Sleep Apnea & Your Relationship in Reading, PA
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Contact UsDon't Let Sleep Apnea and Snoring Ruin Your Relationship
You may know that sleep apnea is detrimental to your mental and physical health. But did you know the same can be said for your bed partners and even the health of your relationships? According to a study conducted by the Sleep Disorders Center at Rush University Medical Center, sleep apnea and sleep disturbances increase the chance of divorce. Even if your partner isn’t considering leaving you over their lack of sleep, they’re suffering the effects of sleep deprivation just like you. This will most likely go on to damage the relationship regardless.
To protect your health, the health of your bed partners, and the health of your relationships, Dr. Stephen Sulzbach of The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center offers accurate diagnosis, sleep apnea treatment, and advice on how to get better sleep to Reading, New Morgan, and Kutztown, PA individuals. Learn more about the consequences sleep apnea and snoring can have on your relationship and how our Reading sleep expert can help.
Does Sleep Apnea Lead to A Lower Quality of Life and More Frequent Arguments?
Dr. Rosalind Cartwright of the Sleep Disorders Center found that snoring, tossing and turning, or otherwise causing disturbances during sleep drastically decreases sleep quality as well as quality of life and marriage satisfaction for one or both partners. Research from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center also found that lack of sleep contributes to stress and conflict between married couples.
That sleep deprivation causes conflict and dissatisfaction in a relationship should come as no surprise, considering sleep disorders like sleep apnea often cause irritability and mood swings. In the studies conducted by Rush University Medical Center, the wife of a man who suffered from sleep apnea was sleeping for only 73 percent of the night, compared to the 90 percent of an average healthy sleeper. That’s an almost 20 percent reduction in sleep efficiency. When you and/or your partner are too tired to effectively and compassionately communicate, there’s an increased chance that your relationship won’t last long.
What Is Sleep Divorce?
To combat the issue of disrupted or poor-quality sleep, your partner may take steps such as wearing earplugs and headphones while they sleep. They may also have you wear nasal strips or take allergy medication to try and control your sleep apnea symptoms. If these solutions are proven to be unsuccessful, your partner may take more extreme steps, such as sleeping in a different bed, a different room, or even a different house. This phenomenon is often referred to as sleep divorce.
For some couples, spending less time together at night may put a strain on the relationship and reduce intimacy, another leading factor in divorce and separation.
Will Sleep Apnea Cause A Lack of Intimacy?
Unfulfilled intimacy brought on by sleep deprivation also has the potential to hurt your relationship. A pilot study for the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who experienced sleep deprivation were significantly more likely to suffer from a decline in libido and sexual dysfunction. A separate study conducted by the same publication demonstrates that up to 70 percent of men who have sleep apnea also suffer from erectile dysfunction.
The cause of reduced sex drive in men may be caused by lower testosterone levels. In a study conducted for the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) network, testosterone levels were found to be at their highest when men sleep and they decline when men don’t get enough sleep. Fortunately, there’s hope. Receiving effective treatment for sleep apnea can control symptoms, improve the mental and physical health of both partners, and maybe even save the relationship.
The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania Reviews
Dr. Sulzbach helped me with my sleep apnea and snoring. My wife is so much happier now!
I have had the luck and the pleasure of seeing Dr. Salzbach on several occasions. An extremely knowledgeable and professional, who truly does care about his patients. He takes the time to explain options, procedures to you in a way that you've understand and is very up front. I would highly recommend anytime to anyone.
Dr. Sulzbach and Corrine Lambert were amazing in taking care of my sleep apnea needs. I can’t wait to see how much improvement there is with the new device.
I have sleep apnea and felt awful for years. Just constantly tired. I can't wear the cpap. I tried but I just hate the thing. Dr Steve made a dental appliance and I am sleeping through the night without even snoring for the first time in probably 20 years. He's really laid back but straight to the point.
I have been going to Dr. Steve for years. He is a competent and wonderful dentist. It is a shame what Harrisburg tried to do to him. I guess when they need a scape goat to further their agenda they don't care who they try to hurt in the process. Rest assured he is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to and goes beyond the standard of care!
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Can Effective Treatment Really Save Your Relationship?
In the study conducted by the Rush University Medical Center, the husband, who suffered from sleep apnea, underwent two weeks of treatment using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. After treatment, the wife’s quality of life improved almost five-fold. Her sleepiness scale, or how tired she felt the next day, fell by half, and her marital satisfaction score almost doubled.
Getting a sleep study and, if needed, seeking effective treatment can go a long way in saving and improving your relationship. A CPAP machine is not your only option. If you find a CPAP uncomfortable or if, for any other reason, you prefer not to use a CPAP, there are numerous CPAP alternatives available.
At our Reading, PA office, Dr. Sulzbach also offers custom-fitted snore guards that can help you and your loved one get a better night’s sleep in a more comfortable, less intrusive way than CPAP. To get your sleep quality back, we recommend that you schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis. Afterward, Dr. Sulzbach will then provide you with options to help alleviate your sleep disorder symptoms.
8 Tips for Couples with Sleep Disorders
- Communicate. If your marriage or relationship is facing intimacy problems or other tensions, talk about it. An open, honest conversation will help both of you find solutions.
- Have a sleep study done. Sleep disorders are not easy to diagnose and they are not always obvious. Get proof of the problem and talk to Dr. Sulzbach about having a sleep study conducted.
- Listen to your doctor. It’s okay to feel embarrassed about your sleep disorder and its consequences. It’s not an easy thing to experience. A doctor can help you find the right solution.
- Look after your general health. Sleep apnea is more prevalent in those who are overweight, consume drugs or alcohol, and who sleep on their back. Adopting new habits can go a long way in improving your life and that of your loved one.
- Make changes in the bedroom. There are a lot of factors that affect our sleep, including the environment we sleep in. Reduce the amount of light and noise in the bedroom. Do what it takes to maximize your chance of falling asleep.
- Look for both short- and long-term solutions. Your sleep disorder may be affecting your relationship right now. Long-term treatment can help improve your quality of life for a long time to come, and short-term solutions can help your relationship find immediate relief.
- Make sleep fun. Talk to your loved one before falling asleep. Talk about dreams and other topics, straying away from anything that might create tension. Cuddling also helps.
- Be patient and support your partner. A sleep disorder is not easy to live with for either partner. Support and validation are crucial, be patient and don’t give up on sleep therapy. Long-term relief from sleep apnea is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s worth it.
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About UsSave Your Health and the Health of Your Relationship
You don’t have to deal with the pain and stress sleep apnea can cause you and your bed partners. If you or your partner aren’t getting the rest they need, contact The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center today. You can also fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page and a friendly team member will get back to you shortly. Dr. Stephen Sulzbach proudly offers sleep solutions in Reading, PA.
Sleep Apnea & Relationships FAQs
Can sleep studies be conducted at home?
Sleep studies can be conducted at a sleep center, overseen by medical professionals, or they can be performed at home. For an at-home sleep study, your sleep specialist will provide you with the necessary equipment and instructions on how to attach the electrodes.
Just like with an in-office sleep study, the equipment will monitor your vitals, including heart rate, breathing patterns, and movement. You’ll return the equipment to your sleep specialist, who will then analyze the data and pass on the results to your sleep dentist.
What else can I do to help myself sleep better?
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, especially before bed
- Exercise regularly, if not every day
- Establish a bedtime routine and stick with it
- Avoid spicy or fatty foods before bedtime
- Avoid napping during the day
- Replace your mattress if it’s uncomfortable or nearing a decade old
- Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep and intimacy
- Take a hot bath before bedtime
- Talk to your primary care provider about safe weight loss if you’re overweight
Can sleep apnea be dangerous?
Sleep apnea can be associated with numerous conditions that range from mild to severe, which include:
- High blood pressure
- Memory issues
- Diabetes
- Marital and sexual problems
- Heart problems
- Stroke
- Irritability
- Depression
Am I at an elevated risk for sleep apnea?
Some factors can place an individual at an increased risk for sleep apnea. Some of these factors include:
- Heavy smokers
- Heavy drinkers
- Being overweight
- Elderly people
- Men
- Those with an overbite
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Having an unusually large neck