This Is Why You Snore, Plus Tips on How to Stop Snoring

Approximately 1 in 2 people snore. A number of factors can contribute to snoring.
The physiological cause is vibrations in your airway. The relaxed tissues in your upper respiratory tract vibrate when you breathe, producing the characteristic snoring sound.
The source of your snoring may result from:
• poor muscle tone of the tongue and throat
• too much tissue in your throat
• a soft palate or an uvula that’s too long
• blocked nasal passages

Snoring is often harmless. If you snore occasionally, you may not need an intervention.
More frequent or chronic snoring may be a sign of a serious health condition, such as sleep apnea. If left untreated, this could lead to sleep deprivation, heart disease, and hypertension.

۷ tips to stop snoring
Knowing why or how often you snore can help you determine the best treatment option. Depending on your needs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, medical devices, and even lifestyle changes may help relieve your symptoms.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your concerns. They can go over your options and help you figure out the best next steps.

You may be able to reduce or prevent future snoring if you:
1. Try an OTC medication
Intranasal decongestants, such as oxymetazoline (Zicam), and intranasal steroid sprays, such as fluticasone (Cutivate), can help alleviate snoring. This is especially true if your snoring is caused by a cold or allergies.
2. Sleep on your side
Sleeping on your back may cause you to snore. Sleeping on your side can help prevent your tongue from blocking your airway.

۳. Use a mouthpiece
If OTC medications aren’t working, you may want to consider a mouthpiece. Removable mouthpieces can be fitted to your mouth to keep your jaw, tongue, and soft palate in place to prevent snoring. You’ll need to have regular checkups with your dentist to make sure the mouthpiece is working over time.
4. Lose weight
Being overweight has been linked to snoring. Implementing a healthy diet and getting frequent exercise may help you shed pounds and reduce your snoring. If you’re overweight, talk with your doctor about developing a diet and exercise plan. In addition to reduced snoring, maintaining a healthy weight can help control hypertension, improve lipid profiles, and decrease your risk of diabetes.

۵. Explore surgical options
There are also several surgical options that may help you stop snoring. Some involve modifying the airway.
What causes snoring?
There are many reasons why you may snore. Because of this, there isn’t a single diagnosis or treatment plan for snoring.

These factors may put you at higher risk for snoring:
• Age: Snoring is more common as you get older.
• Gender: Men are more likely to snore than women.
• Weight: Being overweight causes more tissue to develop in the throat, which can contribute to snoring.
• A small airway: You may be more likely to snore if you have a narrow upper respiratory tract.
• Genetics: You may be at higher risk for sleep apnea if someone in your family also has it.
• Infections or allergies: Infections and seasonal allergies can cause inflammation in your throat, which can lead to snoring.
• Sleep position: Snoring may be more frequent when sleeping on your back.