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People go to great lengths to stop snoring. Some are silly, like sewing a tennis ball into the back of the pajama top. This is supposed to keep you from lying on your back, a position in which snoring is more likely.
Others are drastic, such as surgery to remove floppy tissue in the throat or the soft palate that vibrates during sleep.
A machine that provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is also prescribed for snoring. While this can be helpful, it can also be cumbersome and pricey. It may best be used for people who have sleep apnea, as it is an excellent treatment for that condition.
Finding an alternative approach that works can provide welcome relief for both the snorer and a bed partner. That’s why we appreciate this reader’s testimonial so much.
Acupressure to Stop Snoring:
Q. Ten years ago, I started snoring when sleeping on my back. It was not deep sleep apnea, but it would generally wake me up. Rolling over onto my side solved the problem.
Then I started snoring on my side as well, which pretty much ruined my sleep cycle. I searched your website for solutions and found a reference to using a wristband with a button to press on an acupressure point about three fingers up from the wrist joint.
That sounded goofy, but in desperation I tried it. I got immediate relief! I have essentially NO snoring now, and I’ve got my sleep cycle back.
Double-Purpose Acupressure Wristbands:
A. We’d almost forgotten about using acupressure wristbands to quiet snoring. These are the same wristbands that are used to prevent motion sickness; the acupressure point (“Inner Gate”) is between the two tendons on the inner wrist, three finger-widths above the joint.
We’ve not seen any research on acupressure to relieve snoring. There are, however, a number of studies on this technique for treating insomnia. Research suggests this nondrug approach can be helpful in adolescents (Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, online Jan. 24, 2013); in geriatric patients with Alzheimer’s disease (Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, Feb., 2015); in menopausal women (Iranian Journal of Medical Science, July, 2015); and in heart patients in intensive care (Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Jan. 31, 2015). Since we don’t know of any side effects from this therapy, others may want to try this low-tech approach to snoring.
Acupressure Against Insomnia:
Another reader reminds everyone that acupressure on the Inner Gate point can help fight insomnia:
“Acupressure on the Inner Gate point also combats sleeplessness. Combining it with counting backwards and left nostril breathing has given me many nights of restful sleep.”
Jeff
Wausau, WI
I tried it last weekend & it didn’t do anything.
Marsha
Jensen Beach, Fl
Recently read the article about the acupressure wristband and see that it is used to prevent motion sickness. I suffer from Bilateral Vestibular Balance Syndrome or also known as Dandy’s Syndrome.
I keep searching for a way to help control my balance problem since all the hair in the middle ears has died.
I am not sure whether this would help or not but anything that helps with motion sickness is worth a try.
Please advise where I might find this acupressure wristband.
Thank you.
The People's Pharmacy
You can find the acupressure wristbands at most major pharmacy chains like Walgreens or CVS, or online from Amazon. One of the name brands (although probably not the only one) is Seabands. They are primarily marketed as an aid for relieving motion sickness.
Diana
Washington state
How long do you press the pressure point on your wrist with the band on? I’ve got the band, I’ve placed it on my wrist but have no idea how long to press I.
Linda
sc
Wear the band to bed and don’t worry about pressing on it – the small bead in the band will provide the pressure. But remember – it should sit on the inside of your arm about 3 finger widths ABOVE your wrist.
Kathleen
Snoring most of my life, I was resistant to get a sleep study when my son suggested it. He was diagnosed with sleep apnea, himself, in his late thirties. I gave in to shut him up only to find my O2 Sat stayed between 40 and 60 all night and I’d stop breathing for nearly a minute. The take away here is, if you have sleep difficulties with or without snoring, get a sleep study to be sure before relying on the wrist band treatment. It could save your life.
Carolyn
So many have this problem and for couples sleeping together it can be disastrous to a relationship. I am a woman who I’m told snores like a trooper. Although I sleep alone when I’ve had grandkids over they’ve had to awaken me because I stop them from sleeping. I find it embarrassing and not a very feminine trait. And when I was coupled it created problems. I would love to have some way of stopping the snoring. How many out there have a troubled sleep? You would think snoring means a good sleep but in fact it’s the opposite. Fits of awakening in between result.
Gordon
san antonio tx
Since snoring is such a common problem, why don’t you show the product and where to get it.
Jo
Texas
Where do I get the wristband? I have a snoring problem and I have a friend with chronic insomnia who might be helped.
Linda
Troutville, VA
For many years I have used SeaBands, available in drugstores near other motion sickness aides, for motion sickness. Riding in cars, riding in boats and the rocking motion of snorkeling made me very sick, until I found the accupressure wristbands. My sister-in-law told me her doctor recommended the bands, when she asked for a motion sickness patch before going to the Alps in France. There are two bands in a package. Because I wear a watch, I use only one band on my right arm. At the bend of your wrist, place three fingers. Above the third finger, place the button for the wristband. It works beautifully for motion sickness. Who knew it also worked for sleeplessness and snoring? BONUS!
Yvonne
texas
What is an Acupressure Wristband. I snore at night and it keeps my husband awake. Maybe this will work for me.
Doreen
Virginia
You can buy them at a drug store for less than $10. One type is Sea Band sold as an anti nausea relief for traveling. I learned about them at this website and have been sleeping with them for several years. In my case it is used to relieve hand cramping from arthritis and it doesn’t hurt that it also helps with sleeping. These wrist bands have helped in this regard and I really can’t speak to the snoring part. Also, place three fingers on the inside of your arm exactly where your hand stops and your wrist begins. The button of the wrist ban should go beside the last finger. After a while you know exactly where to place it. Good luck.
Ebm
It is called SEABAND (brand name) for nausea while boating
or whatever causes nausea. Available in some drug stores,
health stores, massage supply stores, and probable Amazon.
Karen W
St Paul
It’s called a Sea-Band and is available at most pharmacies: http://www.sea-band.com/
Barbara
Spartanburg, Sc
Show us picture where to put the acupressure band on wrist.. three fingers above joint.. wow which joint.. show picture please…
AmyS
NC
When you buy the Seasick bands, they have directions. It is the same accupressure point for seasickness as for insomnia. It is three fingers below your wrist joint. flex your wrist and place three fingers, together, from the crease in your wrist down your inner forearm. The bump on the band goes on the inside of your wrist pretty much in the center.
The band is also helpful for nausea due to sickness or drug side effects.
Ebm
It did say to put it between the tendons of 3 fingers: your index, middle, ring finger above the crease where wrist meets forearm.
Ron
Coppell, TX 75019
Where can you purchase one of these and how much and which is the best one?