The drilling noise from upstairs renovations, the buzzing of mosquitoes on summer nights, the pinging of DingTalk notifications at midnight, and a partner’s loud snoring rank as the four major "sound killers" plaguing modern adults.
According to incomplete statistics, most adults who struggle to sleep at night have a snoring partner beside them. This situation is truly a source of sorrow for those who hear it.
However, because snoring is so common, people often lower their guard and underestimate its severity. Many even mistakenly believe "the louder the snore, the deeper the sleep"—the opposite of reality.
Medically, snoring is termed Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS). Its symptoms include more than 30 episodes of apnea or hypopnea per 7 hours of sleep, or an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥5 times/hour. Frequent snoring can cause severe oxygen deprivation in the brain and blood, leading to arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and other conditions.
When snoring is accompanied by sudden pauses—lasting tens to dozens of seconds—before resuming, it demands serious attention. This condition, known as sleep apnea, affects nearly one in five snorers. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and even sudden death.
The causes of adult snoring can be summarized into five key factors. Compare yourself or your partner to see how many apply:
Obesity
Obesity is a major contributor to snoring. Overweight individuals often have narrower airways. During sleep, reduced nerve excitability and muscle relaxation cause pharyngeal tissue collapse, obstructing the upper airway. Turbulent airflow through these narrowed passages generates snoring vibrations.
Enlarged Tongue
Some individuals may not be overweight overall but have localized enlargement, such as hypertrophic tonsils, soft palate, or tongue; elongated uvula; lax throat; or a retrognathic tongue. These structural issues can narrow the pharyngeal cavity and disrupt airflow.
Nasal Abnormalities
Physiological anomalies in the nasal or nasopharyngeal regions, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, can cause nasal stenosis and airflow obstruction. Craniofacial abnormalities, like micrognathia, also impede airflow during sleep, exacerbating snoring.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Snoring and cardiovascular diseases are closely linked: 77% of snorers have hypertension. Habitual snoring often involves intermittent hypoxia due to apnea, elevating blood pressure. Conversely, those with preexisting hypertension and snoring are prone to worsened symptoms.
Sleep Apnea
Snoring caused by obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by mouth breathing, episodes of breathing cessation (leading to nighttime awakenings), morning fatigue, and severe headaches. This condition stems from nasal, tongue, or throat abnormalities and is more severe than other types of snoring.
Beyond disrupting a partner’s sleep, chronic snoring subjects the snorer to prolonged oxygen deprivation. Mild effects include daytime drowsiness and irritability; severe outcomes range from hypertension and diabetes to cardiovascular mortality. Underestimating snoring is unwise—proper awareness and treatment are essential for restful sleep.
Current treatments for adult snoring include conservative approaches (weight loss, sleep position adjustments) and surgical interventions (positive airway pressure therapy, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, nasal surgery). Snore devices may also be trialed in eligible cases.
Treatment efficacy varies by method. Early diagnosis through technical evaluations enables timely intervention for snoring of varying severity and origins. If you or a loved one struggles with snoring, schedule a sleep assessment today!
