How to control snoring at night

Snoring is a common nighttime issue that needs to be addressed. We all snore at some point in our lives and some more than others but when we snore on regular bases we need to seek out a doctor.

While occasional snoring could be because of exhaustion or drinking and not really harmful, regular snoring owing to deeper reasons could be hampering your quality of sleep, affecting overall health. Also, with age the throat passage gets narrower which is why a lot of elderly people especially snore almost on constant bases.

It can be disconcerting when your partner is getting disturbed and losing sleep too. Good news is you don’t have to sleep in different bedrooms as there are effective solutions.

Snoring primarily happens when the air doesn’t pass freely though the nasal passage and throat during sleep, making the surrounding tissues vibrate producing the familiar sound. Once you understand what is causing you to snore, you could nix it. Usually a sleep doctor will ask you to keep a diary and ask your partner to note the pattern and frequency. The main reasons for snoring include age, weight gain, alcohol consumption, allergies and sinus problems. It is suggested not to sleep on your back if prone to snoring as it causes the flesh of the throat to relax and blocks the airway to some extent.

Here are some bedtime remedies to resolve snoring:

• Change your sleeping position: Try not sleeping flat on your back and keep the head raised to at least 4 inches. There are specifically designed pillows available to help prevent snoring that ensure your neck muscles are not crimped. Sleeping on your side is recommended and you can ensure you don’t roll back by putting some pillows as a back rest.
• Try an anti-snoring mouth appliance: These devices, which resemble an athlete’s mouth guard, help open your airway by bringing your lower jaw and/or your tongue forward during sleep. You can also get one from a dentist.
• Clear nasal passage: Blow your nose before sleeping. If you have a stuffy nose, rinse sinuses with saline water before bed. Using a nasal decongestant or nasal strips can also help you breathe more easily while sleeping. If you have allergies, keep your room insulated from any dust mites or other irritants.
• Keep bedroom air moist: Dry air irritates membranes in the nose and throat, so if swollen nasal tissues are the problem, a humidifier is a must. Exercise: For those who have developed snoring as a result of weight gain, will need to exercise to reduce the fatty tissue in the back of the throat, to breathe freely.
• Quit smoking: For avid smokers, snoring is a common problem. Like most irritants, smoking irritates the membranes in the nose and throat which can block the airways and cause irregular breathing. To sleep better a smoker will have to reconsider or kick the habit.

Finally if you suspect a more serious issue, consult a doctor who will prescribe certain tests and help improve your health parametres to ensure you breathe better and sleep deeper.