Folk Remedies Effective in Helping Snorers Quiet Down

From the time-honored poke in the ribs to tennis balls, electric shocks and surgery, there are many cures for the common snore.

Over the years the U.S. Patent Office has received applications from the inventors of more than 200 anti-snoring aids. There are devices available to fit inside the mouth and set off alarms or electrify the sheets to jolt the offender. But doctors say there are many folk remedies that are less drastic.

--Losing weight and avoiding alcohol and drugs at bedtime can often lower the noise level.

--Sewing a tennis ball into the back of a snorer’s pajamas can stop the offender from sleeping on his back and sawing logs.

--A padded collar like the ones used to immobilized strained neck muscles can keep the jaw from dropping open during sleep and force a snorer to breathe quietly.

If the self-help tips fail to alleviate the problem, a doctor may advise surgery to correct potentially dangerous breathing obstructions that cause loud snoring.