What Causes Snoring?

Snoring is caused by a narrowing of the upper airway during sleep due to any or all of the following:

  • Large tonsils and uvula, a soft palate, and over-relaxed muscles and tongue falling back into the oropharynx.
  • Snoring occurs because air travels faster through the narrowed airway causing the relaxed soft tissues of the
    throat ( tonsils, soft palate, uvula or excessive flabby tissue ) to vibrate. This vibration is the sound of snoring.
  • In some cases, nasal congestion from allergies, nasal cavity deformities and internal obstructions, can contribute
    to narrowing of the airway.

Is Snoring Harmful?

Snoring may be symptomatic of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea ( OSA ).
The word 'Apnoea' is Greek for 'without breath', where the tongue is completely sucked against the back of the throat and blocks breathing.


Increased risk factors for OSA

  • Hereditary snoring is primary risk factor
  • Male
  • Large neck circumference:
    Women > 40cm
    Men > 43cm correlates with an increased
    risk of OSA
  • Obesity, BMI > 30
  • Diagnosis of hypertension
  • Excessive use of alcohol or sedatives
  • Smoking

OSA signs & symptoms

  • Snoring, gasping, irregular breathing during sleep
  • Stopped breathing ( apnoeic ) episodes during sleep
  • Morning Headaches
  • Extreme daytime sleepiness
  • Frequent nocturnal urination - Nocturia
  • Night time Reflux / Heartburn / GERD
  • Memory deficit
  • Depression
  • Hypertension / high blood pressure
  • Diabetes