Are you desperate to find ways to stop snoring? Whether you're the noisy sleeper or your partner is the culprit, snoring causes no end of problems within a relationship. We all need a good night's sleep! None of these methods are guaranteed to work, but if you're sleep-deprived thanks to a snoring partner, anything is worth trying! So here are some potential ways to stop snoring …
One of the ways to stop snoring is to change your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back means that you are more likely to snore, as this position constricts your airways. Try sleeping on your side instead. It may take a while to adjust to a different position; if you find that you roll onto your back, try placing a pillow behind your back.
Following the same principle, snoring may be caused by your head being too low. Try adding an extra pillow. If your pillows are flat, maybe it's time you bought some new pillows! It would be nice if the snoring problem could be solved that easily …
Nasal strips are easily available at drugstores, so it could be worth giving them a go if you think a stuffy nose could be causing the snoring. Obviously it's an ongoing expense, but could be worth it if it solves the problem. There are also other products on the market, such as sprays.
It might take a while to get used to, but a mouth guard could be an effective solution. They work to keep your airways open, as blocked airways can make snoring worse. You can buy them relatively cheaply, but it's best to have a mouth guard fitted by your doctor or dentist.
The problem with alcohol is that it causes your muscles to relax. Thus, drinking before going to bed can cause snoring as the muscles at the back of your throat are as relaxed as you are! So you should avoid drinking less than a few hours before you go to sleep, and never drink more than the maximum recommended amount.
In many cases, snoring is caused or made worse by the snorer being overweight. If that's true in your case, it's time to lose some pounds. Not only will it help your overall health, but you could find that the snoring clears up. Isn't that worth making the effort to reach a healthy weight?
This is the most drastic solution, and would only be recommended in extreme cases. You should try all the other methods first. The problem with surgery is that the chances of success are not that impressive, and the problem can recur within a short period. It's also not suitable for every patient.
If you have space, opting for separate rooms can be the simplest solution to a snoring partner. We're conditioned to think that a loving couple sleep in the same bed, but having separate rooms doesn't mean that your relationship is doomed. If anything, enjoying a good night's sleep will mean you're both happy, rather than fighting.
It's probably impossible to calculate how many nights of sleep are ruined by snoring. I bet it's a lot! Don't put up with a snoring partner, and if you're the one who snores, do understand that it causes a problem for your partner. It's always worth consulting your doctor for a chronic snoring problem, as there may be a medical reason behind it. Have you tried any strange cures for snoring that seemed to work?