If you are feeling exhausted and cranky each morning because your partner has woken you up snoring, you might be feeling more than a bit resentful. However, talking meaningfully with your significant other (rather than arguing with them) is the best way to help resolve this situation and make it better for both of you.
Don't be Overcritical
If you have been kept awake at night by a partner's snoring, it is really easy to feel frustrated and even angry with your partner. In that emotional state, it is also easy to come off as being critical. Renew Sleep notes that to help with these emotions, it is important to remember that your partner is not snoring on purpose. It is also important to keep in mind that he/she may be embarrassed about this issue and that it is best to approach it gently.
Focus on a Solution, not Blame
What you choose to focus in on is also important when you have this conversation. According to the Breathe Right site, it is helpful to focus in on possible solutions to the problem rather than assigning blame. There are many possible things to try to help reduce the snoring, including positional changes, treatment of allergy problems, and raising the head of the bed.
Snoring HQ also notes that coming up with a plan of action together will help. This will help you to both feel empowered and it reduces the chances of your partner feeling criticized.
Emphasize the Dangers of Snoring
According to Snoring HQ, one helpful way to frame the conversation when you are talking with your partner is to emphasize the possible risks to their health that comes from snoring. This will show your partner that you are concerned about their health and not just cranky about losing sleep!
Concern about snoring is legitimate. If your partner's snoring is caused by sleep apnea, the Mayo Clinic notes that they are at an increased risk for serious issues such as heart disease, diabetes, surgical complications and liver problems. These possible risks are an important part of the conversation about snoring you should have with your partner.
Choose the Right Time
Timing is everything! The Renew Sleep site notes that if you open this conversation when you and your partner are feeling irritable or tired or pressed for time, it is much more likely that this conversation will descend into an argument. Choose a time for a heart-to-heart when you are both rested, relaxed and not in a hurry. This will help to keep the dialogue positive and helpful for you both.
Discuss Triggers
Some people have particular triggers that make snoring worse. Snoring HQ also notes that possible triggers can include allergy problems, a cold or other respiratory infection, use of alcohol or eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime. If you can identify triggers, you can sometimes find ways to avoid some snoring issues and this can help you both get a better night's sleep.
In short, if your partner has a problem with snoring and you are wanting to talk to him/her about it, keep these tips in mind. They can lead to a productive conversation that can improve the situation for you both and avoid pointless and potentially hurtful arguments.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor and is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. Philips disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
