Snoring is the sound produced by the vibration of soft tissues in the upper airway when airflow is partially obstructed during sleep. When a person is sick with a cold or the flu, this noisy breathing often begins or noticeably worsens. This temporary change is a direct result of the body’s physiological response to the infection, which physically alters the dimensions of the air passages.
The Impact of Upper Airway Inflammation
The primary cause of increased snoring when sick is the inflammatory response triggered by the immune system. This reaction causes the mucous membranes lining the nose, throat, and sinuses to swell (edema). This swelling physically narrows the available space for air to pass through, especially in the nasal passages and the pharynx.
The restricted airway forces air to move at a higher velocity and with greater turbulence. This turbulent airflow increases the vibration of the soft palate and the uvula, which is the source of the snoring sound. Nasal congestion blocks the primary route for breathing, compelling the individual to breathe through their mouth. Mouth breathing causes air to bypass the nasal filter, directly vibrating the already inflamed tissues in the throat, resulting in louder snoring.
The illness also leads to an overproduction of thick mucus in the nasal and sinus cavities. This mucus acts as a physical blockage, contributing to stuffiness and restricting airflow. The combination of swelling and blockage severely limits the airway’s cross-sectional area, making soft tissues more susceptible to collapse and vibration during sleep.
Positional and Environmental Triggers
While inflammation is the root cause, certain factors associated with illness worsen the narrowed airway. Sleeping flat on the back allows gravity to pull the relaxed soft palate and tongue base backward toward the throat. This anatomical shift reduces the space at the back of the pharynx, compounding the obstruction caused by inflammation and intensifying the snoring.
Dehydration is a common side effect of illness, often due to fever or reduced fluid intake. When the body is dehydrated, the mucus produced becomes thicker and stickier. This thicker consistency makes the mucus harder to clear, increasing physical blockage in the nasal passages and contributing to turbulent airflow.
The sleeping environment also plays a role, particularly during colder months when illnesses are common. Dry indoor air, often from central heating, can irritate the already inflamed nasal passages. This irritation causes additional swelling and dryness of the mucous membranes, further narrowing the airway and increasing snoring.
Strategies for Reducing Sickness-Related Snoring
To temporarily mitigate sickness-related snoring, simple positional adjustments counter the effects of gravity. Elevating the head of the bed or using an extra pillow keeps the head and neck slightly raised. This elevated position encourages the tongue and soft tissues to remain forward, reducing their tendency to collapse into the airway.
Targeting congestion and inflammation with topical treatments provides significant relief. Using a saline nasal spray or performing a saline rinse helps to thin mucus and flush out irritants. This process reduces the swelling of the nasal lining, improving the ability to breathe through the nose and decreasing the need for mouth breathing.
Introducing moisture into the air with a humidifier can soothe dry, irritated nasal passages. Maintaining a humidity level around 30 to 50% helps keep the mucus membranes moist, reducing irritation and minimizing swelling. Over-the-counter decongestant medications can also be used temporarily to constrict blood vessels in the nasal lining, rapidly decreasing swelling. However, these should be used only as directed and typically for a few days to avoid potential rebound congestion.