Snoring facts for kids

Snoring is the sound some people make when they are sleeping. It happens when the air you breathe can't move freely through your nose and throat. This causes the soft parts of your throat to vibrate and make a noise. Snoring can be soft or very loud, and it's quite common!

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring happens because something is blocking the air passage in your nose or throat. When you sleep, your throat muscles relax. If they relax too much, or if something is in the way, the air has to squeeze through a smaller space. This makes the tissues vibrate, like a flag flapping in the wind, creating the snoring sound.

Common Reasons for Snoring

• Blocked Nose: If you have a cold, allergies, or a stuffy nose, it's harder for air to pass through. This can make you snore.
• Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back can make your tongue fall back and block your throat. This is a very common cause of snoring.
• Tonsils and Adenoids: Sometimes, tonsils or adenoids (small lumps of tissue at the back of your throat and nose) can be too large. This is more common in children and can block the airway.
• Weight: People who are overweight might have extra tissue in their neck and throat. This can narrow the airway and lead to snoring.
• Relaxants: Things like certain medicines can make your throat muscles relax more than usual, leading to snoring.

When is Snoring a Problem?

Most of the time, snoring is harmless, but it can bother others trying to sleep. However, sometimes snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is when a person repeatedly stops breathing for short periods while sleeping. This can happen many times during the night. When breathing stops, the brain wakes the person up just enough to start breathing again, but they might not remember waking up.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

If someone snores very loudly and also:

• Stops breathing or gasps during sleep.
• Feels very tired during the day, even after a full night's sleep.
• Has headaches in the morning.
• Has trouble concentrating.

If you or someone you know has these signs, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.

How to Help Reduce Snoring

There are several things people can try to reduce snoring:

• Change Sleeping Position: Try sleeping on your side instead of your back. This can help keep your airway open.
• Clear Your Nose: If your nose is stuffy from a cold or allergies, try using a nasal spray or saline rinse before bed.
• Keep a Healthy Weight: If snoring is related to weight, losing some weight can help reduce the extra tissue in the throat.
• Avoid Certain Things Before Bed: Try not to eat heavy meals or drink too much right before sleeping.

Remember, if snoring is very loud, happens every night, or causes you to feel tired during the day, it's always best to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out the cause and suggest the best way to help.

Images for kids

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  One style of mandibular advancement splint, a device that can help with snoring.

See also

In Spanish: Ronquido para niños