Snoring, or the sound of noisy breathing during sleep, can be caused by a number of health conditions. It may even be a symptom of a serious disorder called sleep apnoea.

Adults and children between the ages of 40 and 60 are most commonly affected by snoring with it being viewed as more prevalent in males.

If medical examination rules out any underlying disease or health condition, the most common causes of snoring are:

· being overweight

· drinking alcohol

· smoking

The characteristic sounds of snoring are made when the soft tissues in the back of the palate vibrate. Most folks don't consider snoring to become a significant health problem but the disturbance and loss of sleep caused by snoring can be distressing to those affected and their partners.

Vibration of the soft palate may be caused by an obstruction or narrowing of the passage leading from the back of the nasal cavity to the throat – the nasopharynx.

This obstruction can occur for several reasons – the most typical being when an individual is overweight. Those who sleep on their backs may also find that their snoring worsens as the nasopharynx is more likely to become blocked or partially blocked when the body is in this position.

When the tissues of the soft palate become relaxed or swollen this can also lead to snoring as they collapse into and narrow the nasopharynx passage. This tissue becomes relaxed caused by drinking alcohol or taking sedatives and it becomes swollen caused by a throat infection or irritation caused by tobacco smoke.

Of course the common cold has a part to play in snoring too. The common cold causes nasal congestion which often blocks or partially blocks the nasal passageways leading to very noisy breathing, particularly when the sufferer is asleep.

Occasionally, the wall of cartilage this is the physical structure separating the two nostrils – called the nasal septum – is slightly misshapen or off centre. Video clips a deviated nasal septum. Such anatomical abnormalities obstruct the passage of air and often lead to snoring too. This is more commonly the reason for snoring in men than women as it often occurs as the result of injury sustained in a contact sport and it's also the males of the species who will participate in such sports.

Snoring in children usually occurs because of an infection in and associated enlargement of the tonsils – tonsillitis – or adenoids.

If snoring is thought to be caused by sleep apnoea it is important that medical advice is sought, otherwise there are a number of self help measures that may bring relief to sufferers (and their partners.)

By making it uncomfortable to sleep on their backs, those who snore can be encouraged to sleep on their sides or front. This can be achieved by sewing a small object into the rear of their nightwear – a tennis ball is often suggested for this purpose.

As with most health conditions nowadays, the first thing to consider is whether any excess weight is being carried. If so, it'll be helpful to lose the extra weight as this will reduce the “flabbiness” of the soft palate and reduce the snoring. (There are of course numerous other health benefits too).

More Snoring Articles

- Snoring Causes and Cures
- Kids Snoring and Cures
- Ways To Stop Snoring
- How To Stop Snoring
- Snoring Sleep Apnea
- Snoring Surgery Options
- Non-Surgical Treatment for Snoring
- Snoring and Effects of Allergies
- How Snoring Can Affect Your Marriage
- Why Surgery Might Not Be Best Option

Important Note: You should consult your doctor if you have concerns over your health,
and the information on this site is not medical advice, and is for information purposes only.