Snoring is a problem that affects the sleep of millions of people every night. Families and roommates lose sleep over loud snoring, and the snorer is also not really sleeping that well (even though they’re sawing logs!). The low-quality sleep that goes along with snoring can be related to daytime fatigue, sluggishness, memory loss, and various other issues. When snoring occurs, the whole household can suffer.
Snoring is caused by the blockage of airway passages in the nose and throat. When sleeping, the tissues in the neck and throat begin to relax, causing constriction of the airways. When the air can’t get through easily, the tissues tend to vibrate, often creating a very loud noise. Sometimes snoring is caused by a simple cold, allergies, or some other short-term flare up that is only temporary. Other times, snoring may be an indication of other health conditions.
Most people are looking for natural ways to cure snoring without having to take medication. For many people, simple habit and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the impact of snoring on their health and their family’s lost sleep. Essential oils may be a great way to implement healthy sleep habits.
Can Essential Oils Stop Snoring?
Using essential oils to stop snoring is a natural, simple solution for many people. Essentials oils are strong, powerful substances extracted from plants that come in liquid form. Oils can be applied topically (usually diluted with a carrier oil), diffused into the air with a cool mist humidifier, or breathed directly into the nose.
Many of these holistic plant extracts have the medicinal power to reduce swelling or inflammation and open up the breathing passages. If the nasal and throat passages are open, better sleep breathing is promoted, and snoring is less likely to occur.
Essential Oils to Help Stop Snoring
Some essential oils have specific properties that make them particularly useful for stopping snoring.
Thyme Essential Oil for Snoring
Often considered to be the most useful of essential oils that help to reduce snoring, Thyme has been proven through studies to support respiratory health as well as the immune system. Thyme essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the bottoms of the feet (don’t forget the big toe!) at night before going to sleep. Put on a pair of socks after applying to keep the oils contained. Diffusing Thyme essential oil into the air before and during sleep may help to clear breathing passages as well.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Snoring
Commonly known as a cold remedy, Eucalyptus works as a natural decongestant to open up the air passages and help with clear breathing. Eucalyptus can also help to cut through mucus that has a tendency to block breathing passages. Using a cool mist humidifier to breathe in the eucalyptus essential oil in the air is probably the way to the best results. Use each night prior to going to sleep to reduce snoring.
Sage Essential Oil for Snoring
Helping with inflammation in the respiratory tract, Sage essential oil is effective for relief of snoring due to allergies, congestion, sinus infections and other snoring caused by temporary illness. Blend a few drops with a carrier oil and apply directly to the chest prior to going to sleep.
Marjoram Essential Oil for Snoring
Some users of this essential oil have reported that their snoring stopped on the first night that they used it! Others may take a bit longer as each person is different. Marjoram contains antioxidants and other ingredients that stimulate the respiratory system to help open up breathing passages and reduce snoring.
People who snoring caused by sleep apnea may particularly benefit from diffusing this essential oil into the air before and during sleep. If you don’t have a diffuser, simply take 8-10 deep sniffs from the bottle before getting ready for bed. Some people find that putting a small dab of Marjoram oil on their upper lip can help with breathing throughout the night.
Peppermint Essential Oil for Snoring
Often used to treat troubles with breathing, including cough and asthma, Peppermint essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. These properties can help reduce swelling in the breathing passages so that it is easier for air to get through without creating the loud rattling sound of snoring. Some people find that gargling with a drop of peppermint oil mixed with water prior to going to bed can help keep the breathing passages open.
Lavender Essential Oil for Snoring
Not only does Lavender help your body to relax and get a good night’s sleep, its soothing properties may also aid in clear the airway and possible reduce problems with snoring. Lavender essential oil may work best when diffused into the air before and during sleep. Or place a few drops directly onto your temples or on your pillow to get benefits from it. Be careful, though, because too much Lavender can produce a headache in some people.
Essential Oil Blends for Breathing Well
Many essential oil companies offer pre-blended oils that are meant to help with certain ailments. Many companies offer some sort of essential oil that is made to help with breathing. Young Living offers one called “Breathe Again ”, doTerra has “Breathe ”, and Eden’s Garden promote “Breathe Easier ”. These blend often contain some combination of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Myrtle, Lemon, and Rosemary and are meant to open up the breathing passages and promote a healthier respiratory system. These oils may either be purchased as a blend to stop snoring, or you can choose to make your own concoction.
Conclusion
Snoring is a condition that should probably be taken much more seriously than it often is. If you or someone in your family has a problem with chronic snoring, it is advisable to see a medical professional to determine the cause. Sometimes snoring can be linked with very serious health conditions that require a doctor’s intervention. Essential oils are a good start to help with benign snoring and get back to sleep so that you can go on with your normal life again!
