Month: February 2017

Romance and flowers typify the ‘Valentine’s Day’ dream… until one bed partner snores like sawing logs and ‘bang’ the dream is shattered and you’re sleeping alone.

Enter Keith White, who at 34 years old isn’t the obvious stereotype to admit that snoring is damaging his relationship.  But he and his girlfriend Jenny, 24, are already sleeping in separate beds due to his snoring.

“Jenny and I met through work four years ago. She was my best friend first and foremost and our relationship really developed out of that, but it wasn’t until we started going out that she became aware that I was a loud snorer.”

“We often laugh about snoring and don’t take it very seriously but in reality it can drive couples apart.

“Unfortunately, my snoring is so loud that every night I have to sleep in a separate bed or on the sofa. Sleeping apart from Jenny means that we miss out of a lot of intimacy, like  cuddling,” says Keith.

“Inevitably this has caused distance in our relationship because from 11pm to 7am every day we are physically separated. I know that when we stay in a hotel together I am keeping her awake.”

“It’s frustrating that something so common can cause so much pain in our relationship. I know it’s not sustainable and I worry about the impact of snoring on our relationship.

Snoring, a form of Sleep Disordered Breathing, interferes with sleep quality and sleep quantity – for the person who snores and also for the person who sleeps with or near the snorer.

With nearly half of the Australian population regularly snoring and 70% of snorers stating that it affects their daytime functioning(1), no wonder snoring is having an impact on relationships. A recent survey in the UK found 38% of couples are sleeping apart due to snoring(2).

As top divorce lawyer, Marilyn Stowe of Stowe Family Law LLP, comments:

“Sleep disorders and the pressure of sharing a bed causing interrupted sleep patterns can have a serious  impact on a relationship. Couples may choose to sleep in separate rooms and drift further apart in a process of ‘unconscious uncoupling’.”

Luckily for Keith, he’s sought ways to address his snoring.  There is no magic ‘cure’ for snoring, but there are a number of options available.  A new product called ‘Mute’ available in selected pharmacies and online at mutesnoring.com is capturing a strong network of snorers. 

“[Mute’s] been brilliant at increasing air flow and helping me reduce my snoring,” commented Keith.

There are many good reasons to treat snoring, including restoring sleep quality, guarding against risks to health and improving daytime functioning.  Protecting the health and intimacy of your relationship is another important reason to acknowledge a snoring problem…and restore that ‘Valentine’s day’ feeling.

Sources:

 

1. UK independent survey of 2,032 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th – 10th July 2015. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

2. ‘2016 Sleep Health Survey of Australian Adults’ to the Sleep Health Foundation.  http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/surveys/SleepHealthFoundation-Survey.pdf

 

 

MYTH: SLEEP IS A WASTE OF TIME.      TRUTH: TIME IS A WASTE WITHOUT SLEEP.

Latest research commissioned by the Sleep Health Foundation shows that our “24/7” lifestyles are having massive impacts on our sleep, health and ability to function.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide and the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health Research yesterday reported their finding of the ‘2016 Sleep Health Survey of Australian Adults’ to the Sleep Health Foundation (SHF)1.

The results are staggering in the extent of sleep problems and the effects that these sleep problems are having on work performance and risks.

Inadequate sleep is now affecting 33-45% of Australian adults and it extends across all age groups.  Three-quarters of people that manage less than 5½ hours of sleep are reporting daytime impairment or sleep related symptoms (76%).

Mute caught up with sleep expert, Nancy H Rothstein, The Sleep Ambassador, who helps global organisations look at the impact sleep has in their workplace.  “In our 24/7 culture, we have lost respect for sleep.  Our biology has not changed.  Our behaviour has and it’s playing havoc with our sleep, compromising our health and ability to function well,” says Rothstein.

Importantly, the SHF Report also highlighted 25% of men and 17% of women suffering from frequent, loud snoring.  The survey showed that 70% of those snorers reported daytime impairment and other sleep-related symptoms.

This has impacted productivity in the workplace, as 17% acknowledged they have missed work due to being sleepy as well as 17% admitting to falling asleep on the job.

“Sleep is not a luxury but an essential requirement for life.  As you sleep, your body and brain are busy at work restoring and rejuvenating so your waking hours are more productive and healthy,” comments Rothstein.  

It is now recognised that short sleep reduces natural immune function, which can cause disease (Irwin et al. FASEB J 1996;10:643-53.)  Concerningly, comparison of results from a similar survey by The Sleep Health Foundation in 2010, shows increases in the prevalence of sleep problems.

If your sleep is disturbed then it’s best to seek  the advice of a GP or sleep physician.   For simple snoring related to nasal obstruction such as  a blocked nose at night, narrow nasal passages or deviations, It’s worth trying Mute to open the nasal airways.  Having a clearer nose at night may lead to improved mood, concentration and memory during the day. All good reasons to ‘Mute’ your slumber problems, including snoring. You can find out what size fits you best here (ultra-soft Mute comes in three sizes), or if you are a first-time user, you may want to try the Mute trial pack when you hop over to the Buy Now page.

1. A full copy of the Report can be viewed here: http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/surveys/SleepHealthFoundation-Survey.pdf

IMPORTANT: Mute nasal device is not for the treatment of sleep apnea. If you think that your snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea, you should consult your doctor or a sleep specialist.

Dr. Michael Gelb, a top expert in breathing-related sleep disorders, recommended Mute in an interview with Marie Claire magazine! The popular national women’s magazine asked Gelb for his advice on ways to fall asleep faster. Gelb blamed at least some of our sleeplessness on the common yet under-discussed problem of narrow airways, which may also cause thunderous snoring. He then described how Mute may easily improve breathing. We couldn’t be happier that he told readers how they might ‘Mute’ their struggle to get a better night’s sleep!

Gelb explained why keeping the nasal passage clear may help some people sleep better and longer. “When a lot of people fall asleep they actually get even less oxygen than when they’re awake and as a result, have more disturbed sleep,” he told author Lori Keong. Gelb recommended Mute because, “… it’s the best way to help maintain an open airflow.” And since he’d been treating people with breathing-related sleep disorders for more than 30 years, we’d say that’s high praise!

 

Marie Claire readers also learned that Mute is easy to use and re-usable. It is specially designed to slip into both nostrils and gently force open the nasal passage from the inside, instead of other sleep aids, such as nasal strips, that work from the outside.

Gelb’s other sleep tips included using a humidifier to improve air quality, investing in good sheets and propping your head at a 45-degree angle with a wedge pillow.

Having a clearer nasal airway at night may lead to improved mood, concentration and memory during the day. All good reasons to ‘Mute’ your slumber problems, including snoring. You can find out what size fits you best here (ultra-soft Mute comes in three sizes), or if you are a first-time user, you may want to try the Mute trial pack when you hop over to the Buy Now page.

A healthy lifestyle is more than juicing your kale and hitting the gym. According to popular health and wellness expert Dr. Felicia Stoler, you also need good, quality sleep. We couldn’t agree more, Felicia! As this respected TV personality and author said when she appeared on Fox News in Baltimore, Mute may help you achieve a more perfect slumber by improving your nasal breathing. Even better: Your peaceful sleep just may improve your relationship. How cool is that?

Stoler was on TV to share tips on developing healthy habits. As she pointed out, we may have good intentions, but making better lifestyle choices isn’t always our top priority. So Stoler made it personal: “The best thing that you can do to love yourself is to be good to yourself and care for yourself.”

Stoler encouraged viewers to make sleep a priority. “Sleep is really important. We need to get enough of it and we need good quality sleep,” she said before launching into that age-old sleep stopper, snoring. “It (snoring) can be a problem in relationships,” said Stoler. It sure can. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 24 percent of couples sleep in separate rooms. In one study, a third of respondents said their partner’s disruptive sleep habits affected the quality of their relationships.

We were excited by Stoler’s suggestion. “This is a very cool product that’s found at Walgreens. It’s called Mute.” She explained how Mute opens your nasal passages, reducing your reliance on mouth breathing. This may reduce snoring. “It literally stents your nasal passages to open the airway. It helps to improve nasal breathing while you sleep.”

In clinical trials, 75 percent* of couples reported a reduction in the frequency and volume of snoring when using Mute.

So take the advice of this TV health pro and grab Mute next time you’re at Walgreens, Bartell Drug, CVS or a Duane Reade store. Or pick it up at Amazon. It’s an easy way to show yourself (and your partner) some love.

* results may vary. (n=236, 2014 trial)

Mute was mentioned by a well-known health author on three major TV networks! We were thrilled when best-selling health author Dr. Jonny Bowden shared his peaceful bedtime tale during an interview on CBS News. He also repeated his messages on ABC and Fox News shows. The healthy lifestyle guru stressed the importance of quality sleep – and how Mute helps you get it – with Cincinnati TV audiences.

Bowden told hosts that sleep replenishes the neurochemicals that help keep our bodies performing at their best. He added: “Scientists don’t know all the things that happen during sleep. They just know that we need it and it nourishes us.”

Unfortunately, snoring can reduce sleep quality for the snorer, as well as for his or her unlucky partner. Bowden said snoring can even impact relationships. “So you want to do something about it. Or get to like your couch a lot better,” he joked.

A Happy Bedtime Story

Bowden’s fiancé was suffering through a horrible cold when he taped these interviews. “She can’t breathe at night. It’s the worst thing.” But Mute helped her get some needed Z’s. “Stick it in and BAM, open airways,” said the relieved health pro during his CBS interview. “It can be adjusted. It is very unobtrusive. And it just works. It helps keeps you sleeping.” Well said, Jonny!

In our latest study, 75 percent* of users snored less when they used Mute. And their partners are sleeping better, too. This small device is placed inside the nose. It opens your nasal passages so you can breathe easier and keep your mouth closed while you sleep. This in turn can reduce the vibrations that cause snoring. And that’s a good thing for couples who value their relationship.

Bowden especially appreciated that Mute comes in several sizes. This provides a more custom fit, something you can’t get with some other snore-relief aids.

Discover your perfect fit with this Mute fit guide: Size Matters. Then jump over to the Buy Now page to start enjoying a better night’s sleep.

*results may vary (n=236, 2014)