A British survey shows that snoring may interfere with people's sex lives.
In a survey of 1,013 men and women released Monday, the British Snoring and Sleep Apnea Association found that 81 percent of the partners of snorers said they don't get a good night's sleep and are constantly tired, making them less likely to have the energy for intimacy.
In the survey, 55 percent of snorers admitted that their snoring affected their sexual relationship, and 59 percent of their partners said the same. About one-third of couples admitted that they hardly ever had sex because one of the partners snored. Two-thirds of couples said they would have sex more often if the snoring stopped.
In addition, 88 percent of snorers and 85 percent of their partners said that their relationship would be better if the snoring was resolved.
A 2001 American study of nearly 5,000 snoring patients found that a significant number of heavy snorers had reduced sex drive, and more than half experienced erectile dysfunction.
Researchers said 70 percent of snoring couples slept in separate bedrooms to get some rest. One snorer admitted to sleeping in a hammock in the spare room for 20 years, according to a news release from the British Snoring and Sleep Apnea Association.
The study found that most of the suffering partners were women. The most common problems reported by those who suffered from sleep loss due to snorers included being irritable, shouting, arguing with their partner and making mistakes at work.
Treating snoring may be as simple as wearing a mouth guard. But treating sleep apnea is a little more complicated and requires a doctor's help, according to the news release.
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