What Causes Snoring?
Snoring doesn’t just happen randomly. It typically results from one or more underlying factors, such as:
1. Airway Obstruction
Enlarged tonsils, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or excess tissue in the throat can block airflow and lead to snoring.
2. Excess Weight
Extra fat around the neck and throat compresses the airway, especially during deep sleep. Even small weight gains can worsen snoring.
3. Alcohol and Sedatives
These substances overly relax the muscles in the throat, allowing tissues to collapse inward and vibrate more easily.
4. Sleeping Position
Lying flat on your back lets the tongue fall backward into the throat, narrowing the airway. Side sleeping can help keep it open.
5. Aging
As we age, muscle tone in the throat naturally decreases, making tissues looser and more prone to vibration.
6. Anatomical Structure
Some people are simply born with a long soft palate, enlarged uvula, or naturally narrow airway—all of which can contribute to snoring.
