Snoring husband

DEAR Dr. Fritz,

I am one of your avid readers. I like your column a lot, that I did a lot of clippings of your work whenever I get a chance to.

By the way, I have a problem. My husband snores a lot. This has been my problem with him for quite some time now. I CAN NOT SLEEP! As a matter of fact, I am already thinking of moving not just out of the bed from out of our house. Please help me.

Thanks a lot. God bless and more power!

Serena W.

*****

Dear Serena W.,

I can understand your situation. You might have been bugged a lot because of your husband’s snoring. To tell you the truth, in the United States, snoring has been one of the reasons why couples separate. But, hey, don’t think that this is the end of the road. There are still a lot of things that we can do to help your situation, dear Serena.

1. Get to the Problem

By the way, I don't know if your husband admits that he snores. If he doesn't, let him admit first that he does. If he denies, then, ask his permission to tape his night of snoring. Then, tell him that it is affecting your sleep. Moreover, it might also be a sign of a more serious problem, especially if he is gaining weight, or feeling a little confused when he wakes up, or almost choking or gasping in his sleep.

2. Try a Sleep Study

Some snoring is not more than an inconvenience in your sleep. But, some can mean sleep apnea. This is a potentially dangerous condition which makes people stop their breath while sleeping and grasp for air, which makes them snort loud or choke. This is the reason why some people could be drowsy during the day and make them feel depressed. If this is his condition, he should see a doctor to monitor his sleep. He will be likely advised to use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask while sleeping to keep the air flowing and stop the snoring.

3. Change some Lifestyle

1.) Remember that alcohol can make snoring worse. So, encourage your husband to drink no more than one drink three hours before bedtime.

2.) Large meals can also be the reason. So, schedule your dinner one to two hours before bedtime.

3.) Lose some weight. If your husband is overweight, push him to lose some pounds. But, since some skinny people also snores, this may not guarantee your comforts. However, losing weight can widen the airways and make a much quiet night.

But, if he won't change, (but, I hope he does!), try going to bed much earlier than he does. Well, if you are in deep sleep, you'll less likely to hear him snoring.

4. Turn Him to Sides

Some people just needed the right sleeping position. If your husband snores when he's sleeping on his back, try inserting a tennis ball into the back of his tops -- with a pocket sewn on it.

5. Check out some Nasal strips or Mouthpiece

If your husband's snoring comes from his nose, try some nasal strips. But, if it does come from the throat, try an over-the-counter orthodontic mouthpiece.

Well, if none of these would work for your husband, then, you have to see your physician or seek a sleep specialist.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

Dr. Fritz

(For your questions, you may send them to Dear Meditalk, c/o Sun.Star Davao, Granland Building, R. Castillo St., Davao City, or you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com.)