Did you know that battling sleep with a partner who has sleep apnea can be very challenging? This guide will help you understand sleep apnea better and learn how to cope with a partner who has this condition.
Sleep Apnea: A Quick Look
Sleep Apnea is a common, serious sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted during sleep. If left unmanaged, sleep apnea can lead to a range of health issues, and can significantly affect the quality of your partner’s life, as well as your own.
Different Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three primary types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Lifestyles Changes
- Promote regular sleep habits: A consistent sleep schedule can reduce the frequency of sleep apnea episodes.
- Encourage a healthier lifestyle: If your partner is overweight, you can motivate them to lose weight. Smoking can also worsen sleep apnea.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat and can increase the risk of snoring and sleep apnea.
Dealing with the sound of Snoring
People with sleep apnea are usually heavy snorers. Here are a few tactics you can employ to handle the snoring:
Use of white noise machines
White noise machines can help cancel out the sound of snoring, allowing you to sleep peacefully.
Try earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
High-quality earplugs can block out a significant amount of noise, as can noise-cancelling headphones.
Seeking Professional Help
If your partner’s sleep apnea is severe, it’s necessary to seek professional help. The Bend Headache Center in Bend, Oregon offers non-surgical and drug-free solutions to relieve the pain and discomfort of sleep apnea.
