Sleep Experts Urge Side Sleeping to Cut Snoring, Flagging OSA Risk From 1 Key Symptom Pattern
Updated
Updated · Ideal Home · Aug 2
Sleep Experts Urge Side Sleeping to Cut Snoring, Flagging OSA Risk From 1 Key Symptom Pattern
3 articles · Updated · Ideal Home · Aug 2
Summary
Three sleep experts said side sleeping is one of the most effective ways to reduce snoring because back sleeping lets the tongue and throat tissues fall backward and narrow the airway.
Pillow setup is central to making that switch stick: a medium-to-high loft pillow that keeps the head, neck and spine aligned can help keep the airway open without forcing the neck.
Body pillows may help people stay on their side longer by stopping them rolling onto their back, making them useful when snoring worsens with sleep position.
Experts said snorers should also look for triggers such as alcohol, allergies and excess weight, which can all further tighten the upper airway during sleep.
Loud, irregular snoring with long pauses in breathing could signal obstructive sleep apnoea, and experts advised seeking a GP assessment because untreated OSA raises cardiovascular risk.