How to Approach Your Partner about Sleep Apnea
Posted by Paisley Hansen on Sep 20 2019 71500 AM
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that in certain cases has caused death Different levels of this disorder involve the brain lungs and throat all of which are part of how you breathe or dont breathe while sleeping
Types of Apnea
There are three common types of apnea There is obstructive apnea where your airway becomes blocked or narrowed as you sleep and you breathe harder making deep snoring sounds Obstructive apnea is the most common type
There is central apnea where the airway is open and free but the brain does not give the respiratory muscles the right to breathe normally Central apnea is more associated with medical conditions that affect the brain The other sleep apnea condition is a combination of both
Symptoms
The symptoms of this sleeping malady include the following
dry mouth upon awakening
gasping for air during sleep
headaches
hypersomnia
insomnia
Irritability
loud snoring
mental fogginess
Youre Not Alone
The more common symptom is snoring There are more than 22 million Americans who suffer from this disease As a sleeping malady you are not alone Many celebrities have openly admitted that they suffer from this sleeping disorder to help others Shaquille ONeal William Shatner Rosie ODonnell and Brett Favre just to name a few
Celebrities have admitted to this supposedly embarrassing disease so that people can receive help to remain healthy and alive There are many individuals who do not admit that they have a snoring issue or they have not been told by their loved ones just as if it were a taboo disorder
Health Side Effects
This hidden sleeping disease is suffered by not only the person with this disease but also by their bed partner Unfortunately this disruptive sleeping disorder has caused many couples to sleep in different rooms mainly due to the intense snoring sounds
This sleep related disease can cause illnesses like heart disease diabetes and stroke If you know that your loved one suffers from sleep apnea encourage them to see a doctor There are several treatments that can help give them a better nights sleep and better overall health
Should I Say Something How
How do you approach your loved ones about this life endangering disease Here are a few examples that will make it easier for you
1 Support
It is commonly known that sleeping partners do not sleep well because their partner snores loudly each night When you approach him or her with the news that they snore abusively be supportive Let your loved one know that snoring is a common disorder and it is not their fault
Sleep apnea has several sources like obesity smoking poor nutritional health lack of nutritional minerals in the body neck circumference airway dysfunction aging or heredity Snoring occurs in children men and women
It has a reputation of occurring largely in the male population Men dont like to admit that they have a problematic snoring habit They will probably say that yes they may snore but that you are blowing it out of proportion This is a good time to tiptoe around apnea sleeping problems so that no feelings get hurt Whatever the cause your loved one needs to see a doctor
2 Record
Making a video or a recording is a great conclusive evidence You will find that not everyone takes hearing the news that they have this sleeping disorder in a friendly manner
Taking a video or audio recording is one of the best methods to prove your snoring argument Also save the video or recording because your doctor will also find it helpful in properly diagnosing the type of apnea your loved one has
As an addendum to keep arguments from forming please choose the right time to talk about snoring Do not mention it just as you both are going to bed nor if you are already in bed
These times affect people personally and they see it as an affront You will never get through to your partner like that Wait for a time when everyone is relaxed to bring it up nicely and with concern
3 Ask Family and Friends
Some diseases can carry the title of being rare However sleep apnea is not one of them There are at least 1 or 2 friends or family members who also have this common sleep related disorder
Ask people you know about their experience with apnea and find out how they have dealt with its existence and if they have sought relief
If they are familiar with the disorder and found help bring your sleeping partner together with them and openly communicate about it
4 Each One Teach One
The more you know about a topic the better your communication will be with your bed partner in their acceptance of snoring discussions Please note that snoring is not the only symptom of apnea while sleeping Your loved ones overall health is at stake and snoring can be identified as a sign of other problems
Even though snoring is not a deadly symptom you can talk to your partner about the other problems associated with this apnea Talk about your concerns for their health and how important it is that they seek help Let them know that you are willing to walk a mile in their shoes noting that they are not alone
Research this topic for yourself and become familiar with the help that someone who snores can receive ie CPAP devices attending a sleep center and mouthpieces There are also certain medications that help stimulate breathing
A new FDA therapy has been introduced called phrenic nerve stimulation that is implanted to send signals to the throat to control your breathing If your snoring is related to a defect in the thoracic system then there is a minor surgical procedure to help correct it
Also remember that snoring can be related to something as simple as a throat problem that can be corrected with minimal surgery or a dietary problem that can be eliminated by changing your diet
Sleep Health End Note
Ensure your partner that seeking a snoring solution helps both of you Snoring is a health indicator that they need to be examined to make sure that they dont have any hidden health issues
The tips above can help to make a snoring conversation easier for both of you without people getting their feelings hurt Remember to be empathetic informed patient and affectionate in your conversation about sleep apnea
For more watch Alaska Sleep Clinic on Moms Everyday discussing tips on how to talk to your partner about sleep apnea
