How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Partner

A study from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that at least 25 million adults in the U.S. are afflicted by sleep apnea. This chronic disease comes with serious health implications. An often overlooked issue is the effect that this disease has on the partner of the afflicted.
25 million Americans may suffer from sleep apnea, but a near equal amount have to sleep beside a partner with sleep apnea.
People sharing a sleeping space with someone with sleep apnea are unlikely to be getting proper sleep. The snoring, gasping, choking, and periods of no breath can be extremely annoying. A partner’s sleep apnea can cause one to lose an hour or more of sleep each night. It is well known that chronic sleep deprivation comes with serious issues.
We’ve written this post to educate you on how sleep apnea affects your partner and encourage you to consider sleep apnea treatment.

Relationship Issues

The everyday struggles of life will test even the strongest relationships. But those who suffer from sleep apnea have an extra strain on their relationships. Most married couples expect to share a bed for the rest of their life. Leaving the room just so one partner can get a decent night’s sleep is not an ideal solution.
Interrupted sleep can also lead to anxiety, fatigue, and irritability issues that will affect the quality of the relationship. Partners are not themselves when suffering from these issues. Small arguments can escalate because neither partner feels well. The partner with sleep apnea refusing to address the problem can lead to even greater frustration.
Increased fatigue also interrupts sexual relationships. Studies show fatigued partners report a negatively affected sex life. Partners who sleep in different rooms are sometimes referred to as sleep divorced. This is a slippery slope that can seriously damage a relationship.

Quality of Life

The effects of sleep deprivation are well documented and not pleasant. The partner of a loud snorer can experience hearing loss over time. Studies show the partner of someone with sleep apnea will be at a higher risk of developing depression. The negativity associated with the issue drives many couples apart, furthering anxiety and depression.

Call Art of Modern Dentistry Today

There are sleep apnea treatment options to combat your or your partner’s sleep apnea. Art of Modern Dentistry has extensive experience in sleep apnea treatments. Call our Lincoln Park Office today at (773) 935-3600 or call our South Loop Michigan Avenue office at (312) 922-1898.