Snoring is a rattling noise that occurs when the soft tissues in the head and neck vibrate. Snoring is very common, with a survey conducted by the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association suggesting that 40 percent of people in England snore. Most cases are where people snore on an irregular basis, but some people do so regularly and this can be due to a number of factors.
The majority of people snore infrequently and this is usually due to a cold or cough, which makes it difficult to breathe. Often, if somebody snores because they have a heavy cold, the noise usually involves heavy breathing, rather than the snorting noise commonly associated with more serious types of snoring.
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of snoring. Allergies to dust, pet hair and pollen can cause allergic rhinitis, which causes the inside of the nasal passages to become swollen. If you have an allergy that is making you snore, you should see your GP and ask about how to stop snoring. Your GP may suggest taking antihistamines or changing your bedding to hypoallergenic linen to help alleviate your snoring.
Body weight
Being overweight is a known risk factor for snoring. If you are overweight you are more likely to snore because a large amount of fat or a lack of muscle around the neck makes it difficult to keep the airway open. Excess fat around the neck is a key cause of snoring and if you have a neck circumference of more than 16 ½ inches you have a high risk of snoring.
Drinking
Drinking alcohol is a common cause of snoring as it relaxes the muscles more than normal and causes the airway to narrow. Alcohol is also associated with congestion and irritation in the nasal passages.
Smoking
Smoking can cause people to snore because it results in inflammation of the airways. If you smoke and you see your GP about snoring treatments, they will probably advise you to cut down and eventually give up smoking.
Medication
Taking certain types of medication, including some anti-depressants and sedatives, can increase your risk of snoring. This is because some medicines can relax the muscles in the same way as drinking alcohol.
Sleeping position
Many people find that they snore in certain sleeping positions and are usually more likely to snore if they sleep on their backs in the supine position. This is when snoring is caused by the impact of gravity on the airway.