Causes
Generally speaking the structures involved are the uvula and soft palate. The irregular airflow is caused by a passageway blockage and is usually due to one of the following:
- Throat weakness, causing the throat to close during sleep.
- Mispositioned jaw, often caused by tension in the muscles.
- Fat gathering in and around the throat.
- Obstruction in the nasal passageway.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
- The tissues at the top of airways touching each other, causing vibrations.
- Relaxants such as alcohol or drugs relaxing throat muscles.
- Sleeping on one's back, which may result in the tongue dropping to the back of the mouth.
Read more about this topic: Snoring