Snoring pathophysiology

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. The sound may be soft or loud and unpleasant.

Pathophysiology

The vibrating structures producing the noise are usually the uvula and soft palate. Irregular airflow may be caused by a blockage and is often due to conditions such as:

• Throat weakness causing the throat to close during sleep
• Mispositioned jaw, often caused by tension in muscles
• Fat gathering in and around the throat
• Obstruction in the nasal passageway

Snoring is usually an involuntary act, but may also be produced voluntarily.