Finding a Cure for Snoring

Snoring is an embarrassing problem. At home it may be irritating to your family, but when you need to sleep over somewhere it can be terribly embarrassing to have to warn everyone that you snore.

Before looking into a snoring remedy, it is important to see your doctor to find out why you snore. Not all snoring cures work for all kinds of snoring. Snoring also can be a symptom of more serious problems such as sleep apnea.

Often allergies or congestion cause snoring. If this is the case in your situation, you may want to try taking an allergy medication before bed, or using a decongestant to help with your cold. Removing the source of the allergy also helps.

Some snoring remedies are designed to open the airways in your nose. This could be through an adhesive strip that acts as a spring, opening your nostrils to allow more air to pass through and preventing the rattle of the tissue inside that makes you snore. Other remedies include nasal sprays or aromatherapy cures that clear your nose of excessive mucous.

Snoring can also be caused by sleeping in a position that forces your mouth open, drying your throat and causing your airway to become irritated. You can try using pillows or an adjustable bed to raise the level of your head as you sleep. A moisturizing throat spray can prevent dryness and irritation. Sleeping on your side will help you to keep your mouth closed as you sleep. You should also avoid alcohol or eating before bed.

Problems related to the physical construction of your mouth and throat can sometimes be corrected surgically. Sometimes a person has an unusually long soft palate, or an unusually large uvula. Surgery called Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is used to remove excess tissue in the throat, opening the airway. If the tonsils or adenoids are enlarged, removing them can reduce snoring.

But surgery is a rather invasive form of treatment, and is generally avoided unless the snoring is particularly severe. There can be side effects, and it doesn’t always work. Most cases of snoring do not require anything nearly as invasive.

In some cases doctors will recommend a continuous positive airway pressure mask (CPAP). This mask creates constant air pressure that prevents the airways from collapsing while the patient is asleep. While it is usually only prescribed for patients with sleep apnea, it is sometimes prescribed for snoring. CPAP treatment is proven effective, but the need to wear a mask to sleep combined by the use of a noisy, bulky machine makes it a less than attractive option, especially for those who must travel on a regular basis.

While you can stop snoring using one of the above methods, it is very important to discuss your snoring problem with a doctor before self-treating. Sleep apnea can be very serious, as can many other issues that cause an increase in snoring.