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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when your breathing is partially obstructed in some way while you're sleeping. Sometimes snoring may indicate a serious health condition. In addition, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner.

As many as half of adults snore sometimes. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, which creates those irritating sounds.

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help stop snoring.

In addition, medical devices and surgery are available that may reduce disruptive snoring. However, these aren't suitable or necessary for everyone who snores.

Symptoms

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
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    Children
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  • Sleep apnea
References
  1. Snoring. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/snoring.cfm. Accessed Aug. 30, 2012.
  2. Beninati W, et al. Overview of snoring in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 30, 2012.
  3. Snoring and sleep apnea. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. http://www.aaoms.org/sleep_apnea.php. Accessed Sept. 6, 2012.
  4. Rosen GM. Mechanisms and predisposing factors for sleep related breathing disorders in children. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 6, 2012.
  5. Strohl KP. Sleep related breathing disorders in adults: Definitions. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
  6. Strohl KP. Overview of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
  7. Paruthi S. Evaluation of suspected obstructive sleep apnea in children. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
  8. Beninati W. Treatment of adults with snoring. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 30, 2012.
  9. Millman RP, et al. Polysomnography in obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http:/www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
  10. Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00019-7&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1353392067&uniqId=361428808-4#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00019-7. Accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
  11. Dave NB. Initiation of positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
  12. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
  13. Puhan MA, et al. Didgeridoo playing as alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2006;332:266.
  14. Ernst AOE. Can singing exercises reduce snoring? A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2000;8:151.
  15. Wardrop PJC, et al. Do wind and brass players snore less? A cross-sectional study of snoring and daytime fatigue in professional orchestral musicians. Clinical Otolaryngology. 2011;36:134.
  16. Antoniadou M, et al. Lung function in wind instrument players. Pneumon. 2012;25:180.
  17. Morgenthaler TI (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 15, 2012.
DS00297 Nov. 7, 2012

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