Snoring is the sound that is produced from a partially obstructed airway as we breathe during sleep. The noise occurs when the soft palate and uvula vibrate against the back of the throat or the base of the tongue. As you fall asleep, the soft tissues at the back of the throat, the muscles that line the airway, and the tongue muscle all relax. As this happens, the tongue drops back into the airway space causing it to narrow. As air passes through this narrowed airway, it moves faster and with more pressure causing the tissues to vibrate against each other. This produces the sound that we know as snoring. Usually, the more narrow the airway space, the louder or more habitual the snoring. While snoring itself is not harmful, although quite annoying to those around you, it can cause:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in concentration
- Reduced work performance
Snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition known as Obstructed Sleep Apnea.
