What causes snoring?

When you think of snoring, you may imagine a loud, cartoonish rhythm that signifies a deep and peaceful sleep, or of an annoying sleeper keeping their partner awake with the noise. Snoring can be harmless, and it’s actually quite common. In fact, Johns Hopkins Medicine found that 45% of adults snore occasionally. So, while snoring may be nothing to worry about, chronic or especially loud snoring should not be ignored, as it could be a sign of a sleep disorder.

Why we snore

Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors that result in your airway being obstructed during sleep. This blockage causes the soft tissues of the throat, tongue, and roof of the mouth to vibrate, making that familiar, irritating sound. So, what are some common causes of mild snoring? 

• Airway relaxation - When you enter deep sleep, your muscles relax, and during REM, you can even become paralyzed.
  
  
• Sleeping on your back - When you sleep in a supine position, gravity pulls the tongue backwards, and weighs down fat and muscle around your throat. This results in a narrowing of the airway that can interrupt quiet breathing.
  
  
• Weight gain - Excess fat around the throat and chest can increase the pressure put on your airway, and also augment the vibrations caused by snoring.
  
  
• Alcohol and sedatives - Sedatives like alcohol and medications can further relax the muscles around the airway, leading to increased airflow restriction and snoring.

Snoring and sleep apnea

Occasional, quiet snoring may not be an immediate cause for concern, but if you or your sleep partner notices chronic or loud snoring during the night, you may need to consider the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea. According to sleep neurologist Dr. Guy Leschziner, loud snoring is a classic sign of OSA, in which something “obstructs the airway completely and results in something called apnea, where there is complete obstruction with a prolonged period of breath holding.”

If snoring is unusually loud, or punctuated by the cessation of breathing or gasping for air, it’s crucial to monitor other symptoms and consult your doctor about the possibility of sleep apnea.

Risks of ignoring snoring

While snoring may seem more like a nuisance than a serious medical risk, sleep apnea is not something to be taken lightly. OSA is more than just noisy or poor quality sleep; these frequent airway obstructions lead to hypoxia, decreased oxygen levels, which can have various long-term effects on your overall health if left untreated. 

• Hypertension - Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is a serious condition that can increase your risk of aneurysm, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and many other things. In fact, 50% of patients with OSA also develop hypertension.

• Type 2 diabetes - Oxygen fluctuations during sleep can disrupt your metabolism and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of diabetes. In fact, up to 86% of people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from sleep apnea.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.

Frequently asked questions

Is snoring dangerous if I don’t feel tired?

Yes, it can be. Even if you don’t feel tired, loud nightly snoring may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, which increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke over time.

Why do some people snore more with age?

As we get older, muscle tone in the throat and tongue decreases, making airway collapse and vibration more likely, which leads to snoring. Weight gain and changes in sleep architecture with age can worsen the problem. 

Can children snore?

Yes. Pediatric snoring affects about 7–10% of children and can be caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. In some cases, it may signal pediatric sleep apnea, which can affect growth, learning, and behavior.

Does losing weight really help snoring?

For many people, yes. Studies show that even a 10% weight loss can significantly reduce the severity of snoring and sleep apnea by decreasing fat around the airway.

Are there quick fixes for snoring?

Positional therapy (training yourself to sleep on your side), nasal strips, or mouth guards may help mild snoring. But if snoring is chronic and loud, you should get evaluated for sleep apnea before relying on over-the-counter aids. 

When should I see a doctor for snoring?

Seek medical advice if snoring is loud and nightly, accompanied by choking or gasping sounds, or if you notice morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, or irritability — all potential signs of sleep-disordered breathing.

Wondering if sleep apnea is affecting you? Take a few seconds to check out the Dumbo Health Sleep Quiz, and with a few simple questions, you can begin your treatment journey today.