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How to Stop Snoring (And Is It Sleep Apnea?)

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Understanding Snoring

Snoring is common, but it can also be confusing. Is it just noise, or is it something more? If you or someone you love snores, this guide will help you understand why it happens, how to stop snoring, what it could mean, and when to take the next step.

😴 What Causes Snoring?

Snoring happens when air has trouble moving through your nose, throat, or mouth while you sleep. The soft tissues vibrate, creating sound. This can be caused by:

Sleeping on your back
Nasal congestion or allergies
Relaxed throat muscles (from alcohol or sleep aids)
Extra weight around the neck

Sometimes snoring is harmless. Other times, it’s a sign your body is working too hard to breathe at night.

🫁 Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea

Not all snoring is sleep apnea. But many people with sleep apnea do snore loudly, and often. The key difference?

Snoring is sound.
Sleep apnea includes pauses in breathing that can harm your health.

If you snore and also feel tired during the day, wake up gasping, or have headaches in the morning, it could be more than just snoring.

🚨 When Should You Be Concerned?

Simple snoring may be annoying, but it's usually not dangerous. However, you should take action if:

Your snoring is loud enough to be heard through walls
You feel exhausted or foggy during the day
You’ve been told you stop breathing in your sleep

These are common signs of sleep apnea, a condition that affects both your sleep and your long-term health.

🛏️ How to Stop Snoring

For many people, small changes can make a big difference. Here are a few things to try:

Sleep on your side instead of your back
Limit alcohol before bed
Maintain a healthy weight
Try a nasal rinse or nasal strips

These tips help with simple snoring. But if symptoms persist, it’s worth checking if something deeper is going on.

🔍 Not Sure If It’s More Than Snoring?

That’s where ClaraWell™ comes in. Our quick assessment can help you understand if your snoring might be linked to sleep apnea, how to stop snoring naturally, and what to do next.

Wondering if your snoring could be something more? ClaraWell™ can walk you through a quick assessment to help you understand your potential risk, how to stop snoring, and what steps to take next.

Take the Risk Test Now

ClaraWell™ is here to help—every step of the way to better sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does snoring always mean I have sleep apnea?

No, not always. Many people snore without having sleep apnea. However, if your snoring is loud, happens every night, or comes with tiredness during the day, it might be a sign of something more.

Can I stop snoring naturally?

Yes. Learning how to stop snoring often starts with simple changes like sleeping on your side, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding alcohol before bed. These steps can reduce snoring for many people and improve overall sleep quality.

What’s the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring is the sound of air moving through a narrowed airway. Sleep apnea includes full or partial pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep and can affect your health.

Are there any products that help with snoring?

Some nasal strips, special pillows, and mouthguards can help reduce snoring. If your snoring is tied to sleep apnea, though, a medical assessment is recommended.

When should I talk to my doctor about snoring?

If your snoring is loud, happens often, or comes with daytime tiredness or gasping during sleep, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor—or take a risk assessment first.

Medically Reviewed

Last reviewed on March 30, 2025

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