Common causes of snoring
To figure out the causes of snoring, just ask Webster (of dictionary fame): "To breathe, while asleep, with harsh sounds caused by vibration of the soft palate, usually with the mouth open."
Human anatomy, it seems, plays a key role in a number of the potential causes of snoring.
One of the most common is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airway becomes narrow or blocked. This can occur because of a variety of factors related to the head and neck area:
To figure out the causes of snoring, just ask Webster (of dictionary fame): "To breathe, while asleep, with harsh sounds caused by vibration of the soft palate, usually with the mouth open."
Human anatomy, it seems, plays a key role in a number of the potential causes of snoring.
One of the most common is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airway becomes narrow or blocked. This can occur because of a variety of factors related to the head and neck area:
•Greater than normal relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles during sleep.
•The shape of a person's head and neck, which may result in a smaller-sized airway.
•The shape of a person's head and neck, which may result in a smaller-sized airway.
•Relaxing of throat muscles as people age. With throat muscles less able to remain stiff during sleep, chances are greater that the airway will narrow or collapse.
•Excess neck tissue as a result of being overweight. Too much tissue can narrow the airway.
•Excess neck tissue as a result of being overweight. Too much tissue can narrow the airway.
•Oversized tongue and tonsils, compared with the size of the windpipe opening.
Other Causes of Snoring
But not all snoring stems from sleep apnea. There are many other causes of snoring as well.
But not all snoring stems from sleep apnea. There are many other causes of snoring as well.
•Nasal congestion caused by colds or allergies can reduce airflow through the nose and force you to breathe through your mouth, increasing the chances of snoring.
•Airflow through the nose can also be restricted by a deviated septum, a crooked partition between your nostrils.
•Airflow through the nose can also be restricted by a deviated septum, a crooked partition between your nostrils.
•If you sleep on your back, your tongue is likely to sag backward into your throat and obstruct airflow, leading to snoring.
•Using sedatives or drinking too much shortly before going to bed can cause throat muscles to relax and block the airway.
•Using sedatives or drinking too much shortly before going to bed can cause throat muscles to relax and block the airway.
•Swelling of the uvuvla, the piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth, or swelling of the soft palate, the roof of the mouth, can lead to snoring.
•Swollen adenoids or swollen tonsils also increase the chances of snoring.
•Swollen adenoids or swollen tonsils also increase the chances of snoring.