How does a stuffy nose lead to snoring?

How does a stuffy nose lead to snoring?

Learn why nasal congestion causes snoring.

There are many factors that can lead to snoring, including sleeping on your back, drinking alcohol close to bedtime, obesity, and the normal aging process. Nasal congestion, maybe surprisingly, is one of the top causes of snoring. If you’re a snorer, read on to find out what’s happening in your nose and throat at night time.

You start your sleep with normal breathing. When you’re breathing normally, air flows into your nose and through your airway quietly.

During sleep, relaxed muscles partially block the airway. Muscles in your throat and tongue relax as you fall asleep, which can partially block your airway.¹

The partial blockage causes vibration, which causes the snoring sound. As you breathe, air passing through the partially blocked airway causes vibrations of the soft palate and uvula in the back and the throat, generating the sound of snoring.

Nasal congestion can increase the blockage and vibration. Nasal congestion can obstruct your airway even more, making snoring worse. This can turn a quiet sleeper into a snorer — in fact, nasal congestion increases the risk of snoring!

You can reduce or even stop snoring caused by nasal congestion with help from Breathe Right^® Nasal Strips.

References:

Ratini, Melinda. “The Basics of Snoring.” WebMD, 30 July 2016, www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/snoring. Retrieved June 20, 2018.”

If nasal congestion is the cause of you or your bed mate’s snoring, Breathe Right^® Nasal Strips can help. By opening your nasal passages, you can breathe better and reduce or even eliminate snoring so you — and your partner — can get a peaceful night’s rest.