Snoring
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing the tissues to vibrate during breathing in sleep. While occasional snoring is common and usually harmless, habitual snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and may disrupt sleep quality for both the snorer and their bed partner. Snoring affects nearly half of all adults at some point and becomes more prevalent with age and weight gain.
Symptoms
Causes
- Relaxation of throat muscles during sleep narrowing the airway
- Anatomical factors such as a thick soft palate, elongated uvula, or large tonsils
- Nasal congestion or structural problems (deviated septum, nasal polyps)
- Obesity causing excess fatty tissue around the throat
- Alcohol consumption before bedtime further relaxing airway muscles
Risk Factors
- Overweight or obesity
- Male sex (men are more likely to snore and develop sleep apnea)
- Age over 40
- Alcohol or sedative use before sleep
- Nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or structural abnormalities
- Family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
- Sleeping on the back
Diagnosis
- Clinical history from the patient and bed partner regarding snoring patterns
- Physical examination of the nose, mouth, throat, and neck
- Home sleep apnea test (HSAT) to screen for obstructive sleep apnea
- In-laboratory polysomnography (sleep study) for definitive evaluation
- Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to evaluate the upper airway anatomy
Treatment
- Lifestyle modifications including weight loss, sleep position changes, and alcohol avoidance
- Nasal strips or nasal dilators to improve airflow
- Oral appliances (mandibular advancement devices) to reposition the jaw during sleep
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy if obstructive sleep apnea is present
- Surgical options (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, palatal implants, radiofrequency ablation) for anatomical causes
- Treatment of nasal congestion with decongestants, nasal steroids, or allergy management
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce excess throat tissue
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives for at least 3-4 hours before bedtime
- Sleep on your side rather than your back
- Treat nasal congestion and allergies promptly
- Establish consistent sleep schedules and good sleep hygiene
When to See a Doctor
- Your bed partner observes pauses in breathing during sleep
- You experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep time
- Snoring is loud enough to disrupt your partner's sleep or your own
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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