What causes snoring?

Snoring is often related to a physical obstruction to breathing during sleep. The muscles of the palate, the uvula and the tonsils relax during deep sleep and the air breathed in causes them to vibrate noisily. Anything that narrows the airways will contribute to the problem so excessive tissue bulk at the back of the throat is a major cause. A blocked nose can also restrict nasal respiration and will encourage the vibration we know as snoring. Advanced snoring problems are often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, which can sometimes indicate a serious medical disorder.