A new survey of 2,000 long-term British couples reveals that nearly one in 10 people have considered leaving their partner due to their snoring. This could be attributed to the 28% of

respondents who reported being woken up by their partner’s snoring every night, with this group claiming that they were disturbed twice a night, for an hour in total. As a result, over a quarter of couples surveyed regularly slept in separate rooms to get some rest. The findings from the survey, conducted by Specsavers, highlight the significant toll that snoring can have on relationships and the importance of seeking help to address the issue.

Peter Saddington, a couples and sex therapist with relationship support charity Relate, explained that snoring is a common topic of discussion in therapy sessions. He revealed that snoring can cause resentment between couples, particularly if the snoring partner does not acknowledge the issue and seek help. Saddington explained that while the snorer may downplay the problem, the partner who is kept awake becomes increasingly frustrated and tired, leading to an increased risk of arguments. Sleeping apart due to snoring is the biggest problem, according to the counsellor, as bedtime is often the time for couples to share intimacy.

The survey showed that couples describe their partner’s snoring in various ways, with over a third describing it as a low rumble. Meanwhile, 16% likened the sound to that of a pig, and 14% compared it to a lawnmower. Approximately one-third of respondents indicated that their partner’s snoring was as loud as a television on full blast. The survey also revealed that 42% of snorers feel guilty about keeping their partner awake, but nearly a quarter are not bothered at all.

In terms of addressing snoring, nearly half of respondents admitted to elbowing their partner or turning them onto their side to reduce the noise. Some respondents also took more drastic measures, such as kicking their partner or hitting them with a pillow. However, these measures may not be effective in the long run. Experts recommend seeking professional help, as snoring can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, such as sleep apnoea.

The survey findings also highlight the significant impact that snoring can have on one’s sleep and overall health and well-being. A quarter of respondents said that their partner’s snoring left them feeling exhausted and unable to concentrate the next day, while a further 23% found it difficult to wake up in the morning due to a loss of sleep. Gordon Harrison, Chief Audiologist at Specsavers, advised that being exposed to snoring can have negative consequences on sleep and general well-being.

In conclusion, this survey shows that snoring can have a significant impact on relationships and quality of life. Seeking professional help is important for both the snorer and their partner to address the issue and maintain intimacy in their relationship. Photo by Genre works, Wikimedia commons.