Is your spouse or partner complaining that your snoring is keeping them awake at night? Have they started sleeping in another room or become noticeably grouchier as a result of your sleeping arrangements? Sleep apnea could be at fault.
Snoring is just one of the many signs of sleep apnea, but the good news is that effective interventions are available to eliminate this symptom and restore your relationship – and your health. If your partner has brought snoring to your attention, get an evaluation, and explore sleep apnea treatment options.
How Sleep Apnea (And Some Treatment Options) Can Interfere with Your Relationship
When two spouses or partners share a bed, and one of them has sleep apnea, it can significantly impact the other’s sleep and, ultimately, quality of life. Your partner may experience:
- Disrupted sleep due to loud snoring
- Disrupted sleep due to the sound of the CPAP device
- Multiple consequences of disrupted sleep, including irritability, physical health problems, and low energy levels, to name a few
Keep in mind that your partner isn’t the only one who is suffering as a result of your sleep apnea. You may notice that you still wake up tired, even after getting a full night of sleep. You can experience mood changes or attention difficulties. Sleep apnea is even associated with severe health problems.
Therefore, it’s well worth your time to consult with a sleep apnea dentist like Dr. George to explore interventions that will help eliminate sleep apnea symptoms and the condition’s long-term effects.
A Sleep Apnea Solution that won’t Intrude on your Relationship
As noted above, some sleep apnea treatment options – namely, the CPAP device – require noisy equipment that can also keep your spouse awake unnecessarily. However, though the “gold standard”, the CPAP is not the only effective method for addressing sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy can work just as well.
With oral appliance therapy, the patient wears a custom-designed mouthguard that holds either the tongue or the jaw in a forward position while they sleep. This prevents the airway obstruction that causes the apneic episodes. Encouraging a better night’s sleep for both you and your partner.
In addition to giving your spouse or partner the opportunity to get restful sleep, other benefits of oral appliance therapy include improved:
- Comfort: The appliance fits entirely in the mouth, so the patient doesn’t need to wear an unwieldy mask.
- Convenience: Oral appliances do not require a power outlet, and they can be packed easily for travel.
- Compliance: Patients tend to use oral appliances for sleep apnea more consistently, making them more useful.
It can be so frustrating to wake up after eight hours of sleep and still feel tired. However, if this issue is a sign of sleep apnea, your health may be suffering in addition to your quality of life.
Fortunately, patients who have sleep apnea don’t have to endure perpetual fatigue. Oral appliance therapy can help you get the rest you need and give you back your energy.
