In the book Two in a Bed: The Social System of Couple Bed Sharing, author Paul C. Rosenblatt found that couples described sharing a bed as extremely important to their relationship. It makes sense for reasons besides just the obvious. For many busy couples, the time in bed before falling asleep is when they check in with each other, catch up, discuss issues, and make important decisions.

Snoring can be a huge problem in a relationship, stealing sleep from both the snorer and non-snorer and driving a wedge between the couple. Snoring creates resentment, both on the part of the non-snorer who must endure the cacophony of sound that keeps them awake at night and the snorer who feels they are being punished for something they can’t help. It isn’t uncommon for spouses to even resort to sleeping in different rooms when snoring becomes a factor. Sleeping in separate rooms deprives couples of shared time together and intimacy.

All because of snoring! So where does the dentist come into the picture? Oral appliance therapy (OAT) can be a good option for snorers. It is also a popular alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which many people find cumbersome and uncomfortable. A custom built OAT helps push the lower jaw forward, allowing for an unobstructed airway. Even this small change can moderate or prevent snoring (and can also help with sleep apnea). When couples can get a good night’s rest together, they’ll have a stronger, happier marriage.

Who knew that a dentist could be a great relationship counselor? If you are interested in partnering with a dental lab so that you can offer OAT to your snoring and sleep apnea patients, contact Space Maintainers Laboratories.