Snoring is the sound produced by the vibration of soft tissues in the upper airway — including the soft palate, uvula, and throat — during sleep. It occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose becomes partially obstructed, causing these tissues to vibrate as air passes through. Snoring can range in volume from a soft, intermittent sound to a loud, disruptive noise that disturbs not only the person snoring but also those sleeping nearby. Snoring is extremely common — studies estimate that approximately 40 percent of adults snore habitually. It is more prevalent in men, older adults, and people who are overweight. While snoring is often considered a nuisance, it can in some cases be a sign of an underlying medical condition, most notably obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder in which the airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep. Common risk factors for snoring include excess weight (particularly around the neck), alcohol consumption before bed, sleeping on the back, nasal congestion, smoking, and anatomical factors such as a narrow airway, large tonsils, or a deviated nasal septum. Allergies and respiratory infections can also cause temporary snoring. For mild or occasional snoring, lifestyle changes can be effective. These include losing excess weight, avoiding alcohol in the evening, sleeping on the side rather than the back, and treating nasal congestion. Nasal strips and anti-snoring mouthpieces are also available as over-the-counter aids. If snoring is accompanied by gasping, choking, or witnessed pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, or morning headaches, it is important to consult a doctor to evaluate for sleep apnea.