Prevent Snoring

Natural Methods for

Prevention of

Snoring

The following information is about natural methods for promoting health.

Most of these methods are not the same as those used by doctors.

Seek advice from health professionals when appropriate.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring is a natural mechanism of the body, which prevents the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the body becoming too low. Everybody has the potential to snore.

The living body is in a continual state of dynamic equilibrium. Many different substances are maintained at appropriate levels for life and health. If there is an increase or decrease in any of these substances, the body has mechanisms to correct the situation.

Too much carbon dioxide in the body is harmful, and very large amounts may even cause death. However, as the amount of carbon dioxide in the body increases, the breathing rate and heart rate increase, correcting the situation.

Too little carbon dioxide in the body may also be harmful, and has many different effects. Consider one example. Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood causes constriction of blood vessels. This can be demonstrated by deliberately breathing deeper and faster than normal, or hyperventilating. When a person does this, they feel dizzy. This is because constriction of blood vessels in the brain causes reduced oxygen supply to the brain.

Warning: Excessive hyperventilation may cause fainting.

Warning: People with asthma should avoid hyperventilating, as it may cause an asthma attack.

If a person breathed excessively while sleeping, and the level of carbon dioxide remained too low, constriction of blood vessels in the brain, and inadequate oxygen supply to the brain, may cause brain damage. However, the body has a mechanism to prevent this, which is snoring.

Prevention of Snoring

Snoring can be prevented by maintaining an appropriate level of carbon dioxide in the body.

Breathe Through the Nose

Snoring normally occurs while breathing with the mouth open, and can usually be prevented by keeping the mouth closed, and breathing through the nose.

Everybody should get into the habit of breathing with their mouth closed. This is the correct way to breathe. There are exceptions, such as while doing intense exercise.

Keep the Mouth Closed While Sleeping

Some people may overcome snoring by getting into the habit of breathing with their mouth closed. However, while sleeping, others may open their mouth and begin to snore.

This can be prevented by any method which keeps their mouth closed while sleeping. Following are examples of ways this may be done.

Tie a ribbon under the chin and around the top of the head to keep the mouth closed while sleeping.

Remove the straps from an old bicycle helmet, and set them up so they can be strapped on the head and under the chin to keep the mouth closed while sleeping.

Tie a pillow on the upper chest, under the chin. Consider a semi-circular pillow, or a donut shaped pillow around the neck, ideally thicker at the front.

Get some adhesive tape, a type which can be easily be removed, and stick it on the mouth to keep it closed.

There are products being marketed to prevent snoring. If they prevent breathing with the mouth open, they should normally be beneficial. However, some of these products are expensive. You may want to use one of the less expensive methods.

Aerobic Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise increases a person's fitness, and reduces the likelihood of snoring. All types of aerobic exercise are beneficial. However, the best type of exercise to reduce the likelihood of snoring is swimming.

People not in the habit of regular exercise should begin with gentle exercise, and increase gradually as their fitness level improves.

Send this information to someone who may benefit.