Snoring – it’s a common problem that adversely affects over 50% of American men, roughly 40% of American women, and slightly more than 25% of American children. Snoring is attributed to a number of anatomical and physical factors such as alcohol consumption, the anatomy of your mouth and sinus cavities, a cold or the flu, seasonal allergies, and your weight. Here is how snoring commonly occurs.
As you progress from a lighter state to a deeper state of sleep, the muscles of the soft palate (roof of your mouth), throat, and tongue start to relax. These tissues can relax to the extent that the airway is partially blocked and begins vibrating. The narrower your airway gets, the more forceful your breathing and airflow becomes. This increases the vibration of the tissues and causes snoring to become louder. If you are obese, the extra layers of fat adds to the pressure on the neck and that constitutes to higher and shriller heavy snoring.
So, what conditions is snoring attributed to? The 5 most common factors include:
- Alcohol consumption – consuming an excess of alcohol prior to bedtime causes the throat muscles to relax and increases obstruction of the airway.
- Anatomy of your mouth – your airway can be narrowed by a low, thick soft palate; overweight individuals often have narrower airways that is attribute to excess tissue at the back of the throat; an elongated uvula (the triangular piece of tissue that hangs from the soft palate can obstruct airflow and increase tissue vibration.
- Nasal problems – chronic nasal congestion or a deviated septum can also contribute to a person’s snoring.
- Sleep deprivation – failing to get enough sleep can cause the throat to relax.
- Your sleep position – people who sleep on their backs tend to snore more frequently and much louder than those individuals who sleep in other positions. This is because the effects of gravity cause the airway to narrow.
While some individuals only snore occasionally, it can be a chronic problem for others and can adversely affect your health and the quality of your sleep. It can also annoy your partner or spouse and in the more severe cases, lead to a dissolution of the marriage or partnership.
Snoring Remedies and Treatment
There are 3 common forms of snoring to be aware of. Light, infrequent snoring is snoring that only happens occasionally. It might be due to allergies, seasonal cold or a temporary reason and gets cured when the affliction is over.
Primary snoring is snoring that occurs 3 or more nights per week. Snoring attributed to sleep apnea is indicative of a serious health condition. The best snore remedy is usually based on the severity of the person’s snoring. In some cases, certain lifestyle changes will help alleviate the problem. However, in more severe cases, more invasive treatment may be required.
There are 9 different lifestyle changes or remedies that may alleviate your snoring or eliminate it altogether. These include:
- Avoid consuming alcohol at least 3 hours prior to bedtime as this causes throat muscles to relax and lead to snoring
- Change your sleeping position (people who sleep on their backs tend to snore more often and much louder). Side sleeping alleviates snoring to a higher degree and ensures a better night’s sleep
- Elevate the head of your bed to help keep your airway open
- Lose those extra pounds and maintain a healthier weight as overweight individuals are more likely to develop sleep apnea and snore more often
- Quit smoking (smoking causes inflammation of throat tissues)
- Treat your allergies by taking medication or using a humidifier to keep your airway clear and free from obstruction. Anti-histamines work well in stopping snoring when it is due to allergies
- Try using nasal strips (adhesive nose strips that keep the airway open)
- Use a CPAP machine if your snoring is attributed to obstructive sleep apnea
- Wear oral appliances (mouthpieces that move the jaw and tongue forward)
Also Read: Can Exercise Help You Reduce A Snoring Problem?
The bottom line is that it may be time to speak with your doctor about the best snore remedy or medication for snoring that could help in your particular situation. Although surgery is considered as the last resort, it is important that you always look for alternate ways to stop snoring as there are many remedies to stop snoring.
In the more severe cases, more invasive treatment measures such as surgery may be required to correct the issue. This could include a corrective surgical procedure for a deviated septum or other surgeries such as:
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation
- Maxillomandibular advancement
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
These procedures are often viewed as a “last resort” when it comes to treating snoring and when the best snore remedy or prescribed medication for snoring hasn’t helped. It is important to consult a couple of doctors and get multiple opinions before you sign the consent form for a surgery to stop snoring.
Is there a Medication for Snoring that actually works?
If allergies or a cold and the nasal congestion that results are causing you to snore, this can be effectively treated with nasal corticosteroid or decongestant sprays. These help open the airway and prevent snoring. One of the most effective sprays and medication for snoring is Asonor Anti-snoring Spray and Solution and is quite possibly the best snore remedy available in the marketplace today. It has undergone considerable clinical trials and studies, making it a viable solution to stop snoring today.
Also Read: In What Stage Of Sleep Does Snoring Occurs?
Asonor Anti-snoring Spray and Solution has been clinically proven to alleviate or reduce snoring in 3 out of every 4 cases studied. Most importantly, it has no adverse side effects and works within minutes of application. To learn more about this amazing product, visit our website or e-mail your questions to [email protected].