Valentine's a good time to address snoring

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery advises U.S. couples that Valentine's Day is a good time to address snoring.

Studies show that snoring can have a profound impact on relationships -- removing intimacy, disrupting sex lives, and in some cases, leading to divorce among married couples, according to the medical association. Forty-five percent of adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are habitual snorers.

To prevent snoring from wreaking havoc in a relationship, the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery advises to:

-- Adopt a healthy and athletic lifestyle to develop good muscle tone and lose weight.

-- Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills and antihistamines before bedtime.

-- Avoid alcohol for at least four hours and heavy meals or snacks for three hours before retiring.

-- Establish regular sleeping patterns.

-- Sleep on your side rather than your back.

-- Tilt the head of your bed upwards four inches.

Sometimes snoring can indicate a more serious medical problem, such as obstructive sleep apnea; patients should seek an otolaryngologist or an ear, nose and throat physician.