Brant Hasler, a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona, said the data, although preliminary, suggest that couples experience a “vicious cycle” where sleep affects their relationship and the relationship then affects the subsequent night’s sleep. “Sleep research has focused nearly entirely on the individual and this research underscores the importance of considering the effects of, and consequences on, the bed partner,” he said. “These effects are particularly notable, given that sleep is increasingly sacrificed in the modern world. The research provides preliminary evidence that our sleep not only influences our own psychological and physical health, but can also impact our dear ones.”

Data from both studies suggest that sleep and relationship happiness are closely linked.

Sleeping with a snorer

After writing about the link between marriage and better sleep, I heard from several skeptical readers who were the long-suffering bed partners of snorers. “I’m happily married, but never get a good night’s sleep because of the noise!” wrote Lisa.

“My husband snores louder than a lawnmower, and I kick him harder than Beckham with a soccer ball,” Caroline wrote. “We both slept much better when single.”

It’s true that sleeping with a snorer can take a toll on your health. People who sleep next to snorers report high levels of fatigue and sleepiness and may even be at higher risk for hearing loss. Often, snoring is due to sleep apnea, which is characterised by episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep, which leads to regular night-time awakenings linked with a number of health problems.

... contd.