Is Snoring Disrupting Your Life?
A recent study found snoring can do more than just disrupt your sleep, it can also put you at increased risk for cancer.
Many people struggle with snoring, and not just the snorer. There are millions of sleep hours lost every night as people try to figure out how to sleep through it. But now there appears to be another reason to do something about it. A recent study out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has linked snoring to a risk of cancer. According to a story in MSN.com, the research found that people with the more severe sleep apnea are almost five times more likely to develop cancer than people who don’t have this snoring problem. The reason is reportedly linked to the lack of oxygen in the system during times of sleep apnea. This is definitely incentive for people who snore to seek help in dealing with the problem.
Our question today, however, is for the other victims of snoring – those who spend night after night lying next to a snorer trying to figure out how to sleep through it. We would like to hear from those who have found the solution.
What is it that you do to get those eight hours of sleep a night, despite the snorer next to you?
Sharon Swanepoel
9:20 am on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Earplugs!
Kristi Reed
9:35 am on Thursday, May 24, 2012
I poke him in the ribs until he says, "What's wrong?" in a very confused tone of voice. Then I try to fall asleep before he starts snoring again.
Brian Crawford
10:36 am on Thursday, May 24, 2012
If you live with a snorer I would encourage you to badger them into being tested for Sleep Apnea. I was diagnosed with SA in 2006 but refused to do anything about it. Even though I was obviously sleep deprived I soldiered on determined to avoid using a CPAP machine. In 2008 I had a severe heart attack largely due to the stress my body was under due to the SA.
I have used a CPAP machine since that time and while there was an initial adjustment, I've never slept better (and neither has my wife). In fact I hate sleeping without it now. I was lucky to survive my heart attack (although it has changed my life forever), but many aren't. If I hadn't been so stubborn it's very likely that I could have avoided a life altering event.
Kristi Reed
10:55 am on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Brian - I did badger him and they did diagnose sleep apnea, but he hates using the CPAP machine. He sometimes will put it on and then take it off during the night. Perhaps I should duct tape the mask to his head?
Brian Crawford
12:29 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Sorry to hear that. Has he tried different types of masks? Adjusting the humidifier? It does take some getting used to but I swear by it now. I used to be up and down all night every night. Now it's not unusual for me to sleep 8 hours straight. I have a lot of health problems because of my pig-headedness and unwillingness to take better care of myself; 60 hr work weeks, sleep deprivation and an atrocious diet are a deadly combination.
Kristi Reed
1:13 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Brian - I will make sure he sees this. I certainly don't want him to have a heart attack!
Cyndicadyd
8:46 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Ask your dentist about a product called Snoreguard. It's really effective! http://snoreguard.us/