My boyfriend snores dreadfully. Can you suggest any remedies that might help, as my sleep is suffering?

Name and address withheld

I recommend you invest in earplugs to improve your quality of sleep. Still, there are some things your boyfriend can try.

First, he should avoid alcohol: it is a relaxant that causes the soft palate (the fleshy back part of the roof of the mouth) to become limp and reverberate when we breathe, resulting in the sound we recognise as snoring.

Excessive consumption of dairy products by those susceptible to mucus build-up can raise the incidence or level of snoring, as it contributes to the restriction of the nasal airways. So it would be worth substituting dairy for alternatives such as rice, almond- or soya-milk products for a month to see if this has a noticeable effect. Pungent and spicy foods, including black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger, help to dry up excess mucus, according to eastern medicine, so include those in your boyfriend’s diet.

Helps Stop Snoring spray by Essential Health Products (£6.99 for 9ml; www.stopsnoring.co.uk) contains a blend of essential oils, including the antispasmodic fennel, eucalyptus to clear bronchial passages, lemon and pine to unblock the sinuses, and lemon balm, sage and thyme, which are generally helpful for respiratory problems. When sprayed onto the back of the throat, it can help to reduce reverberation of the soft palate.

Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician; www.jenniferharper-deacon.com

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Before following any recommendation, consult your GP