Snoring is one of the most common and unpleasant problems many people face, and while generally not dangerous, it can lead to sleep deprivation for the snorer and their partner. Instead of installing weird gadgets in your home or wearing those uncomfortable masks on your face, why not try these 11 natural remedies, which may finally lead to a quiet night for both you and your loved ones.
What causes snoring? Snoring is a result of obstructed airways during sleep, but not all snores are created equal. It’s important to differentiate between the 2 major types of snores:
Snoring caused by congestion: This is the most common cause of snoring, and can affect those who don’t snore regularly too. It happens when your airways are obstructed by mucus or phlegm.
Snoring caused by sleep apnea: In some cases, snoring can be beneficial by warning us of potential sleep apnea (when you stop breathing temporarily during your sleep). In such cases, snoring is a result of the body’s reflexive gagging for the air that it is being deprived of.
What can be done to stop the snoring? There are various treatments meant to stop snoring. They vary from medication, to devices worn during your sleep and even, in extreme cases, surgery. But instead of running to your doctor, you can try these 11 natural remedies that might be able to stop or reduce the severity of the problem:
One of the most effective ways to prevent snoring is by keeping your airways clear. This spray is a great substitute from the one you buy at the store and it contains only natural ingredients.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Mix salt in boiled water and allow to cool.
2. Use 2-3 drops in each nostril before bed.
Important: Replace the content of the bottle every 5 days. Using old solvent can damage your nose.
Mint oil has many anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflamed nose tissue which causes increased production of mucus. This remedy is only relevant to congestion-related snoring.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Drip 2-3 drops on your finger and rub along the sides of your nostrils.
2. If you’re very congested, put 4-5 drops of mint oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
Recent research shows that green tea has a positive effect on people who suffer from sleep apnea.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Prepare a cup of green tea - allow the tea bag or infuser to remain in the water for at least 7 minutes.
2. Drink the tea before you go to bed to help reduce snoring and improve the quality of your sleep.
In some cases, snoring occurs due to excess tissue at the back of the nose or throat. That tissue creates a minor blockage in the airways, causing snoring. Olive oil serves as a lubricant, reducing the obstruction, leading to a reduction in snoring.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Take 3 small sips of olive oil before bed.
Sage has many medicinal benefits, including natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. By reducing nasal inflammation, sage helps reduce nasal blockages and its antibacterial properties help prevent future inflammation.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Place the sage leaves in the boiling water and let it sit for 7 minutes.
2. Remove leaves and allow the water to cool.
3. Add apple vinegar.
4. Gargle the water for 30 seconds before bed.
When we’re sleep-deprived or just exhausted, our muscles become more lax, which causes increased snoring. Thyme oil can be beneficial in such cases.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Mix the thyme and vegetable oil together.
2. Apply the oil mixture to your feet before bed.
Eucalyptus oil is fantastic at decongesting, clearing your nasal pathways, and giving you a snore-free sleep.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Add eucalyptus oil to pot.
3. Place your head above the pot and use the towel to create a “tent” over it.
4. Inhale the steam through your mouth and nose for instant nasal relief.
Ginger is fantastic at preventing a noisy night. Aside from its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, ginger also increases saliva production which provides lubrication for the nasal pathways and your throat, allowing air to pass through, unobstructed.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Add the ginger and let the pot simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Turn the heat off, cover the pot and wait for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the ginger, add the honey and stir will.
5. Drink the tea before bed.
Research shows that passion fruit flowers have calming effects, aiding in a deeper, more relaxed sleep, which in turn reduces the likeliness of sleep apnea.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Boil the water and add the tea bag.
2. Allow to sit for 7 minutes.
3. Drink the tea before bed to enjoy a calm, quiet sleep.
Strong, aromatic foods like garlic, onion and horseradish can help prevent snoring by drying out your nose, reducing congestion. Some claim that these foods also reduce swelling in your tonsils, preventing sleep apnea.
You will need:
Preparation & use:
1. Chew the garlic/onion/horseradish before bed (if you don’t mind the smell), or add it to your dinner.
One of the best ways to prevent sleep apnea is to improve the quality of your sleep – this can be achieved by increasing the amount of melatonin (the hormone which makes us sleepy) your body produces. One of the most effective and recommended ways to increase melatonin production is to eat foods that contain high amounts of it:
BONUS TIP: Strengthen your swallowing muscles
In many cases, snoring is caused by the tongue dropping back into the throat, blocking the airways (which is very dangerous). To prevent this from happening, you might want to consider a short, daily exercise to strengthen the swallowing muscles.
Here's How: Keep your mouth closed, push your tongue against your lower teeth for 30 seconds. (Repeat 5 times).
Open your mouth, move your jaw to the right and hold it in place for 30 seconds, then do the same action to the left.
Face a mirror and open your mouth. Work the swallowing muscles for 30 seconds. If you see the uvula moving – you’re working the right muscles.