Losing Sleep to a Snoring Spouse

“Love doesn’t conquer all, especially when it comes to snoring.”

I recently posted in my blog that I have been losing sleep to the snoring roaring beast that takes over my husband’s airways every night. I was so touched by all of you who offered helpful advice and passed on links to me. Thank you!

My friend McKchick passed on an article this morning called 7 Secrets for Sleeping in Peace by Emily Battaglia.

In her article, Battaglia suggests a few things you can do to get your precious beauty sleep back. She says women who sleep beside snorers lose an average of 1 hour of sleep every night. Since most of us aren’t getting enough sleep as it is with work, school, paying bills, cleaning the house, taking care of kids if you have them, it’s no wonder we get cranky, irritable or stressed out.

Battaglia’s article mentions a 2001 sleep study that shows snoring affects your sex life. 80% of snoring couples sleep separately. While banning your chainsaw emulating mate from the bedroom may help you get more sleep, it certainly does not set the tone for romance.

The following are her 7 Snore-Proof Tricks: (my comments are in pink)

1. If he doesn’t believe how loud is he is, record him. He’ll be more open to finding a treatment once you’ve proven he really is as earsplitting as a Mack truck. (Been there done that. He thinks it’s funny)

2. Invest in soft foam earplugs to drown out the noise. (Seriously? Those have never worked for me.)

3. Make your bedtime ritual and daytime routine more conducive to sleep. Exercise daily, unwind before bedtime, don’t nap during the day, and avoid caffeine and snacks before bedtime.

4. Encourage lifestyle changes. Losing weight may be the solution. Smoking and alcohol also exacerbate snoring. Set a positive example or resolve to make healthy lifestyle changes as a couple.

5. Sew a tennis ball to the back of his pajamas. Every time he rolls on his back, the discomfort will force him onto his side. (hahahaha. hahahahaha ha. Sorry, the very idea of my husband agreeing to wear a tennis ball in his pajamas – who even wears pajamas? - is hysterical to me. He’d never wear that in a million years.)

6. Be understanding: Loud or frequent snoring can be embarrassing, and he probably feels bad for keeping you awake. Be supportive if he’s taking steps to stop snoring. (see point #1. He thinks it’s funny.)

7. Oral devices like mouthpieces can properly align or relax his jaw. He can also try nasal strips to help keep the nasal passages open. Throat sprays are another easy and inexpensive option. They help by keeping the throat lubricated, which minimizes throat tissue vibrations. (Now this is one thing he'll be wearing forsure. I guess I get the last laugh).


To read the rest of Battaglia’s article on lifescript.com, click here.