When it comes to snoring, it can transform even the most composed person into a sleep-deprived, irritable version of themselves. If you’re sharing a bed with a snorer, you know exactly what I mean. One mom, Sarah Thompson, from the blog Life’s Messy Moments, recently shared her own story about her husband’s snoring saga, and it’s something many can relate to. More importantly, she reminds us that persistent snoring might indicate a more serious issue.
“Sleep is crucial,” Thompson explains. “Without it, we become irritable, unproductive, and let’s face it, a bit angry. My husband has been snoring for years. A while back, I had to drag him to the doctor because I was on the brink of fleeing or perhaps smothering him in his sleep.”
She articulates the frustration perfectly. Why does snoring always seem to start the moment you’re finally settling in for the night? Thompson shares that her husband’s loud snores often drove her to the couch, and eventually, a doctor’s visit led to a sleep apnea diagnosis. This is far from just an annoying nighttime habit.
“Sleep apnea means he actually stops breathing during the night,” she writes. “This can lead to high blood pressure, increased chances of stroke and heart attacks, along with various other health complications.”
This is a sobering reality. Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for at least ten seconds multiple times an hour during sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition can cause irregular heart rhythms, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. It reduces oxygen levels and changes chest pressure, which strains the heart.
Fortunately, there are specialized breathing masks that can help individuals with sleep apnea breathe better and get a good night’s rest. “This device has made a tremendous difference. He sleeps better, I sleep better, and my urge to strangle him has significantly decreased! It’s a medical miracle,” she humorously notes.
However, Thompson notes that her husband’s mask has recently stopped functioning properly, sending her back to the brink of “murderous” feelings. “I haven’t slept well for over a week. I love him dearly, but right now, I’m feeling quite stabby.”
I can relate to this struggle. My partner is a large man—about 6’5” and 350 pounds. His broad chest, while great for cuddling, makes for a terrible sleeping situation, as it seems to constrict his breathing. Honestly, it often sounds like his body is suffocating him, which keeps me awake and makes me want to intervene myself. Does he have sleep apnea? Most likely. I’m not a doctor, but I’d wager on it. I find myself retreating to the guest room (which has turned into the dog’s haven) more often than I’d like, just to catch some sleep.
Despite the urgency, Thompson mentions that her husband has yet to return to the doctor to fix his mask—much like my own partner, who has yet to seek a diagnosis for his snoring issues. She concludes her post with an important reminder: “If your partner snores, encourage them to see a doctor. Sleep apnea is serious, and not only do you want to strangle them, but they could literally be in danger while they sleep. Tag your snoring partner and remind them you care.”
If you’re looking for more insights related to this topic, check out our other blog post on intracervical insemination. Also, for those considering home insemination, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. And for further information on pregnancy and home insemination, Cleveland Clinic is a great resource.
In summary, if your partner’s snoring is affecting your sleep, it may be time to seek medical advice, as it could be a sign of sleep apnea—a serious condition that impacts both of your health and well-being.