Millions around the world deal with snoring, an annoying and troublesome affliction that interrupts your sleep or that of others. In many cases this may be an annoyance, but sometimes it can be an indicator of a serious health problem. Do you know somebody who snores? Use these tips to help with this condition.

Seriously think about quitting smoking if you snore and are a smoker. When you smoke, your throat’s back tissues may become irritated and cause your throat to swell. One of the main causes of snoring is an inflamed throat.

Many people have found that sleeping in an upright position helps to combat snoring. Prop yourself up with an extra pillow or two. This prevents drainage from accumulating in the nasal passages; instead, it becomes easier to breathe. This will prevent most snoring.

Illegal drugs should not be used. The use of illicit depressants can often lead to snoring problems. Marijuana, for example, is a drug that relaxes the body. Any type of pain killer can have the same result. You may enjoy feeling relaxed before you sleep, but you may pay by snoring later.

Lessen snoring by sleeping with your head elevated. A thick pillow will support your head allowing your air passages to remain open. If necessary, use two or three pillows to get the desired elevation. Doing this will keep the head upright. As a result, your airflow will be increased, and your snoring can be prevented or reduced.

To help minimize your snoring, make sure you get good quality exercise. Exercising helps you breathe more evenly, which can reduce snoring in some people. The exercise is vital to the respiratory system staying in shape, however, it greatly reduces stress. If you are stressed out, it can change how you breathe, as well. This can increase your risk of snoring.

One way to reduce or prevent your snoring is with a snoring treatment that you can purchase over-the-counter. Speak with your pharmacist to find out which remedies are the safest and most effective. They know about all of them, from sprays to strips, and will be able to find you an affordable alternative to prescriptions. The medicines counteract the swelling, and other factors that narrow your air passages.

Reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption, if you are bothered by snoring. Another way that you can help diminish snoring is to stay away from pills or antihistamines in the later hours of the night. With regular consumption, all of these products increase the likelihood of snoring, because the muscle relaxation they induce may narrow your air passages.

You should check the side effects of whatever medications you take, if you’re having trouble with snoring. Some medications dry nasal membranes which makes them swell and impede the flow of air. Other medicines can have a sedative effect, that makes your throat muscles relax so much that you cannot get enough air when you sleep.

Avoid strenuous physical activity immediately before bed. Physical exertion causes shortness of breath, contributing to pesky and potentially dangerous snoring problems. Exercising can leave you short of breath, which will constrict your airways.

As you have seen, snoring is usually just an annoyance, but it can also indicate something more serious. Anyone who is concerned about their snoring needs to have it checked out right away. Paired with proper medical treatment, the advice above should help you finally get some proper rest.