How to deal with a snoring spouse

Obviously, you don't want to consider any type of surgery until all other techniques and treatments have failed. There are some options that you and your spouse should consider, however, and many of these are basically just common sense aids.

One of the simplest solutions is to simply encourage your partner to change his sleep position. If he is typical of most men, he probably snores more often when he is on his back. This is because the snoring is probably caused by the vibration of the soft palate and/or tonsils, which may be due to nasal congestion. While you could spend all night nudging your husband to roll over to his side or stomach, you will still be sleeping only intermittently. Instead, you can place a pillow against your husband's back or construct a gentle reminder by sewing a tennis ball, beanbag, or some other lightweight object to your husband's shirt. When he begins to roll onto his back, he will immediately revert back to his side because of the discomfort the object will cause him.

You may want to try using a humidifier or vaporizer to put more moisture into the air and open up your spouse's nasal passages. Although your wife can take an over-the-counter decongestant, she won't need to take any type of medication on a regular basis. Nasal sprays can also cause problems if they are used regularly. They may not work except for the first few nights, anyway, so this shouldn't be considered as a solution. Your wife can try nasal strips, however. They may work, especially if she has a narrow nose.

Make sure that your husband doesn't use alcohol before bedtime. Even though he might think the alcohol will help him sleep, it will actually have the opposite affect. If your husband is overweight, you should also encourage him to lose a few extra pounds. Weight has actually been proven to have a direct influence on snoring. If your husband has tried all of these techniques and continues to snore, you may want to invest in some good earplugs.

Finally, keep in mind that your spouse's snoring could be a sign of a more serious problem, namely sleep apnea. High blood pressure can also be a symptom of snoring and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition. People who suffer from sleep apnea actually stop breathing for periods of time. If your husband or wife is diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are many treatments available that can offer him or her relief. Remember, if your spouse's health is at risk, he or she needs to consult his or her doctor, who may recommend a sleep specialist and/or clinic.