Snoring is usually not regarded as a very serious condition in itself but can indicate other problems. If it is not done habitually, the chances are that the snorer has a head cold, is lying on his back with his mouth open, has had too much to drink, etc. The situation can be remedied by rolling the culprit onto his side. This can usually be done by inflicting a good dig in the ribs, which provides the sleeping partner with a small feeling of satisfaction!
Snoring can also indicate throat weakness where the throat closes during sleep; overweight, where fat gathers in and around the throat.
However, the constant snorer can be the victim of sleep apnoea, which is quite a serious condition. The snorer actually stops breathing, then wakes with a loud snort. This, of course, means disturbed nights and all the problems associated with lack of sleep : daytime drowsiness, lack of focus, irritability and decreased libido; and it can also cause psychological problems.
Some studies associate loud snoring with the risk of stroke and heart problems, since it creates turbulence in carotid artery blood flow closest to the airway. The theory is that increased turbulence irritates blood cells and has been implicated as a cause of arteriosclerosis.
So, what is to be done? There are many and varied solutions and not all of them work on all sufferers but most of them can be tried and discarded if not successful.
Almost all snoring treatments involve clearing any blockage in the breathing passage. Snorers who are overweight are advised to lose weight; also smoking weakens and clogs the throat, so stop smoking. There are various nasal sprays which may be helpful and some people find herbal pills beneficial.
Nasal strips, which are used mainly by athletes and footballers, hold open the airways allowing a better flow of air and reducing (and sometimes eliminating) the noise. Antihistamines may also do the trick but you need to speak to your doctor before using these. They make the snorer sleepy and are supposed to open the nasal passages thus reducing the noise. Vapour rubs also have the effect of opening the nasal passages but your partner will have to put up with the pungent odour!
The Anti Snoring Pillow which hold the head in an ideal position which allows the airway to remain open are becoming more popular due to being inexpensive and easy to use.
According to the University of Exeter, singing can be beneficial in preventing snoring since singing tones flabby muscles in the back of the throat thus reducing the vibrations which cause snoring.
If you happen to be the disgruntled sleeping partner of the snorer, anything is worth a try even sewing a tennis ball into the back of his pyjama jacket; this makes sleeping on his back very uncomfortable and may help to stop the dreadful noise.
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