Sleep Apnea: Hurting Your Sleep & Your Love Life
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes intermittent pauses in your breath due to the airway being obstructed while you’re asleep. Sleep apnea can have seriously negative effects on your health, but did you know it may also be putting your love life at risk?
Bedfellows who have to endure their partner’s snoring and gasping night after night may feel less inclined to continue a relationship with their partner. More often than not, a partner who has to endure the symptoms of sleep apnea from a bedfellow will suffer the same health consequences due to interrupted sleep.
If your snoring is denying you and/or your partner a proper night’s rest, your relationship could be in danger. For the sake of your relationship, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as your symptoms have been identified.
Our sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Sheila Birth, can offer therapy and alternative solutions to help you overcome the struggles of obstructive sleep apnea and limit associated health risks. With proper treatment from a professional, you can start your journey to more comfortable, restful bedtime habits with your partner.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea & Their Effect On Your Relationship
Some symptoms of sleep apnea can be mild and treated with lifestyle changes, however, it’s the major symptoms that can wreak havoc on your love life and require prompt medical intervention to correct.
Major symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Restless sleep
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Decreased Libido
- Dry mouth or a sore throat
- Daytime sleepiness
- Personality changes
All of these symptoms can negatively affect both you and your partner’s mental and physical health, making a healthy relationship harder to maintain.
Differences in Sleep Apnea Response Between Men and Women
Men with obstructive sleep apnea commonly report low libidos, usually associated with lowered testosterone levels caused by OSA. Women with sleep apnea often report mood swings and hormonal changes when a good night’s sleep is missing. Regardless of how symptoms manifest, sleep apnea can make spending time with your partner an ordeal instead of a joy.
Coping With Sleep Apnea
Once either you or your partner display possible symptoms of sleep apnea, you’re both likely to respond in different ways and may develop elaborate habits to try and ensure you both sleep at night. These habits may include:
- Sleeping in different beds
- Sleeping in different homes
- Having the non-snorer wear earplugs or noise canceling headphones
- Nasal strips
- Allergy Medications
- Sleeping on your side
Depending on the situation, these ideas may or may not work. This is why it’s vital to see a specialist like Dr. Birth who can properly diagnose the underlying issues and prescribe effective treatment and therapies.
Effective Solutions To Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Snoring
To prevent couples turning into estranged bedfellows, the team at Birth and Fletcher Orthodontics offer sleep therapy to solve sleep-loss related issues. When insomnia has become a dividing factor in your relationship, pursuing treatment is the proper next step. Contact our office in Fort Worth, TX by dialing (817) 502-9103 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Birth. With one visit, one consultation, and a willingness from both bed partners, it’s completely possible to restore a good night’s sleep and rejuvenate overall health and happiness for each person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea affect hormones?
If sleep apnea is left untreated for even a few days, it can increase blood sugar, fat levels, stress hormones, and blood pressure. This can lead to problems with your mental and physical health, as well as your relationship. If you have sleep apnea, seeking treatment will help prevent future health complications and improve your quality of life. Contact our Fort Worth office for more information on how Dr. Sheila Birth can help treat sleep apnea.
Can sleep apnea change your personality?
People with sleep apnea have a higher rate of depression and experience anxiety more often than people who don’t suffer from the condition. The more severe your sleep apnea is, the more likely you are to experience mood disorders. Sleep apnea is also associated with difficulty focusing, memory problems, poor decision-making, and stress.
How do rates of sleep apnea vary between men and women?
Studies suggest that obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men than women, although there is evidence to suggest that women are underdiagnosed due to differences in how their symptoms present. Regardless of what your symptoms look like, if you’re not well rested in the morning, contact a professional for a proper diagnosis. Call (817) 502-9103 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Birth.