LOUD snorers can damage the health of their partners, scientists warn.
One in seven create such a din, the noise can push up blood pressure.
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In tests 14 per cent exceeded 53 decibels, the level at which traffic noise can potentially trigger heart attack and stroke. Another two thirds blasted out 45 decibels.
For some partners, it is like sleeping next to a washing machine.
Scientists who carried out the study are urging long-suffering bed partners to wear ear plugs to protect their health.
They warn snoring is a largely unrecognised source of noise pollution. Noise pollution has emerged as a major public health threat in recent years.
The European Environment Agency estimates it causes 12,000 premature deaths and 48,000 cases of heart disease across Europe every year.
The findings confirm the health risks of a condition that affects up to 5m people in Britain.
Heavy snoring is thought to have increased largely due to the rise in obesity.
Extra fat around the neck area is linked with a condition called sleep apnoea – where loud snoring interrupts breathing hundreds of times a night.
The condition is treated by wearing a mask at night that pumps air into the throat to keep it open.
The US team from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore studied 162 snorers.
They said: “Snoring represents a source of noise pollution and bed partners can suffer from unhealthy sound levels.”
Dr Mudi Sowho went on: “Ear plugs can be helpful.”
“I would definitely recommend using them to protect your health.”
