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Snoring is more than a Social Problem.
Snoring is a Medical Condition, according to FDA.
Snoring is a sound generated during sleep when the roof of the mouth vibrates. It can be defined as an inspiratory(breathing in) noise produced by vibration of the soft parts of throat. The Medical Encyclopedia * describe snoring as one symptom of a group of disorders known as sleep disordered breathing. It occurs when the soft palate, uvula, tongue, tonsils, and/or muscles in the back of the throat rub against each other and generate a vibrating sound during sleep.
| Generally, snoring is noisy breathing during sleep, is caused by blockage of the airways in the back of the mouth and nose. Everyone snores once in a while. Up to 1/2 of adults snore occasionally and 1/4 of adults are habitual snorers. Some people snore every night, all night; others snore only when they first fall asleep or when they are in deep sleep, or when they sleep on their back, or under special circumstances like when they have a cold or have had too much to drink. Researchers have learned that a snore can occur in both inhalation and exhalation. It mostly happens when the person's mouth is open, but it can occur also when breathing through the nose or through the nose and mouth combined. Some people snore breathing in, then when breathing out produce a puffing sound from the lips. |
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What Causes You to Snore?
Snoring is a breathing problem that originates in your nose and/or your throat when airflow is restricted. When you're awake, air flows freely through your breathing passages. But at night:
- nasal passages become restricted
- throat muscles relax
- Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but snoring by itself does not involve the cessation of breathing.
| Snoring Statistics* |
• 40% of the middle-aged population snore
• 50% of men snore
• 40% of women snore
• 2%-4% of severe snorers suffer from sleep apnoea
• 70%-75% of snorers are overweight |
| * British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (BSSAA), cited in BBC News |
Who is likely to snore? Some causes of snoring and risk factors for snoring are below.
Causes of and Risk Factors for Snoring |
Risk Factor |
Details |
Heredity |
You can inherit a narrow throat, which can cause snoring. |
Being overweight |
Excess weight and fatty tissue in the neck cause your throat to become smaller. |
Being middle-aged or beyond |
As you age, your throat becomes narrower, and the muscle tone in your throat decreases. |
Being male |
Men have narrower air passages than do women and are more likely to snore. |
A history of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke |
Smoking relaxes muscles and also creates nasal and lung congestion. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause the same snoring problems as smoking does. |
Lack of fitness |
Poor muscle tone and lax muscles contribute to snoring. |
Nasal deformities, such as a deviated septum |
Nasal irregularities can cause obstructed breathing. |
Enlarged adenoids or tonsils |
Larger than usual adenoids or tonsils can cause obstruction of the airway and additional vibration during breathing. |
A long soft-palate or uvula |
A long soft palate or uvula dangles in the throat and can cause fluttery noises during relaxed breathing. |
Alcohol or medications (sleeping pills or antihistamines) |
Alcohol and certain medications increase relaxation of throat and tongue muscles, which makes snoring more likely. |
Allergies, asthma, a cold, or sinus infections |
Such breathing problems cause blockage in your nasal airways and make inhalation difficult. This in turn creates a vacuum in your throat, and noisy breathing. |
Sleeping on your back |
Sleeping flat on your back allows the flesh of your throat to relax and blocks the airway. Moderate snorers tend to snore only when sleeping on their backs. |
Sleeping on overly soft pillows |
Pillows increase the angle of your neck and can contribute to obstruction of your airway, which causes snoring. |
For more details on the causes of snoring, see An Introduction to What Causes Snoring, from the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association. |
