Types of snoring

Snoring can be grouped in several ways, by where the sound comes from, how often it happens and whether it is linked to disease.

By frequency

• Occasional snoring: with a cold, allergy, alcohol or tiredness.
• Habitual snoring: most nights, often with a regular cause such as weight or anatomy.

By position

• Positional snoring: only when lying on the back, and often stops on the side.
• Non-positional snoring: present in all positions, which more often points to a structural cause.

By the source of the sound

• Nasal snoring: from nasal blockage, allergy or a deviated septum.
• Palatal snoring: from vibration of the soft palate and uvula, the most common type.
• Tongue-base snoring: the tongue falls backward and narrows the airway.
• Mouth-breathing snoring: with the mouth open during sleep.

By medical significance

• Primary (simple) snoring: no breathing pauses and no oxygen drops.
• Upper airway resistance syndrome: narrowed airway with disturbed sleep, but few full pauses.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: snoring with repeated pauses and lowered oxygen.

By age group Childhood snoring is often linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Older adults may snore because of lower muscle tone.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Texts speak of Kapha-dominant and Vata-dominant snoring patterns. This is a traditional classification and not used by doctors for diagnosis.

When to see a doctor A sleep test is advised if snoring is loud, with pauses or daytime sleepiness. Call 112 for severe breathlessness.

Remember Knowing the type helps pick the right treatment. A doctor can tell simple snoring from sleep apnea.