Is Snoring Different Between Men and Women? 

Both men and women can snore, but there are differences between the two regarding frequency and consequences. Explore how snoring differs for each gender.  

WEB-997 – Is Snoring Different Between Men and Women

The sounds of loud, noisy breathing are quite common during the night, with snoring a frequent nighttime occurrence for nearly a quarter of all people. While those of both genders can snore, there are some differences in snoring between men and women. Namely, the prevalence of snoring, what may prompt it, and what it can lead to.  

What Causes Snoring? 

For both genders, the cause of snoring is the same. Snoring occurs when the soft tissues surrounding the entrance to your throat relax, such as during sleep. This creates slight blockages in your airways, and when you breathe during the night, the air squeezes through these narrow passageways, causing the relaxed tissues to vibrate. This vibration makes the snoring sound that we’re familiar with.  
 
Some of the causes of snoring include: 

  • Obesity
  • Obstructive sleep apnea 
  • Nasal polyps 
  • A large uvula 
  • Being a smoker 
  • Drinking alcohol 
  • Nasal congestion 
  • Sleep position 

Snoring Similarities and Differences Between Men and Women 

While there are many similarities between men and women when it comes to snoring, including what causes the sounds of snoring, there are also some differences.  

Men Are More Likely to Snore 

Estimates for how often either gender snores place men twice as far ahead, with 40% of men estimated to be regular snorers while only 20% of women have this same issue. As for why this is the case, it’s likely because of the male anatomy.  
 
While both genders have an area behind their tongue called the oropharynx, which is where relaxed tissues fall during sleep, men have a larger oropharynx because of a bigger upper airway and lower larynx. As a result, there is more soft tissue in the male throat that can vibrate, leading to a greater likelihood of snoring. Furthermore, a larger oropharynx comes with more unsupported soft tissue, which is why men have a greater likelihood of tissue falling into the airway, creating obstructions.  
 
Other anatomical differences contribute to men’s greater likelihood of snoring, as well. Mainly, men tend to carry more fat in their necks and upper chests than women, which can then narrow the airways and cause snoring.  

Both Men and Women Are More Likely to Snore as They Age 

For both genders, the risk of snoring increases as they age, with analyses showing that both men and women see an increase in snoring into their 50s. Once in their 60s, there is a decline in snoring, but this decline is less steep in women. In fact, female snoring increases significantly after the age of fifty, which researchers believe is linked to menopause.  

Men Are at Greater Risk of Sleep Apnea (But Women Feel the Effects More) 

Population-based studies have revealed that sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by disordered breathing (and with snoring as a very common symptom), is more common in men than women. This increased risk is likely because of the same factors that increase the risk of snoring: obesity differences, upper airway anatomy, hormones, and breathing control. 
 
However, certain female life events can increase the risk of sleep apnea, such as pregnancy and menopause (due to hormonal changes). Those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), as well, may experience hormone problems that increase the risk of sleep apnea.  
 
The symptoms of sleep apnea can also differ by gender. Women may be more likely to experience: 

  • Depression 
  • Anxiety 
  • Daytime sleepiness 
  • Insomnia 
  • Headaches (especially in the morning) 
  • Waking up often throughout the night 
  • Tiredness 

In comparison, men may be more likely to exhibit snoring as a sign of sleep apnea or wake up frequently to urinate during the night. However, studies have generally found that women experience more symptoms of sleep apnea and greater daytime fatigue than men.  

How Men and Women Can Reduce Snoring 

Both genders are susceptible to snoring, but there are ways that you can keep your nights more silent

  • Lose weight. Research suggests that losing weight may help reduce snoring, and the more weight you lose, the more your snoring may improve.  

  • Avoid alcohol before bed. If you’re looking to stop snoring, it may be best to refrain from a nightcap since alcohol can cause your throat muscles to relax, increasing the severity of snoring.  

  • Change your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back can increase the risk of snoring thanks to gravity weighing on the tissue surrounding your throat, so consider sleeping in a different position, such as on your side. It can also help to raise your head using pillows, which can help counteract gravity’s influence on the tissues in your throat.  

  • Quit smoking. Smoking can cause your upper airways to narrow and lead to congestion, both of which can lead to snoring. In fact, it’s been shown that smokers are twice as likely to snore, so quitting can help reduce your risk of snoring.  

If you continue to suffer from snoring despite making these changes, continually wake up during the night, or suffer from daytime fatigue, it may be worthwhile to reach out to a doctor and inquire about sleep apnea. Your doctor can help you schedule a sleep study and then, if sleep apnea is the cause of your snoring, start you on treatment. CPAP is one type of sleep apnea treatment and has been found to reduce the amount of snoring throughout the night. 

Snoring Between Men and Women 

While the male and female anatomy may be different, the need to sleep and the possibility of snoring are things that both genders share.  
 
The causes of snoring are the same for both genders, but men are at a greater risk of snoring because of one additional factor: their anatomy. This also increases their risk of sleep apnea, although women can also develop sleep apnea and are more likely to feel its symptoms.  
 
Ultimately, snoring can be a sign of poor breathing through the night, and doing what you can to remedy your snoring will not only allow you to get higher quality sleep, but it’ll also remove a nighttime distraction from your partner, letting them sleep more soundly, too.  

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Written by

Jessica G

Medical writer freelancer who has written hundreds of articles on varying topics. Masters of Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering.

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