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So you've met a man and he's everything you've always wanted. He's smart, funny, generous and treats you as his equal. He remembers your birthday, and even buys you flowers without being prompted. But he has one flaw: he's
a chronic snorer.
To those people who don't have to sleep in the same bed as someone who snores, this sounds like a comical problem. But for those who know from bitter experience what it's actually like, it's no joke. In fact, if the problem is really severe, it can place an enormous strain on a relationship.
It’s important not to get angry, and blame your partner for snoring. In the middle of the night, when you're exhausted and have just been woken up for the third time by his snorting and gurgling noises, it can be a real challenge not to snarl at him, or even give him a sharp dig in the ribs. Anything to stop that infernal noise. But bear in mind, he really can't help it. He's not doing it deliberately and probably feels horrendously guilty when he later discovers that he's kept you up most of the night.
Here are a few different approaches to getting a good night's sleep, even if your partner snores.
Some snoring remedies.
Many men seem to have a harder time breathing peacefully at night if they sleep on their backs. If he's snoring and you're lying there awake, try gently rolling him onto his side, and see if that reduces or stops the noise altogether.
If he's been drinking alcohol during the evening, it's possible he's feeling blocked up from the additives in the wine or beer. It may help to have some antihistimine tablets on hand in the bathroom, for these occasions. These tablets are taken by hay fever sufferers and people with
allergies, and they can certainly clear the airways and facilitate breathing. As with all medication, of course, read the pack and follow the directions carefully. If you're uncertain check with your doctor first.
There are a number of anti-snoring sprays available at your local pharmacy. Some are nasal sprays and some are oral sprays, but both kinds work to clear the breathing passages and reduce the severity of the snoring.
Snoring is often related to a person's weight. Try encouraging your man to include some exercise in his daily routine. Go for a walk with him before work or arrange to meet him at the gym at the end of the day. It can be
difficult to make time for exercise on a regular basis, but the prospect of a quiet night's sleep might provide you with enough motivation for both of you.
How tired are YOU?
If you're all keyed up about some staff changes at work, or worrying about money problems, chances are you won't be getting a good night's sleep, whether your partner snores or not. If you're lying there tossing and turning while he snores away, get out of the bed and go and do something.
If you're worried that you haven't done enough on that report for the meeting tomorrow, you may as well get it out there on the kitchen table and work on it right now. It might be 4am by the time you go to sleep, but you will sleep soundly for two reasons. You'll be utterly exhausted, but you'll also be relieved.
If you've been having trouble going to sleep, it can help to do some exercise a couple of hours before you turn in. If you're not so keen on jogging through the park after dinner, hop on your exercise bike or go for a run on a mini-trampoline. If you're physically tired, it's often easier
to sleep - your body simply demands it.
Warm milk also works a treat as a sleep-inducing trick. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top and sip it slowly. The natural sedatives in milk can be a gentle way of slipping off to sleep without the side-effects of chemical
tranquilizers. There are a range of natural sedatives available at your local pharmacy or health food store as well. Try some Valerian tablets, for example - they may taste terrible, but they're non habit-forming and pretty effective.
Try some of these survival strategies and work on this problem together, rather than blaming him and making him resentful and guilty. Once the snoring problem is solved, or at least improved, you'll both have a better chance of waking up refreshed and energetic.
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