We all know what snoring sounds like, but many people don’t know what’s happening inside the body when we do. 

The rattling, rasping, or snorting that could be keeping you or your partner awake at night is the sound of soft tissues in your throat and nasal passages vibrating.

It isn’t always a cause for major concern. Some people snore only when they have a cold or virus, when they drink alcohol or take certain medications, or because the anatomy of their throat makes them susceptible. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious health condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which your breathing stops and starts during sleep.¹

So, how common is snoring? 

The good news? If you snore, you’re not alone. Snoring, particularly minor, infrequent snoring, is common in adults and children.² 

Symptoms of snoring 

Are you a secret snorer? Because snoring happens when you’re asleep, it’s pretty easy to miss, so you could be snoring regularly without realizing it. The actual sound of snoring is just one symptom. If you’re feeling tired in the daytime, groggy and headachy when you wake up, or regularly having difficulty with focus and mood, snoring could be disrupting your sleep. 

If you think you might be snoring frequently, it’s a good idea to get it checked out, as it could be a sign of a health issue: 

Snoring symptoms:³ 

• Sleepiness during the day.
• Out-of-character frustration, anger, or aggression. 
• Difficulty with concentration or focus.
• Grogginess or headaches in the mornings.

Common risk factors for snoring 

OSA

OSA causes disrupted breathing during sleep, thanks to an obstructed or partially blocked airway.³ As a result, people with the condition tend to have disturbed or low-quality sleep. Snoring is the most common symptom of OSA, reported by 94% of people with the disorder.⁴

Alcohol and medication 

Alcohol and some medications – particularly sedatives – are associated with increased or severe snoring.⁵ These substances relax the muscles at the back of the throat, making it easier for the tissue to partially block your airway. 

Neck, head, and throat anatomy 

The natural shape and alignment of your neck, throat, and facial features can be a factor that causes snoring. A deviated septum; large tonsils, adenoids, or tongue; length of uvula and soft palate, can all affect your airflow during sleep and cause or exacerbate snoring.⁶ Poor muscle tone in the neck and throat can also be a factor. 

Weight

Being overweight or obese is another risk factor for snoring, usually caused by excess fat tissue in the throat or neck, as well as abdominal weight reducing lung volume and overall airflow.⁸

Nasal congestion 

Ever noticed that you snore when you’re sick? Congestion in the nose, often caused by a virus, allergies, or smoking, can narrow the airway and make snoring worse. 

Age 

The older you are, the more likely you are to snore.⁷ This is likely due to muscle tone in the throat, neck, and tongue decreasing with age, obstructing your airway as you sleep. 

Gender 

Being male is a risk factor for snoring, and men are also more likely to have sleep apnea than women.⁸

Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism, which occurs when your thyroid underproduces hormones, has been linked to chronic snoring.⁹ 

Sleep position

How you sleep may also be a factor. Sleeping on your back is associated with increased snoring while sleeping on your side or stomach may help keep the airways open, reducing snoring.¹⁰

How is snoring diagnosed? 

If you think you have symptoms of chronic snoring, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Diagnosis to find the cause of your snoring could involve a sleep study or a number of imaging tests. 

Sleep study

A sleep study involves an overnight stay at a sleep clinic or hospital. During your stay, you’ll be hooked up to monitors, which measure and record a range of body activities, including movement, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. With this information, your doctor can narrow down the causes of your snoring. 

Find out more about sleep studies by reading Your Guide to Sleep Studies.

Imaging tests 

Imaging tests including X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may also be used in a snoring diagnosis. These tests can help doctors see whether anatomical issues are behind your snoring. 

How is snoring treated? 

Just as there’s no single cause of snoring, there’s no one treatment. Once your doctor or specialist has worked out why you’re snoring, they’ll be able to offer treatment options such as the three mentioned here.

Lifestyle changes

If your snoring seems to be the result of drinking, smoking, or weight issues, working on those factors will generally be the first port of call for your treatment. Stopping or reducing drinking, quitting smoking, and working on weight loss could all potentially help reduce snoring. 

Oral appliances 

Oral appliances including mouthguards and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are used to reposition the tongue and jaw during sleep, keeping the airway open and reducing snoring symptoms. They’re often used to treat people with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. 
 
 Go to, Your guide to sleep apnea mouthguards.

CPAP therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is among the most used and effective treatment options for addressing sleep apnea. The treatment involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth during sleep, which pushes air in using pressure and helps keep the airway open. 

What to do if snoring is an issue

Snoring can be a minor annoyance or a sign of a deeper issue – that’s why it’s crucial to seek professional help if it becomes a problem. If you notice that you’re snoring loudly or more frequently, you’re exhausted, aggressive, or unfocused during the day, or you’re experiencing other symptoms of sleep deprivation, act quickly so your doctor can identify the cause and recommend a suitable treatment. The faster you’re treated and diagnosed, the lower your chances of a long-term health problem. 

FAQs – snoring 

Is snoring a serious problem? 

Snoring is normal, with most people snoring at some point during their lives. However, chronic or loud snoring can be a sign of a deeper health or lifestyle issue – including sleep apnea, weight issues, alcohol intake, or hypothyroidism. 

What are the most common causes of snoring? 

Snoring may be caused by nasal congestion during a viral illness, the anatomy of your throat or nose, smoking, alcohol intake, certain medications, your sleeping position, or a condition like sleep apnea. You’re more likely to snore if you’re older, male, and overweight. 

How can I tell if snoring is caused by sleep apnea? 

The only way to diagnose sleep apnea is through sleep study or at-home test. If you’re concerned about the causes of your snoring, talk to your doctor so they can schedule a test for you. 

The content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s healthcare provider.