National Stop Snoring Week

National Stop Snoring Week is an annual health campaign focused on raising awareness about the causes of snoring and the impact it has on sleep quality and relationships. In 2026, the official dates for the campaign (led by the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association) are Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3.

See also: Baby Sleep Day, World Sleep Day, National Public Sleeping Day, Festival of Sleep Day

History of National Stop Snoring Week

The observance was established in 2003 by the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association (BSSAA). It was created to dispel the myth that snoring is merely a “funny” or unavoidable nuisance. By formalizing a week for education, the BSSAA sought to highlight the medical solutions available for chronic snorers and to draw attention to more serious underlying conditions, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Each year, the week centers on a specific theme. Past themes have explored the effectiveness of sleep technology and apps, the impact of snoring on women specifically, and the “hidden costs” of sleep deprivation on mental health and workplace productivity.

Why is National Stop Snoring Week important?

This week is significant because it shifts the conversation from social embarrassment to clinical health. Snoring affects approximately 41% of the UK population, and while often dismissed, it can be a primary symptom of OSA—a potentially life-threatening disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

The campaign also addresses the “second-hand” effects of snoring. Partners of heavy snorers often lose significant amounts of sleep, which can lead to “sleep divorce” (sleeping in separate rooms), increased irritability, and strained emotional bonds. By providing resources and screening tests, National Stop Snoring Week encourages families to address the issue as a collective health goal rather than a source of conflict.

• It identifies the link between snoring and chronic conditions like heart disease and stroke.
• The week highlights that snoring is treatable through lifestyle changes or medical devices.
• It raises awareness for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which often goes undiagnosed.
• Employers use the week to discuss workplace fatigue and safety.
• It provides a platform for couples to find solutions for better co-sleeping.

How to Observe National Stop Snoring Week

Observation usually begins with self-assessment. The BSSAA offers “Snore Tests” that help individuals identify their specific snoring type—such as tongue snoring, nose snoring, or throat snoring. Identifying the cause is the first step toward finding a successful remedy, whether it’s a nasal dilator, a mandibular advancement device (MAD), or weight management.

Many people also use the week to improve their “sleep hygiene.” This includes avoiding alcohol and heavy meals before bed, which relax the throat muscles and worsen snoring. Sharing information on social media or encouraging a partner to record their sleep patterns using an app can provide the necessary data to take to a GP or sleep specialist for a formal consultation.

• Take an online “Snore Test” to determine your snoring triggers.
• Download a sleep-tracking app to monitor the frequency and volume of your snoring.
• Try new anti-snoring aids like specialized pillows or nasal strips.
• Consult a GP if your snoring is accompanied by gasping or daytime exhaustion.
• Avoid sleeping on your back, which can cause the tongue to collapse into the airway.