+90 539 716 24 01Snoring occurs when the tissues in the upper airway vibrate during sleep. Its causes include anatomical structures, weight, sleeping position, and lifestyle factors. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, oral devices, or surgery.
Snoring is the sound produced when air passing through the upper airway causes the soft tissues in the throat to vibrate. During sleep, throat muscles naturally relax, leading to slight narrowing of the airway; the more pronounced this narrowing, the louder the snoring sound.
Snoring is very common in the general population, with approximately 40–50% of adults snoring regularly or occasionally. Almost everyone may experience snoring at some point in their life. Simple snoring, which does not cause breathing pauses or frequent sleep disruptions, generally does not pose serious health risks. However, it can disturb the sleep of partners or family members and lead to fatigue.
If snoring is accompanied by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, this condition is called obstructive sleep apnea.
Untreated snoring can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Snoring usually occurs due to narrowing of the upper airway, but certain lifestyle and medical factors can also trigger it. Anatomical features such as a recessed upper jaw, an enlarged uvula, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids can contribute to snoring. Additionally, colds, allergic rhinitis, and certain neurological or metabolic conditions may increase the risk of snoring.
Lifestyle factors also play a significant role. Obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, sedative or certain allergy medications, pregnancy, sleeping on the back, and excessive fatigue can all trigger snoring.
Sometimes, a person may notice their own snoring, which is often the most obvious sign. However, in most cases, snoring is reported by a partner or someone sharing the same household. Regular snoring is not considered normal and usually warrants further evaluation.
Snoring is often accompanied by other symptoms, including:
Depending on the situation, snoring and these accompanying symptoms may indicate a serious condition such as obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, if recurrent breathing pauses, daytime fatigue, or palpitations occur, professional medical evaluation is strongly recommended.
The diagnosis of snoring is usually based on the patient’s own experience and the history provided by close contacts. To increase diagnostic accuracy, a detailed examination of the nose and throat is performed. When needed, imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),computed tomography (CT),or upper airway endoscopy may be used to assess the structure of the upper airway and the degree of narrowing.
If snoring is accompanied by repeated breathing pauses during sleep, a polysomnography (sleep study) is performed to monitor sleep patterns and respiratory function. This test is considered the gold standard for determining whether snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
Snoring is most often caused by narrowing in the upper airway and certain lifestyle factors. Therefore, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes and implementing lifestyle changes. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives, losing weight, and avoiding sleeping on the back can effectively reduce snoring.
In cases of simple snoring, where breathing is not interrupted during sleep, initial recommendations usually include changing sleep position, using a higher pillow, losing excess weight, and stopping alcohol and smoking. If snoring persists despite these measures, the patient should consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
After a specialist examination and additional tests, the factors contributing to snoring are identified, and surgical options may be planned if necessary.
Nasal Surgeries: Deviations in the nasal septum are corrected, and the nasal turbinates are reduced using radiofrequency to open the airway. This makes breathing through the nose easier, reduces snoring, and improves sleep quality. The full effect of the surgery is usually seen within 3–6 months.
Soft Palate, Uvula, and Tongue Base Surgeries: Tissues are reduced or removed using laser or radiofrequency techniques. However, these methods have limited success rates and carry a risk of recurrence. The postoperative recovery process can also be quite painful.
Mandibular Advancement (Forward Movement of the Lower Jaw): This procedure moves the lower jaw forward, pulling the tongue base and opening the upper airway, significantly reducing snoring. The recovery period is approximately 45 days, during which patients typically consume liquids or use a straw for feeding.
The appropriate approach to snoring treatment is personalized based on the patient’s anatomical structure, severity of snoring, and any accompanying health conditions. The most effective results are achieved when surgical methods are combined with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medical therapies.
For patients who are not suitable for surgery or prefer to avoid it, oral appliances offer an effective solution. These devices are custom-made by dentists to fit the patient’s mouth and jaw structure. Placed in the mouth before sleep, the appliance prevents the tongue from falling backward, keeps the upper airway open, and significantly reduces snoring. For this reason, it is also called a “snoring splint.”
Oral appliances are practical for use and travel, easy to insert and remove. They quickly reduce snoring, improve sleep quality, and decrease daytime fatigue. They are also more affordable compared to surgical methods and can be used alongside CPAP therapy as an adjunct treatment for some patients.
With regular use and periodic dental check-ups, oral appliances maintain their effectiveness and prevent potential discomfort in the teeth or jaw joints. In addition to snoring, they are also an effective alternative treatment for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
In women, estrogen has a protective effect against snoring, which is why snoring is more common after menopause. Before menopause, approximately 10% of women snore, while after menopause, this rate can rise to 40%.
Increased fat accumulation around the neck after menopause narrows the upper airway, contributing to snoring. However, women who maintain a healthy weight tend to snore less, and the intensity is usually milder.
Temporary snoring can also occur during upper respiratory infections. Additionally, alcohol consumption and certain sleep medications relax the muscles, narrowing the airway and triggering snoring.
Snoring can often be reduced through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment. Changing sleep position, controlling weight, limiting alcohol and sedative use, using oral appliances that keep the airway open, and in some cases, surgical interventions can effectively reduce snoring.
Loud or frequent snoring may indicate a serious sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Professional evaluation is essential, especially if it is accompanied by pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, or heart palpitations.
Ensuring the safety and sleep quality of the snorer is important. Encourage side sleeping, limit alcohol or sedative intake, and, if necessary, refer the person to a doctor or dentist.
In most cases, snoring can be treated or its severity reduced. Measures range from simple lifestyle changes to surgical interventions or oral appliances, effectively controlling snoring.
Natural approaches include sleeping on the side, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, reducing smoking and alcohol, practicing good sleep hygiene, and adjusting pillow height. These measures can be especially effective for mild snoring.
Chin straps help keep the mouth closed and gently pull the lower jaw forward, which can reduce snoring. They may be effective for mild to moderate snoring, but are not sufficient alone for severe sleep apnea.
Some people benefit from anti-snoring pillows, but there is no scientific evidence proving their overall effectiveness. The size and structure of neck tissues, airway narrowing, and tissue sagging vary from person to person.
A snoring band (nasal strip) provides mechanical support for the nose. It is placed over the nasal wings to open the nostrils, allowing easier airflow. However, results vary, and if snoring is not caused by nasal issues, a nasal strip alone cannot resolve it.
Currently, there is no drug that can prevent snoring.
Mouth tapes encourage nasal breathing by limiting mouth breathing, which can reduce snoring. However, if there is anatomical narrowing of the upper airway, their effectiveness is limited and they are not recommended for severe apnea.
Mouth breathing during sleep is often caused by nasal obstruction, allergic rhinitis, or a deviated septum. Reduced muscle tone during sleep and anatomical predisposition to snoring can also contribute.
Sleeping without a pillow may worsen snoring in some people, as head and neck position can narrow the airway. Slightly elevated pillows are usually more effective in reducing snoring.
Yes, many cases of mild to moderate snoring can be managed without surgery through lifestyle changes, oral appliances, and sleep hygiene practices.
Weight loss in overweight individuals, particularly around the neck, opens the airway and significantly reduces snoring. In some cases, snoring can completely stop.
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Prof. Dr. Elif KüpeliChest Diseases Specialist
Prof. Dr. Elif Küpeli
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