Want To Stop Snoring? Here are 3 Ways That Work

45 percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally and 25 percent are habitual snorers according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology - head and neck surgery.

You would most probably have a friend, relative, significant other or acquaintance who makes that (most times) annoying guttural sound while asleep. Though a totally physical occurrence, the effects on the 'victims' are more psychological than physical.

As 'mere' as snoring sounds (pun intended), it has been the cause of not a few relationship hiccups and interpersonal problems. Also, as mentioned earlier, one of its psychological effects is that it reduces one's productivity rate as a result of not getting enough sleep.

Now, why is there a need to start off with the reality that is snoring? And why should you bother to know how to stop snoring or, if you do snore, want to stop snoring? It is so that you can appreciate that snoring is not to be toyed with. But more importantly, that it can (and should) be cured.

The first step is to identify what kind of snorer you are (yes, snoring has categories) and then deal with it accordingly. The following will help you through that

1. If you snore with the mouth closed, make lifestyle changes

In the case of people like this, the tongue is the cause of the snoring. How to stop snoring: Make some changes to your lifestyle and start exercising. One of the lifestyle changes you need to make is to take less alcohol and bring the fatty food intake down a notch. This is because alcohol may increase your snoring by making your throat muscles relax thereby impeding the free flow of air through your nostrils. Fatty foods also have a similar impact by pushing up on your diaphragm.

2. If you snore with your mouth open, change your  sleeping posture

For those who snore with the mouth open, this is usually caused by sinus trouble or by a particular posture in bed. How to stop snoring is to try changing your sleeping posture. If you snore, sleeping on your back is not really the best sleeping posture for you. Try sleeping on your side and if you are an unrepentant 'back sleeper' like me, it is recommended that you use pillows to prop yourself so you can sleep on your side.

3. If you snore from any position, oh well, consider seeing a doc

Now, if you find that you still snore whichever way you sleep and whether your mouth is open or closed, then it is most probable that you are suffering from an ailment known as apnea which is a term used to describe a state of suspended breathing.

How to stop snoring: You should definitely see a doctor and have yourself thoroughly examined if you fall under this category.

Have anything to add? Kindly do so in the comments section. Your comments might just help someone who wants to stop snoring.