Explanations for this aggravating but difficult to control phenomenon are as varied as the suggestions for how to stop snoring. It seems that everyone’s got a different theory on what leads to snoring; thus, everyone’s also got a different snoring cure.
Here’s what most medical professionals seem to agree causes snoring, however: when we sleep, the muscles in our breathing passages relax and become narrower, making it difficult for air to pass through like it does when we are awake and our muscles are engaged. However, we still require the same amount of air, even when we’re sleeping, so to compensate, air intake speed increases. This puts pressure on the throat and vibrates the respiratory structure. The vibration noise is what is known as snoring, and it can range from mild to as loud as a jackhammer.
Certain factors can cause blocked airways. Obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle can produce snoring, as excess weight can hinder breathing. Alcohol consumption just before bed may also be a culprit because the muscles become extremely relaxed. Some people, however, are just prone to snoring because of the way their uvula and soft palate are naturally shaped.
To combat the problem, a variety of snoring remedies have emerged over the years. They differ in terms of technology and application, but almost all remedies are designed to remove blockage of the breathing passage.