Full answer
Snoring happens when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep, causing surrounding tissue to vibrate. The sound can range from mild to disruptively loud, and it affects up to 40% of adult men and 24% of adult women. Causes include nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils, excess weight, alcohol consumption, sleep position, and in serious cases, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The simplest and most immediate intervention is sleeping on your side instead of your back. Back-sleeping allows the tongue and soft palate to fall backward, narrowing the airway. A body pillow or sewing a tennis ball to the back of a sleep shirt are low-tech ways to stay side-sleeping. Many people find this change alone significantly reduces or eliminates snoring.
Nasal strips (Breathe Right style) lift nasal passages open and help with snoring caused by nasal congestion. Nasal dilators work similarly. If allergies are a driver, treating them with antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays (like Flonase) addresses the root cause. Staying well-hydrated prevents mucous from thickening and adding to obstruction.
Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and worsens snoring — limiting consumption, especially in the 2–3 hours before bed, makes a noticeable difference. Excess weight, particularly around the neck, adds pressure to airways; even modest weight loss of 5–10 pounds can meaningfully reduce snoring intensity in overweight individuals.
Always consult a licensed medical professional if snoring is very loud, involves choking or gasping sounds, or causes excessive daytime sleepiness — these are warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that significantly increases cardiovascular risk and is highly treatable with a CPAP machine or dental appliance.