The Causes Of Snoring

1. Is snoring Normal?

Most people snore to some degree. Generally speaking, it is quite normal.

2. Do men really snore more than women?

Snoring is somewhat more prominent in men.

3. What is snoring caused by?

Snoring is most often caused by loose or weak muscle tissue at the back of the mouth, which collapses into the pharyngeal (near the pharynx) airway during sleep. The tissue flutters or vibrates as air is forced through the constricted airway. This causes the aggravating noise we call snoring.

4. Why does snoring occur during sleep?

During sleep the muscle tissue that causes snoring is allowed to relax. This tissue relaxes progressively as we fall asleep. That is why we usually don't hear ourselves snore; by the time we start snoring, we have already fallen asleep. Also, while lying down the tissue tends to collapse more readily inside the pharyngeal airway.

5. Why do some people snore more loudly than others?

Anatomy is the main reason. Some people are simply born with the physical characteristics that lend themselves to loud snoring. These have mostly to do with jaw, mouth, and airway structure. But outside factors can also lead to louder snoring.

Obesity is a common culprit. Alcohol consumption before bedtime is another.

6. But what about the people who really "rattle" the house?

In extreme cases, where severe obstruction of the pharyngeal airway is experienced on an on-going basis, a more serious condition may exist called "Sleep Apnea" which may involve other disorders.

7. How does obesity effect snoring?

It tends to create excess, redundant tissue around the airway in some individuals. Also, the additional body mass around the jaw and throat area adds extra weight causing tile collapse of tissue into the airway, especially while lying down.

8. Why does alcohol make you snore louder?

It helps relax the muscle tissue at the back of tile mouth, causing it to collapse and vibrate more readily.