If you’ve ever been told that you snore, you know that snoring can be an annoying and embarrassing problem.  Sometimes people snore if they are fighting allergies or a cold, but many times snoring is a long-term problem that requires treatment of some sort.  There are two main types of ways that snoring can be treated: self-help treatments and medical treatments.  It is best to try a self-help snoring treatment first, and if it is unsuccessful then you might consult your doctor about attempting a medical snoring treatment.

Non-Medical Options

Lose Weight

If your snoring is not related to a medical condition, like sleep apnea, then you may have success in using a self help snoring treatment.  There are several different methods of treatment that you can use on your own, without the aid of your physician.  For example, you could try losing weight, because excess weight is often times the cause of snoring.  Losing weight will minimize the fatty tissue in your airway, which will decrease the likelihood that you will snore. 

Change the Way You Sleep

You could also try changing your sleep position; it has been found that people who sleep on their backs are more likely to snore than those who sleep on their sides.  Another option is to try sleeping without a pillow, because a pillow can bend your neck and increase the chance that you will snore. 

Cut Back on Cigarettes, Alcohol and Fatty Foods

Eliminating smoking, or exposure to second hand smoke, is also an option.  This can minimize the intensity of your snoring.  It is also important to stay away from certain dairy products that are high in fat, like non-skim milk, prior to sleeping, because these types of foods can thicken the mucus in your throat and increase your chances of snoring.  In fact, it is best to avoid all food and alcohol within three hours of going to bed because it can relax the tissues in your throat, causing you to snore.

By avoiding antihistamines and by increasing your use of nasal decongestants, you can also improve your snoring.  Finally, by avoiding sedatives and sleeping pills, you will also avoid relaxing the muscles in your throat, thus reducing the amount of snoring.
Medical Options

Another option is medical snoring treatment; this is recommended if you have tried other methods on your own but your snoring persists.  Continuous Airway Pressure is one option; it involves the use of a machine that blows pressurized air into a mask in order to keep your airways open.  Oral devices and jaw positioners can also be used; as can a tongue retaining device.  Finally, various surgical procedures can be used as snoring treatments as well.

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