Snoring is a common condition that can affect anyone, but it happens more often in men and in people who are overweight. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues, such as the tongue, soft palate, and airway, as you breathe. The sagging tissues narrow your airway, causing these tissues to vibrate. The following factors can contribute to snoring:
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Anatomy of the mouth and sinuses: Some people may have a long soft palate, or large tonsils or adenoids, which can narrow the airway and cause snoring.
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Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol relaxes your throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.
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Allergies and colds: Nasal congestion due to allergies or colds can block airflow through your mouth and nose, leading to snoring.
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Sleep position: Sleeping on your back can make you snore. So can using a pillow thats too soft or too large.
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Weight: Being overweight increases the likelihood of snoring. Extra fatty tissues around the neck and throat can pressure the airway, causing narrowing and snoring.
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Poor muscle tone: Weak muscles in the throat and tongue can cause them to relax excessively during sleep, which narrows the airway. Muscle weakness can happen due to aging, drinking alcohol, taking sleep aids, or certain medical conditions.
If snoring occurs in combination with apneic episodes (gasping for air in your sleep) and other symptoms like fatigue or irritability, then you should talk to a healthcare provider. Snoring can also be a symptom of a health problem like obstructive sleep apnea.
