Snoring is caused by a partial blockage of the air passage by soft tissues in the throat pressing against each other, causing a vibration and the resulting noise. Snoring is sometimes called the listener's disease, because the person who sleeps near the snorer is usually bothered the most by the condition. The likelihood of becoming a snorer more than triples between the ages of 35 and 60, and snoring that goes untreated often gets worse with age. There are five common health conditions that can cause people to snore. Mild or occasional snoring is not considered dangerous, And a few simple lifestyle changes by the person who snores may be all that is necessary to curtail the problem.
Drug stores sell products designed to encourage side sleeping, including an anti-snoring pillow.
Some snorers have stopped the problem by sewing a pocket in the back of a pair of pajamas where a tennis ball or other object is placed to keep them from sleeping on their back, which promotes snoring. If none of these self-care measures work, and snoring is loud and continuous, you should call your doctor for advice. This type of snoring may be related to a serious health problem. For instance, snoring followed by extreme sleepiness during the day could mean a person has sleep apnea, where the snorer actually stops breathing for a period of time while sleeping. For more information, please listen to the recording on sleep apnea in the sleeping disorders section of your AudioHealth Library Directory.