Snoring can be a major problem in relationships. It not only keeps the snorer’s partner awake at night but can also create tension and conflict between couples. Many people wonder if snoring is actually a common cause of breakups and divorces.
How common is snoring?
Snoring is incredibly common, especially as people get older. According to the American Sleep Association, 45% of normal adults snore occasionally and 25% are habitual snorers. Snoring is more frequent in men than women. Other research shows that about 40% of adult men and 24% of adult women are affected by snoring on a regular basis.
So snoring is clearly a very widespread issue. But does it actually lead couples to split up?
Impact of snoring on relationships
Snoring can negatively affect relationships in several ways:
- It prevents the partner from getting a good night’s sleep, leading to irritability and exhaustion.
- The snorer often has to sleep in another room, increasing feelings of isolation.
- It creates tension when the partner tries to get the snorer to change position to stop snoring.
- The partner may become bitter and resentful over lost sleep and having to accommodate the snoring.
These issues can breed frustration, arguments, and emotional distance between couples. Poor sleep and relationship problems also tend to reinforce each other in a vicious cycle. So snoring clearly strains many relationships.
But do couples actually break up over snoring?
Several studies have looked into whether snoring and other sleep problems increase the likelihood of separation and divorce. Here is some of the research evidence:
- A 2015 study published in Sleep found that severe snoring was associated with a doubled risk of divorce. Mild snoring was not linked to higher divorce rates.
- A 2012 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found sleep problems predicted increased marital dissatisfaction and divorce rates over time.
- A 2011 study reported 78% of couples in their small sample complained of relationship problems due to snoring. Nearly half said they occasionally slept separately due to snoring.
The evidence clearly indicates that severe, frequent snoring puts major strain on relationships and increases the odds of breakups and divorce. Mild snoring doesn’t seem to have the same impact.
Tips for managing snoring
If snoring is damaging your relationship, here are some tips that may help:
- Lose weight if overweight – excess weight around the neck increases snoring risk.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives – these relax the throat muscles and make snoring worse.
- Try special pillows or devices that keep you sleeping on your side – this can sometimes help.
- Use nasal strips or sprays – these can reduce congestion and snoring.
- Try a white noise machine to mask the snoring sounds.
- Have your partner use earplugs for sleeping.
- Get checked for sleep apnea – this may require using a CPAP machine while sleeping.
- Consider separate bedrooms if snoring remains a major issue.
If you’ve tried these options without success, seeking medical advice may be necessary. Several procedures exist that can treat the underlying causes of snoring in some individuals.
When to seek medical help
You should see a doctor if:
- Snoring is loud and frequent.
- Snoring is disruptive to your partner’s sleep.
- You wake up gasping or choking at night.
- You feel very tired or fall asleep easily during the day.
- You have other symptoms of sleep apnea like morning headaches.
A doctor can check for underlying medical conditions contributing to snoring like:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Nasal/airway blockages
- Enlarged tissues in the throat
- Poor muscle tone in the throat
Based on a medical exam, they may recommend treatment options such as a CPAP machine, oral appliances, or surgery in severe cases.
Can couples resolve snoring issues?
Here are some tips for couples trying to cope with a snoring problem:
- Communicate openly – talk about how the snoring affects you and your sleep.
- Show understanding – recognize your partner can’t easily control snoring.
- Try compromises – use earplugs, separate beds, white noise.
- Get treatment – work with doctors to find solutions.
- Be patient – it may take time to find the right remedies.
- Focus on intimacy – schedule time together awake to connect.
With commitment and compromise from both partners, relationships can certainly survive snoring. Seeking treatment and being respectful of each other’s needs and feelings is key.
The bottom line
Snoring can undoubtedly put major strain on romantic relationships. Research clearly shows habitual loud snoring raises divorce risk. That said, there are positive steps couples can take like:
- Getting medical help for underlying conditions
- Trying devices and aids to reduce snoring
- Compromising on sleep arrangements
- Focusing on quality time together while awake
So while snoring causes many couples to split up, it doesn’t have to mean the end of a relationship. There are constructive ways to address the problem, get better sleep, and still maintain a happy and healthy partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does snoring mean you have sleep apnea?
Snoring does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnea, but it can be a major symptom. People with sleep apnea experience repeated stops and starts in breathing while sleeping due to airway obstruction. This leads to very loud snoring, gasping/choking at night, and excessive sleepiness during the day.
Can you develop snoring later in life?
Yes, snoring often develops or gets worse as people age. Factors like weight gain, alcohol use, muscle tone loss, and nasal congestion can trigger snoring later in life even if you didn’t snore before.
Is snoring genetic?
There does seem to be some genetic link for snoring. People with family members who snore loudly are more likely to be frequent snorers too. Facial structure and other anatomical traits that contribute to snoring risk can be inherited.
Should you sleep in separate rooms for snoring?
Sleeping separately can be an effective solution if one partner’s snoring is severe and disruptive. While not ideal, it’s better than losing sleep and breeding resentment. Some couples start out together and one person moves if snoring occurs.
Can mouthpieces or oral appliances help snoring?
Yes, mandibular advancement devices worn inside the mouth can significantly reduce snoring for many people. They work by keeping the airway open. These mouthpieces are customized for your mouth by a dentist.
Does losing weight help cure snoring?
There is strong evidence that losing weight can reduce snoring frequency and intensity, especially if obesity was a factor. Extra fat around the neck contributes to airway obstruction. Even modest weight loss may improve snoring.
Can nasal strips help with snoring?
Nasal strips and dilators that stick to the outside of the nose can help reduce nasal congestion and snoring in some individuals. By keeping nasal passages open, they make breathing easier during sleep.
Do essential oils help stop snoring?
There is limited evidence essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint oil can help relieve congestion and snoring when used in a diffuser near the bed. More research is needed on their effectiveness in treating snoring.
Conclusion
Snoring is clearly a major contributing factor for many couples considering separation or divorce. The sleep deprivation and relationship strain caused by snoring is very real. Thankfully there are constructive ways for couples to address the root causes of snoring and maintain their relationship. With effort and compromise from both partners, snoring does not have to mean the end of a marriage or partnership.