While it may sound funny that snoring can harm the union of marriage, the statistics of couples breaking up because of loud noises at night are surprising. In a study by the Sleep Disorders Center at Rush University Medical Center, it was mentioned that married couples who endure loud snoring at night have a much higher divorce rate than those who do not.
Loud Snoring is a Marriage Concern
Complaints about snoring are common between couples. Sleep, after all, is vital to cognitive function, mental health, and physical health. According to Psychology Today, disrupted sleep will damage decision making, learning, and even affect how a person listens to their partner. In addition, a lack of sleep can also trigger irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Is Snoring Dangerous to Your Health?
Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. This particular sleep disorder is a breathing obstruction that causes people to stop breathing during their sleep. This can happen up to 30 times in an hour.
When left untreated, sleep apnea can result in high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Berger Henry states that about 42 million American adults are suffering from Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB). Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common with 25% of middle-aged men and 9% of middle-aged women suffering from it.
The Allied Physicians website listed the following symptoms as telltale signs of sleep apnea:
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Loud snoring
Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
Morning headache
Difficulty concentrating during the day
Experiencing mood changes, such as depression or irritability
High blood pressure
Nighttime sweating
Decreased libido
If you have sleep apnea, you need to see a sleep specialist right away. You may also want to change your mattress, which may be contributing to your sleep interruptions.
Better Mattress for Better Sleep
In an article by The Huffington post Canada, it was stated that sleeping on the right mattress could make a huge difference for people who are suffering from sleep apnea. A medium firm memory foam mattress is the best for sleep apnea sufferers as it can help in correcting spinal alignments.
“By having the best possible alignment, you give yourself the best chance of having a clear airway,” the article detailed. “It also reduces pressure points and allows you to sleep on your side, giving you the opportunity to take advantage of side sleep pillows.”
The reason why sleep experts recommend memory foam is because it’s usually denser than other foam mattresses, making it more supportive to the back. Memory foam mainly consists of polyurethane, which increases its viscosity and density.
Leading companies have further developed memory foam to fit varying consumer needs. Leesa has integrated a two inch thick material similar to latex on top of a layer of memory foam which is said to reduce the loss of firmness by 10%. This type of mattress design is ideal for people who snore as it provides people with a comfortable, sleep-inducing environment that supports the back.
Food and drink that can reduce snoring
Medical Daily cites some food and drink that people can consider having before bedtime to reduce snoring. For instance, soy milk, is a better alternative to cow’s milk because it’s safer for people who are lactose intolerant. If someone is lactose intolerant, their nasal passages will become swollen upon drinking regular milk and therefore increase the chances of snoring.
Turmeric is a superfood that can alleviate nasal congestion. Drinking turmeric tea can sooth irritated nasal passages.
At night, experts also advise staying away from red meat. In the same article by Medical Daily, it was mentioned that red meat is known to inflame the nasal passages because it produces higher amounts of arachidonic acid, which could lead to the swelling of tissue in the throat and sinuses. Kale, bananas, and chickpeas are food items that are proven to help people sleep well.
It is always important to remember that good sleep is important to lead a healthy and happy marriage. Snoring is a serious problem. If your partner tells you that your snoring interrupts their sleep, go see a doctor immediately.
