3 Snoring Causes and How to Correct Them

Not all instances of snoring are related to sleep apnea, though the possibility should not be ruled out unless an airway specialist has evaluated the patient.

Individuals who don’t have sleep apnea but still struggle with the effects of snoring may be dealing with one of the following issues. Keep reading for more information on three common causes of snoring, plus several ways to correct snoring.

Your Oral/Airway Structure

Individuals who have low-hung, thick, or overly soft upper palates can cause the airway to narrow during sleep. Sometimes, the shape and structure of the mouth and airway develop this way during childhood, but in other situations, the oral structure becomes too tissue-heavy due to weight gain.

Correction:

Losing weight, changing your sleeping position, wearing a mouthguard, or undergoing corrective therapy can help reduce snoring brought on by these issues.

Nasal Issues

Individuals who struggle with frequent colds, allergies, and congestion may find that they snore relatively often. In addition, individuals with deviated septums or other physical abnormalities of the nasal passage may snore relatively often.

Correction:

Wearing a nasal strip, taking allergy medication, or changing the position an individual sleeps in can help relieve snoring that’s caused by nasal issues. For example, sleeping with the head slightly elevated may reduce snoring in these circumstances.

Sleep Position

Sleeping on one’s back usually worsens existing snoring problems. This is especially true when the individual either sleeps too flat or uses pillows thick enough to only elevate the head (not the neck or shoulders).

Correction:

Changing sleeping positions can help relieve snoring brought on by sleeping in an unideal position. Individuals who lie on their backs might try sleeping on their sides for relief. However, if a person is only comfortable sleeping on his or her back, it’s still possible to relieve snoring by elevating the head, neck, and shoulders.

For snorers who find that they’re unable to achieve snore-free sleep regardless of the efforts they make, it’s a good idea to reach out to an airway specialist to schedule an assessment. A specialist will be able to evaluate each patient’s oral and airway structures, nasal passages, and more to determine the root cause of snoring. Once the cause is determined, treatment can commence.