Snoring results when the flow of air from your mouth or nose to your lungs makes the tissues of your throat vibrate during sleep. It ranges from an occasional nuisance to a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.
Common contributing factors include excess weight, sleeping on your back, nasal congestion, alcohol before bed, and the natural narrowing of the airway with age.
Simple lifestyle changes often help first: losing excess weight, sleeping on your side, treating nasal allergies or congestion, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives close to bedtime.
For persistent snoring, treatment depends on the cause and on where the airway narrows. If sleep apnoea is confirmed, CPAP therapy or an oral appliance that keeps the airway open is often recommended, and surgical procedures such as UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) are an option for suitable candidates.
Loud snoring accompanied by gasping, choking, or daytime sleepiness may indicate obstructive sleep apnea and warrants a proper ENT evaluation, including a sleep study.
