Snoring is a wheezing, sighing noises made through the mouth while a person is sleeping. This sound is made by the vibration (breathing causes it to vibrate) of the soft palate which is the rear of the roof of the mouth. Men snore more frequently than women. Most snorers are overweight men between the ages of 30 and 50. And snoring usually gets worse with advancing age. Children also snore at times (usually because of enlarged adenoids or tonsils).

Causes:

• Snoring generally occurs while sleeping on the back. The mouth falls open and the snoring begins.
• Snoring can develop as a result of allergies during or following hay fever time or after colds.
• The more overweight a person is, the more likely he or she will snore. Added bulkiness in the throat can contribute to blocked airways, causing snoring.
• Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bedtime. These can cause the muscles in your throat to become too relaxed.
• Stop drinking alcohol at least 3 hours before bedtime. Alcohol is a depressant that can have a very relaxing effect on your throat muscles.
• Smoking causes the soft palate (not to relax) to swell, also narrowing the nasopharynx.

Natural Remedies:

• Sleep on your side, not on your back.
• Sleep without a pillow. Pillow tends to elevate your head and increase snoring.
• Prop up the head of your bed by 2-4 inches, you can do this by putting blocks under the front legs of your bed, with the bed elevated, your airway is positioned more appropriately. This will reduce snoring.

• Nasal congestion can often cause snoring; you can prevent this by taking a hot steam shower before bed and apply a mentholated balm, such as vapor rub, to the throat and chest. Another way to reduce congestion before bedtime is by deep breathing steam through your nose. Eucalyptus oil can be used as a steam inhalation to help clear a short-term congestion problem.
• Homeopathy is another option. Homeopathic formula containing Nux vomica, Belladonna, Hydrastis canadensis, Kabichromiucum, Teucrium marum and other compounds significantly decreased snoring after just one night of use.
• Reflexology is also used very effectively to stimulate organs, especially in the elimination process. For this reason it is very good for clearing congestion if this is thought to be at the root of the snoring problem.

If the above remedies don't work another option is buy your spouse earplugs to wear at night.