Causes of snoring

1/ Sex: men snore more than women

Men have narrower airways than women, which over time (as you age, see below) will cause snoring (in most cases).

2/ Age: snoring increases with age.

With age, the throat muscles lose tone and the tissues become slack, which can cause snoring.

But it should be noted that over the years, the curve can be reversed. Very old people can snore, but it is true that snoring also tends to decrease at very old age.

Snoring is caused by vibrations of the soft tissues of the throat, particularly the soft palate (the back part of the palate). Relaxation of muscles during sleep is partly the cause.

Throat muscles lose tone with age, which can reduce snoring in very old people. It can be estimated that snoring reaches its peak between the ages of 40 and 60. This does not exclude snoring outside this age group.

3/ Weight and diet

Overweight and obesity promote daily snoring which can be accompanied by sleep apnea.
overweight and obesity can cause snoring due to the accumulation of fat around the neck which can compress the airways.

A balanced diet associated with a healthy lifestyle (sports activity) can reduce or even eliminate snoring.

4/ Nasal or nasopharyngeal obstruction

A “stuffy” nose can be caused by a deviated septum, sinus inflammation, allergies, or even staphylococci.

Nasopharyngeal obstruction can also be caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

5/ Lying on your back makes snoring worse.

Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue to fall back and block your airways.

6/ The absorption of alcohol.

Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles and therefore makes snoring worse.