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What Causes Snoring?

What Causes Snoring?

Do you or your partner snore while sleeping and it is disturbing for the other person? Then visit Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders and get comprehensive treatment for snoring. We accept new patients. For more information call us today or request an appointment online. We serve patients from all over the USA. Locations in Bloomington IL, Peoria/Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI.

Do you or your partner snore while sleeping and it is disturbing for the other person? Then visit Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders and get comprehensive treatment for snoring. We accept new patients. For more information call us today or request an appointment online. We serve patients from all over the USA. Locations in Bloomington IL, Peoria/Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI.
Do you or your partner snore while sleeping and it is disturbing for the other person? Then visit Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders and get comprehensive treatment for snoring. We accept new patients. For more information call us today or request an appointment online. We serve patients from all over the USA. Locations in Bloomington IL, Peoria/Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI.

Table of Contents:

What is the main cause of snoring?
Why do I snore some nights and not others?
When should I see a doctor about snoring?
How can you stop snoring?

Snoring is the unintentional act of making loud, rhythmic sounds while breathing, typically during sleep. People who snore tend to breathe through their mouths at night and the sounds they make are usually caused by the vibration of tissue in the throat and mouth. Most people who snore are unaware that they do so, unless informed by their partner or a family member. However, some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, can cause people to snore.

What is the main cause of snoring?


Snoring is caused by the vibration of air passing through the nasal cavity and mouth during sleep. The most common cause of snoring is obstruction, which occurs when the airway is partially or completely obstructed during sleep, forcing the individual to breath with greater effort, resulting in loud and often sonorous vibrations. One of the main causes for this obstruction is an enlarged uvula, the fleshy extension that hangs at the back of the throat.

Why do I snore some nights and not others?


Snoring is the sound of air being forced out of the nose and mouth during sleep. The noise can range in pitch, intensity, and duration, and it can be a wake-up call for some. Snoring is caused when air is forced through narrow passages in the nasal cavity, mouth and throat. The condition is more common in men than women, and usually only occurs when a person is sleeping.

Snoring may occur some nights but not others for several reasons, particularly sleeping position; stomach sleeping is much more likely to cause snoring as it restricts the airways. Additionally, snoring is more likely to occur if alcohol was consumed, or if using sedatives such as sleeping pills: sedatives and alcohol can relax the muscles in the throat and mouth, causing the vibrations to be more intense, resulting in snoring.

When should I see a doctor about snoring?


Since habitual snoring can be the first symptom of sleep apnea, if snoring occurs three or more nights a week, it may be time to see a sleep doctor. Additionally, it may also be recommended to see a healthcare provider if the snoring is loud or it is accompanied by daytime fatigue, frequent headaches, and trouble focusing, especially if getting adequate sleep (7-8 hours) each night. If snoring has been going on for more than a few months, it should be addressed, as well as if it causes sleep disturbances for others, such as a spouse, family member, or housemate.

How can you stop snoring?


There is no cure for snoring, but there are some treatments that may help reduce the inconvenience and other symptoms. Experts recommend the following strategies to help reduce snoring: try sleeping on your side to reduce the chances of the tongue obstructing the airways; wear a nasal pillow at night which provides a tighter fit to keep air from flowing through the back of the throat; and see the doctor if experiencing other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing during sleep.

If you or someone you love is snoring and it is causing sleep disturbances, come to Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. Our dedicated sleep team can help you understand what is causing your snoring and find the best solution for your situation. Call us today to book an appointment with our sleep specialist.

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