Risk factors Risk factors for snoring include Older age Obesity Use of alcohol or other sedatives Chronic nasal congestion or blockage A small or posteriorly displaced jaw Male sex Postmenopausal status Pregnancy Abnormal structures that can block airflow (eg, large tonsils, a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, macroglossia, an enlarged soft palate, lateral pharyngeal narrowing) There may also be familial risk.