Snoring is very common, with about 45 percent of adults doing it at least occasionally. Problem snoring usually occurs in males, and people who are overweight. It commonly grows worse with age.
The sound that is created when snoring is caused by an obstruction interfering with the free flow of air passing through at the back of the mouth and nose. The actual sound is created when the structures at the back of the throat (the tongue, upper throat, and uvula) strike each other and vibrate when breathing.
- Poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat can cause the throat to collapse in at the sides, or the tongue to fall backwards. This can also happen when alcohol or drugs are consumed and deep muscle relaxation occurs. This can also happen during deep sleep.
- Excessive bulkiness of throat tissue can also cause snoring. The bulky neck tissues have more chance of coming in to contact with the tongue. Children with large tonsils or adenoids also often snore.
- Having a long soft palate and/or uvula can also cause snoring. A long palette will narrow the opening between the nose and the throat. As it dangles it acts as a noisy flutter valve during relaxed breathing.
- Obstructed nasal airways, a stuffed nose for example, requires more effort to move air through it. This causes more pressure on the back of the throat during the breathing phases, causing the tissues to contact and snoring to occur. It is more common during allergy season, or when there is a sinus infection or a cold.
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