Snoring affects a large portion of the population, with as much as thirty percent of individuals over 30 years old have a problem with snoring. Middle-aged people are also more likely to snore, which means the thirty percent figure rises for this population. The simple truth is that while nobody likes snoring, nobody likes talking about the difficulties they have with the problem and the effects that it can have on their life.
When it comes to stopping snoring, there are many solutions and resolutions that medical professionals have suggested. When you go to a doctor, chances are that you'll likely either be given some type of prescription, or even be evaluated for a medical condition called Sleep Apnea, at which point you'll be given a CPAP machine to prevent snoring.
While many conventional types of solutions do work, there are also alternative ways to stop snoring that everyone should be aware of. For individuals with a serious medical condition like Sleep Apnea, there is no substitute for the CPAP machine and other conventional solutions that doctors can prescribe. However, for non-habitual snorers or mild cases of snoring, there are tricks and tips you can try to stop snoring quickly and simply.
Herbal Remedies for Snoring
Herbal snoring remedies are solutions that can help a person reduce the tendency to snore. These types of products not only open the nasal passageways, but also promote normal breathing patterns to help you get a good night's rest. Many herbal anti-snoring pills and remedies contain natural enzymes and a combination of herbs that reduce nasal congestion and open up your airways.
For example, an abundance of mucus production can cause and exacerbate snoring. Bromelain, on the other hand, is a food enzyme that, if taken, helps break down this mucus. Also, immature bitter orange is an herbal ingredient that is often included with herbal remedies to aid Bromelain and other herbs with congestion relief and the reduction of phlegm and mucus.
Cleaning the Nasal Passages
One culprit that contributes towards snoring is clogged nasal passages. This is mainly the problem if you're aware that your snoring starts in your nose, but can generally be a helpful step for anyone who's trying to decrease their incidence of snoring. Clearing the nasal passages assists air as it pass through, which can ultimately improve snoring and prevent it from happening.
To clear the nasal passages, one of the things that can help is a hot shower shortly before bedtime. The way hot showers works to reduce the occurrence of snoring is the same way that they work to reduce congestion when you're sick. In addition to taking a hot shower, you can also use a saltwater rinse to clear the nasal passages. If you're a habitual snorer, you can keep a bottle of saltwater rinse in the bathroom to use while you're showering. All you must do is rinse your nose out to clear the nasal passageways. You could also use a neti pot while in the shower or over the sink before bedtime.
Your Fluid Intake
Believe it or not, your fluid and beverage intake has a lot to do with whether you'll snore during the night. This is especially true as it pertains to alcohol. If you're a big alcohol drinker, or love to wine and dine in the evening, you may want to find some other alternative. Avoiding any type of alcoholic beverage at least 4 to 5 hours before your bedtime, however, is crucial to prevent snoring.
Another step you can take in the area of fluid intake is to increase your consumption of water. Men require about sixteen cups of water per day, while women should drink around twelve. Getting enough water ensures that you won't be dehydrated, which is actually another factor that makes it more likely you'll snore. When you're dehydrated, or don't have enough fluids, the secretions in your nose as well as the soft palate become stickier. Since snoring occurs because air has difficulty moving through your nose and these passageways, you're more likely to snore.
Your Bed Pillows
One of the tricks to preventing snoring may be found within your bed pillows. As time wears on, dust mites and allergens accumulate both on the pillow and pillow case, which can cause an allergic reaction and snoring response. This is even more true if you allow pets to sleep on the bed as you're breathing in animal dander. Animal dander, dust mites and various allergens found in your bedroom contribute to snoring, which is why changing your pillows can help. You should especially try this trick if you feel fine during the day, but congested, full and obstructed when you go to sleep.
To reduce the incidence of snoring and keep your snoring problems to a minimum, you need to replace your pillows at least every six months. Also, you should put your pillows in the dryer every couple months and turn the machine in the air fluff cycle. Both of these steps can help keep the collection of dust mites and allergens to a minimum, thereby improving snoring and giving you a better night's sleep.
Mouthguards and Anti-Snore Rings
There are also snoring remedies that require you to wear a special object while sleeping. The first of these is a dental mouthpiece device. Though some of these you can get as over-the-counter products, you can also be custom-fitted for these by visiting your dentist. Mouthpieces and anti-snoring mouthguards work by preventing the collapse of soft throat tissues, which ultimately obstruct the airways.
On the other hand, anti-snore rings are not a device that you wear in your mouth or around the jaw, but an alternative snoring solution that's based on the ancient Chinese acupressure tradition. Anti-snore rings are worn on the little finger of either the left or right hand. The idea behind these anti-snore rings is the application of continuous pressure on a certain meridian line, which is said to improve the flow of energy throughout the body. Many people who do use these acupressure rings report improvements in their snoring problem.
All things considered, there are definitely many alternative snoring solutions that can work for your particular situation. Unless you've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and need to wear a CPAP mask, you have the option of taking herbal remedies, wearing anti-snore rings, dental mouthguards, trying to clear your nasal passages and changing your bed pillows, among many other options. While not all of these solutions are right for each person, chances are that you'll be able get a good night's rest with the help of at least one or two of these alternative solutions to help with your snoring.
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