Man snoring and woman blocking her ears

Snoring Causes & Solutions: Stop Snoring Now!

Written by: Julia Tan

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

Discover why snoring occurs and explore effective solutions. Learn about its causes, health risks, and remedies for better sleep quality. Snoring: Why It Happens and Solutions.

💡 Fun Fact

Approximately 45% of adults snore at some point in their lives, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), with about 25% of adults snoring regularly

Snoring: Why It Happens and Solutions

Understanding why you snore is the first step to finding a solution.


Snoring is a common issue that affects many people worldwide. It can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.


Understanding why you snore is the first step to finding a solution. Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep. This blockage can be due to various factors, including nasal congestion and sleep position. Loud snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition, like sleep apnea.


Fortunately, there are many solutions available to reduce or eliminate snoring.

What Is Snoring?

Snoring happens when airflow is blocked while sleeping. It causes tissues in the throat to vibrate. This sound varies from soft to very loud.

Several factors contribute to snoring. These include nasal congestion, obesity, and sleep position. Anatomical issues can also play a role.

Snoring is common and can affect anyone. Important points to remember about snoring include:

  • It can be temporary or chronic.
  • It disrupts sleep patterns.
  • It impacts both the snorer and their partner.

Snoring is more prevalent in men and older individuals. Everyone experiences it differently, and not all snoring indicates a health problem.

Why Do I Snore? Common Causes Explained

Understanding why you snore is key to finding a solution. Snoring occurs when the airway is partially blocked. This blockage could happen for various reasons.


One common cause is nasal congestion. Allergies and colds can lead to blocked nasal passages. When this happens, airflow is restricted, causing snoring.


Another factor is body weight. Excess tissue in the throat due to obesity can narrow the airway. This leads to increased snoring risk.

Certain sleep positions also contribute to snoring. Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to move backward. This may obstruct the airway and increase snoring.


Here are some common causes of snoring:

  • Nasal congestion from allergies or colds
  • Obesity leading to extra throat tissue
  • Sleep position, especially lying on the back
  • Alcohol or sedative use relaxing the throat muscles
  • Anatomical issues like a deviated septum

Lifestyle habits can worsen snoring too. Drinking alcohol before bed or taking sedatives can relax throat muscles. This may increase snoring incidence.


Identifying the snoring causes is essential. Understanding the cause will help in choosing the right intervention snore solutions.

How to identify cause of snoring?

To know the reason, it requires you to playback your own recorded snoring episodes. If you don’t have a partner to help, you can leave your phone recording function turn on while sleeping. Re-playing the recorded snoring episodes allow you to look out for sounds caused by nasal congestion, throat or both. Noting down alcohol, food intake and correlating that with your sleep quality the same night also allows you to draw confident conclusions.


In some cases, patients have been identified with Enlarged turbinates as the cause of nasal obstruction, possibly contributing to Sleep apnea. Turbinates are the small structures inside the nose and they are responsible for cleansing and humidifying the air that passes through the nostrils. They are sometimes enlarged and inflamed due to allergies, infections and sometimes medications. While surgery is possible to treat enlarged turbinates, non-invasive methods also exist for those preferring this route.

What if the Snoring is unusually loud?

Loud snoring can be a red flag for a more serious condition. If you or your partner notices frequent loud snoring, take note. It may indicate sleep apnea, a disorder requiring medical attention.


Snoring that disturbs others or interrupts sleep isn’t normal. Consider monitoring its frequency and intensity. Consistent loud snoring can signal issues beyond common congestion or lifestyle factors.


Look out for the following alarming signs:

  • Breathing sometimes stop during sleep
  • Frequent awakenings or gasping for air
  • Excessive daytime fatigue despite full-night rest (more than 8 hours sleep)

These symptoms suggest the need to consult a healthcare professional. Sleep apnea, if untreated, increases health risks like high blood pressure and heart issues. Timely attention and treatment can improve sleep quality and overall health.

Effective Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

Addressing snoring often starts with simple home remedies. Lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on reducing snoring. For many, these adjustments may bring the relief they seek.


One effective strategy is changing your sleep position. Lying on your side rather than your back can lessen snoring. Gravity plays a role in tongue and soft palate movement, which can obstruct airways.


Weight management is another crucial factor. Extra weight can contribute to snoring, especially around the neck. Losing even a small amount of weight could make a noticeable difference.

Consider trying the following home remedies:

  • Elevate your head with an extra pillow
  • Use a humidifier in the bedroom
  • Avoid alcohol before sleep

Additionally, lifestyle choices can alleviate snoring concerns:

  1. Establish a regular sleep routine
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water
  3. Quit smoking to reduce airway irritation

Implementing these changes often requires consistency. Each step can improve sleep quality and potentially diminish snoring. Remain patient, and explore various combinations to find what works best. Over time, these solutions may lead to healthier, quieter nights.

Health Risks Linked to Snoring

Snoring isn’t just a nighttime nuisance; it poses real health risks. Chronic snoring can disrupt sleep quality, leading to fatigue. This impact isn’t limited to the snorer but also affects partners.


Beyond sleep disturbance, snoring can signal underlying health issues. Recognize the potential for these related risks:

  • Sleep apnea and breathing interruptions
  • Increased risk of heart disease
  • Elevated blood pressure levels

Addressing snoring can help reduce these risks and improve overall health. Pay attention to persistent snoring patterns and associated symptoms. Early intervention might prevent further complications and promote healthier sleep habits.

Non-invasive Solutions for Snoring

For persistent snoring, medical interventions might be necessary. Many effective treatments exist that tackle the root causes of snoring. Consulting a healthcare professional can help identify the best path forward.


One common solution is the use of oral appliances. These devices keep the airway open by adjusting the position of the jaw or tongue. Many find them effective and easy to use during sleep.


Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are another option. These machines deliver a steady stream of air to maintain open airways. CPAP is particularly beneficial for those with sleep apnea.

Consider non-invasive treatments like :

  • Nasal strips or nasal dilators: these open up nasal passageways to allow better air flow while asleep.
  • Adjustable Chin straps : promotes a relaxed jaw position and prevents tongue fall back which could be one of the cause of snoring sound.
  • Electronic Anti-snoring device : uses twin turbofan to deliver air flow through nasal passage thus opening the airways. Works like a CPAP but if you have Sleep apnea, CPAP machines will work more effectively than this small device.

Surgery may be needed for some cases

In some cases, surgery may be required to correct anatomical issues. This option usually addresses structural obstructions contributing to snoring. Remember to explore all possibilities with a doctor to achieve optimal results.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Solution/s for You

Snoring solutions vary for each person. Understanding your snoring causes is crucial. Combine lifestyle changes and medical options as needed. Consult healthcare providers for personalized advice. Making informed choices can improve sleep quality and overall well-being. At times, you may need several Sleep solutions to work together for that perfect sleep!