Snoring Causes and Remedies

Snoring happens when someone sleeps. While some think that it is associated with a deep sleep, science says that it is caused by anatomical factors, which may lead to harmful consequences like oxygen deprivation. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for snoring.

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Causes

Snoring has various causes. According to Web MD, one cause is an obstructed nasal airway, which is related to allergy, sinus infection, nasal deformity or deviated septum, and nasal polyps. Poor muscle tone of the tongue and throat also contributes to snoring. As per the publication, the muscles, when relaxed, lets them collapse and fall back into the airway. A bulky throat tissue also contributes to snoring; this is associated with being overweight and enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Then, a long soft palate and/or uvula may also narrow the opening from the nose to the throat.

Signs and Symptoms

Snoring presents several symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, these symptoms include noise during sleep, excessive daytime sleeping, inability to focus, morning headaches, sore throat, restless sleep, gasping or choking at night, high blood pressure, nocturnal chest pains, loud snoring, and waking up choking or gasping. As per the publication, one should see his doctor if he has any of the above symptoms, since these may be indications of a more serious condition like obstructive sleep apnea. In  children, enlarged tonsils may narrow the airway and lead to the sleep apnea.

Home Remedies

Snoring treatment usually includes oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP, and palatal implants. However, some remedies may be done at home to manage the condition.

Sleep on the Side

One cause of snoring is the falling backward of the tongue to the airway, so sleeping on one side serves as one remedy for the condition. According to Hufftington Post, shifting to the side prevents the fallback of the tongue to the airway; thus, preventing snoring. As per the publication, the person may saw a tennis ball into the front pocket of an old t-shirt. Then, he wears the shirt backwards to bed. It is noted that lying on the back will be uncomfortable to the person that he will shift his position on bed.

Elevate Head of Bed

Elevating the head of the bed also helps manage snoring. According to Everyday Roots, the person can raise the head of his bed about four inches, which may help keep the tongue from falling back and blocking the throat. This way, the airway will be kept patent. The bed can be elevated with wooden blocks, books, or pillows.

Peppermint Mouthwash

Another remedy for snoring is gargling peppermint mouthwash. According to Best Health Magazine, peppermint shrinks the nose and throat lining, which means it has a more favorable effect if the snoring is due to head cold or allergy. To prepare, as per the publication, a drop of peppermint oil is added to a glass of cold water. Also, the solution should only be gargled and not swallowed.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C also helps prevent snoring. According to Dr. Axe’s official website, the vitamin helps prevent airway obstruction; this is due to obstructive sinuses that cause the mouth to open and the uvula to vibrate and lead to snoring. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and relieves inflamed sinuses. Some food sources for the immunity-boosting vitamin include oranges, pineapples, apaya, broccoli, and red bell pepper.

Snoring is caused by anatomical factors like obstruction or enlarged anatomical structures, which may reduce the patency of the person’s airway. In this regard, it is essential to seek medical consult for proper assessment, planning, implementation, education, and evaluation.

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