This topic discusses simple snoring. If you stop breathing, choke, or gasp during sleep, you may have a potentially serious condition called sleep apnea. For more information, see the topic Sleep Apnea.
What is snoring?
Snoring occurs when the flow of air from the mouth or nose to the lungs is disturbed during sleep, usually by a blockage or narrowing in the nose, mouth, or throat (airway). This causes the tissues of the airway to vibrate and knock against the back of the throat, resulting in a noise that can be soft, loud, raspy, harsh, hoarse, or fluttering.
You may not know that you snore. Your bed partner may notice the snoring and that you sleep with your mouth open. If snoring interferes with your or your bed partner's sleep, either or both of you may feel tired during the day.
In the past, snoring was often considered no more than a nuisance that kept a bed partner awake at night. However, snoring may progress to upper respiratory resistance syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which you periodically stop breathing during sleep. Because of this, it is important to see your health professional if you routinely snore.
Snoring is common. About 25% to 50% of men and about 25% to 30% of women snore on a regular basis.1
What causes snoring?
You snore when the flow of air from your mouth or nose to your lungs makes the tissues of the airway vibrate. This usually is caused by a blockage (obstruction) or narrowing in the nose, mouth, or throat (airway).
When you inhale during sleep, air enters the mouth or nose and passes across the
Snoring generally is first treated at home. Treatment includes:
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Losing weight. Many people who snore are overweight. Weight loss can help reduce the narrowing of the airway and possibly reduce or eliminate snoring.
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Limiting the use of alcohol and medications. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or taking certain medications, especially sleeping pills or tranquilizers, before sleep may worsen snoring.
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Going to bed at the same time each night and getting plenty of sleep. Snoring may be more frequent when you have not had enough sleep.
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Sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your side may eliminate snoring. Try sewing a pocket in the middle of the back of your pajama top, putting a tennis ball into the pocket, and stitching it closed. This will help keep you from sleeping on your back.
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Promptly treating breathing problems. Breathing problems caused by colds or allergies can disturb airflow, leading to snoring.
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Using nasal strips. Nasal strips, such as Breathe Right, widen the nostrils and improve airflow.
