After a long day, there’s nothing quite like getting cozy in bed next to your partner. Research suggests that sleeping beside someone can lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. However, if you snore, you might end up on the couch! Snoring is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea that, unfortunately, can disrupt sleep and strain relationships. Continue reading to learn how sleep apnea affects relationships and how a dentist can help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, with interruptions lasting 10 seconds or longer and occurring dozens or even hundreds of times each night. About 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea annually, with the most common type being obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Gasping for breath during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Depression or anxiety
How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Relationships?
Sleep apnea can negatively affect relationships in several ways. For instance, lack of quality sleep can make you irritable, leading to conflicts with coworkers or loved ones. This irritability can hurt feelings and cause trouble at work.
As mentioned earlier, snoring is a prevalent symptom of sleep apnea. Many patients seek treatment because their partners can no longer tolerate the noise, leading to separate sleeping arrangements. This can strain intimacy and connection. Additionally, men with sleep apnea may experience erectile dysfunction, which can hinder romantic relationships.
Overcoming Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms:
- Limiting caffeine
- Quitting smoking
- Diet and exercise
- Avoiding alcohol
- Avoiding sleeping pills
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, it’s time to consult a professional. An experienced sleep dentist can create a customized treatment plan to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. You may benefit from oral appliance therapy, CPAP therapy, or a combination of both.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Frisco, our team of board-certified sleep specialists brings extensive experience and top-notch credentials to address even the most challenging cases. If you’re seeking effective sleep apnea treatment, we’re here to assist you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (469) 334-2635.