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It has been estimated that as many as 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, and some 25 percent are persistent snorers. Males are more frequently habitual snorers than women and overweight persons are more prone to having the problem. All persons find the problem grows worse with age.

What causes snoring?

When you inhale, the free flow of air is obstructed in the upper part of your throat and windpipe, creating the noisy sounds of snoring. This obstruction occurs when dangling tissues vibrate when inhaling. The source of the problem depends on which tissues are impeding the airflow.

During a cold, a person's nasal passage can become temporarily swollen, and snoring may occur. The bell-like portion at the back of the throat that hangs down is known as the uvula and can be larger than normal, causing snoring. In addition, large tonsils, adenoids, or tongue can be the cause of snoring. Some persons have a very small jaw, poor muscle tone around the airway, or excess fat pressing on the airway, exacerbating the problem.

Is snoring a serious health risk?

Although snoring is usually not life-threatening, physicians specializing in sleep medicine take snoring seriously. A person that snores heavily should have an examination of the throat, mouth, palate, tongue and neck. Snoring is disruptive to family life. It also disturbs sleeping patterns, preventing restful sleep. There is also evidence that snorers develop high blood pressure earlier in life.

Although most snorers do not have obstructive sleep apnea, all persons with obstructive sleep apnea are heavy snorers. See sleep apnea.

Is there a cure for snoring?

The majority of snorers can find help. For the mild or occasional snorer, the following self-help remedies have proven helpful.

•  Elevate the head of the bed at least four inches by installing the Sleepcliner ™ bed elevating   system, rather than by placing blocks under the headboard, which is commonly recommended.
  
  For more information about the Sleepcliner click here. 
  
  For purchase information on the Sleepcliner click here.

•  Adopt a healthy lifestyle with daily exercise, good muscle tone and a healthy weight.

•  Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills and anithistamines at bedtime.

•  Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially within four hours of bedtime.

•  Quit smoking.

•  Avoid eating heavily within three hours of bedtime.

•  Go to bed at the same time each night and get a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep.

•  Sleep on your side rather than on your back. Sew a pocket on the back of your pajama top to hold a tennis ball, making it uncomfortable to sleep on your back.

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