Why Do We Snore and What Can Be Done About It?

Snoring happens when your airway gets blocked while you're sleeping, making it hard for air to pass through.

Imagine you're trying to drink water from a straw, but someone is squishing the straw from the top, that’s what happens in your throat when you snore. Your tongue, palate, or even soft tissues might be blocking the way, causing the air to vibrate and make a loud noise.

Sometimes, when we're tired or we've had too much to eat before bed, our throat gets more relaxed, like when you’re really sleepy and your mouth falls open. This makes it even easier for things in your throat to block the airway.

You can try sleeping on your side instead of your back, it’s like giving your throat a little push so it doesn’t get squished as much. You might also want to avoid heavy meals before bed, or even try using a special pillow that helps keep your head in the right position.

Sometimes, if snoring is really loud and happens every night, doctors might suggest something like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which gently blows air into your nose while you sleep, it’s like having a little fan helping you breathe better.