Snoring and Separate Bedrooms

Filed in archive Sleep Disorders on March 22, 2007

Mark Twain had it right. A snorer doesn't usually hear himself snore or even realize he is snoring. Those who sleep in the same bed or room, or, in some cases, the same house, however, are very much aware of the snoring. Snoring can affect your sex life and the strain and stress of living with a snorer can even lead to domestic dissension and divorce.

Is your spouse's loud snoring or tossing around in his sleep keeping you awake? It might be time to consider separate bedrooms. An article in ArcaMax Publishing tells us that separate bedrooms are more common than thought:

Experts told the Times that the change reflects the changing role of women in society, and that it is more important than ever for women to get adequate sleep, as more women are simultaneously caring for a home and playing pivotal roles in the workplace. Stephanie Coontz, director of public education for the Council of Contemporary Families in Chicago, told the Times she interviewed many couples who said they were "confident enough that they have a nice marriage, but they don't particularly like sleeping in the same room."

The National Sleep Foundation offers these statisitcs:

Snoring is noisy breathing during sleep. It is a common problem among all ages and both genders, and it affects approximately 90 million American adults - 37 million on a regular basis. Snoring may occur nightly or intermittently. Persons most at risk are males and those who are overweight, but snoring is a problem of both genders.

Don't let his snoring disrupt your sleep. Compromise by having separate bedrooms. You'll both be healthier and happier that way.