Snoring usually starts when air can't flow freely through your nose and throat, a problem that's often easily remedied once you peg its cause. Learn how to shush that nighttime noise with help from naturopathic physician Emma Baker.
The Cause
Allergies
Snoring Solution
Keeping your home clear of allergens such as dust and pet dander should help unblock your nasal passages. Running an air purifier in your bedroom can also help.
The Cause
Food sensitivities
Snoring Solution
Like allergies, food sensitivities can leave your nose stuffed up and snore-ready. Ask your doctor about undergoing an elimination diet (a process of cutting out suspected foods for several weeks, then reintroducing them one by one).
The Cause
Sleep position
Snoring Solution
Most people snore while on their backs; try using a body pillow that keeps you propped on your side. Or place a tennis ball in a tube sock, then safety-pin it to the back of your pajama top to stop you from rolling over in your sleep.
The Cause
Structural problems
Snoring Solution
Certain hands-on therapists can open your airways. Baker suggests finding an experienced chiropractor, osteopath, craniosacral specialist, or naturopath for this form of manipulation.
I know this sounds crazy but it works! My husband and I put a little coconut oil in our nasal passages each night before bed. It lubricates the airways, and my husband says whereas I used to snore some, I no longer do! We advocate coconut oil for so many things... what a blessing we tried this and it worked, too!
What about sleep apnea? It would be important to discuss your snoring with your physician.
We put a section of a 4" x 4" under each of the feet of the headboard, thereby raising the head of the bed approximately 4". This has not only reduced my husband's snoring but also lowered both of our incidences of indigestion. I occasionally slide down the bed a bit though during the night!