If you deal with a partner who snores, you know firsthand the frustration, anger, and occasional resentment experienced as your partner snores away and you toss and turn, unable to sleep. You may have even gotten up to sleep in a different bed or on the couch, it’s that bad.
When nudges and late-night kicks aren’t working and your partner’s snoring isn’t going away, it may be time to have a conversation before the issue boils over. Here are a few simple, actionable ways to talk to your partner about their snoring so you can both sleep better.
Approach the topic gently.
Chances are your partner is ashamed about their snoring and may not want to talk about it. Try to approach the topic gently with a caring tone and resist the urge to accuse them or nag about the topic. The key to a productive conversation is to be open and honest about your feelings, but also to listen to your partner’s thoughts, insecurities, and ideas. Talking about snoring is also a great way to show you care for their well-being; snoring can be an indicator of potential health concerns as well as an annoyance, so if your partner is apprehensive about seeing a doctor about their snoring, your support will be much appreciated.
Identify potential triggers.
Have you noticed certain situations make your partner snore more often or louder? It could be anything from the temperature of the room to certain sleep positions to having a few too many glasses of wine before bed. Take note of these instances and share them with your partner to form a plan of action.
Be flexible.
Your partner can’t totally control their snoring, as much as you’d like them to. While you can try different sleep positions, working out and losing some weight, or skipping a nightcap, there may be more issues at play. When you bring up snoring, try to frame it as a challenge that you can work through and conquer together, but remember to be flexible on the journey to a quieter night.
Try an anti-snoring device like Mute.
Mute may be small, but this anti-snoring device can be a powerful defense against snoring. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear and comes in a few different sizes for a perfect fit every time. While it make take some getting used to at first, it helps increase the air flow through the nose and reduce mouth breathing, leading to reduced snoring and a better night’s sleep for both of you.