How to Support a Partner with Sleep Apnea
Many partners have a hard time dealing with their loved one who suffers from sleep apnea.
Sleeping next to that loud snoring loved one can make it extremely difficult to get a good night’s rest. You might be losing sleep or waking up frequently and even though you love them you don’t love waking up so tired all the time. What you may not be considering is that they’re losing valuable sleep as well. The problem with waking up throughout the night is that your REM cycles are being interrupted. This means that no matter how many hours of sleep you get, it may never be enough. The biggest indicator of sleep apnea or breathing problems while snoozing is snoring. This means you’re both losing peaceful REM sleep.
Here are a few tips to get you through those long noisy nights together.
Your partner may be unaware of or unbothered by the seriousness of their current sleeping patterns
Not many with sleep apnea seek professional care. However, seeking medical care can be really beneficial, especially for those with more severe symptoms. The process is a lot easier than it seems and extensive research is readily available online. Oftentimes, treatments may even be covered under individual insurance policies. Despite the annoyance of attempting to treat sleep apnea, the results of longer more peaceful nights are considerably worth it. Try to motivate your partner to pursue solutions by persuading them to get help, book appointments for them, or bring them to their appointments so they don’t have to go alone. Seeking professional care is a great first step towards sleeping better, for both of you; it’s a win-win.
Encouraging a healthier lifestyle can also lead to better sleep
Improving living habits can reduce signs of sleep apnea and snoring throughout the night. Simple things, such as eating less heavy meals before bed, consuming less alcohol, exercising, and practicing yoga can make all the difference. Participating in these habits with your partner can really go a long way, making them feel supported and optimistic. Plus, you’ll get to live a better, more healthy life too.
Take a short walk before bed
Enjoy the night breeze, get some fresh air, and get a little dose of exercise. Research suggests that brisk/speed walks can easily reduce signs of apnea since this specific exercise makes it easier for air to flow through the airways. Going on walks with your partner means getting in more steps per day and sleeping better at night.
Simply tuning out the problem may be just the right solution for you
Use white noise or noise canceling devices like ear plugs to drift away into sleep. Sounds of nature, such as waves crashing or rain falling probably sound a lot better than your partner’s loud snoring. You can download white noise apps on your app, and most are even free. Earplugs are another great way around the problem, though many complain about them being uncomfortable. You can find great ones online that aren’t irritating and plus, they’re probably a lot more comfortable than that loud snoring body laying next you. An easy, yet efficient solution, but not highly recommended by medical professionals for very obvious reasons that mainly affect your partner who suffers from sleep apnea.
However you decide to overcome the problems associated with your partner’s condition, be sure to do your research. The more you know, the more you can help and motivate them to understand the seriousness of the complications associated as well as feel loved and supported. Your partner’s irritating snoring throughout the night, though excruciatingly annoying, can be a lot more harmful than what meets the eye. The two of you can enhance your sleeping patterns, which in turn will improve daily functioning, as well. Make an appointment with a specialist to answer those questions you have and for feasible solutions.