Snoring is the harsh, rattling, or vibrating sound produced during sleep when airflow through the upper airway is partially obstructed, causing relaxed tissues in the throat (soft palate, uvula, tongue base, tonsils, or nasal passages) to vibrate as air passes through. It occurs most often when sleeping on the back, with the mouth open, or during deeper stages of sleep when muscle tone decreases further. Common contributing factors include nasal congestion (from allergies, colds, or deviated septum), enlarged tonsils/adenoids (especially in children), obesity (excess fat around the neck narrowing the airway), alcohol or sedatives (relaxing throat muscles more), aging (loss of muscle tone), smoking (irritating airways), or anatomical issues like a low, thick soft palate or large tongue. While occasional snoring is common and usually harmless, habitual loud snoring can disrupt sleep for the snorer and bed partner, and in some cases indicates obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when accompanied by breathing pauses, gasping/choking episodes, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or poor concentration.