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Types of Remedies for Snoring

Snoring is a problem faced by many people, particularly the aged and overweight. According to studies conducted by the American Academy of Otolaryngology and published by WebMD.com, "an estimated 45 percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally and 25 percent do so habitually." Types of remedies for snoring often include changing your sleep position, weight loss, inhaling steam and wearing nasal strips.

  1. New Sleep Position

    • Some people sew tennis balls into the backs of pajamas to encourage side sleeping.

      Altering your sleep position can be an effective remedy to snoring. Sleeping on your back encourages snoring because "your tongue falls back and increases airway resistance," states the Web MD site. Changing your position so that you sleep on your stomach or your side "will usually help." If snoring persists no matter what position you take, it may be time to explore more advanced remedies.

    Weight Loss

    • Excessive body weight and alcohol consumption is a risky combination.

      Weight loss is an all natural and important way to reduce and/or eliminate snoring. "Overweight people," states Web MD, "tend to have bulky neck tissue, which increases snoring risk." Dropping even 10 percent of your overall body weight can substantially alleviate the burden of snoring. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives can keep weight down and help you stop snoring, too. These substances "suppress your breathing drive" and can also interfere with weight control.

    Inhaling Steam

    • A tea pot can be a great source of steam.

      Inhaling steam before bed can be an effective remedy as well. Nasal and sinus congestion are well known for causing snoring. "Putting a towel over your head and inhaling steam to loosen mucus-causing congestion," instructs Web MD, can be worth its "weight in gold." In any event, reducing the sniffles before heading to bed is critical to avoiding a night full of snoring.

    Nasal Strips

    • Feeling sick may bring about temporary snoring.

      Nasal strips are another way of combating snoring and finding relief. Expanding the size of your nostrils allows for enhanced air flow and can be effective at knocking out snoring. Nasal strips are also a natural solution. But beware, warns Web MD, while wearing nasal strips can provide temporary relief, "most often snoring stems from base of tongue or soft palate---not the nose."

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