Is that a goods train stopping all stations running through your bedroom? .........................

.........................................................................Just when you think it is safe to nod off it revs up again.

..................................This is no train nightmare - it is your partner SNORING.

Snoring is not only a relationship hazard, it may also potentially be a serious medical problem.

Snoring occurs when the upper airway passages become partially blocked because the tongue or the soft flesh at the back of the mouth and throat flops back and is sucked in when the sleeper is lying down. As they inhale the air twists through the narrowed passages and the flesh vibrates causing the characteristic loud snort. The passage eventually becomes blocked, and air flow stops, in the same way that a floating cork gets stuck in a bottle neck when you try to drink. Soon after breathing stops the brain detects the fall in oxygen supply, and sends the powerful natural chemical Adrenaline to wake the sleeper with a start and reopen the airway.

This relentless cycle is a condition called "Sleep Apnoea" (from the Greek "a"- not and "pnea" breath) and sufferers may go through it up to 60 times an hour each! Not surprisingly in the morning they feel exhausted and find it hard to stay awake during the day with its consequent impact on work safety and social life.

Years of nightly, internal warfare take its toll on the body. Adrenaline increases blood pressure and pulse rate, and repeated surges for 8 hours a night puts vascular system under stress and may lead to heart problems.

If I have described your partner, rather than banning them from your bed, suggest they chat with their GP and seek a referral for tests. Sleep Apnea is a recognised treatable medical problem and there are doctors and clinics specialising in its investigation and treatment in all capital cities. Overnight stays in special "sleep labs" can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the problem but relief is at hand. Further information can be obtained from the support group Sleep Disorders Australia who have branches in each state (head office – PO Box 303 Roseville NSW 2069)