Secondhand Snoring: More Than Just an Annoyance
Secondhand snoring is a real issue that can significantly disrupt the lives of those sharing a bed—or even a home—with a snorer. No matter how much you love someone, their snoring can take a toll on your health and well-being. Unfortunately, earplugs or white noise machines often fall short, leaving you exhausted and frustrated after nights of interrupted, poor-quality sleep.
At Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center®, our team, led by Dr. Melissa Sheets, DDS, DABDSM, and Dr. Tracy Brigden, DDS, is dedicated to treating snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring can be more than an annoyance—it’s often a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious medical condition that affects millions of people. Our Omaha practice focuses exclusively on addressing sleep-related breathing disorders, helping both snorers and their loved ones reclaim restful, uninterrupted sleep.
What is Secondhand Snoring?
Secondhand snoring refers to the negative effects experienced by someone who sleeps near a person who snores. In recent years, medical research has confirmed what many already knew—snoring impacts the health and well-being of bed partners. Studies have shown that partners of snorers are more likely to suffer from:
- Chronic fatigue and sleepiness during the day
- Mood disturbances, including irritability and stress
- Hearing issues, due to prolonged exposure to loud snoring
- Decreased productivity, resulting from poor focus and low energy levels
Snoring doesn’t just disturb sleep—it can also create tension in relationships, leading to arguments, resentment, and emotional stress. Children in the household may also experience indirect effects, as disrupted sleep among parents can negatively impact their behavior, cognitive function, and emotional development.
If someone in your household snores, you don’t have to continue suffering. Treatment options are available, and our team is here to help.
How Snoring Affects Relationships
Snoring can create a ripple effect of challenges within families, impacting both physical and emotional health.
Sleep Deprivation
Sharing a bed with a snorer often leads to fragmented sleep. Over time, this can result in chronic fatigue, irritability, and difficulty managing daily responsibilities.
Emotional Strain
Lack of sleep can increase feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression, straining relationships. Arguments about snoring may become frequent, leading to resentment on both sides.
Health Risks
Poor-quality sleep doesn’t just affect your mood—it can also increase your risk of serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and Type II diabetes.
Physical Separation
In some cases, partners resort to sleeping in separate rooms to avoid the disruptions caused by snoring. While this may provide temporary relief, it can also weaken emotional intimacy and connection over time.
If you or your loved one are struggling with these challenges, it’s time to explore effective snoring treatment options. At Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center, we’ve helped countless families improve their sleep and restore harmony to their relationships.
“Had a wonderful 1st experience with the Sleep Team. Timely, courteous, professional- enough said!”
– A. THAPAR
“All the staff was professional, nice, and informative… Dr. Brigden was terrific and down to earth. He explained everything to me step by step. I look forward to going back and would recommend this practice to everyone!”
– A. OLDS
“A truly amazing experience.”
– K. MIDDLETON
Tips for Dealing with Snoring at Home
While professional treatment is the most effective solution for snoring, there are a few steps you can take at home to minimize its impact:
- Communicate Calmly: Approach the topic of snoring with patience and understanding. Remember that the snorer is likely sleep-deprived as well and may feel self-conscious about their condition. Open, empathetic communication is key to finding a solution together.
- Encourage a Sleep Study: Suggest scheduling a sleep study to determine whether the snoring is related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.
- Try Temporary Adjustments: Sleeping in a separate room or using earplugs, white noise machines, or noise-canceling earbuds can provide short-term relief. However, these solutions do not address the root cause of snoring and are unlikely to provide long-term benefits.
If these measures aren’t enough—or if snoring is causing significant strain in your household—it’s time to consider professional help.
Professional Snoring Treatment at Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center
At our Omaha practice, we offer effective, non-invasive solutions for snoring and sleep apnea, including Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). These custom-made devices gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring altogether.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Portable and travel-friendly
- Non-invasive, requiring no surgery or medications
- Proven to improve sleep quality for both snorers and their partners
With proper treatment, many of our patients—and their loved ones—experience dramatic improvements, including:
- Reduced Anxiety: Better sleep means feeling more relaxed and balanced throughout the day.
- Improved Energy Levels: Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
- Stronger Relationships: Sleep without disruptions helps restore emotional intimacy and connection.
- Enhanced Mental Health: Quality sleep supports better focus, mood, and overall well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If secondhand snoring is disrupting your life, Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center is here to help. Our team of experienced dentists offers personalized care to address snoring and sleep apnea, providing lasting relief for patients and their families.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Melissa Sheets or Dr. Tracy Brigden. Call us at (402) 493-4175, or fill out our online contact form, and one of our team members will reach out to assist you. We also offer complimentary phone consultations to answer your questions about snoring and sleep apnea treatment.
Don’t let snoring continue to impact your sleep, health, and relationships. Let us help you reclaim the restful nights you deserve.
