In addition to a custom made oral appliance to help reduce the symptoms of snoring, Dr. Jeffrey Robertson may recommend some behavior modifications to help reduce snoring as well.
We do not completely understand every reason for snoring. However, we do know that certain behaviors and conditions increase the likelihood that you will snore. Some of the more preventable behaviors include alcohol use, being overweight, and the use of sleeping pills.
Reduce Your Snoring
Losing weight and minimizing or eliminating the use of drugs and alcohol can dramatically improve your symptoms. Extra weight, alcohol use, and use of sleeping pills all increase the pressure on your throat from excess weight or from being overly relaxed. That pressure is what creates the loud vibrations.
It may seem impossible to lose weight, but even a small weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight can have a positive effect on your overall health and the symptoms of snoring.
Patients often express concerns over giving up alcohol, but alcohol actually interrupts your sleep. You may think you sleep better when you have a few drinks, but scientific studies show your rest is not as deep or satisfying.
When people give up sleeping pills, they often have a short adjustment period where their bodies return to normal and no longer depend on sleeping pills for sleep, but the withdrawal symptoms are generally over quickly.
If you would like more advice about how to reduce or eliminate your snoring, call our office today at (714) 908-7472 and we will be happy to help