Snoring can be a big problem. It not only disturbs your own sleep, but also that of your partner. It is therefore good to have the cause investigated. Yet doctors do not always know what the right solution is. You have to think for yourself. After all, surgery can sometimes help, but is usually not the solution. A crooked nasal septum can easily be straightened, but it later turns out not to have been the cause of the snoring. The question then becomes whether one should have the operation done, because it is not an easy procedure. Sometimes people snore as loudly again after the operation as before. Often there is little that can be done about snoring and creative solutions have to be found.

Age often plays a role

When the muscles in the body become weaker, snoring often starts during sleep. The uvula at the back of the throat, all the connective tissue around the throat and nose and the muscles of the respiratory tract also become weaker. They move with breathing. When you lie in bed, the breathing passage often becomes somewhat narrower and the entire section vibrates with the breathing. Depending on the sleeping position, there may also be a difference in the strength of snoring.

People snore more often and louder when lying on their back

For example, someone who lies on their back often snores louder than someone who sleeps on their side or on their stomach. It is then a breeze to give the snorer (or snorer!) a push in the right direction, so that both partners can continue their sleep.

More people snore as they get older

However, at an older age it often no longer works to give the other person a push and make them stop. Older people often snore as loudly when lying on their side as when lying on their back. Other, more creative solutions must therefore be sought.

A crooked nasal septum can be corrected

If snoring becomes a problem for you and your partner, it is always wise to go to the doctor and have yourself referred to a specialist. Sometimes snoring can also be caused by a crooked nasal septum. The septum can be straightened through surgery, but the surgeon usually does not guarantee that snoring will then be a thing of the past. Moreover, it is not a pleasant operation and the question is whether it is necessary in this way. Suppose your partner still snores loudly after the operation, then all that misery will have been for nothing.

Sleep apnea is a real condition

Sometimes someone has sleep apnea. That really is a condition. You must also first visit your GP and request a referral to a specialist. People with sleep apnea also snore at night, but at a certain point they can’t breathe for a while, after which they start breathing again with a huge snore. That can be life-threatening.

With sleep apnea, people are constantly tired every day

People with sleep apnea not only keep their partners awake with the enormous noise of their snoring, but they also do not have a good night’s sleep themselves. They are not allowed a deep sleep. They do not get up rested in the morning and become tired and irritable. During the day they often just fall asleep without any reason. They are lethargic and can even fall asleep while visiting family or friends. This often makes others laugh, but it is extremely annoying for the snorer himself and his partner.

Anyone who remains sleepy during the day should go to the doctor

Anyone who snores at night and often holds their breath and is sleepy during the day should see a doctor. The lack of sleep can cause more health problems. The disease (sleep apnea) can be discovered during a visit to the specialist. There are various options to treat this disease, but this must be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Solutions for snoring without surgery

There are also other solutions that allow the partner of a snorer to sleep well, without the snorer having to undergo all kinds of operations. For example, a sewn-in ball on the back of the snorer’s pajamas appears to ensure that the snorer does not lie on his back and therefore does not snore louder than absolutely necessary.

Snoring disturbs the partner’s sleep, but something can be done about it

One of the cheapest and easiest solutions for the partner of a snorer to get a good night’s sleep are earplugs. There are various earplugs on the market, but the best are the earplugs that people in construction and noisy factories use.

Types of earplugs

The plastic earplugs from the Skandia brand in the black/orange packaging have a round head and can be purchased for a few euros at Karwei. You can roll them up between your thumb and index finger into a very thin roll. When you put them in your ears, they swell again and effectively block out the noise. However, earplugs with a flat end on both sides usually do not seal very well.

Which earplugs are the best

The earbuds with a round head are best. Also replace them in time, so that your ears do not become clogged with earwax that you press in with the earplugs. There are also white, plastic earplugs on the market that are easy to clean and can therefore last longer. These are earplugs, which are often used by young people going to a concert.

The disadvantage of earplugs

Earplugs can be the cause of clogged ears over time. Even if they are replaced in time. Earplugs push earwax and any dirt deeper into the ear, where it collects into a plug over the course of several years. If you notice that your hearing is decreasing, go to the doctor and have your ears checked.

If the ear is closed after showering

People often notice that there is debris in the ear if an ear is completely closed after showering and only opens again after a while. The ear can also open when blowing the nose. Perhaps the ears need to be sprayed out. You don’t have to be afraid of that. It happens painlessly and quickly.

Sleep without outside noise

Not only will you no longer hear snorers, but also the sound of thunder, the neighbors, construction noise, telephone, fair music or a concert or party in the neighborhood, etc., will be perfectly blocked out. Just roll the earplugs between your index finger and thumb, slide them into your ears and you can sleep in peace. The earplugs at the drugstore usually have a flat head and feel less pleasant to sleep with. For the rest, it takes some getting used to, but for those who haven’t slept in days, the orange earplugs are a real solution.