In the Yiddish language, if you're a schnorrer it means you’re often begging for something. And if you're in bed with any of the 37 million U.S. adults who report they are nightly (or almost nightly) snorers, chances are you're schnorring for them to find a way to quiet the racket.
Not all snoring causes serious health hazards, but it can leave you with a dry mouth, a sore throat, and a grumpy bedmate.
You can reduce your chances of snoring if you lose weight, avoid sleeping on your back, use a nasal spray or a nasal dilator, don't drink alcohol, or try a chin strap that keeps your mouth closed.
But if your bedmate hears you snoring, pausing 10 to 30 seconds between breaths and gasping for air, or if you wake up gasping for air and/or often feel sleepy during the day, you may have sleep apnea.
You should get that checked to avoid the health risks it causes, from heart attacks to diabetes.
The good news is there are now at-home apnea sleep tests that your doctor can prescribe. (Harvard Medical Schools says to avoid the online versions.)
The most streamlined at-home appliance attaches a data recorder to your wrist and is connected to a pulse oximeter and a chest sensor that measures snoring sounds and breathing effort. Then you and your doctor can decide what remedy is best for you.