Causes of Snoring – Allen Park, MI

Snoring is a common problem that can keep your spouse or loved ones awake at night. The harsh or hoarse noise is the result of vibrations from air passing over the relaxed tissues in your throat. It happens to everyone from time to time and is not a concern; however, there are times when it could indicate a serious problem. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea, which causes you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night. If you are experiencing chronic snoring, it is best to find the underlying cause of the problem to ensure your health is not at risk. Dr. Frank Stankiewicz offers sleep apnea treatment in Allen Park to get to the root cause of the issue.

Causes of Snoring

Snoring can result from several factors that cause your airway to narrow. The more forceful your air flow becomes, the more the soft tissues vibrate, making your snoring louder. Dr. Stankiewicz works to find the underlying cause of the issue to provide you with the relief you need. Common causes for snoring include:

Anatomy of Mouth

Those who have a low or thick soft palate are prone to snoring because they often have a narrow airway. In addition, if the uvula is larger than usual, it can obstruct the airflow.

Obesity

People who are overweight often have extra tissue in the back of their throats, which can make their airway narrow. 

Nasal Problems

If you suffer from allergies, chronic nasal congestion, or a deviated septum, it can contribute to your snoring because any one of these issues often results in mouth breathing.

Sleep Position

People who sleep on their back tend to snore frequently because gravity can narrow the airway.

Sleep Deprivation

If you are overly tired, it can cause your throat to relax too much.

Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol in excess or before bedtime can cause your throat muscles to relax. It can also limit your body’s natural defense against airway obstructions.

Risk Factors for Snoring

Although snoring can occur in anyone, there are several risk factors that can increase your likeliness for it, such as:

• Being male
• Being overweight
• Having a naturally narrow airway
• Drinking alcohol
• Having nasal problems
• Genetics