How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Relationships?

Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea. It’s a common sleep disorder that affects people of all ages, causing symptoms like loud snoring, irritability, disrupted sleep, and more. Although sleep apnea is frustrating enough on its own, it can also negatively impact your relationship with your partner. Luckily, there are many steps you can take to minimize these issues. Continue reading to learn about the effects this disorder can have on couples.

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Relationships?

Are you in a romantic relationship and suffer from sleep apnea? Unfortunately, it’s likely your partner is affected by the disorder as well. Let’s take a closer look at a few ways sleep apnea can impact relationships.

Lack of Sleep

If you share a bed with your partner, the noise from your snoring or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep. Additionally, the tossing, turning, thrashing, and even kicking that occurs with sleep apnea can disturb your partner’s quality of sleep as well.

Sleeping Separately

Did you know that sleeping with your partner has many health benefits? Research shows that it can decrease stress hormones, increase the amount of oxytocin released, give you more warmth while you sleep, and lower blood pressure. Unfortunately, the nightly disturbances that occur from sleep apnea can force couples to sleep in separate rooms.

Less Intimacy

Men are two or three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women – and it can affect their intimacy. One common side effect men might experience is erectile dysfunction, which can make physical intimacy with a partner difficult or impossible. And the lack of intimacy can affect a relationship more than just keeping a partner awake.

What Can Be Done to Treat Sleep Apnea?

Lucky for you, there’s a much more convenient and comfortable way to treat sleep apnea without the use of a CPAP machine. With a custom oral appliance, you can receive the treatment you need without having to worry about it affecting your relationship. Your sleep dentist can provide you with a quiet, portable, mouth-guard-style appliance that gently shifts your jaw forward while sleeping to prevent the obstruction of your airway.

If you’re not convinced, here are some additional benefits of using an oral appliance:

• It’s much easier to clean and maintain.
• Better to travel with.
• Much more attractive than wearing a mask.

Sleep apnea doesn’t have to take a toll on your relationship. With the help of your dentist, you and your partner can enjoy a good night’s sleep once again!

About the Practice

At Covington Sleep Center, we’ll help you treat sleep apnea in the most effective, comfortable, and convenient ways. If you’re struggling to sleep soundly through the night, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’ll do everything possible to help you obtain the rest and repair you need. To learn more about our oral appliances, visit our website or call (770) 710-5268.