Natural Remedies for Snoring Problems

Photo by: Flickr
Photo by: Flickr

Snoring problems are something that the majority of us will encounter at some point in our lives, whether it’s our own or someone else’s. If you live with a snorer or if you are one yourself, then you know that snoring is something that can actually drive a wedge between people. Neither the snorer nor the one who can’t sleep through the noise gets a good night’s sleep, resulting in mental fatigue the next day. If the problem with snoring occurs each day, as it does with most couples, it can lead to even bigger problems.

Snoring is usually caused by irregular nasal air flow due to a blockage in the airways. Other causes can be a weakened throat, a throat surrounded with fat, nasal congestion, or tissues surrounding airways that rub against each other and vibrate.

If you are looking to find solutions to snoring problems, there are a wide variety of treatments available. While there are some very effective surgical and medical treatments, it is always a good idea to start with natural and non-invasive solutions. Some tips to remedy snoring problems are listed below:

1. Mild snoring can usually be addressed by switching to a different sleeping position. If you sleep on your back, you may want to try sleeping on your side and see if it addresses or reduces your problem.

2. Try elevating your head when lying down by using more pillows. This can free your airways and make breathing less strenuous while you sleep.

3. Lifestyle changes can do a lot to remedy your snoring problems. If you have vices such as drinking or smoking, try cutting down or quitting entirely. You should also exercise regularly to enhance your respiratory system. If you are overweight, try to lose a few pounds and get to your ideal weight.

4. Several types of medication can also cause snoring problems. Among them are sleeping pills which, ironically, people tend to take when they can’t sleep due to their snoring problems. As much as possible, try to get natural sleep and ask your doctor if any of your other medications contribute to your snoring problem.

5. There are also other very helpful but unconventional treatments including singing or playing woodwind or brass instruments. Such activities exercise your lungs and strengthen your throat to reduce or completely cure your snoring problems.

6. Activities such as yoga and meditation can help you eradicate your snoring problems if done regularly, especially before sleeping. Such activities help you relax and improve your breathing techniques.

Most snoring problems can easily be addressed by making certain changes in your life. However, snoring can also be indicative of an underlying medical condition. For this reason, it is important to have yourself checked by a specialist especially if the tips above do not work for you. Heart problems and high blood pressure are only some of the more serious medical conditions associated with snoring. You may also be suffering from sleep apnea, a condition where you don’t breathe regularly in your sleep. In bad cases, sufferers stop breathing entirely for long periods of time. This can happen several times at night without the sufferer even knowing it. While most sufferers wake to regain breath, there may be a time when they don’t wake at all, resulting in death.

Surgery, dental appliances and treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure can also help alleviate snoring problems. However, natural methods are always better to start with. They offer alternatives which are safe, practical and can be implemented immediately. Only if the tips discussed above don’t work for you should you seek more invasive solutions.