Why Do People Snore?

Everything from special pillows to nose strips and even surgery are said to cure snoring, but what really works? And, more importantly, why do people snore? 

This is the million dollar question on the minds of sufferers worldwide. With so many things promising to cure this nighttime nuisance, it is difficult to know which product will help sufferers stop snoring and which ones are simply a hoax.

One of the main reasons why people snow is said to be obesity. The excess fatty tissue found in the throat can make it difficult to breath by blocking air passages during sleep, which is said to be a leading reason why people snore. 

In fact, various throat problems are said to be among the most commonly accepted reasons why people snore, including an irregular uvula. The uvula is the small skin that dangles in the back of the mouth and is easily visible. At night, it often rests in the back of the throat and causes restricted breathing. When this happens, the individual is said to begin snoring because of the restriction. 

If enlarged, tonsils are also thought to be among the reasons why people snore. Basically, anything that causes air passages to be blocked may lead to snoring. Allergies, colds, sinus infections and other similar problems often cause the nasal passages to become blocked and snoring often results. 

The aging process is inevitable and with age often comes new problems. Studies show that snoring is more common with age because the skin in the throat begins to lose it’s elasticity, along with the skin on other parts of the body. Another common reason why people snore is the fact that many individuals sleep on their back. 

It is believed that those who sleep on their back tend to snore more than individuals who are side or stomach sleepers. The reason being that, by sleeping on their back, individuals allow the fatty tissue and other parts of the throat to rest in the back of the throat and block air passages.

In addition to these common reasons why people snore, there may also be a more serious problem present and snoring may be just a warning sign. 

People who suffer from sleep apnea are at a higher risk for developing major health problems, including those relating to the heart, circulation and more. Snoring may or may not be as simple as allergies or sleeping on the back instead of the side, but it may also be an indication that a medical condition is developing.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.