Snoring is usually caused when people breathe through their mouth while sleeping with the tongue in an incorrect position within the oral structure and blocking their airway. The snorer as well as their family will feel irritable and cranky due to lack of sleep. To eliminate snoring there are some things that can be done.

Most snorers tend to be middle-aged overweight men. The majority of women snorers are usually past menopause. Since overweight men make up the biggest part of snorers the first line of defense against snoring would be to lose weight. Doctors have found that just being slightly overweight is enough to cause moderate to heavy snoring and losing weight can ease the loudness of snoring or eliminate it completely. Pregnant women who snore should consult their doctor due to possible lack of oxygen for the mother and baby.

Two other items which may contribute or worsen snoring are drinking alcohol before bed and sedatives. Both of these items relax the tissues around the head and neck which tend to make snoring worse. Antihistamines seem to have the same as effect as alcohol and sleeping pills. Since antihistamines and sedatives are usually prescribed for medical conditions the best remedy here is to sleep alone. Another contributor to snoring is smoking cigarettes. Snoring can also be reduced or eliminated in most cases by quitting smoking.

If you are a snorer you may find relief from snoring by sleeping on your side as most snoring is related to sleeping on your back. One remedy is sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas causing you to be uncomfortable when you lie on your back thus you will move back to sleeping on your side. Any device which will keep the sleeper on their side would work.

Sleep apnea is another reason for snoring. When a person with sleep apnea tries to breathe in air, suction is caused, collapsing the windpipe and the flow of air is blocked. Blood oxygen levels fall and the brain wakes the person up. The person gasps for air and then resumes the snoring. Sleep apnea has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. If you believe you have sleep apnea contact a doctor for a definitive diagnosis.