Do women or men snore more?

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A woman and a man are sleeping in a bed, viewed from above, with the caption: "Between the woman and the man, who snores more?"

Do men or women snore more often? This is a question many people wonder about, both those who snore themselves and those who share a room with someone who does. The short answer is: if you look at the symptoms of sleep apnea, frequent and loud snoring is more common in men. [1] But women can snore too.

When couples or family members sleep in the same room, it becomes even more apparent that each person snores differently, regardless of gender. One difference worth noting is that in cases of sleep apnea, fatigue is more common in women. [1] And women have an increased risk of sleep apnea during and after menopause. [2] For a more detailed understanding of this topic, continue reading here. Women who snore: Causes, signs that warrant a doctor's visit, and how to manage it.

What are some of the causes of snoring?

This section summarizes only factors with supporting sources. The list below represents risk factors for sleep apnea according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), but it does not cover all causes of snoring.

  1. While sleep apnea can occur at any age, the risk increases with age. [3]
  2. Obesity, or certain body features such as those of the neck or tongue, can increase the risk of sleep apnea. [3] And people who are obese may have more fat accumulation in the neck, which could obstruct the upper airway. [3]
  3. Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages increases the risk of sleep apnea. [3] This article doesn't say that quitting snoring will make it disappear. If you still snore, you should consult a doctor or healthcare professional. [1]

Snoring may be accompanied by... sleep apnea Yes, because frequent and loud snoring is one symptom of this condition. [1]

Read more: What causes snoring?

How is snoring related to sleep apnea?

Frequent and loud snoring is one symptom that may be present in sleep apnea. [1] One type of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when something obstructs the upper airway during sleep, preventing normal airflow. For example, the tongue may fall back and block the airway. [3] Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, a sleep study can help diagnose the type and severity of sleep apnea. [4]

summarize

In summary, when looking at the symptoms of sleep apnea, frequent and loud snoring is more common in men, while fatigue is more common in women. [1] And the older you get, the higher the risk of sleep apnea. [3] Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, if you snore and experience symptoms that cause you concern, you should consult a doctor or healthcare professional. [1]

Sleep studies can help diagnose the type and severity of sleep apnea. [4]

References

  1. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), affiliated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sleep Apnea – Symptoms | NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/symptoms (Accessed October 2026)
  2. NHLBI, NIH. Sleep Apnea – Sleep Apnea and Women | NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/women (Accessed October 2026)
  3. NHLBI, NIH. Sleep Apnea – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/causes (Accessed October 2026)
  4. NHLBI, NIH. Sleep Apnea – Diagnosis | NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/diagnosis (Accessed October 2026)

Surgeon, Vichaiyut Hospital.