Answer:

Snoring is a sound produced during sleep when soft tissues in the palate vibrate as air passes through. The intensity of this vibration depends on factors such as tissue thickness, muscle strength in the throat and neck, airway structure, and the speed and direction of airflow during breathing.

When sleeping on one's back, gravity pulls the tongue and soft tissues of the throat backward, narrowing the airway. During sleep, reduced muscle tone in the throat further constricts the airway. Airflow must then pass at a higher speed, creating stronger vibrations and causing loud, clear snoring. Therefore, sleeping on the back often exacerbates snoring.

Doctor Huong advises a patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

To reduce snoring, your husband can switch to sleeping on his side. In this position, the tongue and soft tissues of the throat are less likely to be pulled backward by gravity, keeping the airway more open. This allows air to flow easily, reducing vibrations that cause snoring. He can sleep on either his left or right side, using a moderately supportive pillow to keep his head and neck in a neutral position, avoiding excessive flexion or extension of the neck. Avoid using pillows that are too high or too soft, as these can cause the neck to bend, inadvertently narrowing the airway.

Your husband should also limit alcohol consumption, avoid sedatives before sleep, and maintain a healthy weight, as these factors can cause throat muscles to relax more, leading to louder snoring. Certain upper respiratory abnormalities, such as enlarged tonsils, an elongated uvula, an enlarged tongue, thick pharyngeal walls, a deviated nasal septum, or chronic rhinosinusitis, often result in loud snoring.

If snoring persists despite adjusting sleeping positions and managing weight, your husband should visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for an endoscopy to assess the degree of airway obstruction. The doctor may recommend necessary tests, such as respiratory polysomnography or sleep polysomnography, to provide appropriate treatment and improve sleep quality and overall life.

Master of Science, Doctor of First Degree Specialization Nguyen Thi Huong

ENT Center

Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM