Snoring: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019

Snoring is a sound resulting from turbulent airflow that causes the tissues of the nose and throat to vibrate during sleep. The turbulent air flow is related to a narrowing at some point in the nose, mouth, or throat. Different people who snore may have various reasons for the narrowing of the air spaces leading to snoring.

Any person can snore, and studies estimate that 45% of men and 30% of women snore on a regular basis. People who snore can have any body type, although as a rule, snoring increases when people gain weight. Sleeping position may also affect snoring. Since the tissues of the pharynx are normally soft and floppy, when we lie on our backs, gravity pulls the palate, tonsils, and tongue backward. This often narrows the airway enough to cause turbulence in airflow, tissue vibration, and snoring.

Anatomical variation, the use of medications and alcohol, and underlying medical conditions are all among the various causes of snoring. The normal aging process also leads to relaxation of the throat muscles and can facilitate snoring.

Related Symptoms & Signs

Other causes of snoring

  • Aging
  • Anatomical Variations (Elongated Soft Palate or Uvula)
  • Medications
  • Nasal Polyps
  • Sleeping Position
  • Trauma or Scarring of Air Passages
  • Viral Infection With Nasal Congestion

Next Article

SLIDESHOW

Sleep Disorders: Foods That Help Sleep or Keep You Awake See Slideshow

Subscribe to MedicineNet's Depression Newsletter

By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

References
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.