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Snoring

When you inhale, air rushes past the upper part of your throat and down your windpipe. Snoring occurs when dangling tissues vibrate during breathing. One of 4 adults snores regularly, and almost half of all adults snore at least occasionally. The source of snoring depends on which tissues are flapping or impeding airflow.

When a person's nasal passages are swollen due to a cold or allergies, temporary snoring may occur. A large uvula (the bell-like appendage of skin hanging at the back of the throat), tonsils, adenoids, or tongue (or a very small jaw) can cause snoring, as can poor muscle tone in the tissues around the upper airway, frequently caused by excessive alcohol use. Excess fat in the neck area may press on the airway and promote snoring.

Many women snore late in their pregnancies due to hormone-related swelling of airway tissues. Before menopause, women snore less than men; snoring increases after menopause.

Although snoring is rarely life threatening, sleep specialists take snoring seriously. Someone who snores heavily should have a thorough examination of the throat, mouth, palate, tongue, and neck.

There are hundreds of devices on the market that claim to help the snorer; they should be avoided. Always get a doctor's evaluation and his or her recommendations.

The remedy for your snoring might be as simple as changing your sleeping position from your back to your side since many people snore only when lying on their backs. This can be encouraged by sewing a marble, golf ball, or tennis ball into the backs of pajamas, making it uncomfortable to sleep in that position.

Other remedies include raising your head slightly by using another pillow or raising the head of the bed. An overweight snorer may benefit by losing weight and improving muscle tone.

Other helpful measures include quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, which slow breathing.