What causes snoring?

Is it really possible to ‘cure’ snoring? And if you snore, why is it important to know the reason for this common condition?

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How to get help with snoring.

If you snore – especially if you snore loudly – you know how disruptive it can be. You might be embarrassed to fall asleep when you travel or stay with friends. Maybe your partner complains about your habitual snoring and banishes you to the spare room or sofa. In fact, 95% of snorers say their snoring bothers their partner.¹
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for help with snoring: at Resmed, we’re experts in treating sleep-related breathing issues, including problem snoring.

Why do people snore?

Some people snore because of the shape of their nose or jaw. If you have an enlarged tongue or tonsils or carry excess weight around the neck, you may also be prone to snoring. Several other factors that can cause you to snore, or snore more loudly, include fatigue, a higher body mass index, pregnancy, sleeping on your back, and drinking alcohol before bed. If you have a cold or nasal congestion, you may also snore temporarily.

When we’re asleep, the muscles in our necks relax. Sometimes, they relax so much that the upper airway partially closes, narrowing the passageway through which air travels to our lungs. This narrowing makes the air vibrate in your throat and soft palate when you breathe, and this vibration causes the familiar sound of snoring.^2,3

Healthy patient

(airway open)

Snorers without OSA

(airway obstructed)

Snorers with OSA

(airway closed – apnoea)

Does everyone snore?

Almost 40% of men snore loudly and often, but they’re not alone.
20% of women snore, too.⁴

Facts about snoring

Snoring is common

It’s estimated 40% of the investigated population report snoring (proportion is age-dependent).⁵

Family and bed partners lose sleep

95% of snorers say their snoring bothers their family or bed partner.¹

Snoring and other health problems

Snorers are 1.6 times more likely to develop arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) within four years of starting to snore.⁶

People who snore may also have sleep apnoea

1 in 3 men and 1 in 5 women who snore could suffer from sleep apnoea.⁷

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A proven snoring solution

A mandibular advancement device is a treatment for snoring that successfully stops loud snoring in almost 8 out of 10 people who use it.⁸

Snoring can also be a sign of a serious medical disorder: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

OSA is a sleep breathing disorder that’s characterised by breathing pauses called apnoeas. These last for 10 to 30 seconds or more and can be repeated more than 30 times per hour, stopping air from flowing to the lungs temporarily. These apnoeas lead to micro-awakenings that disrupt your sleep and affect your quality of life and your health.
In France, a study showed an overall OSA likelihood of 21% in the adult population: 24% in men and 18% in women⁹, with the knowledge that more than 80% of patients remain undiagnosed¹⁰. That’s why it’s important to report severe snoring over a sustained period to your doctor.

Keep exploring

Treatment for snoring

Dozens of products claim to treat snoring. Our Narval mandibular advancement device is a clinically proven solution that prevents loud snoring in 89% of patients who use it. Narval is thin, light, discreet and custom-made to fit in your mouth and does not disturb you while you sleep.

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Sleep, snoring and sleep disorders

Are you getting enough good quality sleep? This guide explores common sleep problems and how to fix them.

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What is sleep apnoea?

Many people have sleep apnoea, but may not even know it. In fact, sleep apnoea affects more than 3 in 10 men and nearly 1 in 5 women, so it’s more common than you might think.