Awake at 4:00 a.m.

Yes, unfortunately it's 4:00 a.m. and I'm wide awake. Believe you me it is not by choice. Why then are my baby blues open at this hour? Well, let's just say that the noises coming from the opposite side of my bed aren't really the kind that would lull anyone to sleep. They are quite the opposite really. They are loud, rhythmic, annoying snores. I know he can't help it, but that doesn't make it any more enjoyable. He's actually quite funny about it when I gently kick, poke or punch him. He'll softly say "sorry" or "yes dear?" And, it doesn't matter which position he sleeps in. He snores while laying on either side, back or even his stomach. That man is talented I tell you.

Luckily this isn't an every night occurrence. It does happen 3 or 4 nights a week though. Enough to make me weary eyed in the morning. That's what makes the hours of 8:00 a.m. - noon so grand for me. I get the boys off to school and then hubby leaves for work. Those four hours are then my prime time for uninterrupted sleep. What in the world am I going to do in a few short days when school is out for the summer? Those precious morning hours will be no more. Help!

Like I said, I know perfectly well that it's not hubby's fault. He's been willing to try anything I suggest. First I had him try nose strips. They actually worked but only for a short time. Then I found this device at our local CVS Pharmacy. It was a little pricey at $20 but I was willing to try it. He, on the other hand, wasn't as eager as I was but he was a good sport and gave it a shot. It didn't help one bit....because the darn thing wouldn't stay in his nose. Then I had another idea. Since he's breathing through his mouth, his mouth must be open....so let's close it. I actually talked him into wrapping an ace bandage around around his chin and up to the top of his head. I told you he was willing to try anything! Well, it worked......while it was on, which wasn't long. For some reason he said that just wasn't comfortable. Can you imagine? His mother has even tried to help and suggested this. I'm sure he'd be willing to slip it on too but I think the $60 price tag is a bit much. Hubby then came up with his own suggestion. He thought ear plugs (for me of course) would solve the problem entirely. Nope, not even close. He's also tried sleeping in another room. Can you believe I could still hear him?

According to his doctor, our next course of action is to test him for sleep apnea, which his dad and brother both suffer from. So, that's a possibility but I really don't think that is the cause. I've been awake enough to know whether he stops breathing and he doesn't. Then, if that is not the case, he will refer hubby to an ENT to see if he may have a deviated septum or something. I have put *call doctor* at the top of my "to do" list for Tuesday.

At least I've been productive this morning. I have done two loads of laundry, cleaned the boy's bathroom, straightened up my office and watched the sun come up. Not bad, huh? My eyes are getting a little heavy now though. I think I'll grab me a doggy and snuggle up on the couch for two hours. The boys will be wide awake by then and ready for breakfast.

Almost 85 percent of snorers exceed 38 decibels of sound, which is
equivalent to the noise of light highway traffic.
(Research by HealthEast and the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic)


"Light highway traffic?" Come on now, let's give credit where credit is due. Try freight train in the case of my hubby!