Why do you snore?

If you or your partner snore, don't feel alone. Around 20% of people are snorers. In fact, snoring is listed as a major factor in many divorces! So why do people snore? Snoring is the vibration of various tissues in your throat caused by a combination of several different factors that narrow your airways in your nose and throat.

Age is one factor, the older you get, the more likely you are to snore. Children tend to snore less often than adults, because as you age, your flesh and throat muscles soften up and get a bit loose. Also drinking can loosen you muscles, as well as doing drugs or smoking. Obesity also contributes, providing additional tissue and strain on the muscles. Nasal blockage, caused by allergies and sinus problems can help narrow those airways as well. The way you sleep can also contribute, sleeping on your back can cause your throat to relax and collapse, blocking the air ways. And men also tent to have narrower air passages, make them more likely to snore (sorry ladies).

Snoring is fairly common, but can cause problems, as well. Severe snoring can lead to sleep apnea, where you actually stop breathing while sleeping (due to blocked airways). Medical experts believe that left untreated. sleep apnea can result in high blood pressure and other cardiovascular illnesses, as well as weight gain, headaches and even motor vehicle crashes.

Finally, snoring can lead to sleep deprivation for others due to the noise (especially when it is your partner that is snoring). It's a good idea to ask your doctor about your snoring, to rule out any health concerns. In order to keep the goodwill of others, you should be aware there are products that prevent you from snoring (to varying degrees of success) and products that mask the snoring noise (again, to varying degrees of success). For additional tips, you can visit our sound masking product's site: SnorEraser®.