Snoring

Approximately 45% of adults snore occasionally, while around 25% are habitual snorers. But what exactly causes snoring?

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. This obstruction typically happens in the area where the tongue and upper throat meet the soft palate and uvula—an area prone to collapsing during sleep. As air struggles to pass through, these structures vibrate, producing the familiar sound of snoring.

Snoring can be both socially and medically disruptive. On a social level, it may lead to embarrassment, nighttime nudges from frustrated partners, and tension in shared sleeping arrangements. Medically, snoring interferes with normal sleep patterns, leaving the snorer feeling unrested. In some cases, it may even be a symptom of a more serious condition known as sleep apnea—a disorder that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep.