Are there any such things as natural remedies for snoring?
Snoring is a complex, yet all-too-common problem. In some cases, it is mostly harmless… except for the noise it causes. Most of us would like to block out the snoring noise completely.
But in others, it can actually be quite dangerous and damaging.
A lot of people struggle with snoring because there is also a stigma about it.
It can be embarrassing and frustrating to deal with… and it is not so uncommon for it to cause relational/marital problems, either!
It is also not so uncommon to see married couples sleeping in separate beds because of snoring.
Are there any natural remedies for snoring? Is there any way to help reduce the problems without getting a snoring surgery?
Thankfully there are many effective snoring remedies – both natural and commercially designed.
Let’s talk about it.
Why Do I Snore So Loudly?
Snoring is a relatively complex problem, and there can be several causes for it.
Most snoring is caused by a problem called ‘soft palate vibration.’
This is a problem where the loose tissues in the throat ‘close-in’ on the airway during sleep.
When you slip into unconsciousness, all of the muscles in the body tend to relax… including the muscles in the throat.
This does two things.
- It reduces the amount of room that the air has to move through when you breathe
- It causes the air moving through the airway to ‘vibrate’ the loose tissue, which is where the ‘snoring’ sound comes from
If your snoring problem is bad enough, the loose tissue in the throat might actually completely close off the airway.
This leads to a problem known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, also known as OSA, is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing.
These pauses are caused by the loose tissue in the throat closing in and ‘blocking the airway.’
But after the brain realizes that carbon dioxide levels in the body are increasing, it comes out of REM sleep and partially ‘wakes you up,’ which causes the muscles in your throat to constrict and tighten… thereby allowing the air to move through it again.
There are two major problems with OSA.
- It kicks you out of REM sleep, which can very easily leave you sleep deprived
- If it happens once, it is probably going to happen many times… which does not bode well for getting a good night’s sleep
In the end, OSA can lead to a lot of dangerous problems. It can increase your risk for a number of diseases and conditions, including…
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Weight gain
- Adult Asthma
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Acid reflux
Are Snoring and Sleep Apnea the Same Thing?
Not necessarily.
Snoring is often a symptom of Sleep Apnea when it is present, but it is also possible to have snoring without sleep apnea.
The only way to be sure whether or not you have sleep apnea is to go to your doctor and have him/her do a sleep study, to find out exactly what is going on.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from OSA, then it is highly advisable that you visit your doctor, as it is considered a pretty dangerous sleeping disorder.
What is Snoring a Sign of?
If you are not suffering from OSA, and are, in fact, just suffering from regular snoring… then there are several possible causes.
Age is one factor. As you get older, you are more likely to snore.
Your body weight is another factor. The more fatty tissue you have around your throat, the more likely you are to snore.
Your genetics can also play a role. If, for example, you inherited a narrow airway as a result of your hereditary genetics, then you will obviously have a higher risk of suffering from snoring than someone who didn’t.
Congestion and other nasal and/or sinus problems and allergies can also contribute to snoring.
Do you suffer from asthma? Do you get allergies? Are you afflicted with a common cold or a runny nose?
Any of these factors can contribute to your snoring risk.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking medications can also significantly increase your snoring risk.
And finally, never underestimate the role that sleeping posture can play in your quality of sleep.
Sometimes, curing snoring is as simple as rolling over onto your side.
In fact… sleeping on your back is probably one of the most common ways to develop a snoring habit.
When you sleep on your back, the fatty tissues in the throat can easily collapse due to gravity… making you much more likely to snore.
Why Would Someone Want Natural Remedies for Snoring, as Opposed to Surgery or CPAP?
There are a few different snoring surgeries that you can undergo to fix snoring on a more permanent basis. Laser snoring treatments are one such option.
And if you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP is usually the preferred method used by doctors as treatment.