Obstacles to air flow cause the noise

SNORING happens when air flow through the nose and the mouth is obstructed, and can be caused by a large or flabby soft palate and uvula (the fleshy mass of tissue that dangles from the back of the mouth).

When these structures strike against each other and vibrate during breathing, the sound produced is snoring.

People who snore have at least one of the following problems: Poor muscle tone in the muscles of the tongue and throat. This happens with some people when they relax in the deep-sleep stages, and also can be caused by alcohol or drugs.

Too-bulky tissues of the throat. Large tonsils and adenoids, for example, commonly cause snoring in children. Overweight persons also have bulky neck tissues.

Excessive length of the soft palate and uvula.

Obstructed nasal airways, such as from a stuffy or blocked-up nose, or a deviated septum.