Research is split on whether alcohol has an affect on snoring. Some research claims there is a link while other research is inconclusive or can’t establish a positive link.

Alcohol is a diuretic; that is, it promotes fluid loss. This can lead to dehydration and dehydration affects your breathing.

Dehydration causes the body’s cooling system to work improperly. The body responds in flushes sending blood to the surface of the skin to cool it down and by increasing the rate of breathing.

The mixers that are added to alcohol often contain high levels of simple sugars. Beer has a high carbohydrate content and a can of coca-cola is reported to have the equivalent of 9-10 teaspoons of sugar in it. The processing of these sugars in the body leads to more dehydration (the body uses water to process the sugar) and it also makes the blood more acidic. Acidity of the blood is controlled by our breathing. To reduce acidity the body increases breathing to release more carbon dioxide that is stored in the blood as carbonic acid.

The carbonic acid-hydrogen carbonate ion buffer works throughout the body to maintain the pH of blood plasma close to 7.40. The body maintains the buffer by eliminating either the acid (carbonic acid) or the base (hydrogen carbonate ions). Changes in carbonic acid concentration can be effected within seconds through increased or decreased respiration. Changes in hydrogen carbonate ion concentration, however, require hours through the relatively slow elimination through the kidneys.

The nasal passages clean, humidify and warm the air going into the lungs. They also regulate the flow. It is difficult to gulp huge amounts of air through the nose. The nasal passages become very sensitive when the body becomes dehydrated. When this happens the natural reaction is to use the alternate path through the mouth for breathing.

The snoring and drinking link is completed when an increased airflow through the mouth together with an alcohol induced relaxed musculature leads to snoring.

So what to do about it?

• Don’t over indulge.
• Stay away from the alcopops (highly sugared mixed drinks)
• Drink plenty of water during the night and before retiring.

Carb Blockers
Another approach is to use what are known as “carb blockers”. These are substances that slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates and alcohol. This gives the body more time to process the drink and reduce the likelihood of hangovers.
The most popular product and guaranteed to work is Beer Neutralizer.
The manufacturers make no claim about reducing your snoring. But slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates means less dehydration and reduced adverse effects on your breathing.

This may just cure both your snoring and drinking hangover!

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