Sleeping next to a snorer can be mildly annoying for some and highly exasperating for others.

It’s a common pain point for couples, or at least for the person who is serenaded by the sound of sawing logs night after sleepless night. Sleeplessness is on the rise this year, thanks to a multitude of stresses from wildfires to COVID-19. Trying to cope with these new anxieties on top of an old snoring problem can be a very frustrating experience.

But you’re not alone. Many people snore, including 90 million Americans. But who snores the most, men or women? The science is pretty clear: It’s men. Although a substantial 20% of women snore, that number doubles to 40% for men.

Why Do Men Snore More Than Women?

Males snore more than females for a few different reasons:

• Men have narrower air passages than women, but their palates are larger and have more soft tissue to rattle around.
• Their upper airways are more prone to collapsing. Testosterone seems to increase breathing instability, while female hormones promote steady ventilation.
• Men tend to smoke and drink alcohol more than women, and both can increase snoring.
• Being overweight contributes to snoring in both sexes, but men accumulate more fat in their necks, which obstructs their airflow (whereas women usually put on weight in their lower bodies).

Now you know why men snore more than women—but that knowledge isn’t going to help you sleep through the night when you’re next to a noisemaker. For that, you’ll need to make some changes to your sleeping environment.

How can I stop snoring?

The position that you sleep in can have a big effect on the frequency and volume of your snoring. Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help, but serious snorers may want to consider an adjustable bed that elevates your head. Propping yourself up on pillows won’t work to reduce snoring; you need to raise the entire top part of your mattress by at least 4 inches.

Snoring is one of the main reasons that people buy adjustable beds, but they can also help to reduce back pain, lower blood pressure, and alleviate acid reflux. And they’re great for watching TV.

At Custom Comfort, our premium adjustable beds come with extra features like massage, under-bed lighting, and Bluetooth capability to sync with your mobile device. Wake up refreshed on a bed that helps you rest and say goodbye to sleeping on the couch.