Snoring: The War at Home

Home builders have added a new term to the construction glossary. Flex suite.

A flex suite is nothing more than separate bedrooms for couples. Snoring is reputed to have played a large part in the adoption of flex suites.

The marriage bed is many things. A symbol of wedded bliss. A sacred part of two becoming one. Snoring can turn it into a war zone. (Or at least make it sound like one.) One study found that two-thirds of partnered adults said their partner snored while 6 out of 10 adults say they are snorers (59%).

According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, 12% of married adults sleep in separate beds, usually just to get some sleep. Some snorers reach 90 decibels, the noise equivalent to a chainsaw or lawnmower. Imagine sleeping with a chainsaw running on the other side of the bed.

40% of men snore a few nights a week. 31% of women do so. Only 17% of men lose sleep because of a bedmate's snoring while 30% of women do so.

Snoring is made worse by all the usual vices - smoking, alcohol, caffeine and over-eating. Obesity is a major factor.

Snorers often don't see what all the fuss is about. After all, they're sleeping. For those who have to share space with a snoring spouse and don't have access to a flex suite, there are things you can do.

Ear plugs. Some people swear by ear plugs. Those who do so, say that it is important to get good ear plugs. The problem with ear plugs is that some are hard to fit. If the plug doesn't fit your ear, it won't do any good. Since this solution is used by the snoring victim instead of the snorer, it is popular.

Breathing strips. These are Band-Aid like strips worn across the nose. Some snorers find that this lessens or even stops the snoring.

Music. Some bedmates have found it gratifying to sit up in bed and sing at the top of their lungs until the snorer wakes up. Effective rate varies.

Relocation. Many snoring victims are tempted to use this one but few actually do. Pushing or rolling the snorer off the bed will probably stop the snoring but could cause other problems like broken bones.

Tennis ball. Old-timers swear that a tennis ball sewn into the back of the snorer's sleep shirt will keep the snorer from sleeping on their back and therefore snoring. Unfortunately, those who live with some of the loudest snorers will tell you that sleeping position doesn't matter. Die hard snorers do so no matter what position they're sleeping in.

Snore sprays. Throat sprays to prevent snoring usually coat the throat with a glycerin based spray that lubricates and moistens the passages that cause the snoring. If you can convince the snorer to give the spray a try, it might help.

Chin straps. Mail order companies offer a chin strap that simply keeps the mouth shut. For those who have been tempted to try duct tape, this would be much easier to remove.

Mouthguards: There are mouth pieces made especially for snorers. Dentists and orthodontists can also make custom fitted mouth pieces.

CPAP machine: Apnea sufferers sleep with CPAP masks. The masks also work for snoring. They are an expensive option.

Hypnosis: A few people say that hypnosis works to stop snoring.

Natural remedies. Health food stores carry a variety of products to help stop snoring. Again, the hardest part can often be getting the snorer to do something about the problem.

Surgical remedies. There is an out-patient treatment available that can be done in the doctor's office. Local anesthetic is used and the physician snips the responsible tissue. The treatment has a good rate of effectiveness. There are also other surgical solutions available.

The biggest problem in effective treatment of snoring is getting the snorer to use an anti-snoring treatment. This leaves the snoring victim with few options. Alcohol helps briefly but tends to cause more problems than it solves.

Sleeping pills have been proven to work. Diphenhydramine (generic Benadryl) is the product most used in over-the-counter sleeping pills. Generic Benadryl isn't expensive. It isn't for anyone with health problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The best method is getting far enough away that you can no longer hear the snorer. If you don't have a flex suite or a spare bedroom, keep a pillow and blanket stashed near the couch. If the day comes when you snore too, rejoice and snuggle close.