Snoring Summary Snoring is the sound you make when your breathing is blocked while you are asleep. The sound is caused by tissues at the top of your airway that strike each other and vibrate. Snoring is common, especially among older people and people who are overweight. When severe, snoring can cause frequent awakenings at night and daytime sleepiness. It can disrupt your bed partner’s sleep. Snoring can also be a sign of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. You should see your health care provider if you are often tired during the day, don’t feel that you sleep well, or wake up gasping. To reduce snoring Lose weight if you are overweight. It may help, but thin people can snore, too. Cut down or avoid alcohol and other sedatives at bedtime Don’t sleep flat on your back NIH: National Institute on Aging Find an Expert American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery American Sleep Apnea Association American Sleep Apnea Association Find a Sleep Center Near You American Academy of Sleep Medicine Find an ENT American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Snoring National Institutes of Health Related Issues Diet and Exercise Tips American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Obstructive Sleep Apnea American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Snoring and Nasal Congestion American Rhinologic Society Treatments and Therapies Oral Appliances American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Journal Articles Snoring Array Snoring Snoring — adults Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) Start Here Snoring American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Snoring Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Snoring and Sleep Apnea American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Videos and Tutorials Snoring National Institute on Aging Children Snoring Nemours Foundation