Snoring is often brushed off as just a noisy annoyance, but it can also be a sign of deeper health problems and can disrupt the sleep quality of both you and your partner.
Snoring occurs when airflow through your mouth and nose is blocked during sleep, causing soft tissues to vibrate. It can be physiological or pathological — and when it advances, it can lead to a serious condition known as sleep apnoea.
Understanding the root cause of snoring is the key to finding the right treatment. The most common reason is obstruction in the upper airways.
If snoring affects you or someone close to you, here are seven common causes and how they can be treated effectively.
1. Nasal Congestion and Blockages
Blocked nasal passages due to allergies, colds, sinus infections, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps can make it harder to breathe through the nose. This forces mouth breathing, which often leads to snoring.
Treatment Options:
- Medications to relieve congestion
- Allergy management
- Minor corrective surgery (if needed)
2. Mouth and Throat Anatomy
Certain anatomical features such as a thick soft palate, large tonsils, long uvula, or small jaw with a large tongue can narrow the airway. This increases air resistance and vibration, making snoring more likely.
Treatment Options:
- ENT evaluation
- Corrective surgical procedures (for severe cases)
3. Obesity
Extra weight around the neck can compress the airway, restricting airflow and causing snoring.
Solution:
Losing weight not only helps reduce snoring but also improves your overall health.
4. Alcohol and Sedatives
Alcohol and sedatives relax the throat muscles excessively, causing them to collapse and block the airway.
Tip:
Avoid alcohol and sedatives, especially before bedtime, to reduce snoring episodes.
5. Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your back allows gravity to pull the tongue and soft palate downward, narrowing the airway.
Treatment Options:
- Sleep on your side instead of your back
- Use special pillows or positional therapy devices to maintain side-sleeping
6. Age
With aging, throat muscles lose tone and relax more, narrowing the airway. While this is a natural process, the effects can be managed.
Solution:
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits, perform breathing exercises, and seek medical advice for persistent snoring.
7. Central Sleep Apnoea
Sometimes, snoring is a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. It may result from central nervous system disorders and can cause long-term health risks if left untreated.
How to Diagnose Sleep Apnoea
- Sleep Study: An overnight electrophysiological test to assess sleep quality and identify apnoea type
- Endoscopic Evaluation: A detailed examination of the upper airways
- DISE (Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy): Used to evaluate airway obstruction during sleep
Finding the Right Snoring Treatment at Satkriti Hospital
Identifying the cause is just the beginning. At Satkriti Hospital, we provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment to help you achieve better, restful sleep.
Our Specialized Services Include:
- Advanced Diagnostics:
ENT endoscopy to examine nasal passages, throat, and vocal cords for structural issues. - Modern Sleep Study Lab:
Accurate diagnosis of sleep apnoea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and related sleep conditions. - Expert ENT Consultants and Surgeons:
Offering complete care — from lifestyle advice and non-invasive treatments like CPAP to advanced surgical options such as coblation surgery, a minimally invasive technique we’ve successfully used since 2017. - Personalized Treatment Plans:
Tailored to your diagnosis and health needs for optimal outcomes.
Why Choose Satkriti Hospital?
Guided by our motto “Noble Work,” Satkriti Hospital is dedicated to providing quality care and lasting relief.
We are proud to hold NABH accreditation and are recognized under Ayushman Bharat, underscoring our commitment to excellence and accessibility.
Take the First Step Toward Peaceful Sleep
Don’t let snoring impact your health or quality of life.
Reach out to our ENT experts today and explore personalized snoring treatment options at Satkriti Hospital — your trusted ENT center in Varanasi.
Enquire Now to book your appointment and start your journey toward peaceful nights and better health.
