Snoring is a common problem affecting people of all ages, sizes, and lifestyles. It can be a nuisance for your bed partner, disrupt your sleep, and even lead to serious health issues.
While there are many solutions available like nasal strips, mouth guards, and surgery, some simple exercises can help stop snoring for good. Here are three exercises to try:.
1. Tongue and Throat Exercises
The tongue and throat exercises help to strengthen the muscles involved in snoring and prevent them from vibrating during sleep.
Exercise 1: Simple Tongue Stretch
Sit upright and stick your tongue out as far as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then retract it. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times.
Exercise 2: Tongue Against Palate
Lie down on the bed and touch the roof of your mouth with your tongue. Hold the position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times.
Exercise 3: Throat Exercise
Make a vowel sound (such as “ahh”) with your mouth open and relaxed. Next, attempt to replicate the sound while keeping your mouth closed. Hold the position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times.
2. Jaw Exercises
The muscles in your jaw, chin, and throat can contribute to snoring. The following exercises strengthen these muscles to stop snoring.
Exercise 1: Chin Lifts
Stand upright and facing forward. Push your chin forward while keeping your shoulders straight. Tighten the muscles in the throat and hold the position for a few seconds. Release and repeat five times.
Exercise 2: Jaw Drops
Open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue as far as possible. Hold the position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times.
Exercise 3: Jaw Retraction
With your mouth closed, move your jaw to the right. Hold the position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat on the left side. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times.
3. Breathing Exercises
Learning how to breathe properly can help reduce snoring. Breathing exercises help to clear your airways, improve breathing, and reduce snoring.
Exercise 1: Humming Bee Breath
Sit upright and breathe in deeply through your nose. Exhale slowly while humming like a bee. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 minutes every day.
Exercise 2: Diaphragmatic Breathing
Lie down on the bed, place your right hand on your chest, and your left hand on your stomach. Inhale slowly through your nose, expanding your stomach.
Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth, contracting your stomach muscles. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 minutes daily.
Exercise 3: Alternate Nostril Breathing
Sit upright and inhale deeply through one nostril while closing the other with your finger. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale through the open nostril while closing the other. Repeat with the other nostril.
Do this exercise for 5-10 minutes daily.
Conclusion
Snoring is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one. These three exercises can help you stop snoring for good.
Tongue and throat exercises, jaw exercises, and breathing exercises can all help strengthen muscles, improve airflow, and reduce snoring. With consistent daily practice, these exercises can help you sleep more soundly and enjoy better overall health.