Many people may snore from time to time, although some people may be habitual snorers, snoring nearly every night. Habitual snorers may not only disturb the sleep of a sleeping partner, but may disrupt their own sleep as well.

Medical help may be needed for a habitual snorer. Snoring may be caused by an obstruction of the flow of air through the nose and mouth. This may cause the walls of the throat to vibrate, producing the distinctive sound of snoring. Obstructed nasal airways, poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue, bulky throat tissue (may be common in people who are overweight) and a long soft palate or uvula may be possible airflow obstructions.

Snoring may be associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the patient may stop breathing for periods of about 10 seconds. Patients may constantly wake up from sleeping without realizing it and patients with chronic snoring may be tired during the day despite getting what they thought was a good night's sleep. Some patients may experience a lowering of blood oxygen levels, causing the heart to pump harder, which may increase blood pressure.

Some behavioral treatments may help to alleviate snoring in some patients. Losing weight if needed, avoiding sleeping pills and tranquilizers before sleeping, avoiding alcohol and heavy meals before sleeping, establishing regular sleeping patterns and sleeping on the side instead of the back may be effective behavioral changes.

If behavioral changes do not work, patients may speak to a doctor about further treatment options. Certain products may be recommended to help snoring, but in some cases, surgery may be an option. A health care professional may be helpful in determining the best possible treatment for the patient.

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