Yes, Sleep Apnea & Snoring Can Ruin Your Marriage
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea don’t just affect your health—they can strain your relationship and even end it. Snoring is one of the top three reasons for divorce in the United States. Couples where one partner suffers from untreated sleep apnea or chronic snoring experience higher rates of divorce, according to the late sleep specialist Dr. Rosalind Cartwright from Rush University Medical Center.
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea or loud snoring in Waxahachie, TX, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Dr. Scott Clinton at (972) 737-5337 to schedule a consultation at our Waxahachie dental office. Early treatment can restore both your health and the well-being of your relationship.
The Strain of Sleep Apnea on Relationships and Marriage
Many couples face relationship challenges due to sleep apnea, with studies showing that 23 percent of couples sleep in separate rooms because of snoring or sleep disruptions. This distance creates more than physical separation—it fosters emotional distance and affects intimacy.
Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to mood swings, irritability, and even hostile behavior, making small conflicts seem larger than they are. Research shows that couples struggling with sleep disorders report lower satisfaction and more disagreements.
One study revealed that the partner of a person with sleep apnea lost about 20 percent of their normal sleep. This level of sleep deprivation can cause significant mood issues and hurt both your health and your relationship.
Sleep Apnea’s Impact on Your Sex Life
Sleep apnea doesn’t just impact your sleep—it can also affect your sexual life. Sleep deprivation reduces libido and sexual performance, with up to 70 percent of men with sleep apnea also experiencing erectile dysfunction, according to a German study. Additionally, women with untreated sleep disorders, especially those aged 28 to 64, are more likely to report lower libido and sexual dissatisfaction.
Because testosterone levels are highest during sleep, poor sleep quality can reduce these levels, further diminishing your sex drive. These challenges can be frustrating, but addressing sleep apnea can be the key to getting your relationship back on track.
Start With a Sleep Study to Change Your Life
In one study, a man with severe sleep apnea used a CPAP machine for just two weeks. The result? His wife’s quality of life improved almost fivefold, her daytime sleepiness halved, and their marital satisfaction doubled. Treating sleep apnea can dramatically improve both partners’ sleep and relationship health.
Don’t let sleep apnea affect your life any longer. Schedule a sleep study with Dr. Scott Clinton in Waxahachie, TX, to find the right treatment for you.
CPAP Machines and Their Effect on Relationships
If you’ve tried a CPAP machine and found it uncomfortable or if the sound disrupts your partner’s sleep, other treatment options are available. A custom-fitted snore guard may be a more discreet and comfortable solution for couples. For some, CPAP alternatives like oral appliances provide effective relief without noise or discomfort, restoring intimacy and sleep quality.
8 Tips for Couples With Sleep Disorders
- Communicate openly. Talk about how sleep disorders are affecting your relationship.
- Schedule a sleep study. This can diagnose sleep apnea and lead to a treatment plan.
- Follow your doctor’s advice. They can recommend personalized treatments.
- Improve your overall health. Weight loss, reduced alcohol consumption, and changing sleep positions can reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
- Make changes in your sleep environment. A quiet, dark bedroom encourages better rest.
- Seek short- and long-term solutions. Both immediate and lasting treatments can restore relationship health.
- Make sleep a bonding activity. Bedtime conversations and cuddling can help re-establish intimacy.
- Be patient and supportive. Treatment takes time, but it’s worth it for your health and relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if sleep apnea is affecting my relationship?
Communication is key. Ask your partner if they notice snoring or gasping for air while you sleep. If intimacy and mood have been issues, sleep apnea may be contributing. A sleep study can confirm if it’s affecting your rest and relationship.
How can treating my sleep apnea improve my romantic relationship?
Treating sleep apnea reduces symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and diminished libido. This can dramatically improve both your physical and emotional connection with your partner. Addressing the root cause of snoring leads to better sleep for both partners, improving overall relationship satisfaction.
What if my CPAP machine noise disturbs my partner’s sleep?
Most couples find that the gentle hum of a CPAP machine is far less disruptive than the sounds of snoring. However, if the noise is an issue, consider using an oral appliance for sleep apnea, which provides a quieter, more comfortable solution.
Sleep Better Together
Don’t let sleep apnea ruin your marriage or relationship. Contact Dr. Scott Clinton in Waxahachie, TX, today at (972) 737-5337 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about sleep apnea treatments. We proudly serve Waxahachie and the surrounding areas, including Red Oak, Midlothian, Maypearl, and Ennis, TX.