Why Do We Snore?

Snoring can have many causes. CREDIT: Ken Kiser | Morguefile View full size image

The beastly sound of snoring can awaken even the heaviest sleeper. Your slumber pal isn't trying to stir you on purpose.

As you fall asleep, the muscles that keep your breathing passage open begin to relax, while your throat contracts. The tightening throat means a snug journey for passing air. For some people, this narrowing causes air to push forcefully through the throat, disturbing the relaxed muscle tissues in the back of the throat, causing them to vibrate. The vibrating tissue produces the sound familiarly known as snoring.

Some common causes: propping your head up too high with pillows, allergies leading to mucus in your throat, and obesity.

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