Why Do People Snore

Many people snorers and non-snorers ask the question 'Why do people snore?'

 

Snoring occurs when people have too much tissue at the back of their throat, the palate, uvula and tonsils flap against each other and the vibrations this causes produces the noisy sounds of snoring.

Snoring can also occur when there is an obstruction blocking the air passageway at the back of the throat.

People who are prone to snoring can also have poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat, or excessive bulkiness of throat tissue, or a long soft palate or uvula tissue at the back of the mouth or obstructed nasal airways.

Excessive and continual snoring can be a serious medical problem, not only does it disturb and deprive the snorer of necessary rest and sleep but can also have a detrimental effect on bed partner.

Snoring can also be found more in men than women; people who are obese have a tendency to snore and snoring is usually louder when the person is lying on their back.

When we have a cold and therefore blocked nasal airways we will often snore as breathing through the mouth rather than via the nose causes negatives pressure behind the uvula and soft palate, it is these negative pressure which increases the vibration of these during sleep which help to create the sound we all know as snoring.

Many people wrongly believe that only men snore, women snore as well! Snoring often increases with age and when people ask why do people snore? It may be because to prevent their snoring they need to seek medical help.

Snoring can also be a sign of a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, which can occur when there is significant breath holding or shallow breathing times during sleep. To differentiate between the two people often have to have a sleep study and suitable treatments and advice can be obtained.

Snoring can be mild and stops as soon as the person wakes or turns over in bed or severe regardless of sleep position.

Alcohol, smoking and some medicines can increase relaxation in the throat which can make snoring more likely.

As you can see there are many reasons why people snore; whatever reason causes snoring there are treatments available.