How to Reduce Snoring?
Discover simple and effective ways to reduce snoring and improve your sleep quality. Learn about causes, tips, and when to seek medical advice.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
Snoring is a common issue that affects many people, often disrupting sleep for both the snorer and their loved ones. While occasional snoring is usually harmless, frequent or loud snoring can be a sign of an underlying health issue. The good news is that there are several simple and effective ways to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. This causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the familiar snoring sound. Common causes include:
Sleeping Position – Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse backwards, blocking the airway.
Nasal Congestion – Allergies, colds, or sinus infections can lead to blocked nasal passages.
Excess Weight – Extra tissue around the neck can put pressure on the airway.
Alcohol or Sedatives – These relax throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
Sleep Apnea – A serious condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.
How Does Snoring Affect Health?
While occasional snoring may not be harmful, chronic or loud snoring can lead to:
Poor Sleep Quality – Leading to daytime fatigue and irritability.
Strain on Relationships – Disturbing a partner’s sleep can cause frustration.
Increased Risk of Health Problems – Such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke, especially if linked to sleep apnea.
Consult Top Specialists for Your Condition
Tips to Reduce Snoring
Making certain lifestyle changes and adopting simple strategies can significantly help reduce snoring. Here are some effective tips:
1. Change Your Sleep Position
Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help keep the airway open. Try using a body pillow to discourage rolling onto your back.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing excess weight can reduce fatty tissue in the throat, decreasing snoring. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make nasal secretions stickier, leading to congestion. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4. Clear Nasal Passages
If congestion is the issue, try:
Using a saline nasal spray before bed
Taking a hot shower to open nasal passages
Using a humidifier to keep the air moist
5. Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives Before Bed
These relax throat muscles, increasing snoring. Try to avoid them at least 3-4 hours before bedtime.
6. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
A consistent sleep environment can improve breathing patterns.
Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
7. Try Anti-Snoring Devices
Several devices can help keep airways open during sleep.
Nasal Strips – Help open nasal passages for easier breathing.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) – Adjust the jaw position slightly forward to keep the airway open.
CPAP Machine – For those diagnosed with sleep apnea, provides continuous positive airway pressure.
8. Exercise Throat Muscles
Strengthening throat muscles can reduce snoring. Try:
Singing regularly
Playing wind instruments
Doing tongue and throat exercises like pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth and sliding it backwards
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if:
Your snoring is loud and frequent.
You experience choking or gasping during sleep.
You feel excessively tired during the day.
Your partner notices pauses in your breathing.
These could be signs of sleep apnea, which requires medical attention.
Final Thoughts
Snoring can be annoying, but with simple lifestyle changes, it can often be reduced or eliminated. If self-help methods don’t work, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
If you’re concerned about snoring or suspect sleep apnea, consider booking a consultation with a specialist through Apollo 24|7 for expert guidance and treatment options.
Consult Top ENT Specialists
Consult Top Specialists for Your Condition
Dr Chirayata Basu
Ent Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB (ENT), MNAMS, MRCS (London, UK)
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
Dr. Tanvi Choubey
Ent Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MS (ENT). Fellowship in Head Neck Onco Surgery . Consultant - ENT
Rourkela
Apollo Hospitals, Rourkela, Rourkela
Dr Pujita Bandi
Ent Specialist
10 Years • MBBS, MS ENT, FICS,FAM(Fellowship In Aesthetic Medicine), MBA (Hospital Administration)
Chennai
Apollo Children Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
Dr. Ramya R.
Ent Specialist
10 Years • MBBS MS ENT,HEAD & NECK SURGERY (PGI) FELLOW SLEEP SURGERY (SGH, SINGAPORE) FELLOW, WORLD SLEEP ACADEMY (WSA, WSS)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr. Niraj Vishnu Patil
Ent Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MS (ENT)
Nashik
Apollo Hospitals Nashik, Nashik
Consult Top ENT Specialists
Dr Chirayata Basu
Ent Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB (ENT), MNAMS, MRCS (London, UK)
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
Dr. Tanvi Choubey
Ent Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MS (ENT). Fellowship in Head Neck Onco Surgery . Consultant - ENT
Rourkela
Apollo Hospitals, Rourkela, Rourkela
Dr Pujita Bandi
Ent Specialist
10 Years • MBBS, MS ENT, FICS,FAM(Fellowship In Aesthetic Medicine), MBA (Hospital Administration)
Chennai
Apollo Children Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
Dr. Ramya R.
Ent Specialist
10 Years • MBBS MS ENT,HEAD & NECK SURGERY (PGI) FELLOW SLEEP SURGERY (SGH, SINGAPORE) FELLOW, WORLD SLEEP ACADEMY (WSA, WSS)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr. Niraj Vishnu Patil
Ent Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MS (ENT)
Nashik
Apollo Hospitals Nashik, Nashik
