How Snoring Can Affect Your Marriage

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Thu 06/23/2022 - 09:00

Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea, is a result of the throat muscles relaxing to the point of limiting air passage during sleep. One classic symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring (sometimes very loudly). Because the airway is partially blocked, incoming air audibly rattles the upper airway tissues as it pushes past the obstruction. Research has shown that snoring can have a serious, negative impact on a marriage, for a variety of reasons. Securing a diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea may be critical for your health and wellness but also for your marriage.

Snoring Wakes Your Partner

Obstructive sleep apnea causes an individual to snore, gasp for air and sometimes also move restlessly or kick in the night. These events can happen hundreds of times per night. Obviously, this results in disruption of sleep not only for the patient, but for their sleeping partner as well. As a result, many of the negative side effects of sleep apnea are experienced by not one but both partners. This may include daytime fatigue and trouble concentrating, mood swings, trouble at work and even increased stress hormones from repeated and unexpected waking.

Separated Bedrooms and Decreased Intimacy

The difficulties of snoring and poor sleep cause many couples to begin to sleep in separate bedrooms. While this may help one partner sleep, it can lead to disruptions in affection, emotional intimacy, sex and general feelings of closeness. In today’s busy working world, nighttime may be the only time couples have to be physically close and to bond. Research has also indicated that sexual dysfunction is common in men with sleep apnea due to decreased oxygen circulation.

Arguments Are More Likely

Sleep deprivation impacts our ability to regulate our emotion, judgment and ability to concentrate. Mood swings are also a common result of a sleep deficit. This is because frequent night waking increases the level of one of the body’s fight-or-flight stress hormone — cortisol — leading to feelings of stress, frustration and irritation. Empathy is lower and conflict management is harder when we are chronically lacking proper sleep. Research has shown that sleep deficits lead couples to greater feelings of selfishness and resentment and less feelings of appreciation or gratitude.

Make an Appointment at New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions

The good news is that with treatment, snoring due to sleep apnea and the subsequent issues can be resolved, decreasing these marital stressors. Effective treatments are available. Our doctors specialize in treating sleep apnea. To learn more, call New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions at (855) 949-7667 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ivan Stein or Dr. Allan Stein. We are here to help!