By Olivia Arezzolo, Australia’s Leading Sleep Expert
Let’s talk about something that affects over 40% of Aussie adults… snoring.
You might think it’s just a bit of a nighttime nuisance—or something your partner playfully ribs you about in the morning—but the truth is, snoring could be costing you far more than a good night’s sleep.
As a sleep expert, I hear it all the time: “It’s just snoring, I’ve always done it.” But let me be real with you: chronic snoring is often a red flag for disrupted sleep, reduced oxygen intake, and in some cases, even underlying health conditions like sleep apnoea.
So… what’s snoring really costing you?
1. Quality Sleep – Gone.
When you snore, it often means your breathing is partially obstructed. This causes fragmented sleep, even if you’re not fully waking up. Your body is jolting out of deep, restorative sleep stages—the ones that repair your muscles, reset your hormones, and restore your brain function.
If you feel foggy, cranky or flatlined with energy during the day… this might be why.
Snorers often miss out on slow-wave sleep and REM sleep, which are critical for memory, mood regulation and cellular repair. And no, more coffee won’t fix that.
2. Your Partner’s Sleep – Ruined.
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: your snoring isn’t just affecting you. It’s affecting your partner too.
A recent study found that bed partners of snorers lose an average of one hour of sleep per night. That’s seven hours a week—or 365 hours a year. That’s equivalent to almost two full weeks of lost sleep annually. Ouch.
And sleep-deprived partners often become resentful partners… which brings me to the next point.
3. Relationship Strain – Real.
If you or your partner are consistently losing sleep because of snoring, tensions can run high. One survey showed that 24% of couples sleep in separate rooms due to snoring.
I’ve worked with many clients who say their relationship has suffered—more arguments, less intimacy, and a general sense of disconnection—all because one person’s snoring is ruining both people’s rest.
Fixing the snoring doesn’t just restore sleep. It can seriously restore peace and closeness, too.
4. Daytime Performance – Tanked.
Lack of restorative sleep affects your mental sharpness, mood, and focus.
You might notice you’re slower at work. Or more forgetful. Or a little less patient with your kids. That’s no coincidence. Chronic sleep disruption from snoring can increase daytime sleepiness, irritability, and even your risk of car accidents due to slowed reaction time.
Think of snoring as a silent performance killer—it’s sneaky, but the effects show up everywhere.
5. Long-Term Health – At Risk.
This one’s big.
Snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even type 2 diabetes.
Even if you don’t have full-blown sleep apnoea, regular snoring puts strain on your cardiovascular system and increases inflammation throughout the body. That means long-term damage is possible—quietly building up, night after night.
So… What Can You Do?
Start with awareness. If you’re not sure how bad your snoring is, ask your partner—or use a sleep tracking device or audio app.
Next, consider supportive solutions—like HappySleep’s Anti-Snoring Device. Comfortable, discreet and science-backed, it can help reposition your jaw and reduce airway blockage, letting you breathe—and sleep—more freely.
And of course, talk to a professional (hi, that’s me!) if snoring is persistent. You deserve better sleep. So does your partner. And yes—it can be fixed.
Bottom line?
Snoring is not “just snoring”. It’s a signal. One that could be costing you your sleep, your energy, your health—and even your relationships.
Snoring is not “just snoring”. It’s a signal. One that could be costing you your sleep, your energy, your health—and even your relationships.
The good news? You can do something about it. Start today.
