Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can significantly impact your partner’s health and your quality of sleep. If your partner’s loud snoring keeps you up at night, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. If your partner’s snoring disrupts your sleep, seeking a professional diagnosis is crucial, as untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health problems.
Understanding obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting millions of Americans. This condition causes repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night, which can occur hundreds of times. These interruptions are usually due to a complete or partial blockage of the airway, forcing the diaphragm and chest muscles to work harder to reopen the airway. When breathing resumes, it is often accompanied by a loud gasp or a body jerk.
Chronic OSA prevents your partner from achieving restful sleep, reduces oxygen flow to vital organs, and can lead to heart rhythm disturbances. 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
Often, the person with OSA is unaware of their condition, but their partner can observe the signs. Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Sudden awakenings with choking or gasping for air
- Morning dry mouth and headaches
- Daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning dizziness
One telltale sign is a period of silence following deep snoring, then a sudden choking or gasping sound. This pattern can leave both partners feeling unrested and tired throughout the day.
What are the health impacts of OSA?
Sleep apnea can severely affect health and well-being. Daytime sleepiness can lead to car accidents, and impaired concentration can impact job performance. More critically, OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to experience heart attacks due to oxygen deprivation, and conditions like stroke and atrial fibrillation are also linked to OSA.
Being overweight is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea, and the condition itself makes weight loss more challenging. Memory problems, known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and depression are additional complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Leaving sleep apnea undiagnosed and untreated can be dangerous. Notably, many celebrities, including Reggie White, Jerry Garcia, Carrie Fisher, James Gandolfini, and John Candy, have died from complications related to sleep apnea.
Taking action for better health
If you suspect your partner has sleep apnea, it’s essential to discuss it with them. For the sake of both their health and your well-being, consider seeking professional help. A thorough sleep study and evaluation can diagnose OSA, and effective treatment can alleviate many of the associated physical and emotional issues.
Find an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist near you for an evaluation. Once treated, many patients experience significant improvements in their quality of life and overall health.
