--- title: What causes snoring and what does it mean? | ResMed description: What causes snoring and what does it mean? | ResMed --- [** What are you looking for？](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#cos-search) Show me the way to... ** - [ResMed Home](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn) - [Patients and families ](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer) - [Healthcare professionals](https://www.resmed.com/ap/en/healthcare-professional.html) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/country-flag-icons/brunei-flag2.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/country_selector) [![resmed_h_pos_clr_rgb_250121](https://www.resmed.asia/hs-fs/hubfs/logo/resmed_h_pos_clr_rgb_250121.png?width=165&name=resmed_h_pos_clr_rgb_250121.png "resmed_h_pos_clr_rgb_250121")](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn) [Magnet Update](https://www.resmed.co.th/en-th/mask-magnet-clip-guidelines) [ Diagnosis and treatment](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment) [Healthy sleep](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep) - [How to get a good night’s sleep](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/how-to-get-a-good-night-sleep) - [What causes snoring?](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring) - [What happens during sleep?](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-happens-during-sleep) - [What should I do if I suspect a problem?](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-should-i-do-if-i-suspect-a-problem) [All healthy sleep](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep) [Sleep apnea](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/sleep-apnea) - [What is sleep apnea and what are the symptoms?](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/sleep-apnea/what-is-sleep-apnea-and-what-are-the-symptoms) - [Sleep apnea quiz](https://www.resmed.asia/sleep-assessment) - [How to get a sleep apnea test](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/sleep-apnea/diagnosis-sleep-apnea-test) - [Sleep apnea treatment](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-treatment) [All sleep apnea](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/sleep-apnea) [Respiratory care](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care) - [Diagnosis](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care/diagnosis) - [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care/copd) - [Neuromuscular disease](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care/neuromuscular-disease) - [Obesity hypoventilation syndrome](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care/ohs) - [Restrictive lung disease](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care/chest-wall-disorders) - [Respiratory support for children ](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care/respiratory-support-for-children) [All respiratory care](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/respiratory-care) [Patient stories](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/patient-stories) - [Matt's story](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/patient-stories/matt-story) - [Barry's story](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/patient-stories/barry-story) - [Kevin's story](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/patient-stories/kevin-story) - [Diana's story](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/patient-stories/diana-story) - [Brian's story](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/patient-stories/brian-story) [All stories](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/patient-stories) [ Products](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products) For people with sleep apnea, healthy sleep begins with understanding the condition and its treatment. [Masks](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/masks) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Black1.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/masks) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Blue1.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/masks) [Devices](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Black2.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Blue2.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices) [Humidifiers](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/humidifiers) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Black3.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/humidifiers) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Blue3.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/humidifiers) [Product series](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/resmed-product-series) [Accessories](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/accessories) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Black4.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/accessories) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Product%20Device%20Images/Blue4.png)](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/accessories) [Innovation & technology](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/innovation-and-technology) [Other products](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer) - [AirMini™ App](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/airmini-app) [ Air Solutions](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions) [ResMed Air Solutions](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support) - [Optimal comfort](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/optimal-comfort) - [Restful sleep](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/restful-sleep) - [Personalised therapy](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/personalized-therapy) - [Personalised for Her ](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/personalized-for-her) Begin your Air Solutions journey [Masks](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/masks) - [AirFit™ P10](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/masks/airfit-p10) - [AirFit™ P30i](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/mask-series/airfit-30-series/airfit-p30i) - [AirFit™ N20](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/mask-series/airfit-20-series/airfit-n20) - [AirFit™ N30i](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/mask-series/airfit-30-series/airfit-n30i) - [AirFit™ F20](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/mask-series/airfit-20-series/airfit-f20) - [AirFit™ P10 for Her](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/masks/airfit-p10-for-her) [All masks](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/masks) [Devices](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices) - [AirSense™ 10 Elite](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices/airsense-10-elite) - [AirSense™ 10 AutoSet](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices/airsense-10-autoset) - [AirSense™ 10 AutoSet for Her](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices/airsense-10-autoset-for-her) - [AirCurve™ 10 CS PaceWave™](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices/aircurve-10-cs-pacewave) - [AirCurve™ 10 VAuto](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices/aircurve-10-vauto) [All devices](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/products/devices) [Air Solutions FAQs](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support) - [Device](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support/device-faqs) - [Data](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support/data-faqs) - [for Her](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support/for-her-faqs) - [Humidification](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support/humidification-faqs) - [Other](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support/other-faqs) - [Troubleshooting](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support/troubleshooting-faqs) All diagnosis and treatment [ Support](https://ap.resmed.com/knowledge) [Product support](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support) - [Masks](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/masks) - [Devices](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/devices) - [Humidifiers](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/humidifiers) - [Accessories](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/accessories) [All product support](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support) [Your therapy journey](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support) - [Getting started](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/getting-started) - [Therapy & maintenance](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/therapy-and-maintenance) - [Replacement](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/replacement) [All articles in your therapy](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support) [Popular articles](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support) - [Cleaning your mask](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/masks/how-to-clean-your-mask) - [Setting up your humidifier](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/humidifiers/setting-up-your-humidifier) - [The advantages of AutoSet](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/devices/the-advantages-of-autoset) [Glossary](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/support/glossaries) [ COVID-19 Update](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/covid-19) For people with sleep apnea, healthy sleep begins with understanding the condition and its treatment. ![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/logo/resmed_h_pos_clr_rgb_250121.png) ** × ResMed home Patients and families Healthcare professionals [**](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#cos-search) ** txt ## What causes snoring? What causes snoring is a question that can be answered multiple ways. From an anatomical standpoint, snoring is caused by a partially closed upper airway (the nose and throat). Everyone’s neck muscles relax during sleep, but sometimes they relax so much that the upper airway partly closes and becomes too narrow for enough air to travel through to the lungs. ![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/snoring.png) ### Why do people snore? Why do some people snore and others do not? Those who have enlarged tonsils, an enlarged tongue or excess weight around the neck are more prone to snoring. And structural reasons like the shape of one’s nose or jaw can also cause snoring. The snoring sound itself is a result of the narrowing of a person’s airway, which causes a throat vibration and the snoring sound. No matter the reason, 40% of normal adults snore regularly,1 whether they realise it or not. ### Snoring and sleep apnea Snoring and sleep apnea are linked at an alarming rate – three in 10 men and nearly two in 10 women who are habitual snorers suffer from some degree of obstructive sleep apnea.2 Sleep apnea prevents you from getting the healthy sleep you need to lead a refreshed, energetic life. So regardless of what is specifically causing snoring for you, if you snore — or if you suspect you snore — consider it a sign that something might not be right. [![Take our FREE Sleep Assessment](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3445757/2ce091bf-853f-4be6-acb9-aa022ac1bb71.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3445757/2ce091bf-853f-4be6-acb9-aa022ac1bb71) ### Reference 01 Ohayon MM et al. Snoring and breathing pauses during sleep: telephone interview survey of a United Kingdom population sample. BMJ. 1997;314:860–3 02 Young T et al. The occurrence of sleep-disordered breathing among middle-aged adults. N Engl J Med 1993; 328(17):1230–5. ## More about healthy sleep [ What happens during sleep? ** ](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-happens-during-sleep) If you're not sleeping well at night, chances are you're not feeling your best during the day. ... [ What should I do if I suspect a problem? ** ](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-should-i-do-if-i-suspect-a-problem) If you snore, wake up frequently during the night, or feel tired throughout the day, contact ... [ How to get a good night’s sleep ** ](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/how-to-get-a-good-night-sleep) How to get a good night’s sleep, from the sleep experts at ResMed.com. Try improving the quality ... ## Share [Share via Email ](mailto:?subject=What+causes+snoring+and+what+does+it+mean%3F+%7C+ResMed&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resmed.asia%2Fen-bn%2Fconsumer%2Fdiagnosis-and-treatment%2Fhealthy-sleep%2Fwhat-causes-snoring) [![](https://www.resmed.asia/hubfs/Res-Med%20B2C%202019/Social%20Icons/icon-social-print1.png) ](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) [Share via Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resmed.asia%2Fen-bn%2Fconsumer%2Fdiagnosis-and-treatment%2Fhealthy-sleep%2Fwhat-causes-snoring) [Share via Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resmed.asia%2Fen-bn%2Fconsumer%2Fdiagnosis-and-treatment%2Fhealthy-sleep%2Fwhat-causes-snoring&text=What+causes+snoring+and+what+does+it+mean%3F+%7C+ResMed) [Share via LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resmed.asia%2Fen-bn%2Fconsumer%2Fdiagnosis-and-treatment%2Fhealthy-sleep%2Fwhat-causes-snoring&title=What+causes+snoring+and+what+does+it+mean%3F+%7C+ResMed&summary=What+causes+snoring+and+what+does+it+mean%3F+%7C+ResMed) [Share via Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resmed.asia%2Fen-bn%2Fconsumer%2Fdiagnosis-and-treatment%2Fhealthy-sleep%2Fwhat-causes-snoring) - [Sleep apnea](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [What is sleep apnea and what are the symptoms?](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Sleep apnea quiz](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [How to get sleep apnea test](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Sleep apnea treatment](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Book a home sleep test](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Respiratory care](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Diagnosis](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Obesity hypoventilation syndrome](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Restrictive lung disease](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Neuromuscular disease](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Respiratory support for children](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Products](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Masks](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Devices](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Humidifires](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Accessories](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Contact Us](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Submit an enquiry](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [Locate us](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-causes-snoring#) - [*facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/resmed) - [*twitter*](https://www.twitter.com/resmed) - [*linkedin*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/resmed) - [*youtube*](https://www.youtube.com/user/ResMedAmericas) - [Contact us](https://www.resmed.asia/contact) - [About us](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/index/about-us) - [Legal & IP](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/index/legal-and-ip/legal-disclaimers) - [ Intellectual property](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/index/legal-and-ip/intellectual-property) - [Terms of use](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/index/terms-of-use) - [Privacy](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/index/privacy) - [Security](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/index/security) - [Careers](https://careers.resmed.com/) - [Cookie notice](https://www.resmed.asia/en-bn/index/cookies-notice) ©2000-2019 ResMed. All rights reserved.