Nearly everyone snores from time to time, including babies, children and adults. Some people are more likely to snore than others. Snoring risk factors include:
 

• Age: Snoring is more common as we age because muscle tone decreases, causing airways to constrict.
   

• Alcohol and sedatives: Alcoholic beverages and certain medications relax muscles, restricting airflow in the mouth, nose and throat.
   

• Anatomy: A long soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth), enlarged adenoids, tonsils or a large tongue can make it hard for air to flow through the nose and mouth. A deviated septum (displaced cartilage in the nose) can block the flow of air.
   

• Gender: Snoring is more common in men.
   

• Family history: Snoring runs in families. If you have a parent who snores, you’re more likely to snore too.
   

• Overall health: Nasal stuffiness due to allergies and the common cold block airflow through the mouth and nose. Pregnant women are more likely to snore due to hormonal changes and weight gain.
   

• Weight: Snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders are more common in people who are overweight or have obesity.