Living with sleep apnea in Lakeway is rough on your body. You find yourself feeling exhausted all throughout the day no matter how early you go to bed, and you’re likely to become irritated or depressed more easily. Unfortunately, you’re likely not the only victim; your partner is also probably suffering as a result of your sleep disorder, and that could have severe implications for your relationship. Below, you’ll discover how sleep apnea affects both you and your partner, and why stopping your disorder could be more important than you realize.
Sleep apnea prevents you from getting a full night’s rest. Whenever the airway is blocked, your brain forces you awake for air, stopping you from reaching the deepest stages of sleep. With the sleep cycle incomplete, your mind and body won’t be able to fully recover from the previous day’s activities, leading to fatigue and mental stress. Over time, sleep apnea can also contribute to heightened blood pressure, heart problems, liver problems, and a weaker immune system. The longer your sleep disorder goes untreated, the more likely you are to develop potentially deadly health problems.
While snoring isn’t always a sign of sleep apnea, it is one of the most common symptoms for the disorder. Worse yet, the snoring caused by sleep apnea tends to be much louder than normal. As such, your partner may find themselves unable to fall asleep with all the noise. They may even be forced to sleep in a guest room or on the couch. The quality of their own rest will likely suffer as well, which means you’ll both be sleep-deprived and irritable in the morning – a recipe for disaster in any relationship.
If you’re a man, then your sleep apnea could also make intimacy difficult. One of the many side effects of sleep disordered breathing is erectile dysfunction, which can lead to a lack of physical intimacy that can also take its toll on your relationship over time.
You need to seek help as soon as possible. Your primary care physician can help you have your disorder diagnosed, and your dentist in Lakeway can point you towards a suitable form of treatment, such as an oral appliance. It’s best to start treatment as soon as possible, so start researching sleep apnea solutions if your partner tells you that you snore or if you notice other signs of poor-quality sleep.
As dangerous as sleep apnea is, it can be fought. Don’t let it continue to harm your body and your relationships with the people who matter most; seize the opportunity to improve the quality of your sleep right away.
Dr. Winston Eaddy graduated from the College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina in 1973. In the past, he has served as an Assistant Professor of Periodontics, and he specialized in periodontics and implant dentistry until 1999. Today, he offers general dental care for a variety of oral health issues, including obstructive sleep apnea. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (512) 263-4252.
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