Snoring Isn’t Just Annoying. It’s a Health Red Flag.
Let’s be honest: when your bed partner starts sawing logs, it’s not just disruptive—it’s rage-inducing. You’re wide awake. They’re blissfully oblivious. And all you want to do is beat them into the next ZIP code with a pillow. (Just me?)
But here’s the thing: snoring isn’t just an annoyance—it can be a symptom. A big, flashing neon sign that something might be wrong, like sleep apnea—a condition that affects 1 in 5 people and often goes undiagnosed for years. Literally—only about 18% of those affected have received a diagnosis.
We’ve been taught to laugh off snoring—to treat it like a punchline. On TV, it’s literally the sound cue that someone’s asleep. Sometimes we even expect to see it—those little Z’s cartoonishly pouring out of their mouth.
But here’s the kicker: healthy sleep is silent.
So if you (or the person next to you) are:
Snoring loudly or gasping for air,
Waking up to use the bathroom multiple times a night,
Dealing with morning headaches or sore throats,
Feeling exhausted first thing despite "sleeping" a full night,
Falling asleep mid-day (unscheduled—and you all know I’m pro-nap)
…it’s time to stop joking and start paying attention. This could be a serious sleep disorder messing with your brain, body, and mood.
Sleep apnea increases the risk of:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Depression
Stroke
And not to be dramatic—but it can literally be deadly.
What to Do if Your Partner’s Snoring Could Be More Than Snoring
Track symptoms (especially gasping, choking, or frequent wake-ups).
Start a conversation—without blame or shame. Not at 2 a.m. when you’re furious and sleep-deprived, but the next day, over coffee or a walk. When neither of you is horizontal, vulnerable, or ready to throw a pillow. Just a calm, curious, “Hey, I’ve noticed you’ve been snoring a lot lately, and I’m wondering if it might be worth looking into.”
Encourage them to see a sleep specialist for an evaluation. It’s not painful. I promise.
And if you’re the snorer? Don’t wait for someone to stage an intervention. Getting tested and treated is one of the best things you can do—for your health, your brain, your mood, and your relationship.
Let’s Talk Treatment (Because Yes, There Are Options)
I know—CPAP machines have a reputation. You’ve seen them. You’ve heard about them. Maybe you’re picturing a giant mask and wondering how anyone has sex again.
But here’s the truth: there are multiple treatment options—including oral appliances (like the one I use, and yes, my husband is a much happier human for it), medication, lifestyle changes, and yes, CPAPs.
And honestly? That CPAP mask is damn sexy when you know it’s saving your partner’s life.
Need proof? We made a whole video about it with Project Sleep and GOLD Comedy.
So if someone you love snores like a freight train, please don’t ignore it. Don’t make it a joke. Start the conversation—and know there’s help. Real, effective, life-changing help.
Because prioritizing your sleep isn’t just sexy—it’s survival.
