What Are the Causes of Snoring in Women?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 37 million adults snore consistently every night. Although men are twice as likely as women to snore, that number equalizes after menopause. The most common cause of snoring in women is weight gain, however, there are other known reasons women snore.

Nasal Obstruction

• As we sleep, the back of the mouth, throat and nose can narrow. Although there are several different reasons for this narrowing, the most common is a nasal obstruction. The obstruction can be caused from swollen tissue due to allergies or a septal deviation from a broken nose. Those with an obstruction tend to breathe through their mouths, causing a vibration of tissues.

Medications

• According to Medicinenet.com, some medications can contribute to snoring. Certain types of medication can increase relaxation of the muscles and reinforce a deeper level of sleep. This creates a smaller airway and increased tissue vibration.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea is an affliction that affects about 18 million people, according to The National Sleep Foundation. Obstructive Sleep Apnea causes breathing to stop for brief periods during sleep. Breathing is halted when the throat can't keep the airway consistently open. Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea experience low oxygen levels in the blood, which puts them at risk for cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and heart disease.

Benign Snoring

• For some, snoring has no medical reasoning. According to Dr. Joseph Scianna on Webmd.com, snoring is simply caused by upper airway turbulence that causes vibrations of the soft palate and uvula. Also, as women age, they lose muscle tone in all areas, including the palate, making it more sensitive to vibration.