Channel 5's new documentary, The Science of Sleep: How to Sleep Better, has focused on snoring.

ENT (ear, nose and throat) experts at Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre say it is estimated that snoring affects 40 per cent of adults in the UK.

Snoring happens when the air we breathe in passes over the relaxed muscles and soft tissues in our neck causing them to vibrate – the vibration makes the sound.

Intermittent snoring happens when we do something out of the ordinary, such as drinking too much, which relaxes the neck muscles even more.

Chronic snoring can be caused by issues such as only being able to sleep on your back or an obstruction in your airways.

There are three grades of snoring: the first is mild snoring with no health impact.

The second is moderate snoring of three or more days a week and which may lead to fatigue.

The third is severe snoring which is heavy, loud snoring on a regular basis which can have physical, mental and social health problems.

It can also be an indication of obstructive sleep apnoea, which causes sufferers to stop breathing. Severe snoring should be discussed with your GP.

6 ways to avoid snoring:

Maintain a healthy body weight: this reduces fat around your neck which can squash the throat

Avoid smoking, which can result in a relaxation of your throat muscles

Sleep on your side, because sleeping on your back relaxes the throat muscles more

Avoid medications which sedate, such as antihistamines and sleeping pills – unless they have been prescribed to you in which case have a discussion with your GP

Cut back on alcohol consumption

Check your collar size – those with a collar size above 17 inches are at higher risk of severe snoring

If you snore, 5 ways to reduce your snoring:

An orthopaedic pillow can support your head and neck and maintain a better sleeping posture

Ensure that where you sleep, and what you sleep on, are free from dust and regularly clean duvets and bed linen

If you have a cold or short-term nasal congestion, use a nasal decongestant spray sparingly – overuse can lead to further problems

There are a number of snoring devices from nasal strips to chin straps which can alleviate the problem, although you may need to experiment to find the best option for you

In very rare cases, surgery may be considered to remove and structural obstructions in your airway