing disorders may harm a child. Recently, a study by Bonuck...
read moreSleep Apnoea – the Final Frontier?
Currently, the most common, valid treatment option for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is positive airway pressure therapy (PAP). There is however no getting away from it, PAP is not sexy and although it is undeniably effective many find it an arduous therapy to adhere...
read moreDo you need a Digital Detox?
Do you need to 'unplug'? Knock knock Neo! Are you glued to your iPhone or Android, do you have to check your email before bed and first thing in the morning? Are your kids texting throughout the night or perhaps you have a TV in your bedroom? Or perhaps you are a...
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Guidelines for the Medical Profession? Oral Appliances for Snoring/OSA
Springtime (2012) has seen further clarity develop around the provision of mandibular repositioning devices (oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnoea). In the UK, the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine's (BSDSM) screening protocol [i] was elevated to...
read moreMovember
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other...
read moreChocolate is Good for You – Its True – Well Maybe…
Chocolate is good for you - its true! For a while now chocolate has been linked with making you feel loved when you eat it or it acting as an aphrodisiac. Some people think its better than a passionate kiss with their partner - chocolate gives a bigger buzz......
read moreSleepless in Minneapolis
Last week, I had the privilege of attending both the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine meeting and the Associated Professional Sleep Societies meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was very good to see old faces and new and follow the developments in...
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A 3rd Category of Oral Appliance for Sleep?
Custom-made and universal 'One-Size-Fits-All' oral appliances comprise I believe two categories of oral appliance for snoring and sleep apnoea. On my June 2011 trip to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) meeting in Minneapolis, I enjoyed a glass with...
read moreSleep in the News
Ed Miliband diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea In a startling breach of medical data confidentiality, I read about how Ed Miliband MP was diagnosed with OSA. Tempting as it is to conjure up a more dramatic headline about the Labour party and Sleep......
read moreTake life in your stride – Sleep More!
Take life in your stride - sleep moreThe effects of inadequate sleep, brought about through insomnia, sleep apnoea or your partner's snoring has recently been highlighted in the Daily Mail. The author focuses on insufficient sleep and its impact on his own mood but...
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Artificial lights that help you sleep?
Melatonin is thought to play an important role in regulating your circadian rhythm. Following on the previous theme of 'light temperature', melatonin, sleep and the impact of this on your health. It seems that artificial light sources that produce a warm...
read moreArtificial light, melatonin and now cancer!
Following on from my January blog post 'TV makes you Fat?' where I explored the link between artificial light, melatonin and obesity, another perspective - cancer - has been recently highlighted by the Daily Telegraph as a downside. Bluer (is that a word?) light waves...
read moreTrying to get help to stop snoring
– its not great
Rant... but here goes.... I believe that snorers and their partners need valid information in a timely fashion and that most start off with a low-cost snoring device bought online or some nasal spray etc and then give up when they realise how ghastly it...
read moreMail Online tells it like it is?
Mail Online tells it like it is? Yes, I know its hard to believe but.... in an article published today a variety of High Street available supposed 'sleep aids' have been expert reviewed (Prof Jim Horne, Sleep Research Centre, Loughborough University, UK)...
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Getting Fat from Sitting Still?
Stand up, move more, more often It seems that going to the gym each day is only one part of becoming generally more active if you want to keep the weight off and the heart risk down. I picked up on this as it relates to the last post about how TV makes you...
read moreTV makes you FAT?
Does TV make you fat? Across the Western world we have an obesity epidemic. Every night these same people stare at a TV or computer monitor. It could be that the light emitted by the TV disrupts sleep and hormone regulation making us more susceptible to weight gain....
read moreImplant ‘CURE’ for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Apnea…
An interesting new option for sleep apnoea/apnea has been developed by a spin off from Medtronic. Inspire Medical Systems implant 'cure' is now undergoing large scale clinical trials in the US and Europe. The company hopes to receive commercial approval...
read moreA New Therapy for Sleep Apnoea? No, I don’t think so…
A new therapy for sleep apnoea? Now if you believe the hype on their website, there has been an 'evolutionary jump' in sleep apnoea treatment. Quite what the new species looks like, how it differs from established therapies and what it adds, is not yet...
read moreHappy Holiday drinks? Shame about the tragic night’s sleep…
Happy Holidays!Its that time of year again - the season of good will and over indulgence - and the hangover in the morning (never mind the mountain of washing up!).So, why do we feel so bad after a few too many drinks? Well, according to Kate Hilpern...
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Owl or a Lark – it’s all in the Genes (so we’re lead to believe)
Owl or a Lark - it's all in the genes (apparently!) It is old news that people may feel they function better at one end of the day or another. However, why people appear to require differing total amounts of time asleep and perhaps more importantly how to...
read moreSleep and Obesity – Again
The often repeated story of a caloried controlled diet, together with exercise to achieve weight loss, now has a new twist. Getting enough sleep has been proven to impact on the amount of actual fat reduction - as opposed to losing fat and muscle mass. The...
read moreSleeping pill users may DIE more early!
Not a headline, that if you struggle getting off to sleep, you want to read! So, what's the basis for it? A 2014 published Canadian study of 12000 people, by Dr Belleville (published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry), took into account factors like...
read moreCan you ‘coach yourself’ to sleep better?
Does Coaching Yourself to Sleep Better Appeal? An interesting new product has been launched: The Zeo Personal Sleep Coach. This product, through a headband and a wireless link, somehow monitors your sleep stages and records them for later display and...
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Sleep and heart risk
Sleep and heart risk Like so many things that seem common knowledge yet have to be researched and proven to be the case for anything to be done about it, some recent research has proven that not breathing is bad for your heart! So then, it is with no sense...
read moreTart cherry juice may reduce insomnia
Tart cherry juice may reduce insomnia For some time now we have known that melatonin plays an important role regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Some pharmaceutical companies have rushed to produce melatonin supplements and mixed results have been shown in...
read moreSleep and prospective memory
Sleep and Prospective memory An interesting story ran in the Daily Telegraph (which is still free to read online at this time...) in it the researcher, a psychologist named Dr Mark McDaniel details how 'prospective memory' is improved by sleep. Prospective...
read moreObstructive Sleep Apnoea, Obesity and Diabetes
More on the worrying trio of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Obesity and Diabetes Sleeping badly or just not sleeping enough - even for just one night - reduces insulin sensitivity, according to recent research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology...
read morePolitical decision making and the siesta
Political decision making and the siestaAccording to Judith Woods in 5th May's Telegraph an afternoon siesta was good enough for Churchill - and George Bush had a regular 9pm bedtime. This would appear to be good anecdotal evidence that...
read moreChocolate as brain food?
Chocolate as Brain Food? The argument FOR dark chocolate - 150mg a day (corrected from 150 grams) is supported by a recent blog entry for 'Stop Aging Now'. It would appear that dark chocolate high in flavanols improves blood flow to the brain. Which would...
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