Why do we snore while we sleep? Causes and consequences to know

Every night, millions of French people fall asleep… and snore without even realizing it. But behind this familiar noise sometimes lie signals that our bodies are trying to send us. Why do we snore? And, more importantly, how can we remedy it to get back to peaceful nights? A look at a phenomenon that’s more serious than it seems…

Why do we snore? A question of breath and obstacles

Think of your airway like a peaceful river. When something blocks its flow—a branch, a rock—the water swirls and makes noise. Snoring works in exactly the same way: a disrupted air passage vibrates the tissues in your throat, producing that familiar sound.

The main causes are numerous:

Airway obstruction

A simple  cold , swollen tonsils, or a deviated nasal septum can be enough to narrow your air passages, turning every breath into a mini-tornado of sound.

Overweight

A few extra pounds, especially around the neck, put additional pressure on the throat. As a result, airflow becomes difficult, and snoring becomes a regular occurrence every night.

Alcohol and sleeping pills: discreet enemies

A glass of wine or a sleeping pill before bed? They relax your muscles so much that they make your throat collapse, making it easier to partially block your airway.

Sleeping on your back

When you sleep on your back, gravity pulls your tongue backward, partially blocking the airflow. A small change in position can sometimes make all the difference!