PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES OF SNORING FOR THE CURIOUS

This topic might be a bit technical and boring, so I recommend it only for the curious minds out there. One of the most important principles in fluid dynamics is the Bernoulli Principle. According to this principle, if a fluid flows through a tunnel with a constant diameter, its velocity remains unchanged, and so does the pressure it exerts on the tunnel walls. However, if the tunnel narrows at any point, the velocity of the fluid increases as it passes through the narrower section.

As the velocity increases, the pressure exerted on the tunnel walls decreases. If the tunnel walls are made of rigid or immobile material, this isn’t a problem. But if the walls are made of a flexible or movable material, the drop in pressure causes the walls to move inward, further narrowing the tunnel. This leads to an even higher velocity, an even lower pressure, and even more inward movement of the flexible walls.

In other words, a kind of suction or vacuum effect is created. At this point, a vicious cycle begins. If the tunnel wall isn't flexible enough to completely block the flow, the fluid continues to move. However, if the walls are too flexible, they may collapse and stick together, stopping the flow altogether. Everyday examples of the Bernoulli Principle include: doors slamming shut due to drafts, umbrellas flipping inside out in the wind, or how airplane wings create lift by manipulating air pressure.

Now, let’s apply this physical principle to the human body: Imagine the fluid as air, and the tunnel walls as the soft tissues of the throat—like the uvula, palate, and pharyngeal walls. As you might guess, these tissues are quite flexible. That’s why, when air flows through them, they tend to narrow the passage, increasing air velocity and compression.

During inhalation, these tissues move closer together; during exhalation, they move apart. This creates significant vibration. This vibration is the main cause of snoring. If the walls come too close and completely block the airway, it results in obstructive sleep apnea.