How to talk to your partner about snoring?

Snoring is an unwelcome annoyance that disrupts a good night’s sleep and damages relationships. Since sleep deprivation is not an option, your obvious step would be to have that talk with your better half. But how should this conversation go? Have you ever thought about it? Perhaps it would feel better if you just yelled and had a fight, right? WRONG! That’s the last thing you want.

To avoid saying anything too damaging to your otherwise happy relationship, here are four steps that you can take today.

Do your own extensive research on the matter.

Research is the solution to half the problem. Post-research, your mindset would change drastically. You will realize that you are not the real victim here, your loved one is!

Snoring is a form of sleep apnea, and if your better half is a compulsive snorer, then it is likely that they have got it. Perhaps he/she needs an effective snoring device, or maybe they need to visit a sleep expert for an assessment and this cannot wait any longer?
Either way, you would know about the cause of snoring and its possible treatments once you conduct your own research.

Have a meaningful talk with your partner.

Once you have the data in your hand to back your point, you must initiate a conversation with your partner. Just sit them down and try not to agitate anybody involved. Be as natural and calm as you can possibly be. Try not to pin the blame, instead adopt a friendly approach. You don’t yet know how they might react upon hearing this news, so you need to be prepared for anything at this point. Therefore, approaching this subject in a civilized manner is recommended.

Schedule a meeting with the expert.

When the meeting with an expert is scheduled, as a loving partner, it is your duty to support your loved one to the appointment and take part in it. Ask questions, listen, and participate in the discussion. Again, don’t pinpoint any wrongdoings here, you don’t want to embarrass your partner in front of a stranger, even if it happens to be an expert.

Observe their daily habits and dietary consumption.

Most of the times, it is a person’s habits and dietary consumption that makes them snore. This may not necessarily be related to Sleep Apnea after all. Not to say that this will be an easier thing to deal with, but it is a relief.
If your partner smokes or drinks, make sure that they reduce these habits and eventually give them up completely. Smoking and drinking are the common reasons for snoring through nose and throat. Due to this, the snorer may also pause while breathing that may last anywhere from a few seconds up to a minute. It can be fatal in the long run and cause irrevocable damage to their health.

Likewise, irregular eating habits and at odd hours is detrimental to health. If your partner falls into this category, keep an eye on them.

Effect of Snoring on Relationships

One of the top reasons for damaging relationships, snoring causes fatigue, reduced intimacy and nightly frustration. With time, that leads to resentment and emotional distancing. This is one of the major consequences of snoring on relationships. Partners may decide on sleeping in different rooms, creating a wedge in communication and closeness.  It becomes important to address the issue of snoring through medical consultation, open dialogue and lifestyle changes. That will improve your relationship as well.

What to Do When Your Partner’s Snoring Keeps You Up All Night

If your bed partner’s snoring starts disrupting your sleep, encourage them to get it evaluated by a doctor to rule out the risk of sleep apnea. It becomes important for the snoring partner to make lifestyle changes such as weight loss, sleeping on the side, avoiding alcohol, while the non-snoring partner can use white noise machines, earplugs or even sleeping separately to maintain nightly rest and proper sleep. However, communication is important so support your partner through the diagnosis and treatment to stop snoring.

Anti-Snoring Devices That Can Help

For effective relief, it becomes important to use anti-snoring devices as it enhances airflow during sleep. Mouthguards help to reposition the tongue or jaw so that it doesn’t fall back into the throat while the nasal strips help to keep the air passages open. Nasal straps help to keep the mouth closed to ensure nasal breathing while the CPAP machine is gold-standard treatment for sleep apnea sufferers. It is essential to consult with a physician to know about the right anti-snoring device for your requirement.

How to Stop Snoring Naturally and Permanently

You need to focus on long-term lifestyle changes if you want to stop snoring permanently. It becomes essential to have a healthy weight, avoid drinking alcohol before sleeping, have a proper sleep schedule and ensure that you sleep on your side and not your back to breathe properly. It is vital to treat allergies and nasal congestion early on to ensure airflow is improved. That reduces snoring. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and quit smoking to stop snoring naturally.

Conclusion

You need to communicate with your partner that snores with understanding and empathy. Select a time when the individual is relaxed and calm and discuss it as a couple issue not blaming him/her for the snoring. Focus on finding a solution together while discussing how it is affecting your sleep and health. Emphasize on open dialogue and the goal of improving health as a couple. Support medical evaluation to find a treatment method, along with lifestyle changes, strengthening your relationship.