Snoring Causes

Snoring is quite common. Almost half of all adults will snore on occasion or regularly. For years it was assumed some people snored and others didn't but with more research into the matter new information has been discovered that sheds much needed light on this health issue. As part of the process of finding out all we can about snoring it is important to identify the causes of snoring so products and treatments can be designed to stop snoring. By understanding what causes a person to snore solutions can be found that range from making changes to a diet or exercising regularly to surgery and medications for sleep apnea.

While the reasons for snoring vary the cause is pretty straightforward: when the airways of the human body get obstructed, either by bad posture or abnormalities with throat tissue, the narrowing causes the flow of air to be restricted and makes the person emit a harsh and hoarse sound through the mouth. People who are able to breathe through their nasal passages smoothly do not snore. Anytime an airway is narrowed it obstructs smooth breathing and this creates the sound we have come to know as snoring.

Though the explanation for snoring is easy to understand there are many different variables that can cause a person to snore. Some of the more common snoring causes include: age, body shape, nasal and sinus problems, obesity, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, sleep posture, depression and anxiety. Males tend to snore more than females due to the narrower air passages in the male body. As you get older you are more likely to snore because your throat becomes narrower and the muscle tone decreases. If you are overweight, don't exercise and smoke cigarettes your chances for snoring increase dramatically.

Snoring can also be caused by a sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a breathing obstruction condition that is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing and instances of unusually low breathing during sleep. A person suffering from sleep apnea may wake up gasping or choking and often has trouble functioning during the day because their sleep is restless and causes fatigue. Whether a person has central sleep apnea, obstructed sleep apnea or a combination of the two, the chances of snoring are high. If any of these symptoms pertain to you or someone you know it is strongly recommended that you see a doctor since sleep apnea can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

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