As the sunlight shines on your bed, you and your partner stir awake. What could be a sweet, romantic moment between you instantly turns sour when they complain yet again about your loud snoring throughout the night. Reluctantly, the two of you start another fatigue-filled day on a resentful note. In this instance and many others like it, sleep disordered breathing (e.g., sleep apnea) could be interfering with your relationship.
Relationships can be challenging enough without sleep apnea, so continue reading to learn why you should eliminate this problem and how addressing the condition can help.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is loud, consistent snoring. While it may not bother you directly—after all, you’re asleep while you snore—it can be irritating and challenging for your partner to get restful sleep. In fact, it is often a partner who strongly encourages a sleep apnea sufferer to seek treatment before they move to a different bedroom!
Rather than letting it drive you apart, you can literally be closer as a couple by addressing the underlying cause of your snoring.
Sleep Apnea and Physical Intimacy
Although not the most essential part of your closest relationship, physical intimacy is important in any romantic partnership. Unfortunately, those who suffer from sleep apnea often struggle with sexual performance, which can lead to a disappointing experience not only for you but also for your partner.
To keep the “magic” alive in your relationship, you shouldn’t ignore sleep apnea symptoms. By getting treatment, you can perform better and have more rewarding, satisfying sexual intimacy with the one you love.
Sleep Apnea and Mood and Mental Health
Being deprived of restful sleep takes a toll on you not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Depression and anxiety become more common with consistent fatigue. In addition, when you’re tired, it can be more difficult to regulate your mood, control anger and outbursts, and maintain a pleasant demeanor.
At first, mood swings and mental health issues may seem like individual issues, but that isn’t true. When you’re in a close relationship (romantic or otherwise), a bad mood can lead you to lose patience faster. What would normally be a negligible issue can balloon into a full-blown fight, damaging important relationships in your life.
On the other hand, when sleep apnea is treated, it becomes easier to keep your temper and emotions under control, leading to healthier conversations and more happy moments with those you love.
Sleep Apnea and Mental Function
Research suggests that sleep apnea can impair certain brain functions, namely memory and focus. How could this influence your relationship? If your partner asks you to run an errand or tells you about their day, and you’re unable to stay focused or remember, it can become incredibly frustrating and hurt their feelings, leading to discord.
Showing your partner (or family member) that you pay attention to and value what they say strengthens your bond, which makes sleep apnea treatment well worthwhile.
Instead of having more bitterness, resentment, or conflict in your most important relationships because of sleep apnea, take the time and effort to treat this condition so that you and those you love can enjoy time together and feel closer.
About the Author
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, Dr. Jeff Rodgers has more than 20 years of experience treating sleep apnea. He enjoys seeing the difference restful sleep makes for his patients and their partners. Although he does offer combined therapy, he focuses mainly on oral appliance treatment at his Dunwoody practice, Sleep Better Georgia. If you want to meet with Dr. Rodgers, contact his office online or call 404-252-1221.