Snoring doesn't just disrupt the snorer's sleep; it often affects both partners, leading to sleep troubles for both. Additionally, it can strain relationships, causing tiredness, frustration, and resentment between couples, potentially leading them to sleep separately.
Treating snoring is essential not only for restoring sleep quality and safeguarding against health risks but also for preserving the intimacy and health of the relationship. Therefore, addressing snoring issues is crucial for overall well-being and relationship harmony.
Impact of Snoring on Relationships
Sleep therapist Dr. Kat Lederle from Somnia explains that snoring can have significant repercussions on relationships, regardless of whether the non-snorer experiences insomnia. Snoring, especially in cases of sleep apnea, can disrupt the sleep of both the snorer and their partner, although the snorer may be less aware of this disruption.
Usually, the partner disturbed by snoring may seek sleep elsewhere, such as on the sofa or in a spare room, exacerbating relationship strain. This concern about disrupting their partner's sleep may weigh on the snorer, while the partner may become increasingly frustrated or annoyed.
A 2013 study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that disturbances during one partner's sleep could lead to conflicts in the relationship the next day, while other studies have shown simultaneous occurrences of sleep issues and relationship problems.
Given the interconnectedness of sleep quality and relationship health, the term "sleep divorce" is gaining traction, reflecting the cumulative impact of sleep disruptions on couples, alongside the hours of sleep deprivation endured. According to research from the Better Sleep Council, more than 25% of couples are now choosing to sleep separately in pursuit of deeper, healthier sleep.
Quality sleep is paramount for relationship well-being, as sleep deprivation can precipitate negative partnership behaviors, perpetuating a harmful cycle. Additionally, studies indicate that being well-rested enhances communication, happiness, and empathy, vital elements for maintaining robust, enduring relationships.
READ ALSO: Is Snoring Normal? Is It Bad For Health?
How Letting Go of Goals Could Help Achieve a Better Relationship With a Snoring Partner
Learning to give up dreams that can't come true might make relationships better, especially if your partner snores a lot. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that being able to change and let go of goals helps people deal with problems caused by their partner's snoring.
Even though it might not seem connected, researchers found that being able to forget about goals helps people deal with things like their partner snoring. When one person's sleep is disturbed by their partner's snoring or insomnia, it can cause problems in their relationship. But people who can let go of small goals and focus on their relationships tend to deal with these problems better.
The study looked at how people handle things when they can't achieve their goals. It found that people who can let go of goals feel happier overall, which other research has also shown.
Meaghan Barlow, who led the study, explained that being able to let go of goals shows how people deal with things when they can't achieve what they want. She said that being able to let go of goals makes people's lives better, as other research has found. However, she warned that letting go of goals too quickly can be bad because it might make people feel like they have no purpose.
She also said that being too willing to change goals might make relationships worse, especially when there are sleep problems because it might make people put less effort into their relationship.
RELATED ARTICLE: Snoring in Kids Linked to Developmental and Behavioral Issues, Study Finds
Check out more news and information on Sleep Disorder in Science Times.
