Snoring is a common condition that occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing the soft tissues at the back of the throat to vibrate. This vibration creates the familiar sound of snoring and may signal restricted breathing. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, with chronic snoring estimated to impact 40 percent of men, 24 percent of women, and 10 percent of children.

In many cases, snoring is related to anatomical or lifestyle factors. You may be more likely to snore if you were born with a narrow airway, have a low soft palate, an elongated uvula, large tonsils, or if you tend to sleep on your back. Other contributing factors include being overweight, pregnancy, chronic nasal congestion, alcohol or tobacco use, and family history. In children, missing teeth may change the shape of the mouth and contribute to blocked airflow.

Although occasional snoring may seem harmless, persistent snoring can interfere with your sleep quality and overall health. If you frequently wake up tired, feel fatigued throughout the day, or experience dry mouth and sore throat, it may be a sign that your body is not getting enough oxygen while you sleep. Open-mouth breathing caused by snoring can also dry out the oral tissues, increasing the risk of bad breath, bacteria buildup, tooth decay, and infections.