Being Kept Awake By Your Snoring Roommate? Here’s How You Can Stifle That Sound

There’s nothing more frustrating than being so sleep deprived that you’re just minutes from weeping into your pillow. If your roommate or other half’s snoring is the root of the problem… well they’re lucky if they don’t find us standing over them with a pillow in hand. According to Science Alert, snoring could be down to a number of factors – including everything from weight gain and alcohol, to nasal congestion and poor sleeping position. While weight might be a topic better left for a doctor to discuss, there are some small tips you can take to cut out that snoring sound. Sips = Snores If you’re a snorer who enjoys a tipple – be aware of how many units you’re consuming on a night out. Alcohol is a relaxant, and relaxed throat muscles naturally lead to louder snores. Back to basics Don't underestimate the power of good posture. For those who snore while sleeping on their back, positional therapy might be the adjustment you need to make to ease that guttural gasp. Those who sleep on their back are more likely to have a deeper snore, so encourage the offender to sleep on their side. An easy tip that some people adopt to train their body to stay on its side is sewing a tennis ball into the back of their pyjamas to prevent you falling asleep face-up. Clear the airways Make sure to clear any nasal congestion using an over-the-counter spray and soothe sore throats with lemon and honey in hot water to avoid swollen tonsils. Although nasal strips are long touted as a simple solution to the problem, apparently it’s a quick fix that doesn’t have long-term power. According to sleep expert M. Safwan Badr: “Nasal strips that are supposed to prop your nostrils open are a common anti-snoring device peddled in pharmacies. "They may or may not affect the acoustics, but not the mechanics of the airway." If your roommate or partner are prone to snoring, it might be time to pay a quick visit to the doctor. Badr adds: "Snoring is like fever for a general internist - it tells you something is going on, but it doesn't tell you what."