Why Do People Snore?

Generally speaking, snoring may be caused by various factors such as excessive neck fat, improper sleeping posture, excessive smoking or drinking, sinusitis, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), among others. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Neck Fat

Excessive fat around the neck may compress the airway, causing vibrations during airflow and resulting in snoring. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical exercise can help reduce neck fat and keep the airway open.

2. Improper Sleeping Posture

When sleeping on the back, the tongue and soft palate may fall backward, obstructing the airway and causing snoring. Side sleeping is recommended, along with using pillows to support the body and maintain an open airway.

3. Excessive Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol and nicotine can relax throat muscles, increasing airway collapse during sleep and leading to snoring. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can reduce muscle relaxation in the throat and improve sleep quality.

4. Sinusitis

Low immune resistance may lead to upper respiratory tract infections, triggering sinusitis. Swelling of the sinus mucosa and increased secretions can cause nasal passage narrowing, forcing mouth breathing, which promotes posterior displacement of the tongue and results in snoring. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion and dizziness. Treatment may include medications such as azelastine fluticasone nasal spray, fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, and acetaminophen tablets, as directed by a physician.

5. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

TMD is usually caused by factors such as mental stress, teeth grinding at night, or improper bite alignment. It may restrict jaw movement and affect airway patency, thereby contributing to snoring. Common accompanying symptoms include pain and limited mouth opening. Medications such as eperisone hydrochloride tablets, ibuprofen tablets, and aspirin tablets may be used under medical guidance for treatment.

Side sleeping is recommended, and specially designed pillows or garments can be placed behind the back to prevent supine positioning. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and appropriate weight control—is beneficial.