What Causes Snoring

No one wants to struggle with snoring, especially if they have a partner who complains about not being able to sleep. So, what is the cause of snoring? Can snoring be cured? Here are a few findings regarding snoring. 

Obstructed Airways: Ear nose throat obstructions will cause snoring because an obstruction keeps air from flowing properly through the body. When air gets blocked, it will cause someone to snore. Potential obstructions include nasal congestion, deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids. 

Poor Muscle Tone: When muscles in the tongue or throat relax too much, the result is snoring. Ear nose throat doctors have found that some things that cause muscles in the tongue or throat to relax too much are aging, taking sleeping aids, genetics, and medical conditions. 

Excess Weight: Extra fat around someone’s throat can cause snoring because the fat creates an “obstruction” and air cannot flow properly. Ear nose throat doctors may advise overweight patients suffering from snoring to lose weight and see if it helps alleviate their snoring issues. 

Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back instead of your side or stomach can cause snoring because sleeping on your back will result in your tongue and soft palette collapsing against the back of your throat. The collapsing against your throat will restrict the airflow which is how snoring happens. 

Alcohol and Sleep Aids: Sleep aids and alcohol both inhibit the brain's ability to regulate breathing during sleep. In addition to that, both alcohol and sleep medications can relax throat muscles which will also result in snoring. 

Smoking: Ear nose throat doctors will always suggest their patients quit smoking, but patients who do not quit smoking will have many complications. Smoking causes inflammation in the throat and the inflammation often leads to snoring.