Snoring does not indicate good sleep. It indicates the presence of an obstruction to the flow of air. It disturbs the quality of sleep of the person and those around them.

The common treatment involves correcting the cause of snoring, such as losing weight, treating nasal congestion, avoiding sleep deprivation and avoiding consumption of alcohol. Other dependable treatment options include upper airway surgery, use of close-fitting mouthpieces and continuous positive airway pressure in which air is pumped into the airway to keep it open.

Sedatives actually worsen the symptoms of snoring as they act on the throat muscles and relax them. It is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the best way to prevent snoring.

Surgery may be recommended when excessive snoring does not lessen with other methods. Upper airway surgery involves the removal of excess tissue from the throat region to open the airway. Another method to open the airway involves shifting the upper and lower jaws forward, shrinking the palate tissue or stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which prevents the tongue from blocking the airway.

Generally, lying on the back increases snoring. It is recommended to sleep on the side as this prevents obstruction of the airways. Lying down with your head elevated slightly can also help prevent snoring.