Despite being treated with levity in most quarters, snoring is the source of enormous distress to many hundreds of people on a nightly basis. And not only the snorer themselves suffer, but also their partners and, if the snoring is intrusive enough, sometimes even other members of the household.
The cause of snoring is the vibration of soft tissue in the mouth and upper airways, generally as a result of the relaxation and loss of muscle tone during sleep, although in some circumstances similar problems extend into the waking day. Such is the embarrassment connected with snoring that some sufferers will deny it despite the testimony of their partners.
There are numerous causes of snoring, and solving the problem starts with identifying the particular cause. Extra fat around the neck, a particular problem zone for men and for women in later life, can account for the pressure on the relaxed airways which results in snoring.
Alcohol can be involved in causing snoring on several fronts: in slowing the brains responses, it causes the muscles to relax, but can also irritate or congest the breathing passages, making snoring more likely, and can be a contributing factor in weight gain.
Sleeping pills can also negatively affect muscle tone.
Cigarette smoke is another irritant to the nasal passages and throat, causing possible swelling and catarrh, and the degree and likelihood of consequences are directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked. Giving up alcohol and cigarettes is generally unwelcome advice, but at least having the last drink or cigarette several hours before bedtime will give the body some time to recover from the toxins which can contribute to snoring.
One of the most easily solved factors in snoring is sleeping on your back. Youre more likely to sleep with your mouth open in this position, so anti snoring devices which prompt you to sleep on your side, or with your head raised, may be all thats required to solve the problem.
More complicated or invasive anti snoring devices are available to reduce mouth breathing which isnt solved by raising the bed head. The combination of support for the lower lip or jaw from chin straps and strips, and nasal strips to open the nostrils have been shown to be effective in some studies.
Sometimes the cause of snoring is simple and nothing to be concerned about: having a cold would be an obvious example. Other underlying reasons are worth pursuing, for instance common allergies which can lead to stuffiness or breathing difficulties (including dust mites, feathers, and house pets), and small nostrils, or any kind of blockage in the nose (such as polyps). In these instances treating the cause will have other health benefits as well as ending snoring.
For more Snoring Remedies and information on how to get a great nights sleep please visit my Blog.
