Caused by a loss of muscle tension in the jaw and tongue, snoring can sometimes be prevented by raising the head of your bed on bricks or concrete blocks (extra pillows won't work).
Don't take anything that might relax the muscles in your air passage, including alcohol, tranquillisers, sleeping pills and antihistamines.
If you snore only when sleeping on your back, sew or tape a large marble or a tennis ball to the back of your pyjama top. Or add a pocket in which to put such an object.
Try strengthening the jaw and tongue muscles with these exercises. Grip a pencil between your teeth for 10 minutes before going to sleep; firmly press your tongue against your lower teeth for 2 minutes; and press your jaw with your hand while resisting, forcing your jaw to press back.
If you or your sleeping partner stops breathing for long periods in between snoring loudly, consult a doctor.
