Snoring Can Affect Your Sex Life

Bala Cynwyd, PA - April 17, 2001

A study of over 4,900 snoring patients confirms that snoring is no laughing matter when it comes to sex and divorce. "Snoring puts tremendous stress on relationships," according to Dr. Mansoor Madani, whose research paper will be presented in the upcoming 22nd annual conference of the American College Of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Las Vegas on April 29 - May 3, 2001.

Over 80% of snoring couples sleep in separate bedrooms. Sleep deprivation due to a partner's snoring makes it a challenge to be cheerful in the morning and can have a negative effect on the rest of their day, too.

"The stress suffered by the snorer's bed partner isn't the only stress with which we should concern ourselves," says Dr. Madani, Director of Center For Corrective Surgery and pioneer of many surgical techniques to correct this annoying sound. "Patients also realize it is a major social challenge and it turns out that snoring can have negative effects on the sexual function of the snorer as well," adds Dr. Madani. The findings confirm another study that a significant number of heavy snorers have reduced sexual drive. According to Dr. Madani, over 50% of snoring men also experience erectile dysfunction.

Snoring occurs because of vibration of tissues in the throat or behind the tongue. They include an excessively large tongue, tonsils or soft palate and elongated uvula -- the punching bag in the back of your throat. "When these tissues block your windpipe during sleep, you stop breathing -- a serious condition known as sleep apnea. Snoring is one of the major signs of this deadly disorder. This interrupted breathing causes the concentration of oxygen in your body to drop, leading to fatigue, depression and sexual dysfunction," according to Dr. Madani.

Most snorers, however, do not realize they have sleep deprivation because they may be so tired they think they are good sleepers. Generally, an individual suffering from sleep apnea may not be getting the full night's sleep he or she needs.

Snoring and sleep apnea can also lead to other complications, including high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack or stroke and excessive daytime sleepiness. All of these conditions can suppress a healthy interest in sex.