Notes to the Partner

Snoring and sleep apnea affect your life, too. And you can help in the treatment of the problem. Be supportive. And encourage your partner both to get treatment and to make adjustments to treatment that are needed.

Adjusting to Changes

You can help your partner make and stick with the change of habits described on page 8. For instance, support and even join his or her exercise program. If your partner gets CPAP, he or she may feel self-conscious at first. Your support can help. Remind your partner to expect adjustments to CPAP before it feels just right. And consider joining a snoring and sleep apnea support group.

Go Along to See the Doctor

You can give the doctor the best account of your partner’s nighttime breathing and snoring patterns. Try to go along to the doctor’s
appointments. If you can’t go, write notes for your partner to give
to the doctor. Describe your partner’s snoring and sleep breathing
patterns in detail.

Tips for Sleeping with a Snorer

Until treatment takes care of your partner’s snoring:

• Try to go to bed first. It may help if you’re already asleep when your partner starts to snore.
• Wear earplugs to bed. A fan or other source of background noise may also help drown out snoring.