Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can substantially affect your partner’s health and your quality of sleep. Your partner could have sleep apnea if their loud snoring is keeping you from a good night’s sleep. It is possible, however, to have sleep apnea without snoring and it’s also possible to snore without having sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can result in serious health issues, so if your sleep is being disrupted by your partner’s snoring, it’s crucial to get a professional diagnosis.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Millions of Americans experience the common sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When someone with sleep apnea attempts to sleep, their breathing is disrupted over and over again, maybe even hundreds of times. These interruptions are normally caused by a complete or partial blockage of the airway, forcing the diaphragm and chest muscles to work extra hard to reopen the airway. When breathing resumes, it is often accompanied by a loud gasp or a body jerk.
Heart rhythm disturbances and decrease of oxygen flow to vital organs can be outcomes of chronic OSA which can also prevent you and your partner from getting the rest needed to be healthy. While OSA is more common in individuals who are overweight and over 50, even children can develop this condition.
Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea
You will notice the symptoms of sleep apnea even while your partner is completely unaware of the condition. Here are a few common signs of sleep apnea:
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Morning dry mouth and headaches
- Sudden awakenings with choking or gasping for air
- Daytime exhaustion and excessive drowsiness
- Difficulty focusing
- Snoring loudly
- Morning dizziness
Deep snoring followed by a period of silence then sudden choking or gasping is a telltale sign. The result is often a feeling of being unrested for both partners.
What are the health impacts of OSA?
Health and well-being can be severely affected by sleep apnea. Daytime sleepiness can result in car accidents, and impaired focus can impact job performance. Diabetes and high blood pressure are even more significant health risks of OSA. OSA has also been associated with vascular conditions like heart attacks, stroke, and atrial fibrillation because of oxygen deprivation.
OSA makes weight loss more difficult and being overweight is a considerable OSA risk factor. Memory problems, known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and depression are additional complications linked to neglected sleep apnea.
Leaving sleep apnea undiagnosed and untreated can be hazardous. Numerous celebrities have died as a result of complications of sleep apnea, notably, James Gandolfini, Carie Fisher, Jerry Garcia, and Reggie White.
Taking action for improved health
If you think your partner has sleep apnea, it’s crucial to talk it over with them. For the sake of both, their health, and your well-being, consider finding professional help. A comprehensive sleep study and evaluation can diagnose OSA, and successful treatment can relieve many of the related physical and emotional issues.