And as bad as snoring may be for the person who has to listen to it, it can also seriously impact on the health of the person doing it.
So is there a way to get your partner to stop snoring? Or will you just have to resort to separate bedrooms in order to get the much-needed sleep that you have been deprived of?
Don’t give up hope. Snoring is indeed a problem, but it’s one that can be eliminated...if you know where to look for the solution.
Some temporary relief...
Since snoring is most common when lying on the back, sometimes getting your partner to stop can be as easy as asking them to roll over and sleep on their side. Using a humidifier to the room can help by moisturizing your partners airways and thus help reduce snoring symptoms. A dry throat can contribute to soft palate vibration. Some people find sprays and nose strips provide temporary relief to prevent snoring, though these methods are not as effective as getting to the root cause of the problem, as Buteyko therapy does. Its also worth investing in a good quality pillow to properly support the shoulder, neck and head areas. Since lack of support of these areas can restrict airflow, a quality pillow can help.
A permanent solution...The not-so-wonderful sounds of snoring are produced by the soft palate’s vibrations. The soft palate is a flap of muscular tissue that closes off the nasopharynx during swallowing or speaking. The soft palate can vibrate irregularly when there are conditions that are interfering with one’s ability to breathe through the nose. Allergies, colds, and blocked airways are common triggers for over-breathing at night. This hyperventilation can be eliminated with simple Buteyko breathing exercises and lifestyle guidelines. Please see our page on snoring and sleep apnoea for details...sleep well!