We live in a society that often dismisses sleep problems as a normal albeit annoying part of everyday life. However, a chronic lack of high-quality rest is much more than an annoyance. It can adversely affect every part of an individual’s existence, including their health, their daily quality of life, and even their relationships with others. This blog post delves further into how sleep apnea in Fort Worth can make it challenging to maintain healthy and peaceful relations with an intimate partner, friends, and coworkers.
Sleep Apnea and Intimate Relationships
One of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is loud, frequent snoring. The noise you make at night may disturb your partner’s sleep. As a result, they may be tired and irritable during the day. Since sleep apnea sufferers often suffer from the same issues, there may be tension coming from both sides of the relationship. Another possibility is that a non-snoring partner may choose to sleep in a different room.
Snoring is not the only way in which OSA can negatively affect intimate relationships; it may also impact your sex life. One review of scientific studies found that the prevalence of severe OSA with erectile dysfunction was 73%. Women with OSA are likely to notice a drop in their libido.
Sleep Apnea and Friendships
Sadly, the potential effects of OSA on relationships expand beyond intimate relationships. OSA causes exhaustion, which means that its sufferers often struggle to get through necessary everyday tasks, such as work and household chores. They may have no energy on the evenings or weekends to spend with their friends.
Additionally, OSA is often associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. These disorders may cause individuals to become withdrawn, leading them to decline social invitations and be less likely to stay in touch with the people who care about them.
Sleep Apnea and Professional Relationships
OSA may make it difficult for you to concentrate, and it can have a negative impact on work performance. Such issues may give rise to concern among coworkers and affect how you are able to contribute to your team’s success.
What You Can Do
Healthy relationships are a key part of overall wellness, so you should certainly do what you can to address sleep problems and enjoy happier interactions with others. An important first step is to undergo sleep testing if you have not yet been diagnosed with OSA. After you get your results, you can explore treatment options. Many people find that a small oral appliance from a dentist is the most convenient way to get the rest they need.
OSA can put a strain on your relationships. Fortunately, treatments are available that can improve the quality of your sleep and help you enjoy a happier social life.
Meet the Practice
As someone who has struggled with OSA himself, Dr. Mitch Conditt is empathetic to the struggles that his patients face when they are striving to improve their sleep. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, he is well-qualified to help patients rest easier via oral appliance therapy. To learn more about him and how he may be able to serve you, contact our office at 817-527-8500.