Don’t go to bed angry is at the top of any list of relationship advice. If your partner snores, you might have pent-up feelings of frustration and anxiety about bedtime. It’s a problem a lot of couples face, as approximately 45% of adults snore occasionally, while 25% snore regularly.
The truth is, your spouse or significant other’s snoring is preventing both of you from getting a proper night’s rest. Talking about it can help both of you get the rest you need. Since snoring can be a touchy subject, it’s important to approach it in the right way. Here are our top tips for having a conversation with your partner about snoring.
Communication is key.
Don’t go to bed angry is at the top of any list of relationship advice. Starting a conversation about snoring with your partner is the first step toward getting better rest for both of you. They might not even know they snore, or how much it’s disturbing your sleep. Bring it up sooner rather than later, literally—you might be tempted to confront them on it mid-snore when all you both want to do is sleep. However, most people are more receptive to tackling a problem when they’re fully awake. For your spouse, that might be at breakfast, in the afternoon, or after you’ve enjoyed dinner together. Bringing the snoring issue to the table when they’re in a good mood will make the conversation easier for both of you.
Don’t make it all about them.
Your partner’s snoring affects both of you. It may even affect the whole household if they snore loudly. Keep in mind that most people can’t stop snoring on their own—it’s outside of their control. Instead of making them feel like they’re to blame, let them know that you want to help them stop snoring so you can both sleep better. Be willing to meet them halfway in finding a solution.
Put the focus on their health.
In some cases, snoring can be a symptom of deeper health issues such as obstructive sleep apnea. Encourage your spouse to speak to your family doctor about it. If your partner believes that their snoring is a sign that they’re sleeping well, you may need to correct them: Snoring disrupts the quantity and quality of the snorer’s sleep as well as anyone who shares a bed with them. Because sleep is an essential part of maintaining good health, helping your spouse to stop snoring is the healthiest thing for them and your relationship.
Be open to change.
You’ll both have to make some adjustments for your partner to stop snoring. You may have to try several possible snoring remedies before you find one that works for you. Be patient and open to creative solutions. Furthermore, don’t be discouraged if one strategy doesn’t work. With a little trial and error, you’re sure to find a way to help your partner stop snoring so you can both sleep soundly.
Find a solution together.
There are lots of ways to ensure that you and your partner get a better night’s sleep despite their snoring. You could try going to bed earlier than they do or sleeping in separate bedrooms. Better yet, you could find a solution that reduces or stops their snoring completely. If your partner has already tried old-fashioned snoring aids like nasal strips and the tennis ball method without success, consider a smarter option. Smart Nora’s revolutionary snoring solution is scientifically validated and easy to incorporate into your bedtime routine. Almost 80% of snorers say Smart Nora is better than other snoring solutions they’ve tried, and it can help you, too.
If you want better sleep for you and your partner, talk to them about their snoring and consider Smart Nora’s snoring solution. Reach out to one of our sleep coaches today, and sleep better starting tonight.