How to Stop Snoring: Treatment Options That Can Help

5 days ago

2 min read

By: Dr. Madeleine Samuelson Herman, MD, MPH, FAAOA

The best treatment for snoring depends on why you are snoring in the first place. For some people, simple lifestyle changes may make a significant difference. For others, treating nasal obstruction, using an oral appliance, treating sleep apnea, or addressing an anatomical problem may be necessary.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea causing disruption

Here are some common treatment options:

1. Make Lifestyle Changes

Simple changes can sometimes reduce snoring. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet may help reduce excess tissue around the airway.

It can also help to avoid alcohol and sedative medications before bedtime, as these can relax the muscles of the throat and make snoring worse.

For some people, changing sleep position can help. Sleeping on your side rather than your back may prevent the tongue and soft tissues from falling backward and narrowing the airway.

2. Improve Nasal Breathing

A stuffy or obstructed nose can contribute to snoring by making it more difficult to breathe comfortably during sleep.

Depending on the cause, options may include:

Saline nasal rinses or sprays to reduce congestion and improve nasal comfort
Nasal strips that gently pull the nasal passages open
Nasal dilators or nose cones that help support the nasal airway
Treatment for underlying allergies or chronic nasal inflammation

If you continue to have difficulty breathing through your nose despite these measures, an ENT evaluation can help determine whether there is a structural problem such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal valve narrowing, or nasal polyps.

3. Mandibular Advancement Devices

A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an oral appliance that holds the lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This can help keep the airway open and may reduce snoring.

These devices can be helpful for some people with primary snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They are typically fitted by a qualified dental or sleep professional.

4. CPAP Therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea.

A CPAP machine uses a mask to deliver a continuous flow of air that helps keep the airway open during sleep. When sleep apnea is causing snoring, effective CPAP treatment can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring while also treating the underlying breathing disorder.