Snoring

Noisy, vibratory respiration occurring during sleep, caused by turbulent airflow and vibration of the soft palate, uvula, and oropharyngeal tissues, often associated with partial upper airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing.

Causes

• Anatomical factors

  • Thick soft palate

  • Elongated uvula

  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

  • Large tongue (macroglossia)

  • Narrow upper airway anatomy

• Nasal obstruction

  • Chronic nasal congestion

  • Nasal polyps

  • Deviated nasal septum

  • Allergic rhinitis

• Medication and substance-related causes

  • Alcohol use

  • Sleeping pills/sedatives

  • Smoking-related airway inflammation

• Body habitus and lifestyle factors

  • Obesity with excess airway soft tissue

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Supine sleeping position causing tongue displacement and airway narrowing

• Age-related loss of upper airway muscle tone