How to Breathe Easy and Sleep Better in a Split-Shift Marriage

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Breathe Right® Nasal Strips. All opinions are mine alone. #TomorrowStartsTonight #CollectiveBias

My husband and I have been married for 14 years, and for most of the partnership, we have worked and slept during different times of day from one another. Some of the time, it was due to work schedules; other times, it was due to newborn babies that needed special care. Whatever the reason, however, we have just grown accustomed to the fact that we will likely not go to bed at the same time and that we will always have to be respectful of the other's sleep patterns.

With our small house and bad allergies, this is easier said than done. In fact, there was a pretty scary period of time where we both were trying to get on the same, reasonable schedule, and it just wasn't working. In fact, it stressed us out, and we just needed to accept that a split-shift marriage is OK. It's what works for us. I get up earlier in the day, work from home and homeschool the kids, then my husband gets up later in the day, spends time with us, and stays up late with our toddler while working in his shop. We may pass sometime in the morning to say "hi" or we may not. The important thing is that the sleep we do get is quality sleep.

If you're in a similar situation, I'd like to share some tips with you. They could help you sleep better and save your marriage!

1. Create a peaceful space for sleep. When you have split-shifts in your house, you may not be able to sleep in the same bed. If you do, it's important that the room is used only for sleep so that the person resting gets their best snoozing in. Get a mattress that resists vibrations, consider a fan or a white-noise machine, and adjust the temperature to a comfortable one for sleeping. If you like it colder than your spouse, have extra blankets handy to solve that problem!

2. Keep breathing easy. Everyone in our house has allergies. This is problematic when it comes to sleep, as nasal congestion is the enemy of rest! If you find that medicine is not an option, or you want something drug free to work right away while you are waiting for your meds to kick in, Breathe Right® Nasal Strips are likely a great solution that actually open your nasal passages up to 38% more than just using decongestants. We've been using them for years, and I love that they open my nasal passageways immediately upon putting one on. They also cut down on the mouth breathing that seems to cause restlessness in the overlapping hours my husband and I have to sleep.

3. Make it routine. People sleep better when rest is expected. That means setting up patterns to bedtime so that you can get comfortable and wind down. For me, it's a little light reading, some decaf coffee or tea, some biscuits, and a Breathe Right® Nasal Strips. Even if I decide that I need to take something for my allergies or to help me sleep, the nasal strips are drug-free, so I don't have to worry about harmful drug interactions. The longer I do a routine, the less time it takes for me to fall asleep!

The Breathe Right Nasal Strips are available at Walmart, for the best value every day, in the the aisle for cold and allergy remedies.

I personally prefer the Extra Tan variety, as they have a strong adhesive. I love that you can just wash your face, put one on, and sleep through the night without worrying about it. Make sure to apply it so the tabs cover the part of your nostrils that flare and rub gently to ensure the nasal strip adheres. I've never had one come off in the night, and they come off easily in the shower or after washing my face the next day. (They even come with easy instructions for placement -- to be sure you have them in the right spot on your nose!)

Get a $1 off coupon or a free sample to try them for your better night's sleep (or day!) They work for so many situations, including colds, allergies, and mouth breathing -- all which can have an effect on your sleep (and your marriage). Learn more about new Breathe Right offers on their Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.

Doesn't my husband look happy in the morning? A little extra sleep will do it!