When it comes to sleep, it’s something that many people want to get plenty of. Nothing may feel as good as waking up well-rested and ready to tackle the day ahead. However, if you have a sleep condition, then it may be harder to get through the night undisturbed. This can impact your overall health, as well as your social, professional, and romantic life. Keep reading to learn how sleep apnea can strain your relationships.
Does Sleep Apnea Strain Intimate Relationships?
If you snore throughout the night, it’s a common sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition is when the muscles in your throat relax and cause you to stop breathing for several seconds multiple times an hour. This noisy rest is often loud and frequent. It can keep your loved one up, making them more tired or irritable during the day.
The same may be a reality for you if you have sleep apnea. You may find that you are in a bad mood or drowsy during the day. This can put a strain on your relationship as your partner may be tempted to go to bed in a separate room.
OSA can even affect physical intimacy. Men who have it may be more prone to erectile dysfunction, while women with this condition may have a decreased libido.
Can OSA Weaken Friendships?
Aside from affecting your relationships at home, the effects of OSA can trickle out toward your friends. Since you may be more exhausted day-to-day, you might be less prone to socializing. Not only that, but this condition is associated with mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression. You may find yourself breaking away from your friends, potentially damaging your connection with them.
How OSA Affects Your Work Life
Your tiredness may make it harder for you to do well at work. You may fall behind or be a little less efficient, which can cause your coworkers to be concerned about what you bring to the team’s success.
What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea?
To help ensure that the relationships in your life stay healthy, it’s important to address sleep problems right away. If you think you have OSA, then going to a licensed sleep doctor can help determine if you have this condition. Once you receive a diagnosis, your dentist can help get you fitted with a custom oral appliance to keep your airways open during the night. This will help prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea and help you get the needed rest you deserve to support your own health and social life.
About the Practice
At Healthy Sleep Tulsa, you benefit from an experienced team of dental sleep specialists. We have over 30 years of experience helping our patients get restful nights. With a sleep apnea diagnosis, we work toward finding the right solution to fix it, whether that’s with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. If you think you have OSA, schedule an appointment or call our office at (918) 300-4325.