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Last updated on October 16th, 2024 at 03:44 pm
Snoring is caused by vibrations of the soft palate and other tissues in the mouth, nose, and throat as a result of a blockage in the upper airway, restricting airflow.
Although anyone can snore, women are typically less likely to admit it than men, as people attribute it to masculine behaviour (1). However, research has found that around 28% of women snore regularly.
Women commonly leave their snoring untreated and allow it to affect their day-to-day lives. In many cases, it goes unaddressed, unless a partner notices and mentions it.
If your wife has suddenly started snoring, you may wonder what has caused it and how to stop it. This article will delve into why women snore and how they can treat it.
What causes snoring in females?
During sleep, the muscle tone relaxes, and the airway narrows, reducing airflow. Many people do not experience issues from this, but for some, it causes them to snore. Snoring is the sound created when the muscles relax and the airway narrows causing the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway .
Around 41.5% of the UK population snore, however the causes can differ between men and women due to different anatomical features (2).
Here are the most common causes of woman snoring loudly:
Allergies: Nasal congestion and allergies can trigger snoring as the nasal passages become blocked and narrowed. If your wife experiences frequent colds, allergies or conditions related to the sinuses, such as sinusitis and post-nasal drip, it can cause them to snore.
Weight: Women who are overweight are more likely to snore, as they have more fatty tissue around the throat, neck, and tongue. The excess tissue reduces the space at the back of the throat making the airway more likely to collapse (3).
Smoking & Alcohol: Substances such as alcohol relax the throat muscles due to the sedative effect. Nicotine in cigarettes and vapes can irritate the nasal passages, increasing the risk of congestion and lead to snoring.
Medications: Certain medications increase the risk of snoring as they impact muscle tone and cause muscle relaxation. These include anti-depressants and certain pain relief medications.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): Snoring is not always a cause for concern; however, for some, it is a symptom of the sleep disorder Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which affects breathing during sleep.
It occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow and causing repeated breathing disruptions. Some other symptoms include tiredness when driving, shortness of breath at night and night sweats.
Hormones: Hormones play a huge role in our sleep quality. During pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and other hormonal changes, snoring can be more common.
For example, during perimenopause and menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone decrease. These hormones protect against snoring, so as they decline, the likelihood of snoring increases in women.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. It can lead to physical changes like weight gain, swelling, and muscle weakness that can narrow the airway, making snoring more likely.
Learn More:
Sleep Apnoea in Women: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
How to reduce snoring in women
Various over-the-counter products and lifestyle adjustments can reduce snoring in women.
Here are some ways to help your partner stop snoring:
Nasal Strips: These strips wrap around the outside of the nose to widen the nostrils, making breathing easier during sleep.
Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece: Snoring mouthguards are upper and lower gum-shield devices moulded to the user’s teeth. The mouthpiece gently pulls the lower jaw forward, creating more space at the back of the throat to stop blockages and prevent snoring.
Nasal Dilators: These small nasal dilator prongs sit in the entrance of the nostrils to keep them open. They are especially beneficial to those with smaller nasal passages.
Avoid Triggers: Quitting smoking, vaping and decreasing alcohol consumption before sleep can all help improve sleep quality. If your partner experiences nasal congestion due to seasonality or allergies, avoiding these triggers can reduce sinus irritation and snoring.
Nasal Decongestants: Nasal sprays, neti pots, and irrigators can help keep the sinuses clear and open the nasal passages during sleep. We supply the SinuPulse Elite Nasal Irrigator, which uses a natural saline solution to flush out bacteria and blockages within the nose to reduce congestion.
Losing Weight: If your partner has recently started snoring at the same pace as gaining weight, it could be the reason for their sleep disturbance. Adjusting their lifestyle by exercising more frequently and eating a healthy and balanced diet could help.
Change Sleeping Position: Most people snore less when sleeping on their side as it helps to keep the airway open. Sleeping on the back makes the soft palate and tongue collapse into the back of the throat, which can induce snoring. Suggest to your partner that they should try to sleep on their side to help reduce their snoring.
If your partner struggles to sleep on their side, an anti-snoring pillow can help. These pillows are designed with specialised indents to accommodate side sleeping, opening the airways.
The Sleep Apnoea Test
A quick and easy way to confirm if you do or do not have Sleep Apnoea is by taking a sleep test.
The test requires one night of sleep data, and the results are sent to you within two working days.
If Sleep Apnoea is detected, our in-house clinicians can walk you through your treatment options and answer any questions you may have.

CPAP accessories for snoring
If your partner has already been diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea and is treating the condition but they are still snoring, several CPAP accessories could help:
Nasal Dilators: If your partner uses a nasal cushion CPAP mask, nasal dilators can help keep the nasal passages open. These work by fitting inside the nostrils and supporting the passages open to maintain airflow and reduce the risk of mouth breathing, congestion and snoring.
CPAP Chin Strap: A chin strap can be helpful for those who use a nasal mask and find their mouth opening during sleep. The soft strap helps keep the mouth closed, reducing the risk of air leaks due to mouth breathing.
CPAP Tape: The tape works similarly to a chin strap; it goes over the mouth to keep it closed. It prevents the user from breathing through their mouth and waking up with a dry mouth.
How to sleep when someone is snoring
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for you and your partner, as it affects your health and daily functioning. Here are some ways to get more sleep if your partner snores:
- Listen to white noise.
- Use earplugs.
- Sleep in a different room.
- Go to sleep before your partner.
Summary
If you’re wondering why your wife has suddenly started snoring, it could be due to several reasons, including Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
We hope this article has provided guidance and clarity as to why your partner may be snoring. Please get in touch with us if you would like any help or advice regarding snoring or Sleep Apnoea.
About Our Editorial Team
Danni is a degree-educated content writer who works closely with our clinical and customer services teams to ensure every article is well-researched and accurate. Each article is written to educate, help, and advise on Sleep Apnoea, spread awareness, and encourage treatment.
Jay is an experienced Respiratory and Sleep Clinical Scientist. He completed his BSc in Healthcare Science, which has allowed him to gain expertise in scoring sleep studies. His knowledge and insights about sleep science and human health ensure every article reflects the latest data.
References
- Westreich R, Gozlan-Talmor A, Geva-Robinson S, Schlaeffer-Yosef T, Slutsky T, Chen-Hendel E, Braiman D, Sherf Y, Arotsker N, Abu-Fraiha Y, Waldman-Radinsky L, Maimon N. (2019). The Presence of Snoring as Well as its Intensity Is Underreported by Women. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30853036/. Accessed: 29.08.2024.
- Davey, M. MSc British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association. Epidemiological study of snoring from a random survey of 1075 participants. Available at: https://britishsnoring.co.uk/pdf/epidem.pdf?PHPSESSID=f7eronp3embaffj4dmf233u213. Accessed: 29.08.2024.
- Safwan, M. (2024). Pathophysiology of upper airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathophysiology-of-upper-airway-obstruction-in-obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-adults. Accessed: 29.08.2024.