Snoring occurs when soft tissues in the throat area relax during sleep, partially blocking airways and vibrating with the passage of air.
Snoring can also be a symptom of sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition. Your body responds by waking every time you need to begin breathing properly again, often causing you to choke or gasp for breath.
This cycle can repeat dozens of times per hour. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and is caused by an obstructed airway. The throat muscles may relax as you sleep, making it impossible to inhale fully with each breath.
Obstruction can also be caused by a physical condition such as a deviated septum, excess throat tissue or enlarged tongue or tonsils. The size and position of your jaw can affect your breathing as well.
Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles which control breathing. While men are more likely to develop this condition, sleep apnea can affect anyone. Factors such as obesity, increasing age, alcohol use, certain medications and drugs, medical conditions, and a family history of sleep apnea can also increase the risk of developing OSA and CSA.
