Three Ways That Snoring Can Lead To Problems In A Relationship
Posted on: 11 April 2018
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Snoring is an issue that appears in many sitcoms and comedic movies — often depicting a husband snoring and aggravating the wife, who may seek some form of revenge. For many couples, however, snoring can be anything but a laughing matter. While snoring can keep the partner who doesn't snore awake at night and make him or her tired during the day, it can actually lead to issues in your marriage. Snoring might not be a topic that causes you to seek marriage counseling, but if you experience any of the following situations, this type of help may be the right move.
Lack Of Intimacy
Sleeping in the same bed, for many couples can lead to intimacy — something that is definitely healthy in a relationship. However, one partner's frequent snoring can cause the other partner to sleep elsewhere in the house. In order to get a sound sleep, the partner who doesn't snore may sleep in a spare bedroom or even on a pullout couch. The physical space between the partners can potentially thus lead to a lack of intimacy. For example, when you and your spouse aren't together in bed, intimacy may not come as naturally, and this can harm your relationship.
Frustration Boiling Over
Issues of snoring can often lead to conflicts in the middle of the night. The non-snoring partner may rouse the one who is snoring in an angry manner, perhaps with an elbow in the ribs and a harsh verbal reprimand. This situation can cause the snoring partner to be annoyed with his or her partner. Should the snoring resume, the non-snoring partner may feel as though the other person is being disrespectful, which isn't really the case. You may find that you and your spouse are mad at each other in the morning, largely because of the snoring issue.
Lack Of Ownership
In a healthy relationship, both parties take ownership over their own issues. There are many potential reasons for snoring, and some are possible to control. For example, if you're a heavy snorer, your doctor may recommend that you lose some weight, which can definitely help. Or, he or she may advocate that you get an airway device if you're at risk of sleep apnea. Should you not take steps in this regard, your partner may feel as though you're not taking ownership over your issue — and that he or she is suffering as a result of you continuing to snore.
Contact a therapist, like Andrea Brandt Therapy, for more help.