Snoring is often caused by partial blockage of the airway, which causes the soft tissues in the back of the throat to vibrate as air passes through. It might seem like this loud noise would wake up the person making it, but that's not typically the case for a couple of reasons:
- Sleep inertia: Sleep inertia is the transitional state between sleep and wakefulness. During this period, you're less likely to be awakened by external stimuli. If you snore consistently throughout the night, your brain becomes accustomed to the noise and filters it out as "non-threatening", allowing you to stay asleep.
- Sleep stages: Sleep involves several stages, including lighter stages (stages 1 and 2), deeper stages (stages 3 and 4, also known as slow-wave sleep), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. People are most likely to snore during the deeper stages of sleep, when they are less responsive to external stimuli.
That being said, loud or severe snoring can cause micro-awakenings, brief disruptions in the sleep cycle that the individual might not remember. These can contribute to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. This is often the case in conditions like sleep apnea, where snoring is accompanied by periods of interrupted breathing.
Remember, persistent and loud snoring is not a normal part of sleep and can be a sign of a sleep disorder. If you or someone else has concerns about snoring, it's a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider. They can help identify any potential issues and suggest appropriate treatment options.
