Why do people snore?

Reduced airway space: Snoring is caused by constriction of the space in the pharynx and oropharynx. The soft palate, back of the tongue, tonsils, uvula crowd in around the space when you are most relaxed in deeper sleep and vibrate when you breath (kind of like a party favor when blown into).

Tissue vibration: Snoring is the noise resulting from the vibration interaction of the airflow with the tissues the upper airway, particularly in the areas of the soft palate, uvula and pharyngeal airway. It is more likely to occur if you have an airway space restricted by large tonsils, or a relaxed tongue during deep sleep. Loud snorers may also have a conditon called sleep apnea.