What Causes Snoring?

By David L. Scott, DDS

David L. Scott, Jr., DDS

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What Causes Snoring?

You may be one of the countless numbers of people who snore. There is no need to be embarrassed but, in some cases, you should be concerned.

Snoring is disruptive to family life and snorers become unwelcome roommates at home as well as on vacations and business trips. Snoring may be linked to more serious medical problems.

Some 45% of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and over 25% are habitual snorers. Over half of the males over age 60 are habitual snorers.

Snoring is frequently caused by poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat. Poor muscle tone allows the tongue to relax and fall backwards and touch the back of the throat. When the tongue is too relaxed, it may restrict normal airflow and vibrate, which results in snoring. Other causes of snoring include large tonsils and adenoids, bulky neck tissues from being overweight, obstructed nasal airway and excessive length and swelling of the soft palate.

Many people who snore have a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is characterized by breathing being totally obstructed for 10 seconds or longer repeatedly during sleep. People with apnea may spend as much as half their sleep time with oxygen levels below normal. During these periods of obstructed breathing, the heart must pump faster. This can cause irregular heart beats, and eventually elevated blood pressure and heart enlargement. People with OSA awaken unrefreshed and are sleepy much of the day, and they may fall asleep while driving.

Can Snoring Be Helping?

The good news is that people who snore can be helped. The following self-help remedies are worth trying for adults who suffer from mild or occasional snoring

Adapt an athletic lifestyle; exercise to develop good muscle tone and lose weight.

Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills and antihistamines before bedtime.

Avoid alcoholic beverages within three hours of retiring.

Avoid heavy meals within three hours of retiring.

Establish regular sleep patterns and avoid getting overtired.

Sleep on your side rather than your back. Consider sewing a pocket on the back of your pajamas to hold a tennis ball, this helps to avoid sleeping on your back.

Take decongestants when you have a cold. See your physician if nasal congestion persists.

People who snore heavily may need more help than the suggestions above. Medical advice should be sought if sleep apnea is suspected (loud snoring with periods when breathing stops or if there is excessive daytime sleepiness).