'My husband's snoring keeps me awake..'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
I am 29 and my husband is 34. We have been married for almost a year. When we first met, he told me that his snoring is a big joke at his place. I did not give much attention to it. Some of his family members would tell me that his snoring was worse than any noise in the world. I would think that it is one of their family jokes. But after the wedding, I realised what it means. His snoring is disgusting. Even if the door is closed, you can hear him outside. Initially, I used to also joke along with the other family members, but now it is irritating to the point of frustration. I have told him about it, but he refuses to believe that things could be so bad. The other family members do not sleep with him, yet know what it is like due to the loud noise. I have told him to seek medical help, but he refuses while I spend sleepless nights.
- Bhumika


Illustration/ Amit Bandre

Dear Bhumika,
Hearing complaints that a husband snores is common. It affects not only his health, but the wife's sleep and health too. Snoring is caused by a partial obstruction or narrowing in the throat, mouth or nose due to nasal congestion or a deviated septum. This condition can also be caused due to obesity and excessive smoking. Snoring is common, but in your husband's case it is a major problem. He had dropped a hint, but you did not realise how grave the problem would be. If the situation is bad, convince him to seek medical help. If your husband is overweight, he needs to lose weight. Losing even a small amount of weight will decrease snoring by reducing fat in the back of the throat that restricts breathing. Snoring makes you sleep deprived which in turn will cause health problems. Medical attention can go a long way in helping him overcome it. Meanwhile sleep in another room for a while for some relief.