Snoring is one of the most common ailments in the United States today – according to the National Sleep Foundation, more than one out of every four Americans deals with snoring, and more than 37 million people snore on a regular basis.

If you are one of these people, or have to share a bed or home with a snorer, snoring has probably led to some restless nights in your home. Fortunately, there are many remedies that can help reduce or even eliminate snoring. Which treatment is the best? Well, that really depends on what is causing your snoring. Here are the best options, based on why you’re snoring in the first place:

Better health habits

Are you overweight? If you snore, there’s a great chance the answer is yes. Overweight individuals snore far more often than anyone else. Smokers and those who drink alcohol before bed are also more likely to snore.

Alleviate any sinus problems

Snoring occurs when air has trouble passing freely through your airway. If you have sinus issues, you are partially blocking your airway, which leads to snoring. In this case, an antihistamine to alleviate allergies or a decongestant to clear your nasal passages can help you stop.

Change your sleep positioning

People who sleep on their back are more likely to snore than side or stomach sleepers: when you lie on your back, your throat muscles relax, which blocks your airway.

Get treated for sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of snoring, and many people aren’t even aware they suffer from the disorder. Of the estimated 22 million people afflicted with sleep apnea, 80 percent of moderate to severe cases are undiagnosed. If you snore regularly, it’s highly possible you have sleep apnea and don’t know it.

Aside from recurrent snoring, other symptoms of sleep apnea include: constant drowsiness during the day; waking up at night gasping for breath or chocking; waking up with a sore throat; and morning headaches.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, there are multiple treatments available, such as breathing machines and mouthpieces. But the first step is to get properly diagnosed. Your dentist can examine you for sleep apnea, and even provide treatment options for you. To read more about dental habits and making sure to go, please download our free eBook below titled "6 Tips to Get Your Family to the Dentist!"