Does your partner poke you in the sides at night because of your loud snoring? Although it may not bother you, it can drive a wedge in your relationship. Some couples end up sleeping in separate rooms. While you might see your snoring as only an annoyance, it can be a sign of a potentially deadly issue. Chronic snoring can indicate sleep apnea. Without any treatment, it can affect your health and personal relationships. Don’t lose sleep worrying about the future of your relationship. Your sleep dentist has the solutions you need to breathe easier, so everyone can get some rest.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Everyone snores occasionally, but if it is an ongoing problem, it can be caused by sleep apnea. The most common form of the condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), causes frequent interruptions in breathing from an obstruction in the upper airway. The soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat collapse, causing pauses in breathing.
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea because the narrowed airway causes loud vibrations when air passes over the tissues. You might wake with a sore throat or dry mouth, while your partner can wake agitated and fatigued from lack of sleep.
The strain on your relationship isn’t the only consequence of untreated sleep apnea. Your health can be affected, too. Besides an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep deprivation, and depression, you can develop sexual dysfunction.
Save Your Relationship with Sleep Apnea Therapy
Your partner doesn’t have to sleep in another room, and you don’t have to worry about straining your relationship with the right treatment. Traditionally, a CPAP machine is used to treat sleep apnea. A steady stream of air pressure is delivered through a mask worn over the mouth or nose to prevent pauses in breathing. Although it’s effective, it’s not the most attractive device. It can also be bothersome for both you and your partner because of the noise and vibrations. Thankfully, you’re not out of options.
As an alternative to a CPAP, you can breathe better using an oral appliance. The custom-fit device repositions your tongue and lower jaw to keep your airway open. It’s a discreet, effective method of treating mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Within the first week, you’ll notice an improvement in your symptoms to improve your sleep quality and your partner’s.
Strengthen Your Relationship
Any relationship can have challenges, but don’t let a treatable issue come between you and your loved one. Your sleep dentist can help you stop snoring and breathe better to protect your health and quality of life. You’ll both look forward to many happy years together.
About Dr. J. Peter St. Clair
Dr. St. Clair earned his dental degree from Tufts University before continuing his education in sleep medicine. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you’re ready to stop snoring or need an alternative to a CPAP, contact our office today to see if you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy.