I’m a healthcare professional

How to stop snoring

Is_snoring_stealing_you_or_your_partners_sleep_ResMed_Singapore

Is snoring stealing you or your partners sleep?

While occasional snoring may not be a problem, regular nightly snoring sessions can be a symptom of something a little more serious. Below are some simple, low-cost or no-cost things you can try yourself. If that doesn’t do the trick, then take a look at some other ways to stop snoring.

You should also consider talking to your doctor about other possible causes of snoring. Taking a home sleep test could rule out sleep apnea as a contributor.

Home sleep test
Here are some simple things you can try to stop snoring.
You can do them all at once or try them one at a time.

Self-help snoring remedies to try

Sleep on your side

It’s possible you only snore when you sleep on your back because in this position your tongue can fall back and block your airway. So next time your partner nudges you awake because you’re snoring, roll onto your side and see if you stop snoring in this position.

Of course, you’re very likely to roll back again unless you can train yourself not to. A popular DIY snoring cure is sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pyjamas so that sleeping on your back is too uncomfortable.

 

Sleep in a reclined position

If you can raise the head of your bed so you’re sleeping with your head raised slightly, you may find this could help with snoring.1

Lose some weight

If you’re overweight it means you’re probably carrying too much fatty tissue around your throat. By losing weight you may be able to open up your airway enough to stop snoring.

Stop smoking

The risk of snoring is almost double among smokers compared to non-smokers. This is because smoking irritates your airways causing congestion which can lead to snoring. If you’re a smoker, quitting may enable you to stop snoring.2

Avoid alcohol in the evening – drink more water instead

Drinking alcohol can increase your chances of snoring because it relaxes the muscles in the back of your throat. So try and avoid drinking alcohol with your evening meal or after dinner. Instead, drink more water. Staying well hydrated will make your nasal secretions more liquid.3

Unstuff your nose

A blocked nose is a common cause of snoring. Rinse your nose out with salt water before bed to clear your nasal passages. There’s a special device called a ‘neti-pot’ that you can get from some pharmacies to do this job. A nasal spray from your pharmacy may also help to reduce congestion in your nose.

Get rid of dust mites

Old pillows and a dusty bedroom are havens for dust mites, a common cause of nasal allergies. If you have a dust mite allergy, it can give you a blocked nose and contribute to snoring. Wash or replace your pillows regularly, air your duvet and try to keep your bedroom dust free.

Don’t get overtired

If you ignore your body’s need for a regular bedtime and a full night’s sleep, then when you do fall asleep, you’re more likely to snore. This is because you’re overtired and your muscles relax more. Getting the right amount of sleep can help you to stop snoring.1

Avoid sedatives and sleeping pills

Snoring is a side effect of certain sedatives and sleeping pills. If you suffer from insomnia, talk to your doctor about alternative non-drug treatments that won’t increase your risk of snoring.

Do regular exercise

Exercise, even if it doesn’t lead to weight loss, can help with snoring. Toning up your body also tones up your throat muscles, which can work to stop snoring.3

Medical treatments for snoring

Your doctor can diagnose the cause of your snoring problem and may prescribe one of several treatment options to help you stop snoring. Before deciding on the right anti-snoring treatment, you may need to have a home sleep test to find out whether your snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
CPAP for sleep apnea
Anti-snoring surgery
Swipe
CPAP therapy - ResMed Singapore

CPAP for sleep apnea

If your snoring is caused by obstructive sleep apnea, an effective snoring treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).6 An air pump is attached to a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.

The ‘gold standard’ treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy and it may also work as a treatment for snoring.6

Treating sleep apnea with CPAP may enable you to enjoy a more restful, less disturbed sleep and help you wake up with more energy and focus.

Anti-snoring_surgery_ResMed_Sg

If CPAP and/or an oral appliance haven’t worked for you, as a last resort your surgeon may recommend other more invasive surgical procedures to open up your airway.7     

Some of these include:     

  • Somnoplasty reduces the amount of soft tissue at the back of your throat
  • Sinus surgery can help some people whose snoring is caused by a blocked nose
  • Removing your tonsils and adenoids may help if they are blocking your airway

 

What is the best anti-snoring device?

The best anti-snoring device for you can be affected by a number of factors. It depends on how severe your snoring problem is, what’s causing it and also, your own personal preferences.

Some people try simple low-cost options first like a chin strap or an anti-snoring mouthguard. Fortunately, if your snoring persists, there’s a range of further options to try. If you’re still concerned about your snoring, you should talk to your doctor.

Snoring and relationships8

If you’re worried about the effect that your (or your partner’s) snoring is having on your relationship, you’re not alone. Being constantly woken up at night is a recipe for relationship problems. Shuffling off to the spare room in the middle of the night or crashing on the sofa isn’t a long term solution.

While sleeping apart may suit some couples, it obviously affects intimacy and harmony. Over the long term, snoring can also cause noise-induced hearing loss in the snorer’s partner.9  Don’t let snoring drive a wedge between you and your loved ones.

Dealing with a snoring partner

You can’t go on nudging your snoring partner forever. If home remedies haven’t stopped your partner from snoring, you could recommend that they have a home sleep test to find out if they have sleep apnea. If the answer is ‘yes,’ this is good news for you.

Why? Because the treatment for sleep apnea is also a good snoring treatment and you will at least get some uninterrupted sleep yourself.

How to handle complaints about your snoring

The worst time to discuss snoring with your partner is in the middle of the night. It’s better to wait until you and your partner have put some distance between yourselves and the problem.Because snoring is a purely physical problem, it’s not really anyone’s fault. But while your snoring may not be affecting you directly, your partner is suffering from night after night of broken sleep. Sympathy is called for on both sides.

Your relationship is too valuable to put into jeopardy over a medical problem that can be solved relatively simply. Having a calm discussion about the issue and working together to find the right snoring solution will have you both getting a good night's sleep...and in the same bed.

Citations

1

Source: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/easy-snoring-remedies#1 accessed 7 June 2019.

2

Source: Hoffstein V Sleep 25(5) 2002 518-21.

3

Source: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/snoring-tips-to-help-you-and-your-partner-sleep-better.htm/ accessed 7 June 2019.

4

Source: https://www.resmed.com/epn/en/consumer/products/dental-series/dental.html  accessed 7 June 2019

5

Source: Vecchierini MF et al. Sleep Med. 2016 Mar;19:131-40.

6

Source: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap accessed Aug 2019.

7

Source: https://www.sleep.org.au/ accessed 7 June 2019.

8

Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/sleep-newzzz/201412/how-keep-snoring-hurting-your-relationship accessed 7 June 2019.

9

Source: Sardesai MG et al.J Otolaryngol. 2003 Jun;32(3):141-5.