Here's Why You're So Loud When You Snore

Have you been getting some grief over your snoring? You're not alone — snoring is estimated to affect 57% of men and 40% of women (via Sleep Foundation). If you're keeping your partner, roommate, or even yourself awake, you may be wondering why your snoring is so loud.

Snoring is the result of your tissues relaxing in your throat, causing vibrations as the air flows through your mouth (via Mayo Clinic). The particular shape of the muscles and tissues in your neck can make you more prone to loud snoring, and even more so if you have nasal issues, consume alcohol before bed, or sleep on your back.

Most of the time, light, infrequent snoring is considered normal and doesn't require medical attention — even though it may annoy your partner. However, snoring can also be a result of a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can be more dangerous.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when there's a pause in breathing, often accompanied by choking or gasping for air while sleeping. Other symptoms can include daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and a sore throat when you wake up, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic.

So how can you stop snoring at night? The first step is to analyze your lifestyle and make any necessary changes that may be contributing to the snoring such as cutting down on alcohol or shifting your sleeping position to your side.

If you believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, it's best to be evaluated by a doctor. There are treatment options available like mouthpieces, exercises, or surgery for more severe cases (via Sleep Foundation).

If you're the partner of a loud snorer, it may be helpful to invest in some ear plugs or a white noise machine to drown out the sound while treatment continues.