Conclusion: Stop Snoring

As you know, snoring is a serious problem; both for snorers, and for those who live with (and love!) snorers.  And you also know, in case you had any doubt when you started this book, that snoring is somewhat more serious than it may appear; those happy floating Z’s aren’t quite so harmless after all!

Yet, as the old saying goes: knowing is half the battle; and you now know, beyond a doubt, that snoring can be treated without resorting to surgical methods. 

Remember, too, that this doesn’t mean that surgery is inherently bad; of course it isn’t.  It has its place; though, for many snorers, that place isn’t at the top of their “possible solutions” list.  Instead, taking up at least the first dozen spots can be the array of non-surgical solutions that have been provided in this book.

The next step for you (whether you’re a snorer, or reading this to help the snoring of someone you live with) is to explore further the particular non-surgical options that could make a lasting impact in your (or your snorer’s) life. 

Here is a quick recap of the numerous non-surgical remedies that can literally transform an unbearable problem into a non-issue almost immediately!

ü Drug therapies (both medicated and “pseudo” medicated, such as saline sprays)

ü Monitoring potential food allergies that lead to congestion and breathing difficulties

ü Losing excess weight to tone the skin around the neck and chin

ü Using the Sandler Pillow to shift sleeping position

ü Using Nasal Sprays to open up the airway

ü Using Nasal Dilators to open up the airway

ü Using Snore Balls to prevent sleeping on the back

ü Using a Sleep Position monitor to prevent sleeping on the back

ü Using a Mandible Advancement Appliance (MAA) to move the jaw back and open up the airway

ü Using a Tongue Retraining Appliance/Tongue Retraining Device (TRD) to prevent the tongue from habitually shifting back to its obstructive position

ü Using a Thornton Adjustable Appliance (TAA) to adjust the jaw so that the airway stays open

ü Using a Palate Lifter to prevent the soft tissue from obstructing the airway and thus leading to snoring

ü Using a CPAP appliance to open the airway

ü Using a “Snore Stopper” device to remind the snorer when he/she is sleeping on his/her back

ü Performing simple and effective throat exercises

ü Creating a soothing and stress free sleeping environment

ü Taking advantage of an array of alternative therapy options, including homeopathic, naturopathic, Chinese medicine, magnetic therapy, and other promising treatment options

As always, it’s necessary that you use your own judgment and common sense when researching and possibly purchasing and using an anti-snoring product and/or service (such as acupuncture, for example). 

It’s also good advice to obtain several opinions to ensure that well-meaning medical experts are not unintentionally persuading to pick a particular option that works best for them. 

The solution that you choose for yourself, or for someone that you live with, must be unique and suited to your (or your beloved snorer’s) specific lifestyle needs, preferences, and tolerances.  For example, some people simply won’t be able to use a snore ball; but nasal strips could be their (and your!) ticket out of sleeping madness. 

Talk to medical professionals, and read product reviews; remember, too, that even within a particular device or remedy, several different brands may exist, and each one may offer something slightly different (i.e. the device may be available in different materials, the spray may be available in different potencies, and so on). 

Clearly, as you know now, there are a myriad of non-surgical anti-snoring choices waiting for you to explore, and to benefit from for the long-term (snore free) future.

Knowing really is half the battle; the other half is taking action.  Now, armed with the knowledge that you need to move ahead, you can plan your solutions, and see the light at the end of that tunnel of Z’s. 

WEBSITES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Several informative websites provide medically sound information that can help you develop a more accurate understanding of what snoring is, and potential treatment options. 

If you decide to surf the net and find more information related to snoring, please do keep in mind that some websites are sponsored by medical companies or have other interests.  This, of course, doesn’t necessarily mean that the information these sites provide is not useful or discredited.  It just means that it’s wise to ensure that the information you’re reading is objective. 

To that end, the websites provided below are exclusively government and/or non-profit institution administered.  They are provided in alphabetical order (i.e. they are not ranked).

Website Address Description
Help guide www.helpguide.org/aging/snoring.htm Help guide is a useful, non-commercial website that provides snoring information.  Tips for treatment and strategies for coping with a snorer are provided.
 

Website Address Description
Medline Plus (by the US. National Library of Medicine and the U.S. National Institutes of Health) www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/snoring.htm Medline Plus provides easy-to-understand information on snoring, as well as links to articles and organizations that can provide more focused information (e.g. snoring for children, Sleep Apnea, etc.).
National Sleep Foundation www.sleepfoundation.org The National Sleep Foundation is a nonprofit organization that (as you guessed) provides all kinds of sleep-related information, including a section on snoring and Sleep Apnea.
 

Website Address Description
Web-Based Health and Education Foundation  (WHEF)  www.healthandage.com  Healthandage.com (funded by the non-profit organization WHEF) provides a variety of snoring and sleep-related documents via its “Sleep Disorder Center” (choose “Health Centers from the menu on the left, and then “Sleep Disorders) from the menu on the right).

World Federation of Sleep Research & Sleep Medicine Societies www.wfsrsms.org/index.aspx A number of national sleep research centers, including those in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia, are affiliated with this “umbrella” federation.  You can find research materials on virtually every aspect of sleep/sleep disorders, and links to national sleep federation websites.