Snoring is a spectrum. Some people snore like a construction site on a Sunday. It could be a long groaning or humming sound for others. And some sleep so peacefully that you almost hear their dreams.
Snoring is related to breathing. The body exerts more effort to breathe the narrower the airway is. So, why does this happen, what could be considered as “normal snoring,” and what does this mean for your health?
Why Snoring Happens: The Top 3 Reasons Why We Snore
A clogged nose isn’t the only reason people snore. It happens because of issues in the upper respiratory tract, where air travels before it reaches the windpipe and lungs.
Mouth and Throat Anatomy: Genetics and Extra Weight
How loud and frequent someone snores has to do with genetics. Some people have narrow airways by default because they were just born with:
- A low, thick, or long soft palate
- Enlarged tonsils
- A large tongue
- A small setback jaw
Excess weight also builds fat inside the tongue and the side walls of the throat, all contributing to narrowing airways. Studies show that large-bodied individuals are more prone to snoring. But losing 10% of your body weight reduces the severity of sleep apnea by 26% to 30%.
Throat Muscles Relaxing Too Much
When you’re awake, throat muscles keep the airway open. When you’re asleep, they relax. Anything that relaxes throat muscles beyond normal sleep allows the airway to fall more easily.
- Alcohol and sedatives: Drinking makes snoring worse. Studies suggest heavy drinkers have 25% higher risk of sleep apnea.
- Sleep deprivation: “Sleep debt” means you fall asleep fast and hard. When you hit REM, most of your body’s muscles go limp. Throat muscles relax the most in this state.
- Sleeping on your back: Gravity can cause your tongue and soft palate to drop backward. Snoring is loudest and most frequent in this position.
A Blocked Nose
Chronic congestion from allergies, colds, deviated septa, or nasal polyps makes it harder to breathe. The body overcompensates to get air in, leading to more suction in the throat. That suction tends to pull the floppy soft tissue of your throat inward.
Congestion pushes you to mouth breathe. When the mouth opens, the tongue falls back, and the soft palate vibrates more. Nasal congestion also worsens when lying down. Studies found that people with chronic nighttime congestion were more likely to be habitual snorers.
What Does Snoring Mean for Your Health?
Occasional snoring is harmless. Snoring every day is something to look into, even if it’s not too loud. It shows a pattern that might be caused by consistent airway resistance or vibrations night after night. If you or someone you know snores every night, it might indicate the following:
New Studies Found Thicker Walls in Carotid Arteries in Snorers
Carotid arteries run along both sides of your neck. If carotid artery walls thicken, it can lead to plaque buildup that increases risks of stroke. A handful of studies suggest snoring may play a role, even in people without sleep apnea.
Henry Ford Hospital researchers found thicker carotid artery walls in snorers compared with non-snorers. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine saw the same pattern. Carotid artery walls were 0.90mm in snorers vs 0.65mm in non-snorers.
Researchers theorize it's from the vibration in snoring, which could irritate the carotid lining over time. But the research hasn’t concluded. A study of 3,129 Korean adults found snoring didn't accelerate arterial thickening.
Snoring Could be a Sign of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the airway completely closes rather than just narrowing. When throat muscles relax while you sleep, soft tissue collapses and blocks the airway, leading you to:
- Stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer
- Have your blood oxygen levels drop
- Get a spike in stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure
Your body responds by waking up the brain just enough to tighten the throat muscles to reopen the airway. This pattern repeats night after night. Many look into a mouth tape for sleep apnea to address the issue.
But if you’re thinking of getting one, always consult your doctor first. Snoring might get quieter, but there could still be underlying issues that need testing. People with stuffed or blocked noses risk suffocation.
Higher Blood Pressure, Even Without Sleep Apnea
It’s a known fact that sleep apnea raises blood pressure. But new research suggests that snoring alone is a factor. Snorers were found to be nearly twice as likely to have higher blood pressures than non-snorers, even without sleep apnea.
The correlation was also strongest among adults under 50 who were of a healthy weight. Another study testing the theory on women found the same conclusion. Regular snorers were 55% more likely to develop high blood pressure over eight years, regardless of their weight.
Researchers are still trying to determine why snoring and blood pressure are connected. But studies suggest that regular snoring is worth taking seriously, even if you’re healthy.
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