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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

Didgeridoo. Playing the didgeridoo, a musical instrument that produces a droning sound, may help train muscles of the upper airway. A February 2006 British Medical Journal study evaluated use of the instrument by those with sleep apnea who complained about snoring. The research showed that those who played the instrument for about 25 minutes a day most days of the week experienced less daytime sleepiness — a complication of sleep apnea and snoring . However, this research is preliminary and needs more study.

Hypnosis. Some have suggested that hypnosis may help improve snoring. For example, a hypnotherapist can suggest to you under hypnosis that you turn on your side if you begin snoring.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). MSM is marketed in a nose drop formula to treat snoring, but there's no evidence it has any effect on snoring.

Singing. Singing can help improve muscle control of the soft palate and upper throat. One preliminary study found some decrease in snoring in participants who sang prescribed singing exercises for 20 minutes a day for three months. These participants all began snoring as adults, had no nasal problems and were not overweight. More study of this technique is needed.

DS00297

May 24, 2008

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