Tips For Those Sleeping With Snorers

• Snorers are usually not conscious of the sounds they make in the night and the behavior that they exhibit. As they are asleep (even though it may be only twilight-zone sleep), they are unable to hear themselves. Thus they have to depend on you to differentiate between mild snoring from obstructive sleep apnea. A tape recording of the sounds the snorer make may be of value. Statistics show that at least half of the reports of obstructive sleep apnea originate from sleep partners. You should not hesitate to ask your partner to go for an evaluation if the snoring is significant, or if there is some evidence of sleep apnea.

• In order to control the problem of snoring, certain changes in lifestyle may be necessary. Having a understanding of the some of the causes for snoring will certainly help in this aspect. Some of the methods to decrease snoring include quitting smoking, reducing weight, stopping alcohol intake, and having a regular sleep pattern. In order to live a healthier lifestyle for you and your sleeping partner, you need to insist on these changes.

• You are entitled to a good night's sleep as well. Normal reactions to having to sleep with someone who snores include such emotions as anger, guilt, disappointment, loneliness, and frustration. Chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation are also common. It is not unreasonable to suggest that changes be made in your sleeping arrangements if your bedmate's snoring is bad enough to interfere with your own sleep. Snorers are embarrassed and ashamed about the problem and would rather avoid the issue than face it directly. Snoring is not a personality fault, but it is a problem that you both share. Your insistence on focusing on the problem might very well prevent significant medical complications.

• As you yourself progress from twilight zone into the deeper layers of sleep, your awareness of the environment decreases. If your sleeping partner's snores disturb you, try to fall asleep first - even if this means going to bed earlier. Some sort of earplug or noise protection is quite appropriate. Many couples who are used to sleeping together find that they don't sleep as well when they sleep alone. However, if your sleeping partner is unable to control snoring to your satisfaction, sleeping in a separate bedroom, even occasionally, may very well relieve some of the chronic fatigue and irritability caused by your sleep deprivation.