Snoring is one of the most common sleep disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. It can disrupt sleep, cause daytime fatigue, and even lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
While there are several conventional remedies for snoring, such as surgery, medication, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), they don’t work for everyone. However, there are some unexpected remedies for snoring that you can try to alleviate the problem. Here are ten of them:.
1. Playing the Didgeridoo
Playing the didgeridoo, the wind instrument indigenous to Australia, is a natural remedy for snoring. It involves circular breathing, which strengthens the muscles of the throat and tongue, reducing snoring.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that regular didgeridoo playing reduced snoring severity by an average of 50 percent.
2. Using a Tennis Ball
Using a tennis ball may seem like an odd snoring remedy, but it can be effective. It involves sewing a tennis ball onto the back of your pajama top or wearing a fanny pack with a tennis ball inside.
When you roll onto your back while sleeping, the ball will create discomfort, prompting you to turn onto your side and reducing snoring.
3. Singing
Singing is not only a fun activity, but it’s also a natural snoring remedy. It strengthens the muscles of the throat and palate, reducing snoring.
A study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease found that regular singing reduced snoring frequency and intensity.
4. Sleeping on a Wedge Pillow
Sleeping on a wedge pillow can alleviate snoring caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the throat.
A wedge pillow elevates the upper body, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux and snoring.
5. Drinking Pineapple Juice
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is known for reducing inflammation and swelling. Drinking pineapple juice daily can reduce inflammation in the throat, reducing snoring.
A study published in the journal “Sleep and Breathing” found that drinking pineapple juice reduced snoring severity by 41 percent.
6. Using Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus, have anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant properties that can alleviate snoring.
You can diffuse these oils in a diffuser or humidifier, inhale them directly, or apply them topically to the chest or neck area.
7. Doing Yoga
Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and improve breathing, which can alleviate snoring. Certain yoga poses, such as the cobra, cat-cow, and downward-facing dog, strengthen the muscles of the throat and tongue, reducing snoring.
8. Sleeping with a Humidifier
Dry air can irritate the throat, causing snoring. Sleeping with a humidifier can add moisture to the air, reducing snoring. It can also alleviate congestion, making it easier to breathe.
9. Eating Honey
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat, reducing snoring. Eating a spoonful of honey before bed or adding it to tea can also soothe a sore throat.
10. Practicing Tongue Exercises
Tongue exercises, such as pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth and sliding it backward or sticking the tongue out as far as possible and holding it there, can strengthen the muscles of the tongue, reducing snoring.
Conclusion
Snoring can be a frustrating and disruptive sleep disorder that affects both the snorer and their bed partner. While conventional remedies like surgery, medication, and CPAP machines are available, they don’t work for everyone.
The ten unexpected remedies for snoring mentioned in this article, such as playing the didgeridoo, using a tennis ball, singing, sleeping on a wedge pillow, drinking pineapple juice, using essential oils, doing yoga, sleeping with a humidifier, eating honey, and practicing tongue exercises, are some natural, safe, and effective ways to alleviate snoring. If you or your partner snore, try implementing these remedies before seeking professional medical help.