Does snoring wake you up in the middle of the night? Have you been awakened by a significant other, complaining about your loud snoring? Snoring can be a temporary condition or it can be the symptom of something much more serious, obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is prevalent in as many as an estimated 18 million Americans. This statistic denotes that approximately 1 in every 15 Americans, or approximately 6.62% of the total population has a case of sleep apnea. While a physician is needed for proper sleep apnea treatment, these tips will help you with snoring treatment.
Adjust your pillow height
Adjusting where your head is can also change your snoring habits. Since it can be difficult to test this yourself, use the assistance of your significant other. Test out different levels each night and have them report on your snoring from the previous night. Although this is not an entirely accurate method for reducing snoring, it can help to minimize the symptoms and improve sleep for others. There are also pillows available that are said to reduce snoring, because of how they are designed.
Use over the counter clearing devices
Snoring is caused by a blockage in the nasal area. There are many over the counter products that clear up this area, thus reducing the snoring. Try a couple of these products and see which one works best. You will also find that over the counter insomnia treatments promote a deeper sleep, which can also give you a snoring treatment. Just make sure you are clearing any over the counter medications you take with your physician, as they could counteract your prescription medications.
Create a relaxing sleep environment
Sometimes, stress and anxiety can lead to reduced sleep. When your body gets overly tired, it could cause excessive snoring. More than half of Americans lose sleep due to stress and anxiety. Avoid technology use when in the bedroom. Reduce the temperature in your room a couple of degrees before going to bed. Avoid working or doing homework on the bed. You want to associate your bedroom with a relaxing and quiet environment that will help you sleep easier.
Focus on chronic pain treatments
Dealing with chronic pain can also reduce your sleep quality. If you regularly deal with chronic migraines, seek migraine headache treatment from your physician. If you have a chronic back pain, make sure you are receiving the proper medical treatment. Even undiagnosed dental problems can prevent you from getting a good night of sleep. If pain is keeping you up, make sure you are working with your physician to reduce it. Chronic pain that reduces sleep can lead to chronic snoring.
Use a CPAP machine
Sometimes, chronic snoring is a lack of sleep or a temporary obstruction. Other times, however, it is caused by sleep apnea. When sleep apnea is a possibility, it is extremely important to work with a physician on proper treatment. On the average night?s sleep, a sleep apnea sufferer may experience 60 apneas per hour. This accounts for an average of 400 apneas per night. Using a CPAP machine can be a very effective snoring treatment, as long as it is used every night. Work with your physician on getting a sleep apnea diagnosis, so you can get a CPAP machine for snoring treatment.
Millions of Americans snore on a nightly basis. Snoring is not always a medical problem, but it can indicate sleep apnea. While you are looking for an effective snoring treatment, you will want to work closely with your physician. Find out what works, while also improving your sleep apneas.