Many of the worst side effects of sleep apnea are very subtle, such as an increased risk of heart disease or a weakened immune system. However, one of the most common symptoms of this disorder is also one of the most obvious: loud snoring that can keep the people around you awake at night. This particular symptom may not directly harm your body, but it could cause your marriage to suffer. Read on to learn more about the strain sleep apnea can put on your relationships – and why getting treatment right away could be even more important than you think!
Why Does Sleep Apnea Cause Snoring?
When the tissues in your throat relax, they can partially block your airway and vibrate as you breathe in and out. This is what causes the sound of snoring. It’s often linked to sleep apnea because the disorder itself usually occurs due to some sort of airway obstruction. The main difference between sleep apnea and regular snoring, of course, is that sleep apnea repeatedly causes you to stop breathing altogether, forcing you to wake up for air several times during the night (even if you don’t necessarily realize it).
What are the Consequences of Loud Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
The snoring caused by sleep apnea is often especially loud, and that can make it difficult for anyone else nearby to fall asleep. As a result, your partner will lose out on a significant amount of rest, and they’ll most likely be somewhat frustrated and tired throughout the day. Naturally, this can put a strain on your marriage if the problem persists for too long.
Of course, it’s not just your spouse that will be suffering. Because sleep apnea often disrupts the sleep cycle, you won’t get much quality rest yourself, and the lack of sleep can leave you with a feeling of drowsiness throughout the day. There’s even a chance you could fall asleep at work or while driving. Furthermore, the disorder has been linked to a number of potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, obesity, and stroke; these risks become much greater the longer you go without seeking treatment.
What Should You Do About Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
If you have been told that you snore, the first step is to undergo a sleep study in order to determine whether or not the noise is linked to sleep apnea. If it is, you can ask a sleep dentist about different types of treatment you might consider. In many cases, you’ll likely receive a special oral appliance that helps keep the airways open by repositioning your mouth.
Ignoring or denying a snoring problem can irrevocably damage your relationships as well as your overall health. Don’t make this mistake; act quickly if you’ve heard complaints about your snoring or if you think you have a disorder like sleep apnea.
About the Author
Dr. Mitch Conditt has suffered from obstructive sleep apnea him self in the past and knows firsthand the impact it can have on a person’s everyday life and relationships. That is why he decided to help other patients with this condition through sleep dentistry. If you are concerned about your snoring or think you might have a sleep disorder, get in touch with Dr. Conditt’s Fort Worth practice through his website or by calling (817) 527-8500.