Why sleep position affects snoring
Snoring happens when airflow is partially blocked as you breathe during sleep. When muscles in the throat relax, the airway narrows. Air passing through causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the familiar snoring sound.
Your sleep position changes how gravity acts on these tissues. This is why sleeping on your back is strongly associated with louder and more frequent snoring: gravity pulls the tongue and soft palate backward, narrowing the airway. Side sleeping, in general, is usually better for keeping the airway more open.
