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Snoring all night? These 4 simple exercises could help

Snoring can disrupt sleep for everyone in the house. Research suggests that doing these simple tongue and throat exercises may help reduce snoring by strengthening the muscles that support the airway

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These simple daily exercises could help reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. Representative image/Pixabay
These simple daily exercises could help reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. Representative image/Pixabay
Anuj Trehan|Jun 09, 2026, 07:07:19 IST

If your snoring is keeping you (or everyone around you!) awake, you might want to try these quick and effective exercises that are designed to improve muscle tone and reduce the vibration that causes you to snore.

These exercises strengthen the muscles of your tongue, throat and soft palate.

1. Tongue extension

This is a fairly simple exercise. All you have to do is: stick your tongue out as far as comfortably possible and hold for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times.

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This exercise helps strengthen the tongue muscles that can fall backwards during sleep and contribute to airway narrowing.

2. Side-to-side tongue movement

Extend your tongue and slowly move it from one corner of your mouth to the other. Repeat 10 to 15 times for better results.

The movement engages muscles that help control tongue position and airway stability.

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3. Tongue press and swallow

Press the tip of your tongue firmly against the back of your upper front teeth or the roof of your mouth, then swallow while maintaining pressure. Repeat 10 times.

This exercise works several muscles involved in swallowing and airway support.

4. Tongue-to-palate lift

Place your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth and hold for a few seconds before relaxing. Repeat 10 to15 times or as comfortable.

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The exercise targets muscles in the tongue and soft palate that help keep the airway open.

How long before you notice a difference?

Don't expect overnight results. Sleep experts generally recommend practising mouth and throat exercises for at least 10 minutes a day, often split into two or three sessions, for around three months.

Studies showing improvements in snoring typically used programmes lasting several weeks to three months.

Other quick ways to reduce snoring

Exercises work best when combined with healthy sleep habits.

You may also benefit from sleeping on your side rather than your back, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol in the evening, managing nasal congestion caused by allergies or colds, and avoiding smoking.

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Anuj is a senior sub-editor (lifestyle desk) at Firstpost who covers food, travel, health, and fitness, mostly because they’re all excellent excuses to leave the house. Powered by coffee, he spends his downtime airplane-spotting and exploring spirituality, hoping one day to understand both turbulence and the universe.

First Published:Jun 09, 2026, 07:07:19 IST
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