Sleep Apnea & Relationships: The Toll it Takes
Sleep apnea is more than just a medical condition—it’s something that can impact every part of life, including relationships. This sleep disorder, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night, affects both the person who has it and their partner. From sleepless nights to emotional strain, sleep apnea can place unique challenges on couples. Understanding its effects and finding solutions can help restore harmony at home and health for both partners.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Partners
Disrupted Sleep from Snoring
One of the most noticeable signs of obstructive sleep apnea is loud, chronic snoring. For many couples, this becomes a nightly battle. Partners may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and even sleeping in separate rooms. Over time, this lack of rest can create tension in the relationship.
Increased Stress and Worry
Witnessing a loved one stop breathing during the night can be frightening. Many partners report anxiety from watching pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking sounds. Concern for their partner’s health can lead to stress and even resentment if the condition goes untreated.
Daytime Fatigue and Mood Changes
Sleep apnea often leaves both partners exhausted—one from struggling to breathe through the night and the other from disrupted sleep. Daytime fatigue can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and less patience in the relationship. In some cases, it may also affect intimacy, as low energy and frustration take a toll.
The Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment
The good news is that treating sleep apnea not only improves health but can also strengthen relationships. Common treatments include:
- CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure), which helps keep airways open.
- Oral appliances that reposition the jaw to improve airflow.
- Lifestyle changes like weight loss, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking.
Couples who address sleep apnea together often find relief not only in better sleep but also in renewed closeness. Many partners notice improvements in mood, energy, and overall quality of life once treatment begins.
Strengthening Relationships Through Support
Dealing with sleep apnea is not just about medical treatment—it’s about teamwork. Here are a few ways couples can support each other:
- Encourage testing and treatment: Many people delay seeking help, but gentle encouragement from a partner can make a big difference.
- Be patient with adjustments: Adapting to CPAP machines or oral devices takes time. Support and understanding go a long way.
- Focus on shared health goals: Exercising, eating well, and improving sleep routines together can benefit both partners.
- Communicate openly: Talking about frustrations and challenges helps prevent resentment and strengthens emotional connection.
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the person who has it—it can strain relationships through disrupted sleep, stress, and fatigue. But with proper diagnosis, treatment, and mutual support, couples can overcome these challenges together. In fact, many find their relationship grows stronger once both partners are finally getting the restful sleep they deserve.
About the Author
As a fellow sufferer of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Jonathan Held knows firsthand what a massive difference restful sleep can have on a person. He earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha and has since dedicated his career to treating sleep apnea, taking over 800 hours of continuing education almost entirely focused on the field of sleep medicine. He still trains rigorously through his memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you or a loved one suffer from restless nights due to sleep apnea, don’t delay – schedule your appointment online or call one of our offices located in the Sedona, Flagstaff, and Kingman areas.