If you’re suffering from sleepless nights due to snoring, you’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, an estimated 90 million American adults deal with sporadic snoring issues and about 37 million snore on a nightly basis. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth is obstructed, and can also be triggered by things like colds, allergies, excess drinking and smoking.
If snoring is getting in the way of a good night’s sleep you should speak with your doctor, or even an online doctor, about what you can do.
The health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, have put together some natural ways to help reduce snoring and make you feel more refreshed in the morning.
- Find Your Position. Lying on your side instead of your back can help reduce snoring because the angle helps keep your mouth shut and reduces the chances of your tongue falling back in your throat restricting the airway. If you only feel comfortable on your back, try propping your head up on multiple pillows or using an adjustable bed so you’re not completely flat and are able to keep your head and upper body elevated, which opens your airways.
- Open Passages. Loosening up your airways before heading to bed increase your chances of a good night of rest. Simple ways to do this are taking a hot shower before hitting the hay or using nasal strips that pull your nasal passage open allowing you to breathe better. Consider investing in a humidifier to keep the air moist while you sleep to help your nasal passages stay open throughout the night.
- Watch Your Weight. Being overweight is a common factor that can increase your chance of a noisy sleep cycle. Extra pounds can add to extra fat tissue on your neck, which tightens and restricts the airways of your throat. Establish a healthier approach to eating and incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet to reduce your weight and improve your overall health. Add some exercise into the mix, and you’ll fall asleep faster and deeper too!
- Avoid Alcohol. Drinking your favorite cocktail, wine or beer can lead to snoring because these beverages act as a muscle relaxant, which makes your mouth and throat muscles relax and obstruct your airflow. Try not to sip on anything alcoholic within three hours before bedtime for the best possible night’s sleep.
- Clean Up. It might seem odd, but allergens in the bedroom could play a factor in why you or a loved one snores. When was the last time you dusted your overhead ceiling fan? What about replacing your pillows or changing out your pillowcases and sheets? The build-up of allergens can cause allergic reactions that may lead to snoring during the night. Give your bedroom a good onceover to help yourself drift off into a quiet, dream-filled night.
About the author:
Envolve, Inc.® is a family of health solutions, working together to make healthcare simpler, more effective and more accessible for everyone. As an agent for change in healthcare, Envolve is committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. For more information, please visit our website www.envolvehealth.com or contact them at info@envolvehealth.com.