What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring?

Structures in the mouth and/or throat can create a breathing obstruction. In many cases, a patient’s lower jaw slides back a bit during sleep. When this happens, the tongue or soft tissues of the mouth can block free airflow.

Snoring occurs when tissue in the mouth or throat vibrates during sleep. While most sleep apnea sufferers snore, not all snorers have sleep apnea.

Other factors that contribute to obstructive sleep apnea include being overweight, large tonsils and/or adenoids, deviated septum, receding chin, large tongue, congestion, alcohol consumption, medications, heredity, and age.