
A good night's sleep is not only good for your health but can beat the productivity and mood slump that can come from not getting one, which is why it is the WORST when your bed buddy snores. Here are a few tricks for not getting seriously annoyed with your love and getting your full night of Zzzs.
1. Hit the hay before they do. Reduce your sleep anxiety about not getting your 8 hours by falling asleep when it's quiet, A.K.A. before he/she falls asleep. You have a better chance of sleeping through and even if they wake you up in the middle of the night at least you've put in some hours (instead of staring at the ceiling from minute one).
2. Sleep in separate rooms. Some couples (1 in 4!) opt for what the Today Show called a sleep divorce. It's not as bad as it sounds. Hang out together in bed for bonding/reading/snuggle/sexy time and when it's time to doze off find your quiet space. It could mean a better night's sleep for both of you and a boon for your relationship.
3. Wear snore-canceling earplugs. Seems obvious but sometimes the drugstore kind just won't do. QuietOn and Bose are examples of a new generation of earplug that promises to block snoring, at a much higher price point. Still, sleep.
4. Try a white noise machine. Drown out the jolting sound on the other side with the sleep-inducing hum of a white noise machine. Fans and air purifiers can do the trick too.
5. Get your partner to sleep on their side. Sleeping on your back is the position most likely to trigger snoring. Shifting to their side is the best way to reduce snoring (and score some sleep) because it opens up the airways.
6. Gift them an anti-snore pillow. If your partner does sleep on their back, a wedge pillow can help keep them elevated so they snore less, or less loudly. It supports their neck and head to also open up their airways.
7. Know when it's a more serious problem. About half of people who snore have what is called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. How loud they snore (loudly), how often (all. the. time.), and the sound itself (intermittent gasping, choking sounds) are clues someone needs a visit to the otolaryngologist. If your partner needs convincing, ask them if you can record their snoring so, come morning, they can hear your pain. Good luck!
Theresa Gonzalez is a content creator based in San Francisco and the author of Sunday Sews. She's a lover of all things design and spends most of her days momming her little one Matilda.
A Spring Fitness Challenge You Can Do Anywhere
A Spring Fitness Challenge You Can Do Anywhere
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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