Sleep expert shares unusual sock trick for snoring

A sleep expert has shared an unusual sock hack to combat snoring. It's no secret that sleeping next to a snorer can be a nightmare, but it seems a pair of socks could be the key to a peaceful night's sleep.

Don't get too excited though, we're not suggesting you use your socks to muffle your partner. The truth is, snoring is incredibly common, with a staggering 64 per cent of Brits admitting to the annoying habit.

This can significantly affect those sharing a bed with you and could even indicate a serious health issue. In honour of National Snoring Week (April 22-28), a sleep expert has revealed how two types of socks can help.

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Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, suggests that wearing a pair of socks before hitting the hay could silence those snores. "While this might be a different type of sock to your regular trainer socks, wearing flight socks during the day - to be swapped with a pair of cotton socks (or another breathable material) at night - can lead to a more restful night," the expert explained, reports the Mirror.

Seeley refers to several studies that have associated below-the-knee compression stockings with a reduced severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). "Flight or medical socks, worn during the day, prevent the build-up of fluid - that travels up the body when the person is lying down and can cause snoring," he added.

"A university study found that some of this fluid 'shifts' up to the neck area as a result of gravity and this can cause major snoring in sleep. The study found that sleep disruptions were cut in half among those who wore these socks."

However, researchers say this will not be a 'treatment in its own right' but could become an 'adjunct to conventional treatment'.

Whilst loud snoring may be seen as nothing more than a nuisance, it could actually be a warning sign of sleep apnoea - a condition that causes your breathing to 'stop and start' whilst you sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can worsen and will begin to affect other health markers like your blood pressure.

Those diagnosed with the condition may need to sleep with a CPAP machine or even go under the knife. According to the NHS, Brits should look out for the following warning signs:.

These symptoms may cause a whole host of problems during the day, including severe fatigue, morning headaches, mood swings and difficulty concentrating. If you're experiencing these symptoms and it is affecting your ability to perform daily tasks, you should contact your GP.