Snoring is more than a nighttime nuisance; it can signal underlying health issues that deserve attention. An otolaryngologist at SM-Clinic explains the common triggers of snoring that arise from various diseases and bodily changes.
The most frequent driver is reduced muscle tone in the soft palate and the back of the throat during sleep. When these muscles relax, it can feel like a curtain lowering over the airway, narrowing nasal passages and creating the characteristic sounds of snoring. This mechanical disruption often sets the stage for disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue, and it may point to broader sleep health concerns.
Beyond that primary mechanism, other factors can contribute to snoring. Narrowing of the nasal airway from a deviated septum, chronic nasal congestion from rhinitis or sinusitis, nasal polyps, or other growths inside the nasal cavities can impede air flow and amplify snoring sounds. Structural traits such as a smaller lower jaw that sits back, misaligned teeth, or congenital tongue variations can also play a role in how air moves through the upper airway during rest.
The clinician highlights additional conditions that may elevate snoring risk. These include enlarged tonsils at the back of the throat, adenoids that remain prominent—an issue more common in children—enlarged uvula in some individuals due to anatomy or recent illness, as well as hormonal or metabolic changes that influence sleep. Obesity, thyroid disorders, pregnancy, and postmenopausal changes are cited as examples where snoring can be more likely. In some cases, age-related tissue changes contribute as well.
Lifestyle factors also matter. Smoking and alcohol use are linked to more frequent snoring because they irritate the airways and relax throat muscles, respectively, increasing the likelihood of noisy breathing at night.
Sleep plays a critical role in restoring energy, supporting cognitive function, and maintaining overall health. Snoring can disrupt not only the sleeper but also a partner or household members, affecting sleep quality and daytime well-being. For anyone who snores regularly, a visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist is a practical step to identify the cause and explore effective solutions tailored to the individual’s needs.
From a behavioral perspective, experts also acknowledge the impact of sleep arrangements on relationships. In some cases, couples report benefits from separate sleeping spaces for better rest and reduced nighttime disturbances, which can improve emotional balance and daytime functioning.