Snoring once considered a common occurrence during sleep, has now emerged as a significant issue affecting relationships. Surprisingly, it has become the third leading cause of divorce, according to a report by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The prevalence of snoring is quite high, with approximately 57% of men and 40%a of women worldwide reported to snore.

In India, about 43% of people snore occasionally, while 20% snore regularly. This widespread problem is not only affecting individuals but also straining relationships. Snoring has led to the breakdown of many relationships, particularly in countries with high divorce rates. Even in India, where divorce rates are relatively lower, snoring is causing discord among couples. Instead of opting for divorce, many couples resort to sleeping in separate rooms, adversely affecting their emotional and physical intimacy, including their sex life.

Sleep divorce, a term coined to describe the situation, refers to couples who choose to sleep separately due to issues like snoring. Reports suggest that 25 to 40% of married couples prefer separate sleeping arrangements due to snoring or other sleep disturbances. This leads to a significant decline in emotional and physical bonding, pushing relationships to the brink.

For couples grappling with snoring-related challenges, several strategies can be adopted to alleviate the issue:

1. Encourage lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, or avoiding alcohol before bedtime.

2. Modify the snorer's sleeping position to reduce snoring intensity.

3. Consider using snoring devices or aids designed to minimize snoring.

4. Keep the snorer hydrated to prevent dry mouth, which can exacerbate snoring.

5. Instead of sleeping separately, use earplugs or white noise machines to block out the snoring sound.

6. Avoid blaming the partner for snoring, as it is typically unintentional and often beyond their control.

7. Seek medical advice if snoring persists, as it could be indicative of underlying health issues that require attention.

By adopting these measures, couples can mitigate the impact of snoring on their relationship and improve their overall sleep quality and well-being.