Exercise and Snoring: General Activity and Mouth Exercises

General exercise and structured mouth or throat exercises are different approaches. Neither should be presented as a guaranteed cure for snoring or a reason to stop prescribed sleep-apnea treatment.

General physical activity

Regular activity can support overall health and weight management where relevant. If excess weight contributes to snoring, weight management may help. That does not mean a particular workout will eliminate snoring or that people who remain noisy at night have not exercised enough.

Structured mouth and throat exercises

Myofunctional therapy involves structured exercises for muscles around the mouth and throat. Research in obstructive sleep apnea has reported possible benefits for some outcomes, but the evidence has limitations. It should not be equated with casual singing or chewing exercises from an online list.

Ask how an exercise programme fits

Discuss whether a structured programme is appropriate, who should teach it and how progress will be reviewed. General findings cannot guarantee an individual result. Continue prescribed therapy unless your treating clinician recommends a change.

Keep assessment in view

Breathing pauses, gasping and significant daytime sleepiness require medical advice. A quieter night after exercise does not prove normal breathing. If snoring continues to disrupt rest, seek a review rather than repeatedly adding exercises without a clear purpose.

Keep reading

• Snoring Aids and Sleep Apnea: Different Treatment Goals

Sources and further reading

• NHS: Snoring
• Cochrane: Myofunctional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea
• NHLBI: Sleep apnea treatment

Published by TannerMedico A/S, the manufacturer of Asonor. This article provides general information for adults and does not replace individual medical advice.