Snoring is the sound produced by the vibration of soft tissues in the upper airway when airflow is partially obstructed during sleep. This common nocturnal noise affects a significant portion of the adult population, but the prevalence is markedly skewed by sex. Scientific data shows that men are almost twice as likely to be habitual snorers compared to women, with approximately 40% of adult men snoring regularly versus 24% of adult women. This disparity is rooted in a combination of biological factors, including anatomical differences, the influence of sex hormones, and varying patterns of body fat storage.
Airway Structure and Physical Dimensions
The physical architecture of the upper airway establishes a fundamental difference in snoring risk between the sexes. Men tend to have a larger total soft tissue volume in the neck, which contributes to increased loading on the airway structure. The male larynx and pharynx tend to be positioned lower in the neck compared to the female anatomy, creating a longer and potentially more collapsible airway pathway. This greater vertical space allows for a greater degree of tissue displacement when the muscles relax. The larger size of the male tongue and soft palate also occupies more space, increasing the risk of collapse while lying down.
The Influence of Sex Hormones
The difference in circulating sex hormones between men and women plays a direct role in regulating the muscle tone of the upper airway. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is associated with a greater tendency for airway collapsibility. Studies have shown that administering testosterone can increase the frequency of disordered breathing events during sleep. Conversely, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone offer a protective effect against airway collapse. Progesterone acts as a respiratory stimulant, helping to maintain muscle tone in the pharynx. Estrogen is also thought to help preserve the contractility of the upper airway muscles, reducing the likelihood of obstruction. This protective effect is supported by the observation that the prevalence of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea increases significantly in women after menopause.
Differences in Body Fat Distribution
The location where the body stores fat contributes significantly to the gender difference in snoring. The typical male pattern of fat storage is android, meaning fat is preferentially deposited in the upper body, including the neck. This localized fat deposition around the neck directly affects the upper airway by physically compressing it. Men tend to have a larger neck circumference than women, even when matched for body mass index (BMI). This thicker neck often contains a greater volume of fat near the palate, narrowing the airway and increasing the pressure on the soft tissues. The female pattern of fat storage is generally gynoid, favoring the hips and thighs, which is less likely to compromise the airway mechanically. Although obesity is a risk factor for snoring in both sexes, the male tendency to deposit fat centrally around the throat means men face a higher risk of airway obstruction.