Snoring, like all other sounds, is caused by vibrations that cause particles in the air to form sound waves. For example, when we speak, our vocal chords vibrate to form our voice. Snoring typically occurs when the soft tissue in your throat presses together to partially block the air passage. As you breath, the air causes vibration on the soft palate against the back of the throat or base of the tongue -- and this produces the sound associated with snoring. Snoring is a sign of increased upper airway resistance, usually due to a compromised upper airway during sleep. Snoring and daytime sleepiness are also symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.



Snoring can indicate a breathing problem while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs because the muscles at the back of the roof of the mouth relax and sag during sleep. Snoring and OSA may also be risk factors for behavioral problems in childhood. Children often snore due to nose or throat problems, such as enlarged tonsils. Snoring occurs when soft throat tissues vibrate during sleep.

Snoring can also be a symptom of sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition. When we go to sleep, the muscles of the tongue, mouth and throat relax. Snoring can reach a point where it essentially drives a wedge between people.

Snoring and sleep apnea usually interfere significantly with both partners' rest. Snorers as well as their partners, wake and get woken, and both are subject to headaches, daytime sleepiness, irritability, moodiness, and broken relationships. Snoring is believed to occur in anywhere from 30% of women to over 40% of men. It occurs during the transition from light to deep sleep, when the muscles of your tongue, roof of the mouth and throat can relax enough to vibrate and partially close up your airway. The greater the vibrations, the louder the snoring.

Snoring is relatively common during pregnancy, although no one knows exactly how widespread it is. It tends to be more of a problem in the third trimester. Snoring is an indication that there is narrowing of the air passage during sleep. Even in people who do not snore or have OSA, the upper airway collapses during sleep. Snoring is noisy breathing through the open mouth during sleep. Snoring is usually caused by conditions that interfere with breathing through the nose, such as a common cold, allergies, or enlarged adenoids.

Snoring may increase with age. Snoring has a tendency to worsen with age. Forty-five percent of adults snore occasionally, while 25% are considered habitual snorers. Snoring has been found to be a medical disease. As such, medical treatment for snoring is now available.