Let’s be honest: there’s nothing like a snoring partner to sabotage a good night’s sleep. If you’re tired of counting sheep or even plotting mildly violent revenge just to make it through the night, then you’re not alone.
But don’t rush to another room just yet. There are practical ways to stop your partner’s snoring, and some of them are easier than you might think.
A Simple Solution That Works
First off, here’s a classic tip making the rounds, courtesy of a nurse anesthetist. To stop your partner’s snoring, she swears by one simple move: keep their mouth closed. It sounds almost too simple, right?
But Dr. Sermed Mezher, a general practitioner in London, assures us that this trick can “significantly improve the quality of sleep.”
So if you’re wondering if taping your partner’s mouth shut is medically endorsed, well, maybe just a little in theory. However, proceed with common sense.
Why Do People Actually Snore?
Snoring happens when airflow gets partially blocked while sleeping. That blockage creates turbulence and as a result, your own in-home bear growl. By closing the mouth, the tongue and lower jaw move in a way that opens your airway, reducing the vibrations that cause that glorious snoring symphony. Dr. Mezher breaks it down: more room for air, less drama at 2 a.m.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek agrees, and he points out a few behaviors that up your chances of snoring. Had a nightcap? Took a sleeping pill? Had a puff before turning in? All of these make snoring more likely.
According to Kierzek, “We snore simply because the air doesn’t pass properly. This creates pressure on the airways.” Basically, lifestyle choices matter a lot if you want to stop your partner’s snoring.
More Ways to Stop Your Partner’s Snoring
Of course, you probably don’t want to spend all night nudging your partner’s chin up and down. Thankfully, there are several gadgets and life hacks available.
Dr. Mezher suggests trying a mandibular advancement device, which gently moves the jaw forward to stabilize the airway. There are also pillows designed to keep your head in the right position, nasal strips, and even anti-snoring mouthpieces.
But you don’t have to stop there. Dr. Kierzek shares his top tips to stop your partner’s snoring beyond mouth management:
- Shed a few pounds
- Cut out alcohol, sleep meds, and tobacco
- Sleep on your side (bonus: it’s good for cuddling)
- Elevate the head of your bed
- Try anti-snore pillows or nasal strips
In case it’s still not working, here’s his warning: “If you have breathing pauses, if you snore a lot, you really need to see a doctor because this could be a sign of sleep apnea, a real illness with real cardiovascular consequences.”
When Snoring Is Serious Business
Sometimes, snoring is more than just a noisy annoyance; it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition causes actual pauses in breathing and can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
If your partner’s snoring sounds like a wild animal is loose in your bedroom and you notice they stop breathing at times, don’t just roll them over. Instead, call a healthcare professional ASAP.
Dr. Kierzek doubles down on this point, saying: “Consult a health professional, especially if the snoring is loud, persistent, and the partner notices pauses in breathing. This will help ensure a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.” Sometimes the solution isn’t just for your ears, but for the snorer’s health too.
The Bottom Line on Snoring
Living with a snoring partner doesn’t mean you’re doomed to endless sleepless nights. To stop your partner’s snoring, you can try the simple mouth-closed trick, invest in some clever gadgets, or switch up your bedtime routine.
However, if you’re hearing more gasping than snuffling, play it safe and book that doctor’s appointment. Your relationship and your sleep will thank you.
Source
- Nurse demonstrates simple snoring hack: ‘It’ll give you the best sleep of your life’ | Daily Mail Online – May 2, 2025
This article first appeared on doctissimo.fr – Author: Sihem Boultif
