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

Treatments and Therapies

• Oral Appliances Therapy American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
• Treatment Options for Adults with Snoring American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Journal Articles

• Snoring

Diagnosis and Tests

• Sleep Study National Library of Medicine

Encyclopedia

• Snoring Medical Encyclopedia

Start Here

• Snoring Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Snoring and Sleep Apnea American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
• Snoring and Snore-Reducing Devices American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

Patient Handouts

• Snoring — adults Medical Encyclopedia
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) Medical Encyclopedia