Are you a snorer? Perhaps you’ve snored most of  your life and have now become accustomed to getting an elbow-jab in the side numerous times a night, or repeated requests to “turn over – you’re snoring!” If this sounds familiar, you may think that your nocturnal noises are a normal part of life – a nuisance to your bed partner at the very most.  But what you may not know is that snoring can be an indication of a severe threat to your health!

According to a recent study published in the medical journal Sleep, people who snore loudly have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than people who don’t snore.

Yikes! And you thought it was just an annoying habit!

Let’s take a look to find out more . . .

The Study
Researchers in Hungary interviewed over 12,000 people about their snoring patterns. Thirty-seven percent of men and 21 percent of the women reported that they snored loudly with breathing pauses (as opposed to quieter snoring) as they slept. Of those, 23 percent had high blood pressure, 3 percent had a myocardial infarction and 4 percent had a stroke in the past. At the study’s conclusion, the researchers determined that loud snorers had a 67 percent greater chance of having a stroke and were 34 percent more likely to have a heart attack in the future.

Even if you aren’t bothered by your own snoring, you should take steps to stop it from happening. Try this advice for soundless slumber:

Get enough sleep. The experts agree that seven to nine hours of sleep a night is ideal, and that people should try to go to bed and wake up at the same time.

Lose weight. Obesity has long been linked to an increased likelihood of snoring, so make an effort to shed any extra pounds.

Change your sleeping position. Stop sleeping on your back! The ideal position is on your side, the better to keep your airways open and decrease the volume of your snoring.

Seek all-natural cold relief. Many over-the-counter cold medicines contain sedatives, which can make snoring worse. Instead, try Echinacea or zinc supplements, which may help reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. Also, the application of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oils under the nose or on the chest can help open clogged nasal pathways.

By taking steps to reduce your snoring habit, you’ll be on your way to a longer, healthier life. And let’s not forget a happier life for those you share your bed with!