From the Guidelines
Snoring in adults is primarily caused by the vibration of tissues in the throat when air flows past them during sleep, with the most common causes including obesity, anatomical factors, sleeping position, and sleep apnea, as noted in the 2025 study by 1. The causes of snoring in adults can be multifactorial, including:
- Obesity, where excess weight around the neck narrows the airway
- Anatomical factors like enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or elongated uvula
- Sleeping position, particularly lying on the back which allows the tongue to fall backward
- Alcohol consumption before bedtime, which relaxes throat muscles
- Smoking, which irritates and inflames the airway
- Nasal congestion from allergies or colds
- Aging, as throat muscles naturally lose tone over time
- Sleep apnea, a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep Certain medications like sedatives can also contribute by relaxing throat muscles. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, sleeping on your side, treating nasal congestion, and establishing regular sleep patterns can help reduce snoring, as suggested by 1 and 1. For persistent snoring, medical devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, or in some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary, especially if sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, as recommended by 1. It is essential to note that sleep apnea is a serious condition that can increase the risk of numerous health complications, including hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, as highlighted in the 2017 study by 1. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose and treat sleep apnea promptly to reduce the risk of these complications and improve quality of life, as emphasized by 1 and 1.
From the Research
Causes of Snoring in Adults
The causes of snoring in adults can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Obstruction of the nasal airway, which can be caused by nasal congestion, septal deviation, or other anatomical abnormalities 2, 3
- Obesity, which can lead to increased fat tissue in the throat, causing narrowing of the airway 4
- Sleep position, with back sleepers being more prone to snoring due to the relaxation of the throat muscles 4
- Anatomical abnormalities of the soft palate, such as a long or narrow soft palate, which can cause vibration and lead to snoring 4
- Nasal obstruction, which can contribute to mouth breathing and increase the likelihood of snoring 2, 5
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of snoring in adults, including:
- Male gender, with men being more prone to snoring than women 3
- Age, with the prevalence of snoring increasing with age 5
- Hypertension and diabetes mellitus, which can increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring 3
- High economic status and living in a metropolitan area, which may be associated with an increased risk of OSA and snoring 3
Underlying Conditions
Snoring can be a symptom of underlying conditions, such as: