Why Do People Snore?

The answer to why do people snore is not necessarily simple. There can be a range of causes, so therefore you need to understand more about the factors underlying your situation.

Mouth structure: A heavy soft palate, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids, can reduce your airway. Similarly, if the uvula is elongated, this can obstruct airflow. The uvula is a piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate. Try the snoring help tests to see what sort of snorer you are (or live with).

Weight: Obesity can cause snoring due to the increased amount of neck fat , narrowing the airway further during sleep. Even a 10% loss of body weight can make a significant improvement in snoring.

Smoking: Smoking adds to throat tissue congestion and can also cause acid reflux, causing throat irritation and therefore cause snoring.

Alcohol: Alcohol consumption shortly before bedtime can significantly contribute to loosening of the throat muscles and therefore snoring.

Nasal problems: Nasal congestion as a result of allergies and infections, or even a deviated nasal septum can cause snoring. Snoring is more likely when you have a cold or sinusitis.

Sedatives: Sleeping tablets can relax muscles more than usual, and contribute to snoring.

Sleep apnea: Snoring may be due to obstructive sleep apnea. This is a serious condition where the throat muscles can obstruct the airway entirely, stopping breathing. After a period of seconds, the lack of oxygen and increased carbon dioxide make the sleeper wake, pushing the airway open and a loud gasp of air. Take the sleep apnea test to see if this is you.

Most snorers are male, aged between 30 and 65, overweight, possibly with high blood pressure. Their snoring is usually worse after consuming alcohol.