My husband snores so loud that I can’t sleep: tips & tricks
Fact Checked
Intus Healthcare’s writers, customer service team, and sleep experts review and ensure this information is accurate.
Last updated on November 19th, 2024 at 10:08 am
We understand how frustrating it can be when your husband’s snoring keeps you up all night. If you’re constantly asking, “How can I make my husband stop snoring?” you’re not alone.
Snoring affects millions of people worldwide, reducing sleep quality for both the snorer and their bedpartner. Poor sleep can significantly affect relationships, driving partners to sleep in separate bedrooms, argue more often and experience overall unhappiness.
This article provides insight into possible reasons why your husband snores and ways to help him stop.
Table of Contents
Why does my husband snore so loud?
Your husband’s snoring could be caused by several factors, including biological causes, for example, anatomical abnormalities, nasal issues, weight gain, or his sleeping position.
Lifestyle factors can also play a role, such as smoking, alcohol, or diet. It could also be due to a medical condition such as allergies or Sleep Apnoea.
How do I get my husband to stop snoring?
The first step to addressing your partner’s snoring is to determine the underlying cause.
One of the most common reasons for snoring is due to the sleep condition Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
Sleep Apnoea occurs when your husband’s throat muscles relax too much during sleep, causing his airway to collapse and temporarily blocking his breathing. Although this sounds scary there are effective ways to treat the condition.
Snoring or Sleep Apnoea?
A primary difference between regular snoring and snoring related to Sleep Apnoea is that those with OSA experience reduced oxygen levels during sleep.
Therefore, a person who suffers from Sleep Apnoea can experience waking up tired, whilst people who simply snore at night typically wake up refreshed.
One of the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea is chronic, loud snoring, usually reported by a bed partner. To understand if your husband’s snoring could be due to Sleep Apnoea, consider the following additional symptoms:
- Waking up with a headache
- Choking in sleep
- Feeling breathless
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Problems with memory
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Low libido
Although many people stereotype Sleep Apnoea to only affect those older, who are overweight and have a wide neck, it can affect anyone.
If your husband has several of these symptoms, he could have this sleep condition.
How to take a sleep study
A home sleep study is the quickest way to determine if your husband has Sleep Apnoea, putting you on track to stop his snoring.
The simple home sleep test uses a chest sensor and finger probe to analyse sleep. Monitoring body movements, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and more to determine if the condition is present.
Our NHS-trained sleep technicians analyse your home sleep study and provide results within two working days of completing the test.
Depending on the outcome of the sleep test, your husband will receive a complimentary follow-up call with one of our clinical team to discuss their results, any questions they may have, and treatment options.
Proven solutions for loud snoring in men
There are various lifestyle changes and anti-snoring devices designed to reduce snoring or stop it completely. Here is a list of effective fixes that can provide an immediate solution for your husbands snoring:
- Natural remedies: Some lifestyle adjustments, such as changing sleeping positions, losing weight, and drinking more water, can help reduce snoring.
- Nasal dilators: These small nasal prongs sit inside the nostrils, pulling them open to increase airflow through the nose.
- Nasal strips: The strips go across the nasal bridge, helping to open the nasal passages to make breathing through the nose easier.
- Anti-snoring pillows: These pillows can help those who suffer from positional snoring. The pillow is designed with grooves to support side sleeping and encourage the user to stay asleep in this position. Sleeping on your side can help keep the airways open and stop snoring.
Anti Snoring Pillow
Snoring Nasal Dilators
- Humidifiers: A humidifier can improve air quality by adding moisture to dry air. This helps soothe dry and irritated airways, reduce nasal congestion, and encourage better breathing.
- Positional Therapy: This type of treatment comes in various forms. It works similarly to a snoring pillow to keep the user on their side. The Somnibel Positional Sleep Therapy Trainer is a small device worn on the forehead that vibrates when the user turns onto their back. The light vibrations stop the user from sleeping on their back and snoring.
- Mandibular Advancement Devices: These mouthguards are moulded to the user’s teeth and worn during sleep. The oral appliance gently pulls the jaw forward, creating more space at the back of the throat. This increases airflow and reduces the risk of an obstruction.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Somibel Positional Sleep Therapy
- CPAP therapy: If your husband is diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea, the most widely used treatment method is CPAP therapy. It stands for continuous positive airway pressure and consists of a CPAP machine and mask that provides a consistent flow of pressurised air. The airflow keeps the airway open to prevent an obstruction, allowing the user to wake up refreshed from undisturbed sleep. Most CPAP users experience the benefits of this treatment, noticing the differences before and after CPAP.
Intus Plus – CPAP therapy for just £49 per month
Our Intus Plus subscription service includes leading CPAP equipment, regular clinical consultations, remote monitoring, a success guarantee and more!
Our affordable service makes treating Sleep Apnoea simple. With our support, we’re confident that you will start enjoying your sleep and daily life again.
Related articles:
Why has my wife suddenly started snoring?
The health risks linked to chronic snoring
While occasional snoring is harmless, chronic or severe snoring can indicate underlying health issues., particularly those associated with untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
Here are some health risks associated with chronic snoring:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Increased risk of road accidents due to falling asleep at the wheel
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain
- Chronic sore throat
- Dry mouth
- Upper airway inflammation
How snoring affects relationships and sleep quality
Your husband’s snoring can also lead to relationship problems. The noise can disrupt your sleep, causing frustration and stress as you both cannot attain quality sleep.
Some potential relationship effects of snoring include:
Mood changes: Sleep deprivation can trigger imbalances in the brain’s neurotransmitters and stress hormones, making people more sensitive to mood swings and emotional distress. This can lead to increased disagreements and arguments.
Research shows that untreated Sleep Apnoea, which often coexists with snoring, can lead to increased levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and poor regulation of mood, resulting in elevated levels of irritability and anxiety (1).
Intimacy issues: Many couples end up sleeping in separate rooms due to persistent snoring, a situation often referred to as a “sleep divorce”.
While this may improve individual sleep, it can reduce physical and emotional intimacy possibilities, leading to feelings of isolation or disconnection within the relationship.
Reduced productivity: Additionally, partners of snorers may struggle with fatigue and concentration issues, leading to misunderstandings and tension in both personal and professional settings.
A study found that sleep disturbances linked to snoring contributed to decreased workplace productivity, increased risk of accidents, and heightened colleague disputes (1).
How to sleep when your husband snores loudly: Copying strategies
We understand how difficult sleeping next to a snorer can be. Here are some temporary ways you can sleep better:
- Wearing earplugs
- Using white noise machines
- Sleeping in separate rooms-as a last resort
Summary
Poor sleep, especially when disrupted by snoring, can negatively affect mood, productivity, and health, straining relationships over time.
The health risks of snoring include cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, daytime fatigue, mood disorders, and more.
If you think your husband’s snoring could be Sleep Apnoea, but you’re not sure? Ask him to take our Free Risk Assessment. It takes just 20 seconds to complete, and it will let you know if he requires a sleep test.
Please get in touch with us if you require any help or advice regarding testing and treatment for Sleep Apnoea or snoring. We are more than happy to help you and your husband regain quality sleep.
About Our Editorial Team Block
Written By,
Danielle Mahri, Staff Writer
Danni is a degree-educated content writer who works closely with our clinical and customer services teams to ensure every article is well-researched and accurate. Each article is written to educate, help, and advise on Sleep Apnoea, spread awareness, and encourage treatment.
Medically Reviewed By,
Jay Gadher, Clinical Manager
Jay is an experienced Respiratory and Sleep Clinical Scientist. He completed his BSc in Healthcare Science, which has allowed him to gain expertise in scoring sleep studies. His knowledge and insights about sleep science and human health ensure every article reflects the latest data.
References
- John Hopkins Medicine. The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dangers-of-uncontrolled-sleep-apnea. Accessed: 24.10.2024.