Self-Help Snoring Treatments or Medical Treatment

Have you been told that you snore or does someone you know snore?

You more than likely already know that snoring can be an annoying and embarrassing problem.

Sometimes people snore if they have allergies or a cold, but many times snoring is a long-term problem that requires treatment of some sort. [an error occurred while processing this directive] There are two main ways that snoring can be treated: self-help treatments and medical treatments.

It is best to try a self-help snoring treatment first, and if then it is unsuccessful then you might consult your physician about attempting a medical snoring treatment.

Start With Non Medical Options

Change How You Sleep

Try changing your sleeping position, it has been found that people who sleep on their backs are more likely to snore than those who sleep on their sides. Another option is to try sleeping without a pillow, because a pillow can crook your neck and increase the chance that you will snore.

Cut Back on or Eliminate Tobacco, Alcohol and Fatty Foods

Eliminating smoking, or exposure to second hand smoke, is also an option. This can minimize the intensity of your snoring. It is also important to stay away from certain dairy products that are high in fat, like non-skim milk, prior to sleeping, because these types of foods can thicken the mucus in your throat and increase your chances of snoring. In fact, it is best to avoid all food and alcohol within three hours of going to bed because it can relax the tissues in your throat, causing you to snore.

By avoiding antihistamines and by increasing your use of nasal decongestants, you can also improve your snoring. Finally, try avoiding sedatives and sleeping pills, helping to also avoid relaxing the muscles in your throat, thus reducing the amount of snoring.

Medical Options For Snoring

There are medical options to treat snoring. This is only recommended if you have tried other methods on your own but your snoring continues. Continuous Airway Pressure is one option; it involves the use of a machine that blows pressurized air into a mask in order to keep your airways open. Oral devices and jaw petitioners’ can also be used; as can a tongue retaining device. There are surgical procedures which can be used as snoring treatments as well but only after the problem has been isolated and all other treatments have failed.