Why Do Some Women Snore Too? Breaking the Silence

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Key Takeaways

Snoring is not exclusive to men. Many women snore, too, but social stigma often prevents open discussion or timely recognition.
Hormonal shifts, nasal conditions, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to snoring in women, especially during pregnancy or menopause.
Snoring symptoms may present differently in women, making them harder to detect and more likely to be overlooked by both individuals and healthcare providers.
Persistent or disruptive snoring can be linked to underlying health issues and should be assessed by a medical professional if it affects sleep quality or daily functioning.

Introduction

Snoring is often thought of as a male issue, but the reality is more nuanced. Women snore, too, although the topic tends to receive less attention. Social expectations and subtler symptoms may make it harder for women to recognise or talk about it, which can lead to underreporting.

Snoring itself is common. Most people will snore occasionally, and the likelihood increases with age. Research suggests that about 28 percent of adult women snore regularly. Despite this, many women may be unaware that they snore, especially if they sleep alone or if the sound is less noticeable.

This article looks at what causes snoring in women, how it may differ from other cases, and when it might point to a more serious concern.

Why Is Female Snoring Often Overlooked?

Snoring is rarely discussed openly, and social expectations may make some women less likely to bring it up. In Singapore, where families often live together, concerns about causing worry or embarrassment may also lead to silence.

Some women may not realise they snore, especially if they sleep alone. Others may have symptoms that are subtle or go unnoticed. This can delay diagnosis, particularly if the cause is a condition like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Why this matters: Without early recognition, symptoms may become more disruptive over time. If OSA is present, a missed diagnosis can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other longer-term health effects. Increased awareness supports earlier access to care and appropriate management.

What Are the Common Causes of Female Snoring?

Snoring in women can stem from several factors, some of which are linked to hormonal changes. It often begins or worsens during pregnancy or after menopause, when shifts in oestrogen and progesterone may reduce muscle tone in the airway, making snoring more likely.

Other contributing factors include:

Nasal issues, such as a nose allergy, which can restrict airflow.
Weight gain, which may put pressure on the airway.
Hypothyroidism, which can narrow the upper airway.
Use of sedatives, alcohol, or medications like antihistamines and antidepressants.

Addressing nasal congestion can help ease breathing. For persistent symptoms, treatment for sinusitis may also be worth exploring.

Pro tip: Improve bedroom air quality by keeping the space clean and well-ventilated. Changing bedding or using an air purifier may help reduce irritants that worsen nasal congestion.

How Does Snoring Present Differently in Women?

Snoring in women is often softer and less consistent. It may be mistaken for normal sleep movement or go unnoticed entirely, especially for those who sleep alone.

Research indicates that many women with OSA remain undiagnosed. One reason is that women often experience subtler symptoms, such as daytime fatigue or mood changes, which are not immediately linked to breathing issues during sleep. In such cases, reviewing symptoms with a snoring specialist can help guide the next steps.

When Could Snoring Point to a Health Concern?

Snoring in women is not always a medical issue, but it may warrant attention if it appears alongside other symptoms. Signs to look out for include:

Waking up gasping for air or choking
Daytime fatigue or trouble staying alert
Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
Morning headaches or dry mouth

These signs may point to a sleep-related breathing disorder. If symptoms persist, a medical evaluation can help determine whether airway obstruction is present and whether further treatment is appropriate.

What Can Help Reduce Snoring?

Several practical changes may help reduce or prevent snoring, such as:

Sleeping on your side rather than your back
Using a nasal rinse or decongestant if nasal blockage is an issue
Avoiding alcohol or sedative use before bedtime
Maintaining a healthy weight if advised by a healthcare professional

Pro tip: To encourage side sleeping, some individuals use a body pillow or wear a shirt with a small object sewn into the back to discourage rolling over.

If these steps do not bring relief, it may be worthwhile to consult an ENT practitioner. Depending on the cause, snoring treatment may involve positional therapy, nasal interventions, or further sleep assessment as part of ongoing management.

Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep

Snoring is not limited to men, and it can affect women in ways that are often overlooked. Snoring in women may be quieter or less recognised, but when it is frequent, disruptive, or accompanied by other symptoms, it may point to an underlying issue that should be assessed.

Dr Leslie Koh provides clinical evaluation for individuals experiencing snoring, nasal obstruction, or sleep-related breathing symptoms. If you are looking to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, make an appointment today to help determine whether further assessment or management is appropriate.