Snoring

If you or your partner snore, you’re not alone. Nearly half of adults in the United States snore at least occasionally, and for some, it becomes a nightly problem that affects both rest and relationships. 

The sleep medicine experts at Banner Health can help identify what’s causing your snoring and find solutions so you - and those around you -can enjoy more peaceful, restorative sleep. 

What is snoring? 

Snoring happens when airflow through your mouth or nose is partially blocked while you sleep. This blockage causes tissues in your throat to vibrate, producing the familiar snoring sound. 

Occasional snoring is common, but chronic snoring can affect your quality of sleep and may sometimes indicate another condition such as sleep apnea. 

If your snoring is loud, frequent, or accompanied by pauses in breathing, learn more about sleep apnea and when to seek care. 

Common symptoms of snoring 

When snoring disrupts your sleep, you may experience: 

• Restless or poor-quality sleep 
• Morning headaches or sore throat 
• Daytime tiredness or trouble concentrating 
• Dry mouth upon waking 
• Your partner noticing loud snoring or gasping sounds 

In children, snoring can cause behavioral issues, daytime sleepiness or problems focusing in school. 

What causes snoring? 

Snoring can happen for several reasons. Common causes include: 

Nasal problems 

• Deviated septum, chronic nasal congestion or allergies can limit airflow and cause noisy breathing. 

Mouth anatomy 

• A low, thick, soft palate or enlarged uvula can narrow the airway. 
• Being overweight may add tissue in the throat that blocks airflow. 

Sleep position 

• Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse toward the throat. 

Alcohol or sedatives 

• Drinking or taking sedatives before bed relaxes throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring. 

Sleep deprivation 

• Not getting enough rest can lead to deeper muscle relaxation and more vibration. 

Weight and family history 

• Extra weight, especially around the neck, contributes to airway narrowing. 
• A family history of snoring or sleep-disordered breathing can also increase risk. 

When to seek care for snoring 

If your snoring keeps you or your partner awake, or you wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep, it’s time to talk with a sleep specialist. 

Your provider may recommend an evaluation at a Banner Sleep Center, where a sleep study can determine whether your snoring is simply positional or a sign of sleep apnea. 

You should also schedule an appointment if: 

• Snoring is loud or nightly 
• You experience morning fatigue or headaches 
• Your child snores regularly 
• You have known risk factors such as obesity or high blood pressure 

How to stop snoring 

Many cases of snoring can improve with lifestyle changes and simple at-home strategies: 

At-home remedies 

• Sleep on your side instead of your back to keep airways open. 
• Elevate your head with a wedge pillow or raise the head of your bed. 
• Use nasal strips to open nasal passages. 
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bed. 
• Lose excess weight if recommended by your doctor. 
• Manage allergies or nasal congestion with over the counter or prescribed treatments. 

Medical and surgical options 

If lifestyle changes don’t help, your provider may recommend: 

• Oral or dental appliances to adjust the jaw and improve airflow 
• Treatment for nasal or sinus obstruction 
• Tonsillectomy or removal of excess throat tissue in select cases 

If your snoring is related to sleep apnea, your care team will discuss additional options such as CPAP therapy or surgical correction. Learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. 

Expert sleep care close to home 

Getting good, restorative sleep is essential to your overall health. Whether your snoring is mild or part of a more complex condition, Banner Health Sleep Medicine specialists are here to help you breathe easier and rest better. 

Find a Banner Sleep Center near you and schedule your consultation today.