Can Sleep Apnea Harm Your Relationships?

If you’re not getting a good night’s rest because of your sleep apnea, you’re not the only one suffering from the condition. Besides lowering your quality of life, the sleep disorder can also affect the relationships you have with the people around you. Here’s how sleep apnea may be putting strain on your most important relationships. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the condition. It causes several interruptions in breathing throughout the night due to blockage in the upper airway. It’s caused by the soft tissues in the back of your mouth collapsing or your tongue falling backward. The pauses in breathing can make it almost impossible to feel well-rested despite sleeping the recommended 7 to 8 hours per night. Not to mention, it can increase your risk of several general health problems, like cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications. Unfortunately, the complications don’t stop there. Your relationship can also feel the weight of untreated sleep apnea.

How Does Sleep Apnea Hurt Relationships?

There are several ways sleep apnea can complicate your love life without the right treatment, like the effects of chronic snoring, which can drive a wedge between any couple. Unfortunately, snoring is the most common sign of sleep apnea. The loud vibrations can make your partner move to a different room to prevent losing sleep. With both you and them not feeling well-rested, it can lead to mood changes and irritability, which can increase the risk of short tempers and unnecessary bickering. Sleeping in separate rooms and the added stress can also kill the intimacy in your relationship.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

You can save your relationship and ensure everyone sleeps soundly with the right treatment. After a sleep study, you can visit a sleep dentist for a personalized plan. Traditionally, a CPAP machine is the most common method to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A steady stream of air pressure is delivered through a mask worn over the nose or mouth to prevent interruptions in breathing. Although it’s effective, it can be bothersome.

As an alternative to a CPAP, many patients are choosing oral appliance therapy. The small, custom-fit device moves your lower jaw forward and holds your tongue in place to prevent the airway from being blocked. An oral appliance is a simple solution to treat mild-to-moderate forms of sleep apnea, so you can breathe better and feel refreshed in the morning.

Improve Your Relationship

If your relationship is feeling the stress of sleep apnea, it’s time to invest in a happier future with sleep apnea therapy. Your sleep specialist will create the individualized solution you (and your partner) need.

About Dr. Robert Dernick

Dr. Dernick earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Branch at Houston in 1979. He continued his training to focus on treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorder breathing problems. If you suffer from chronic snoring or sleep apnea, he can help you get the relief you need. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.