
Why Do We Snore? A Look at Common Causes
Introduction
Snoring: it’s one of those things everyone knows about, but few people understand. For some, it’s an occasional annoyance. For others, it’s a nightly battle that disrupts sleep for both the snorer and anyone nearby.
But here’s the truth: snoring isn’t random. It happens for specific reasons — and understanding the causes is the first step to finding real solutions. Let’s take a closer look.
What Exactly Is Snoring?
Snoring is the sound created when airflow becomes partially blocked during sleep. As air squeezes through narrowed passages in the nose, mouth, or throat, it vibrates soft tissues — creating that familiar rumble.
While snoring may seem harmless, it can be a sign of deeper issues with breathing and sleep quality.
Common Causes of Snoring
Mouth Breathing
When nasal airflow is restricted, the body defaults to mouth breathing. This increases turbulence in the airway and leads to vibration in the soft palate.Nasal Obstruction
A blocked nose makes air fight harder to get through. Causes include:Allergies
Deviated septum
Internal nasal valve collapse (a major but often overlooked cause)
Throat & Airway Anatomy
Extra tissue, enlarged tonsils, or a long soft palate can increase vibration.Weight & Lifestyle
Extra weight around the neck and throat puts pressure on the airway, making collapse more likely.Sleep Position
Sleeping on the back encourages the tongue to fall backward, narrowing the airway.Sleep Apnea
In some cases, snoring is linked to obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Why the Nose Matters More Than You Think
Many people assume snoring starts in the throat — but the nose often sets the stage.
When the internal nasal valve (the narrowest part of the airway) collapses or gets blocked, airflow becomes restricted. The body then switches to mouth breathing, which greatly increases snoring.
That’s why so many “anti-snoring” products fail: they don’t address nasal airflow at its source.
Traditional Solutions (and Their Limits)
Nasal strips – Pull upward but don’t support the internal nasal valve effectively.
Nasal cones – Work from the inside but can be uncomfortable.
Mouthpieces – Keep the jaw forward but don’t help nasal airflow.
Surgery – Can correct structural issues, but it’s invasive, expensive, and not always successful.
A Smarter Approach: Supporting the Nose
If nasal obstruction is the cause of snoring, the best solution is to restore nasal breathing.
That’s where innovations like Nasaleve come in. By supporting the internal nasal valve laterally (from the sides), Nasaleve helps keep the nose open exactly where airflow is most restricted.
The result? Less reliance on mouth breathing — and less snoring.
Final Thoughts
Snoring isn’t just a noisy habit — it’s your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong with your airflow. Whether it’s due to mouth breathing, a deviated septum, or internal nasal valve collapse, understanding the cause is the first step to better nights.
The good news: once you know why you snore, you can find solutions that target the problem directly — and finally get the quiet, restorative sleep you deserve.
Call to Action:
👉 Want to tackle snoring at the source? Learn how Nasaleve supports nasal airflow and restores quieter nights.