What Causes Snoring?

  • Being Overweight or Out of Shape – Poor muscle tone and bulky fatty throat tissue contributes to snoring.
  • Our Age – As we age your throat becomes narrower and you are more apt to snore. A narrow throat, cleft palate and enlarged tonsils can contribute to snoring and often is due to hereditary.
  • Your Build – A large soft palate or long uvula ( tissue hanging in the back of the throat) can narrow the opening form the nose to the throat obstructing the airway.
  • Sinus and Nasal Problems – A stuffy nose can cause inhalation to be more difficult and create a vacuum in the throat.
  • Obstructed Airways – Deformities of the nose such as deviated septum can cause obstruction.
  • Alcohol, Smoking and Medications – Certain medications such as Ativan and Valium as well as alcohol and smoking increases muscle relaxation in your throat and leads to an increase in snoring.
  • Sleep Posture – Sleeping on your back relaxes the throat more and leads to snoring. Changing to sleeping on your side is helpful.