The Strain of Sleep Apnea on Your Relationship
Living with obstructive sleep apnea is stressful, and oftentimes, you’re not the only one feeling the effects. Imagine you’re awakened at night because your breathing has spontaneously stopped breathing. You sit up, coughing and gasping for air for a moment until your breath returns to you. Your partner has also been woken abruptly to the sound of their loved one gasping in the middle of the night.
These experiences can cause anxiety and sleep issues for both you and your partner. In fact, studies show that couples argue more when they aren’t getting at least seven hours of sleep each night. This can lead to a lack of intimacy, emotional distance, resentment, and more.
While you may be unaware of it, it can be terrifying for your partner to lie awake and listen to you struggling to breathe. You might be surprised to learn that a dentist like Dr. Doneskey can help with sleep apnea and your relationship, but dentists are often the first step to getting proper treatment.
If you believe you or your partner are suffering from sleep apnea, call our Bellevue office at (425) 646-6409 to schedule a consultation with our sleep dentist today.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Partner?
Sleep apnea is often called “a disease of listeners” because it affects the person you share a bed with almost as much as you. While they may not suffer all of the chronic health conditions, there are separate conditions that can result from having a partner with sleep apnea.
The following sleep apnea symptoms can also impact your significant other:
Insomnia — Most sleep apnea patients don’t get adequate sleep. If you’re waking up several times throughout the night, you’re also waking up your partner. This causes fatigue, short tempers, forgetfulness, and resentment on both sides.
Restless Leg Syndrome — RLS is a tingling sensation that occurs at night, forcing you to move your legs. Unfortunately, it’s a common side effect of sleep apnea. This can be irritating for your bedmate since they may get kicked in their sleep.
Other chronic health issues — Interrupted sleep often leads to other health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions. Your partner is also more likely to get into an accident at work or behind the wheel due to excessive fatigue.
Does Sleep Apnea Affect Intimacy?
Sleep apnea patients sometimes lose interest in intimacy because they’re simply too fatigued for it. Your significant other may also be less interested in sex due to interrupted sleep. Sleeping in different bedrooms can also lessen the frequency of intimate connection.
Men with sleep apnea are also more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. However, research has shown that sleep apnea treatment can significantly improve erectile function.
Is Your Sleep Apnea Affecting You as a Partner?
Chronic sleep deprivation is an inevitable consequence of sleep apnea. It can lead to irritability, forgetfulness, stress, and a host of mental and physical health issues. That’s why most sleep apnea patients struggle to be fully present for their partners. This can result in your partner feeling neglected and unappreciated. This, along with an increase in arguments make both you and your partner feel unhappy in the relationship.
Treating Sleep Apnea Can Help Your Relationship
Treating sleep apnea can significantly improve your love life. Getting enough sleep will help you and your partner feel more energized. When your mind and body are feeling well, behavior soon follows. This leaves more room in the relationship for communication and intimacy.
At The Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center, our Bellevue sleep dentist offers personalized sleep apnea treatments. Dr. Donesky will help you get the care you need that not only improves your overall health, but also your relationships.