It may sound a like a funny question, but there’s nothing funny about it when you’re with a partner that snores. In fact, studies are saying that snoring can and has ruined relationships. Say your husband is snoring, for example, the next thing you know you two are sleeping separately and then what? No more sex life. Not getting enough sleep can impact your daily life and relationships with family and friends. We had a little office poll and a few of us said we wouldn’t even continue dating someone if we found out they snored. Then again, sometimes snoring happens with age, and not something your partner does within the first few years you’re with them. Look at these shocking statistics on snoring! What would you do if your partner snored? Sleep on the couch? Leave? (A little extreme, we know…)
The Facts
Statistics from the National Sleep Foundation about snoring and sleep apnea say 90 million Americans are affected by snoring. A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that about 24% of couples sleep in separate rooms and many couples who sleep separately are reluctant to discuss it. The National Sleep Foundation found that more than a third of respondents admit that their partner’s disruptive sleep habits have affected the quality of their relationship.
17-23% (two in five) indicated that their intimate/sexual relationships had been affected because they were too sleepy. 51-62% agreed that not getting enough sleep impacts their relationships with family or friends.
When Things Get Out of Control
When snoring gets out of control, most couples resort to sleeping in separate beds, which is never good for any relationship. When couples start sleeping in separate beds, it can have drastic effects on emotional and sexual relations. Not to mention, it does not set a great example for the couple’s children. Often “outsiders” get the wrong idea about the couple’s relationship.
Furthermore, snoring can lead to series health risks like hypertension, increased risk for stroke and diabetes, cardiac stress, and depression. Studies confirm that snoring affects quality of sleep. When people are not well-rested, it affects job performance, their relationships, and their overall quality of health.
Studies show that snoring is a leading cause of relationship issues and health problems, including a substantially decreased longevity associated with lack of quality sleep. At the Sereno Center, the center for snoring solutions, one of the leading reasons why patients seek treatment for snoring is due to their partner complaining and not being able to sleep in the same bed.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is a multi-factorial, serious issue. It is a sign that your airway is being partially blocked. The sound is made as the flow of air causes tissue in the back of your throat to vibrate. The sound can come through the nose, the mouth, or both.
Ineffective Treatments
If a patient has severe snoring and sleep apnea, there are several solutions they typically seek. Traditionally CPAP machines have been a first line of treatment for severe sleep apnea and snoring, but new more tolerable, safe, and highly effective minimally invasive procedures are quickly replacing this as attractive alternatives for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. But, CPAP has its share of problems. New studies show that patients only experience successful results if they wear the masks for at least 6 hours. A lot of people find that hard to accomplish every night.
Additionally, no one seems to report good results using nose strips or sprays to lessen their snoring.
Treatments that Work!
Dr. Mingrone, President and medical director at Sereno, adds that
most patients at Sereno have tried a lot of things, oftentimes what they would call “snoring gimmicks”, to try and cure their snoring, but none have really worked for them. That is why they come to Sereno. Sereno recognizes that snoring is a complicated, multi-factorial problem. To treat snoring, if appropriate for the patient’s condition, they perform two relatively new minimally invasive, in-office procedures. Sometimes they perform them together, unless the patient only needs one. The first procedure is the Pillar Procedure. This FDA-approved procedure involves inserting a small polyester woven implant, approximately ¾ of an inch long, into the soft palate. Typically 3-5 pillars are used. The procedure itself takes just a few minutes to perform and is very well tolerated by patients. Over time, the tissue of the soft palate heals into the woven implants and consequently tightens the palate. The second procedure is a Nasal Turbinate Reduction. During this procedure, the doctors are able reduce the size of the nasal turbinates and help you to breathe and sleep better. Ahhh…relief for you and your partner!
About Dr. Mingrone
Dr. Matthew Mingrone is one of the practicing physicians for Sereno, The Center for Snoring Solutions based in San Francisco. Dr. Mingrone is a Board Certified Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Physician who specializes in snoring and sleep apnea issues. He is highly trained in medically proven, minimally invasive treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Mingrone has appeared in numerous national publications and on television as an expert on ear, nose and throat issues and has helped thousands of patients resolve snoring and sleep problems. He now specializes in patient evaluations, establishing patient-care protocols and providing effective solutions to patients with snoring and mild sleep apnea. Dr. Mingrone’s interest in this area, combined with his understanding that patients with these conditions could greatly benefit from a practice singularly committed to improving the lives of patients with these issues, led to his involvement with Sereno. To learn more about Dr. Mingrone and Sereno please visit www.serenocenter.com
