Snoring is a common occurrence that can disrupt sleep quality for individuals and their partners. While often associated with an open mouth, snoring can also occur with the mouth closed. This type of snoring often indicates underlying issues related to anatomical obstructions or muscle relaxation within the airway.
The Mechanics of Closed-Mouth Snoring
Snoring happens when airflow through the upper airway is partially blocked, causing surrounding soft tissues to vibrate and produce sound. This mechanism occurs even with a closed mouth. Air moves through the nasal passages, the back of the throat, the soft palate, and the base of the tongue. If these areas are narrowed or obstructed, the air passing through creates vibrations. The sound can range from soft to very loud, depending on the degree of obstruction and the force of air.
Common Causes of Snoring with a Closed Mouth
Several factors can lead to closed-mouth snoring, primarily stemming from issues within the nasal passages or throat. Nasal obstruction is a frequent contributor. Conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or chronic congestion from allergies or colds can narrow the nasal passages, forcing air through a restricted space. This increased airflow velocity causes surrounding tissues to vibrate more intensely.
The tongue’s position also plays a role. If the tongue relaxes excessively during sleep, it can fall backward and partially block the airway, even with the mouth closed. This is sometimes referred to as “tongue-based snoring” and can be more pronounced when sleeping on one’s back. Weakness in the throat muscles can also cause upper airway tissues to collapse slightly, leading to snoring.
The soft palate and uvula, located at the back of the throat, can also be involved. These structures may be enlarged or overly relaxed, vibrating against the back of the throat as air passes by. Excess tissue around the neck and throat, often associated with obesity, can further narrow the airway and contribute to snoring. Additionally, general muscle relaxation during sleep, which can be exacerbated by alcohol or sedatives, allows these tissues to become more collapsible.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
It is important to differentiate between typical snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While snoring is the sound of obstructed airflow, OSA is a more serious condition where breathing repeatedly pauses or becomes very shallow during sleep. Closed-mouth snoring can be a sign of OSA, as the same underlying anatomical issues that cause snoring can also lead to more significant airway blockages.
During an OSA event, throat muscles relax, causing the airway to narrow or close completely. This temporary cessation of breathing can occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to a drop in blood oxygen levels. Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other indicators may include morning headaches, dry mouth upon waking, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes. Untreated OSA carries health risks, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Next Steps and Potential Solutions
For individuals experiencing closed-mouth snoring, several steps can be considered. If snoring is loud, frequent, or accompanied by symptoms like gasping, choking, or excessive daytime fatigue, seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can help determine the underlying cause and whether a sleep disorder like OSA is present.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle adjustments can help reduce snoring. Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease excess tissue around the throat that may narrow the airway. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime is beneficial, as these substances can over-relax throat muscles. Changing sleep position to side sleeping, rather than on the back, can prevent the tongue from falling backward and obstructing the airway.
Treatment Options
Over-the-counter options like nasal strips or nasal dilators can help open nasal passages and improve airflow. Oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices, are custom-fitted dental mouthpieces that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Professional interventions may be necessary in some cases. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for OSA, delivering pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open. Surgical options may also be considered to address specific anatomical obstructions, though these are typically reserved for severe cases. Exercises that strengthen the muscles of the tongue and throat, often called oropharyngeal exercises, can help reduce snoring and improve mild to moderate OSA.