These are strange times we’re living in. Entire families are isolating together at home; couples are confined to their apartments, their only company being each other.
When stress is heightened, you’re bound to feel more tense. And rising tension can result in arguments – often over a partner’s annoying habit that you didn’t realise was quite so annoying.
Earlier this month, it was reported that divorce rates spiked in China after “couples spent too much time together during home quarantine”, according to register offices across the country. One office saw over 300 couples applying for divorce in the last three weeks, and another in Xi’an received 14 requests in one day, hitting the upper limit. The city of Fuzhou has put a daily limit on divorce appointments to 10 couples a day, after receiving so many requests. Officials believe the sharp increase of divorce applications could be caused by the fact that couples are spending too much time in close quarters, resulting in heated arguments over petty and trivial things.
A good example of this is snoring. One British study found that snoring is the second most popular reason for separating, when divorce is filed for “unreasonable behaviour”. Many couples simply accept snoring as something their partner does, and don’t do anything about it. But life under lockdown puts strain on a relationship. If you’re struggling to sleep, and feeling stressed or anxious, your partner’s loud snoring might feel much more irritating than usual.
There are better ways to deal with it than exploding at your spouse. Snoring occurs for lots of different reasons, and figuring out the cause will help your partner stop the night-time noise (and stop you filing those divorce papers). Age, medication and allergies can all play a part, as well as pregnancy and genetic disposition. Lifestyle is also a big factor; weight gain, alcohol and smoking can all make snoring worse. If your partner drinks, smokes, or has recently put on weight, try and suggest some simple lifestyle changes to reduce their risk.
Another option is to try a snoring relief product – these can really help banish snoring for those who have already made significant lifestyle changes. Just remember that there are different types of products for different types of snoring.
Another option is to try a snoring relief product – these can really help banish snoring for those who have already made significant lifestyle changes. Just remember that there are different types of products for different types of snoring. Click here to find out which category they fall into, as well as our recommended products.
Being confined to your home can feel tense and stressful. But by dealing with those annoying habits head-on, you’ll have better sleep, better health – and a better relationship.