Snoring is not only annoying, but can also be a sign of a serious health problem. According to MayoClinic.com, snoring is caused by your breathing being obstructed in some way during sleep, and that the snoring sound is due to tissues in your throat vibrating. The website estimates that 50 percent of adults snore at least occasionally. There are some natural approaches that may help to prevent or reduce your snoring.
Step 1
Lose weight. According to HelpGuide.org, weight loss can reduce the fatty tissue in the back of the throat, and even a little weight loss can go a long way toward reducing snoring.
Step 2
Change your sleeping position. MayoClinic.com says that lying on your back can narrow the airway and even obstruct airflow. HelpGuide.org notes that it can also help to raise your head about 4 inches or try a specially designed pillow so that your neck muscles are not crimped.
Step 3
Avoid alcohol and smoking. Smoking can irritate the nose and throat, and alcohol can cause excessive relaxation in the throat tissue.
Step 4
Clear your nasal passages and breathe through your nose. If your sinuses are clogged, you are forced to breathe through your mouth, and breathing through your mouth increases the likelihood of snoring, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Apply nasal strips to the outside of your nose. These over-the-counter strips have become popular in sports, but were originally designed for snoring. The strips increase the area of the nasal passages, helping you breathe better.
Things You'll Need
- Nasal strips
