It's been blamed for everything from sleepless nights to broken marriages to a host of physical miseries. For one thing, snoring tends to detract from a good night's sleep for both the sufferer and anyone in earshot. Plus, it reduces the amount of oxygen the snorer inhales. But most seriously, it can cause a condition known as sleep apnea in which the airways collapse and obstruct breathing. This can be fatal. Clearly the snorer needs to look for a solution. Here are 7 quick fixes

Allergic reactions can cause snoring for the first thing to do is to check for allergies. These can be caused by everything from pollen to cats to dust mites in your mattress. Removing the allergens or taking antihistamines can help your snoring.

Another factor is the humidity of your bedroom. Dry air can cause or increase snoring so using a humidifier can make a big difference.

As sleeping on your back promotes snoring, there are a number of devices that work to force you to sleep on your side. One example is a sleep position monitor which emits a beep when you turn onto your back. Technophobes can use a tennis ball in a sock attached to the back of your pajamas or you could invest in a Sandler pillow.

Nasal strips are another option. Placed over the top of the nose, they help to widen your airways and reduce any obstruction. A nasal dilator has the same effect.

Then you could look into some alternative approaches. Some people swear by hypnosis, others use yoga or Tai Chi or a massage before bed. The idea is that the resulting relaxation prevents snoring. Try what attracts you and see if it works.

Some long-suffering snorers, however, turn to surgery in desperation. A number of surgical procedures can work to alleviate snoring but they should be seen as the choice of last resort.

But before you sign up for surgery, you should take a look at exercises that stop snoring. Snoring is caused by flabby muscles in the oral and nasal cavities so toning them up works wonders. These exercises are easy and safe to do and can often produce results very quickly. Here's an example. Try to touch your nose with your tongue. You don't actually have to touch it, but the action will strengthen your tongue muscles. These are some of the muscles that can cause snoring if they're weak.

Ultimately, the way to a lasting, natural cure for snoring lies with exercise. Find yourself a good program and start working out.