Snoring is a medical condition that can have a strong impact on a person's quality of sleep and the well-being of his or her mouth, nose, and throat. Some people can stop snoring by making simple changes to their sleeping orientation, diet, or daily activities. Many over the counter pills, nasal sprays, and airflow increasing devices are also available to help the occasional snorer. Chronic snoring that severely disrupts a person's sleeping patterns may require a doctor's visit to remedy the problem. Specialized medical devices or surgery can be necessary in extreme situations.
Most people find snoring to be a simple annoyance, one that may occasionally rouse the snorer or a nearby person during the night. However, when the problem becomes more regular or intense, many people seek remedies to stop snoring. It is common to find that simple, noninvasive adjustments are adequate to stop snoring. People may attempt to lie on their sides rather than their backs to increase airflow. Adjustments to one's lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, drinking less, maintaining a healthy diet, and going to bed earlier often prove successful in relieving snoring.
When adjustments to a person's lifestyle and daily routine are not enough to stop snoring, he or she may turn to over-the-counter cures. There are dozens of different pills and nasal sprays available at retail stores and pharmacies designed to clear nasal passageways and promote proper airflow. Many snorers use adhesive strips which hold their noses open during the night. Others find relief with mouthpiece devices which adjust the positioning of the jaw and tongue.
Snoring can have significant impacts on a person's sleep, resulting in daytime tiredness, irritability, and a lack of concentration. People who cannot relieve their snoring with home remedies or over the counter products often consult their doctors. A physician may suggest a number of treatments to help a person stop snoring, such as wearing a custom-fitted mouthpiece or a positive airway pressure mask at night, which ensures that a constant airstream flows through the nose and mouth. Surgery may be necessary when a person's nose or throat simply does not accommodate other remedies to stop snoring. Procedures may involve removing tissue from the uvula, palate, and throat to create more space for air to pass through.
Those suffering from chronic or severely loud snoring bouts should always seek the guidance of a medical professional. In many cases, snoring can be a symptom of a more serious condition, especially sleep apnea. Interviews and hospital tests can determine if a person needs specialized treatment for apnea or other snoring-related issues.