06 Feb The Effect of Snoring and Sleep Apnea on Relationships
It’s no secret—it’s easy to lose sleep next to a loudly snoring partner.
At TMJ and Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we’re committed to helping you (and your partner) get a great night’s sleep. Read on to learn the effects of snoring and sleep apnea on relationships, and stick around for our expert sleep solutions.
Effects of Snoring and Sleep Apnea on Relationships
Snoring sounds minor, but it’s a common indication of sleep apnea that causes interrupted breathing during sleep and health risks. From fatigue and irritability to poor decision-making and work performance the next day, snores don’t only affect you. Snoring can also lead to health concerns for your partner as well.
When your snores cause your partner sleeplessness, it can alter how they feel about you and cause a gradual breakdown of the relationship.
It’s Not You—It’s Your Sleep Apnea
Your partner may be the first to bring up your snore, which could feel embarrassing. You aren’t trying to disturb your partner, though, so you might wonder: why are they so frustrated?
To understand their perspective, remember that lack of sleep can majorly affect a person’s cognitive abilities and become dangerous. Not only does it make a person irritable or short-tempered: But it can also lead to irrationality and a loss of sound judgment.
It can be hazardous if someone is exhausted and needs to drive the next day or works with mechanical equipment and power tools.
Why You Should NOT Ignore Your Snore
Sleep apnea’s characteristic pauses in breathing can negatively impact blood circulation.
Sleep apnea can increase blood pressure and, over time, may increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. In addition, snoring is tied to obesity, which brings additional health problems, from diabetes to heart disease.
Sleep Solutions for You and Your Partner
Fortunately, there are solutions out there that can improve your relationship and your and your partner’s sleep health.
Start with simple techniques, such as:
- Changing your sleeping position,
- Adopting better sleep routines, rituals, and timings
- Avoiding alcohol
Developing healthier lifestyle habits like these can significantly improve the effects of snoring and sleep apnea on relationships.
Allergy-Friendly Bedroom
Allergens can also exacerbate the problem, so try to keep your bedroom and sleep environment dust-free. Start by washing your pillows and the rest of your bedding at least once a week.
Weight Loss
Trying to lose a few excess pounds can significantly improve snoring because the extra weight is often the root cause of the problem.
Snoring Aids
Snoring aids, like nose strips from the drugstore, can effectively widen and hold the nasal passage open to improve airflow during sleep. Over-the-counter snoring aids don’t work for everyone; some people find them uncomfortable.
When to Seek Professional Help
Snoring can seriously impact a person’s most intimate relationships, and sometimes the best course of action is to seek professional advice.
In need of clinical solutions for your or your partner’s snoring? Our oral appliance therapy (OAT) can treat snoring as well as mild, moderate, and severe cases of sleep apnea. The oral appliance is an effective alternative to a CPAP machine.
Contact TMJ and Sleep Solutions of Alabama today to schedule a consultation—we’ll help you get back to your best night’s sleep.