Firstly there is the honeymoon period where minor imperfections are often overlooked, and the odd snore ignored as "just one of those things". Anyway, life is so busy with many couples both holding down demanding jobs, that sheer physical exhaustion usually results in sleep regardless of the odd snore emanating from the other partner.



The next stage often results in children coming along placing their own demands on the relationship. Again, physical exhaustion resulting from an increasingly demanding schedule, will more often than not result in sleep regardless of any snoring problem. In fact, because there are so many other distractions, including the possibility of children frequently disrupting your night's sleep, snoring is likely to be regarded as the least of your problems At this time.

And then we have the teenage phase. Well I defy anyone to rate snoring as a greater problem than some of the issues raised at this stage. Whilst rampant teenagers over-indulge in drink or drugs, are adamant that they know exactly what they are doing, and strive to find their own identity in a world full of opportunities and dangers, snoring usually pales into insignificance compared to these other problems.

No, it is when our young finally flee the nest, and we are once again a couple after years of turmoil and angst, that we are likely to really notice a problem like snoring. It is likely to assume greater significance at this stage because it literally becomes more noticeable in a quieter more peaceful household with less distractions. And yes, there is the possibility that one partner is now a lighter sleeper and that the snoring partner is snoring no more/less than he/she has done for many years. So having explored and discounted all the possible options to stop the snoring, recognising that there is no "perfect cure", what does a middle-aged couple do to maintain a happy marriage?

Well, for a start, perhaps a little perspective is needed here. If a couple has survived the teenage years, perhaps we can assume that the basic relationship is pretty strong. Snoring is just another problem to face in the rich tapestry of life.

So, could separate bedrooms be a possible solution, or another room called the "snoring" room?

As a small child observing adult relationships, I always thought that seperate bedrooms indicated that there was something "not quite right", and that it was to do with a word called "sex". And, as I did not really know what went on behind bedroom doors, it all remained a bit of a mystery. However, as an adult, I have come to realise that flexibility and compromise are indeed what it is all about. There is no greater thrill than admitting your partner to your own personal space happy in the knowledge that he/she will return to the "snoring room" or other bedroom, and that both of you will then get a good night's sleep.

So for a happy marriage to a snorer to endure, this can be a possible perfect solution.