How To Sleep Well When Your Partner Snores

Is your partner’s snoring keeping you up at night? If yes, know that you’re not alone. Snoring is incredibly common in the United States. In fact, 90 million American adults snore—37 million of those do so on a regular basis.

While there are a variety of factors that contribute to a person’s risk of snoring, two seem to have the most significant impact:

• Being male
• Being overweight

Although all genders “saw logs” from time to time, guys take the cake. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 40 percent of adult men snore compared to only 24 percent of women. If you’re negatively affected by your partner’s nocturnal noises, read this post to learn more about snoring and how people are sleeping soundly even when their partner is a notorious snorer.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Essentially, snoring is loud breathing during sleep. It occurs when the air flowing past relaxed tissues in one’s throat causes vibrations.

Sometimes snoring isn’t just annoying; it can be a serious health risk. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about half of people who snore loudly have obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous disorder in which breathing continually stops and starts. Left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and depression, as well as disturbed sleep and daytime sleepiness.

If you or your loved one may have sleep apnea, consult a doctor immediately to ensure you have the best, most accurate medical guidance for dealing with this issue.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common signs of sleep apnea include:

• Difficulty maintaining daytime focus
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Loud snoring
• Morning headache
• The repeated cessation of breathing
• Waking up with a dry mouth

What Increases the Likelihood of Snoring?

Besides being male or overweight, certain conditions and habits make it more likely a person will snore. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• Alcohol
• Allergies
• Back sleeping
• Colds
• Deviated septum
• Muscle relaxers

How to Lower The Volume On Your Partner’s Snoring

According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor will first recommend lifestyle changes for chronic snorers. The changes they may prescribe include:

• Avoiding alcohol before bed
• Avoiding sleep deprivation
• Avoiding back sleeping
• Losing weight
• Treating nasal congestion

If obstructive sleep apnea accompanies your significant other’s snoring, a doctor may also suggest:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Oral appliances
• Upper airway surgery

According to Harvard Medical School, weight loss is especially effective for combatting obstructive sleep apnea. Overweight individuals’ throats are more likely to have excess tissue that can fall down and block their airway as they sleep.

As Harvard Medical School notes, “Losing just 10 percent of body weight can have a big effect on sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, losing a significant amount of weight can even cure the condition.” Although it’s easier said than done, weight loss, along with medical attention, is the best cure for sleep apnea.

How to Mask Snoring Sounds

While you’re waiting for your significant other to see a doctor or make lifestyle changes to combat snoring, you may need to take matters into your own hands so you can get a good night’s rest. Mask this unwanted noise by:

• Putting in earplugs
• Running a fan near the bed
• Using a white noise machine
• Wearing headphones to bed

If you’re looking for a comfortable way to drown out your significant other’s snoring, try SleepPhones®. SleepPhones® are the world's most comfortable headphones for sleeping. Play any type of music, white noise, or binaural beats so you can finally get a good night’s rest.

Customers Using SleepPhones® Headphones To Mask Snoring Sounds

"I literally use these every night! My husband snores and we had been playing the musical beds game until I found these! I put on white noise and sleep great." - Lori G.

"My husband snores SO bad! I use wax ear plugs but sometimes they aren't enough! My pair of SleepPhones® are a dream come true! I recommend these to anyone who loves sleep! A very happy customer." - Ashley D.

"I rely on SleepPhones® to help me sleep since I suffer from insomnia. I play one of two CDs with ocean sounds mixed with white or pink noise. It really helps me sleep and helps block the snoring sounds from my wife." - Robert U.