A good night’s rest is a vital part of keeping your mind and body healthy. Getting enough sleep can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and lower your risk for serious health problems. Those who suffer with sleep apnea and excessive snoring are subject to losing imperative hours of sleep.
This burden not only affects the sufferer, but their partner’s sleep and well-being as well. It can have damaging effects on relationships, and lead to hostility among spouses or significant others.
In fact, snoring is the third largest reason for divorce, and sleep apnea has become a motivating force for separation. To prevent or amend relationship problems, seek professional care for your sleep apnea and snoring to help you and your partner sleep soundly.
Losing Sleep With Your Partner
Being woken up in the middle of the night by loud snoring or choking sounds can be frightening. These are complications associated with sleep apnea that can make your partner worried or irritable.
Nearly one in four couples end up sleeping in separate rooms because of profuse snoring. This can lead to negligence and resentment in the relationship. Lack of quality sleep can make both partners moody and cause them to feel aggrieved with each other.
Sleep apnea doesn’t have to get in the way of sleeping with your loved one. Sit down and talk to your partner about possible treatment options before it’s too late. Seeking treatment with the support of your partner will strengthen your relationship and ensure a better night’s sleep.
How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Intimacy
Intimacy between you and your partner can begin to crumble on account of sleep apnea episodes and excessive snoring. Lack of quality sleep can reduce your sex drive and can result in sexual dysfunction for both partners.
Unfortunately, men are likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction and often see a drop in their testosterone levels as well.
An important aspect of any relationship is intimacy, and without it, your connection is likely to fizzle out. This can be extremely discouraging, but luckily, there are solutions to help deal with sleep apnea symptoms and effects.
Ways to Tackle Sleep Disorders Together
- Talk to your partner about your problems and concerns to determine an effective solution that works for both of you.
- Take a sleep study to get to the root of your nighttime complications and show your partner that you want to address the issue.
- Discuss treatment options with your doctor so you and your partner can get a better night’s sleep and restore intimacy.
- Prioritize your overall well-being. Eliminate or reduce smoking and drinking habits, sleep on your side instead of your back, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Make changes in the bedroom by reducing light, removing distractions like your TV or computer, and playing quiet white sounds to help you sleep better.
- Seek solutions for right now and the future. Utilizing various treatments and remedies can relieve your symptoms now and in the long run.
- Make falling asleep fun for you and your partner. Talk about dreams, tell jokes to each other, and try cuddling to strengthen your affection.
- Always be patient and support one another. If you’re there for each other throughout the treatment, you’ll both feel happier and stronger in the relationship.
Discovering the Right Solution
Seeking a sleep study is the first step to properly diagnosing your sleep disorder and proceeding with an individualized treatment plan. Dr. Robinette will work personally with a board-certified sleep physician to determine the best course of action for you and your condition.
Sleep apnea is most commonly treated with a CPAP, though many patients complain that it’s loud and uncomfortable. The CPAP machine works to blow consistent air through your lungs to help open up your throat.
As an alternative option, Dr. Robinette offers oral appliances at his Spring Hill office. An oral appliance is a smaller, more comfortable option that works to gently shift your jaw forward. Our experienced team will go the extra mile to ensure you find an effective treatment that fits your personal needs.
If you have any questions, give our office a call at 931-486-0700 or simply schedule a consultation with Dr. Robinette to get started.