My husband has always snored. When I met him, and he was in his 20´s, it wasn´t so bad. Well, at least I could sleep next to him wearing ear plugs and still get a decent nights rest. Fast forward almost 20 years, and things are very different. Call it “middle age spread” if you like, but having put on a few pounds over the years ( don´t we all), the noise is now akin to a pneumatic drill going off at regular intervals in the night. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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Over the years we have tried everything, sprays on the back of the throat, funny little nose strips, mouth inserts, herbal remedies and mouthwashes... you name it and we have tried it. Finally, after a holiday where we shared a family room with the kids and I ended up sleeping in the bath just to get a bit of peace ( funny, but the kids can sleep through it!), we decided enough was enough.

Running on empty, short on sleep, I decided that the only practical solution was seperate beds. Try admitting that to your friends!

However it works for us. At least we both get a decent nights sleep, and if he wakes himself up with the noise, that´s OK. We meet up in the “big bed” whenever the fancy takes us, and even the kids have started calling the upstairs room “Mom´s room” and the one downstairs Dads.

It may not be the most romantic thing in the world, but we compensate for the lack of night time intimacy in other ways, and my husband certainly pays me more attention during the day, becoming a lot more “touchy feely” than he was before.

One day, when we can afford it, surgery may be the answer. Until then, we´ll meet at midnight in the big bed!

If you don´t fancy this option, here are a few alternatives to try:

• nose clips to keep the nose open, helping to eliminate breathing through the mouth
• adhesive strips across the nose, perform the same function as above.
• snoreeze herbal strips, these are placed in the mouth, and the natural oils are supposed to help reduce vibrations of the soft palate
• marjoram essential oil. Either in the form of a herbal pillow or burn the oil in an aromatherapy burner. Said to clear blocked airways.
• throat sprays. There are several on the market, all aimed at lubricating the throat and easing breathing. They may work for you!
• mouthguards. Inserts that alter the jaw position and help reduce snoring.
• for the non-snorer, try industrial earplugs! May reduce the noise to the level where you can sleep through it.

There are many websites devoted to stopping snoring, so google it and see which ones suit you.