Snoring occurs when these structures strike each other and vibrate during breathing. When muscles are too relaxed, either from alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness, the tongue falls backwards into the airway or the throat muscles draw in from the sides into the airway. This can also happen during deep sleep. Excessive bulkiness of throat tissue. Children with large tonsils and adenoids often snore.
Overweight people have bulky neck tissue, too.
Cysts or tumors can also cause bulk, but they are rare. A long palate narrows the opening from the nose into the throat. As it dangles, it acts as a noisy flutter valve during relaxed breathing. A long uvula makes matters even worse. Obstructed nasal airways.