The rumbling or snoring sound some people make while asleep is caused by the vibration of airway tissues. Although almost everyone snores occasionally, heavy snoring can be a sign of serious health problems like obstructive sleep apnea. If you snore, your doctor may suggest treatment. The following are some of the most common snoring causes. Narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck.

1. Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is a common cause of snoring. It may be caused by a crooked nasal septum, sinusitis or allergies. Chronic nasal congestion and excessive use of antihistamines or sleeping pills before bedtime can relax throat muscles, causing snoring.

Snoring occurs when air passes through a partially blocked airway, causing the tissues to vibrate. The snoring sound can be loud and disruptive to others.

Many people who snore have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea. OSA causes a pause in breathing, resulting in reduced oxygen levels. The snoring associated with this condition is loud and accompanied by periods of silence as the throat closes. This snoring can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Obstructive sleep apnoea also increases the risk of depression. It’s important to seek a diagnosis from your health care provider.

2. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing, characterized by periods of reduced or stopped breath and resulting oxygen deprivation. Loud snoring is a telltale sign of this condition.

Patients whose symptoms, screening questionnaires and/or risk factors suggest a higher probability of OSA should have a sleep study to determine the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and grade the severity of their condition. Patients who report only snoring and do not have other symptoms, a family history of OSA or cardiovascular risk factors, may not need a comprehensive evaluation.

During apnea episodes, the muscles in the back of the throat relax and narrow the airway, which causes air to squeeze through. These events cause a lack of oxygen and repeated arousals, which reduces overall sleep quality.

3. Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are small, painless growths that develop on the lining of nasal passages and sinuses. These growths can cause nasal obstruction, leading to snoring.

When a person snores, their breathing is interrupted and they lose oxygen which can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. Untreated, this sleep disorder can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and other chronic health conditions.

Blocked airways can be caused by a crooked piece of cartilage that separates the nostrils (deviated septum), enlarged tonsils, nasal polyps or other issues. Treating these problems alleviates snoring and allows for better sleep which can improve overall quality of life. This can also help reduce the risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

4. Sleep position

While snoring might be a nuisance for you or your bed partner, it could be a sign of serious medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. If left untreated, this condition can cause heart disease and other serious health problems.

A person’s throat muscles relax during sleep, narrowing the airway and causing snoring. Chronic nasal congestion, a crooked partition between the nostrils (deviated septum) and an overly enlarged tongue, tonsils and adenoids can also restrict the airway and lead to snoring.

Consuming excess alcohol before sleeping can further relax throat muscles, increasing snoring. Excess weight is another common cause of snoring, as gravity can further narrow the airway. In addition, a person’s age may contribute to snoring as the mouth and nose structures can change with time.

5. Excess weight

Snoring is not only annoying for those who share a bed with snorers, it can also be an indicator of serious health problems. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea and left untreated, can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.

If you are a snorer and your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor. They may order a home sleep test or an overnight laboratory sleep study to examine your snoring and other symptoms.

There are many ways to reduce snoring, including weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption, eliminating sleep medicines, refraining from smoking and sleeping on the side rather than back. Changing your lifestyle habits can help you stop snoring and enjoy a better night’s sleep, which will benefit you and your family.