Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: chris on 23/09/2017 23:04:35

Title: Why do we snore when we’re asleep but not awake?
Post by: chris on 23/09/2017 23:04:35

Amanda Tweeted to ask:

"Why do we snore when we’re asleep but not awake?"

What do you think?

Title: Re: Why do we snore when we’re asleep but not awake?
Post by: Colin2B on 24/09/2017 06:52:08

I think it's due to lack of muscle control. When we are asleep the muscles of the throat relax and narrow so the air can more easily start the soft flap at the back of the throat vibrating.

Title: Re: Why do we snore when we’re asleep but not awake?
Post by: evan_au on 24/09/2017 07:16:19

(Oops - overlap with Colin2B; this seems to happen more often, now I am in the same timezone...)
For some sufferers, muscles in the throat or tongue relax during sleep, obstructing the airway.
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoring#Causes

Title: Re: Why do we snore when we’re asleep but not awake?
Post by: RD on 24/09/2017 08:16:37

Quote from: Colin2B on 24/09/2017 06:52:08

.... When we are asleep the muscles of the throat relax ...

Some only snore when they are relaxed as a newt (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pissed_as_a_newt), (or under anesthesia). 

Title: Re: Why do we snore when we’re asleep but not awake?
Post by: SquarishTriangle on 24/09/2017 11:32:59

Some people seem to snore when they are awake. I have sat next to them on the train...