Why Do People Snore?

Snoring is a common phenomenon that occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep, leading to the vibration of soft tissues. For many, it can result in harsh or hoarse noises that disrupt sleep patterns.

However, snoring may not just be a nuisance; it can be a telling sign of underlying health issues that need attention. Why do some people snore loudly? This article explores nine common causes:

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a serious sleep-related breathing disorder in which the throat muscles intermittently relax during sleep and partially or completely block the airway. This leads to brief breathing pauses, often followed by a loud snort or gasping sound when normal breathing resumes. Individuals with OSA typically experience poor sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue and other health complications.

Alcohol can worsen snoring due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system. Many individuals notice they snore heavily when they drink alcohol before bed, as it can induce over-relaxation. Similarly, sedative medications, including sleeping pills, can excessively relax the throat and jaw muscles, resulting in snoring.

Smoking can further irritate the membranes in the nose and throat, leading to inflammation, oedema, and increased mucus production. Over time, this damage can narrow the airways, causing air to pass through a restricted space and produce vibrations. Research indicates that the risk of snoring and sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, is higher in smokers than in non-smokers.

Some individuals may naturally have a more constricted airway due to the structure of their nasal passages or throat. For instance, a deviated septum, which is a displacement of the wall between the nostrils, can lead to prolonged breathing difficulties and snoring. Similarly, individuals with growths in the nasal passages, a small jaw, or an enlarged tongue or tonsils may experience intense and disruptive snoring episodes.

Chronic nasal congestion, often caused by allergies or sinus infections, can lead to snoring by obstructing the nasal passages. When the nose is blocked, individuals tend to breathe through their mouths, which increases airflow resistance and tissue vibration in the throat during sleep. This explains why snoring is often more pronounced during allergy seasons or when suffering from a cold.

The position in which an individual sleeps can significantly contribute to snoring. Sleeping on the back, called the supine position, may cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse against the back of the throat. This, in turn, narrows the airway partially and triggers loud snores.

Accumulation of excessive fat around the throat and neck area can lead to snoring. When lying down, excess weight adds pressure to the airways, causing narrowing and breathing difficulties. Studies show that obese individuals are more likely to develop OSA as those with a healthy weight.

Older individuals are more prone to loud snoring due to the natural loss of muscle tone in the throat. As people age, the soft palate and uvula at the back of the mouth become more susceptible to vibration during sleep. Other contributing factors with age include changes in sleep patterns and the use of certain medications that may relax throat muscles.

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This condition can lead to weakness of respiratory muscles and weight gain, which can contribute to obstructed airflow and snoring.