COLUMNIST and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas.

MY HUSBAND’S SNORING DRIVES ME TO DESPAIR

My elderly mother has just moved in with us and I have put her in our spare bedroom. I am happy to do this, but what’s causing me great concern is that I have used this room for the past eight years as a refuge from my husband’s snoring. Now we have to share the same bedroom and I don’t know what to do.

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Prior to sleeping in separate rooms, my husband’s snoring had made me suicidal, and I don’t want to get like that again. I wish I could find some way to stop him from snoring. I’ve tried several old remedies - including sewing a ball in the back of his pyjamas and wearing earplugs - but nothing’s worked. I am getting desperately tired again, please help.

FIONA SAYS: HAS HE TALKED TO HIS DOCTOR?

Whilst snoring is seen as somehow humorous, to those that are plagued by sleepless nights, it is far from funny. In the past, people have had to put up with a snoring partner or resort to the spare room but, for you, this is no longer an option.

Serious snoring is a medical condition that can be dangerous, so I suggest you get your husband to visit his doctor. He may well then be referred to a sleep clinic where they can check to see if he’s affected by any of the conditions which can be treated.

As well as doing this, and certainly if there is no medical intervention that can help, contact the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association where you will find all kinds of helpful advice.

I’M CONSTANTLY EXHAUSTED AFTER COVID

Last October, I had coronavirus, which has dragged on and on. At the time, it laid me out for four days with a raging temperature, shivers, headaches, breathlessness, and nausea. Ever since then, I have felt tired and lethargic and even just walking to the corner to post a letter has become a real chore.

I have had to get my husband and children to do all the shopping and cooking. My husband is beginning to show signs of resentment and last week snapped at me to pull myself together. Believe me, I have tried, but I just haven’t got the energy.

FIONA SAYS: SEE YOUR DOCTOR

My first and best advice must be ‘go and see your doctor’. From what you say in your letter, it’s possible you may be suffering from what is being called long Covid, which has been found to drag on for some time.

Email help@askfiona.net