An Oversight in the Model: And the Fix(es)!

When we started this network we created a survey that was intended to help “match” roommates based on personality, interests, sleep schedules, alcohol consumption and time management.  Women who register (for free!) as Travel Sisters  get a “code” and it helps us see who might be like-minded. Our monthly gatherings really help with compatibility matching, too!

Turns out, one of the most important factors is NOT a variable in that model and our gatherings don’t help either . . and for a good reason.  That key variable is SNORING!  Some of us snore, some of us don’t, some of us sleep like rocks and aren’t bothered by snoring, and some of us are driven crazy by it.  
The really tough part about this variable is that a lot of us don’t even KNOW if we snore.  Our partner may snore also and we “cancel” each other out, or we may not share a sleeping space with anyone who can tell us.  OR we might just not actually BELIEVE the person we share a sleeping space with, lol.  
So what is to be done?  I decided to lead by example since I strive to be the most flexible traveler on a group trip in terms of a willingness to share space or move rooms if needed due to illness, snoring, etc.  
I had to start with finding out IF I snore.  Here’s what I did:

1. I used my phone. You need about 1 GB of available storage on your phone to do this. I know some folks have cool health trackers that do this but I’m old school : )
2. I had a tool in my utilities called “Voice Memos” - you can also download an app that is a voice recorder - there are lots!
3. I put my phone next to my bed plugged into a charger and hit record and went to sleep.  
4. The next morning I stopped the recorder and went about my day.
5. Later, I opened the recording and analyzed it.  You do not need to listen to all the hours recorded.  You can visually analyze the sound waves as you fast forward through the recording. If you see something concerning you can stop and listen to just that part and discern how loud and consistent the sound was.  

I found out I have a very loud heating/air conditioning vent above my bed that needs to be tended to.  It rattles. I don’t appear to have a significant snoring habit (I’ll repeat this periodically to build a better date set) and that’s good to know!
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So, I’ve solved ONE side of the equation for me.  If I DID snore there are some snoring mitigation strategies I could test and try:

• Mouth tape
• Nose strips
• ​A night guard that holds your tongue in place or your jaw
• A chin strap that holds your mouth closed

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The OTHER side of the equation is what could I do if I find myself with a snorer? There are options there as well!  

• Ear plugs
• A tiny travel sound machine to help drown out the sound
• A headband with speakers built in to play white noise in your ears while you sleep.

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One thing Travel Sisters are consistently good at is being flexibly-minded problem solvers. It’s those characteristics that consistently amaze me when we are traveling together and endear me to our group. With a little assistance from technology, some innovative products, and a trial and error approach, we can head into a trip armed with self knowledge and strategies that will bring us ALL peace of mind - and a good night’s sleep - so we can PLAY ALL DAY!  As is our purpose and pledge : )
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Run the test, consider the best mitigation strategies for you, and girls, let’s get together and GOOOO!!!!