Causes of snoring in women have been overshadowed for far too long by the old notion that only men make a racket at night.
The truth? Approximately 50% of SnoreLab’s users are women, proving snoring doesn’t care what your birth certificate says.
Still, many women remain unaware that they snore, and those who do often keep it to themselves out of embarrassment.
Yet as more of them start using sleep-tracking tools and openly discuss the issue, that tired old stereotype is starting to crumble.
“When I realised a few years ago that I snored, I found it really embarrassing”: One woman’s wake-up call
“There isn’t enough awareness of women’s snoring. Most content is aimed towards men,” says Ciara, a 31-year-old SnoreLab user.
“There is definitely a stigma around women snoring – it’s seen as quite a male thing to do. When I realised a few years ago that I snored, I found it really embarrassing. I was stressed about sharing a bed or room with someone and would try not to fall asleep.”
“I was first introduced to SnoreLab when I realised I was snoring. The key benefit is tracking, so I understand when I am more likely to snore.
I found that my snoring improved if I maintained a healthy diet, didn’t drink, slept on my side, and elevated my head. Nasal strips also really helped, and hearing yourself snore can be really useful,” she explains.
Like Ciara, many women grew up seeing snoring portrayed as an exclusively male habit. But the causes of snoring in women can affect overall well-being just as seriously—leading to daytime fatigue, relationship strain, and a hit on self-confidence.
Why do women snore – and why is it so hush-hush?
Snoring is sometimes dismissed as an irritating quirk, but it can point to underlying health issues such as sleep apnoea.
When untreated, sleep apnea may increase risks like heart disease, mood changes, and more. Meanwhile, hormonal fluctuations play a big part for women:
- After menopause, protective hormones like estrogen and progesterone decrease, which can lead to snoring.
- Pregnancy often brings on weight gain and airway swelling, ramping up the odds of nightly noise.
- Even the menstrual cycle can lead to increased snoring during certain phases.
Despite these factors, some studies [1] suggest women are less likely to discuss their snoring or notice how loud it can get. Often, it’s a partner or housemate who alerts them to the problem—awkward, maybe, but a necessary wake-up call.
Breaking the silence: Time to talk about women and snoring
No one should feel ashamed for snoring. It’s an everyday reality rooted in physiological changes, lifestyle factors, or a combination of both. As more women speak up about their experiences, that sense of taboo keeps shrinking.
“At SnoreLab, we’ve observed that men are more likely to talk about their snoring, despite women making up around 50% of our users” says Jules Goldberg, founder of Reviva Softworks, the company behind SnoreLab.
“This suggests that a lingering stigma still exists about women snoring. With this campaign, our goal is to encourage open conversations, and provide an objective, non-judgmental tool to help women better understand their snoring and sleep health.”
The best move? Start talking—friends, partners, and healthcare providers are all part of the conversation. Tackling snoring head-on can lead to better rest, improved health, and a more supportive environment where women feel comfortable seeking solutions.
Curious about your own snoring? Download SnoreLab today to get a clear picture of what’s happening while you sleep—and what you can do about it. Visit www.snorelab.com.
[1] Study reference: Women underreport snoring compared to men.