A snoring ring is a device designed to combat snoring by applying pressure to acupressure points on the hand while people sleep. Also known as anti-snoring rings, snoring rings are manufactured and sold by a number of companies. Their effectiveness is a topic of debate. Some people experience a decrease in snoring while wearing a ring and others do not, reflecting the variable causes of snoring. People with snoring that does not respond to a snoring ring may have an underlying health problem and should see a snoring specialist.
Snoring rings rely on the meridians used in traditional Chinese medicine. According to proponents of this form of medical practice, the body is covered in a network of lines of energy. Problems with a person's health can be traced to disturbances in the body's natural energy and it is possible to use pressure to redirect energy or to break up blockages. This can be seen in disciplines like acupressure, and the meridians are also used in acupuncture.
The snoring ring is a thin band with raised bumps on the inside meant to correspond with a meridian in the little finger. The hands and feet are said to hold a concentration of meridians, reflecting their increased sensitivity. When people slip the ring on before they go to sleep, the heart meridian is pressured, and theoretically, this should stop snoring. Once people wake up, they can remove the snoring ring to relieve the pressure on the meridian.
Much of the evidence for snoring rings is anecdotal. Some people find these devices highly useful, while others do not. Snoring can be caused by a number of different issues and not all of them may respond to acupressure. This practice is integrated into complementary medicine, where people receive treatments combining elements of conventional and alternative medicine. Most snoring rings are low cost and can be easily obtained, allowing people to try the device relatively inexpensively.
Snoring may be caused by a variety of issues ranging from the anatomy of the throat to episodes of sleep apnea, where a person stops breathing during intervals while sleeping. People who find that a snoring ring does not work may need to visit a sleep clinic to be studied while they sleep for signs of specific causes. An ear, nose, and throat physician can evaluate the patient to look for physical causes like obstructions in the throat. A variety of treatment options may be available, ranging from surgery to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation to prevent apnea.