Snoring

Snoring is caused when the sleeper's airway is narrowed. This could have many causes, such as laxed muscles or large tonsils.

Often times, snoring is an indicator of sleep apnea. Just because one snores does not mean he or she has sleep apnea. However, it would be a good idea to get it checked out in case, as it is a major symptom of sleep apnea.

About 25% of adults snore regularly. (1)One may not always be aware that he or she is snoring, but others around will inform the sleeper.

There are many things that can be done to try to improve one's snoring such as:

• Check for Sleep Apnea and Allergies
• Increase bedroom humidity
• Sleep on side
• Lose weight; Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid drinking
• Avoid sleeping pills
• "Subjects with mild cases of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome showed improvement in the severity of their snoring and sleep-disordered breathing using a custom-designed pillow which promoted neck extension. " (2)

(1) "The Wonders of Snoring." New Technology Publishing, Inc., http://www.newtechpub.com. Source: The Phantom Sleep Page www.newtechpub.com/phantom/. URL: http://www.newtechpub.com/phantom/snore/snoring.htm

(2). Kushida, Clete A, Sripad Rao, Christian Guilleminault, Sylvie Giraudo, Janie Hsieh, Pamela Hyde and William C. Dement. "Cervical Positional Effects on Snoring and Apneas." Sleep Research Online 2(1): 7-10, 1999 http://www.sro.org/1999/Kushida/7/ © 1999 WebSciences.