New research published by a doctoral student from the University of California at Berkeley shows that couples who experience trouble sleeping are more likely to fight. If you are suffering sleep problems, it’s likely that this study confirms your personal experience.
Fortunately, with sleep apnea or snoring treatment, you may be able to get better sleep so you and your loved one can better enjoy your wedded bliss.
Two Studies, One Conclusion
The study, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, confirms previous research showing that poor sleep can lead to conflict within couples, and expands our understanding of the mechanisms that create this conflict.
In the first part of the study, 78 young adults involved in romantic relationships made daily reports about their sleep quality and relationship experiences over a period of two weeks. Couples reported more conflict after a poor night’s sleep. This happened even if the poor night’s sleep was an isolated occurrence for individuals who are generally good sleepers.
In the second part of the study, 71 couples were brought into the lab to be observed performing conflict resolution. First, individuals rated their previous night’s sleep, then were asked to discuss a source of conflict in their relationship. Interactions were taped, and following the discussion were asked to rate their own and their partner’s behavior and emotions. When participants slept poorly, they tended to feel more negative feelings toward their partner. Poor sleep also affected their ability to accurately judge their partner’s emotional state.
Good sleep, on the other hand, contributed to better conflict resolution.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Can Lead to Chronic Poor Sleep
If you or your partner are suffering from sleep apnea, you are likely experiencing poor sleep every night, or almost every night. Sleep apnea is when your breathing is interrupted temporarily during sleep, forcing you to awaken partly to restore breathing. This can happen hundreds of times a night, preventing you from getting quality sleep, and you may not be aware of it.
Snoring can also lead to poor sleep. Partners of snorers lose more than an hour of sleep every night.
Fortunately, snoring and sleep apnea treatment can reduce or eliminate this source of conflict, so you can experience a better night’s sleep and a better day with your loved ones.
To learn more about sleep apnea and snoring treatment, please call (303) 691-0267 at the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado in Denver today.
