You’re Not the Only One Suffering
It’s no secret that sleep apnea is a burden that affects more than just the person with the condition. While you may suffer from chronic fatigue and inability to concentrate, others have likely taken notice as well, especially your significant other.
Loud snoring, gasping for air, and mood changes are common symptoms of sleep apnea which can cause arguments between even the most compassionate couples. Luckily, Dr. Lawrence has the knowledge and skills to treat your unique condition so you and your sleeping partner can both enjoy the benefits of a quality night’s sleep.
Statistically Speaking on Sleep Apnea
While the person most affected by sleep apnea is the person with the disorder, it’s clear that it can negatively impact your relationship as well. In addition to chronic fatigue, loud snoring, and mood disorders, sleep apnea has been linked to various factors that can affect couples, including:
- Weight gain
- Car accidents
- Poor immune response
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Strokes
Sleep Apnea & Affection
Sleep apnea can leave everyone feeling exhausted and the words, “I’m too tired,” will probably be spoken more frequently than if you were both feeling energized from a quality night of rest. Untreated sleep apnea can also cause erectile dysfunction, which can create additional tension between you and your partner.
One study found that couples who get less than seven hours of sleep are more likely to become hostile with each other. Not only do couples affected by sleep apnea view their relationship more negatively, but married couples are also more likely to get divorced as a result of the condition.
Our Sleep Apnea Solutions
With all the evidence pointing towards the negative consequences associated with sleep apnea, it’s important to prioritize your health and get the help you need. As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Breathing and Sleep Academy, and the American Academy of Laser Dentistry, Dr. Lawrence can provide a solution.
Thanks to his experience, he has the skills necessary to tackle your condition from every angle for a well-rounded treatment that will yield the results you’ve been looking for. Dr. Lawrence may recommend the use of an oral appliance as an effective and convenient way to treat sleep apnea. An oral appliance works by gently shifting your jaw forward and keeping your tongue in a neutral position, thereby keeping your airway open.
In addition to oral appliance therapy, Dr. Lawrence may suggest NightLase® laser therapy to tighten the collagen in your throat which enables the airway to stay open. Dr. Lawrence bases his treatment methods on your unique condition and specific needs.
During your initial consultation, he’ll perform a thorough examination and provide you with a customized treatment plan that will help you on your road to a quality night of rest, for both you and your loved one.
You’re in This Together
While it may be difficult to look past the negative consequences of sleep apnea and sleep deprivation, there are ways to cope until your customized oral appliance arrives. While the symptoms can be unbearable, what else can you do? Many patients have found comfort by following a few tips, including:
- Sleep separately a few nights a week
- Sleep head to toe
- Use a noise-canceling device, headphones, or noisemaker
- The partner who doesn’t snore should go to sleep first
If you’re still unable to get the sleep you need, ask Dr. Lawrence at your appointment and he’ll provide some helpful tips in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea affect hormones?
If sleep apnea is left untreated for even a few days, it can increase blood sugar, fat levels, stress hormones, and blood pressure. This can lead to problems in the immediate future and down the line. If you have sleep apnea, seeking treatment will help prevent future health complications and improve your quality of life. Contact our Mckinney office for more information on how we can help treat sleep apnea.
Can sleep apnea change your personality?
Patients with sleep apnea have a higher rate of depression and experience anxiety more often than patients without sleep apnea. The likelihood of mood disorders increases with the severity of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is also associated with difficulty focusing, memory problems, poor decision-making, and stress.
What aggravates sleep apnea?
There are a few factors that can make your untreated sleep apnea worse, including:
- Sedatives
- Alcohol
- Weight gain
- Sleeping on your back
If you have sleep apnea, contact our McKinney office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lawrence by calling (972) 542-9129. He’ll find a sleep apnea treatment that’s right for you.
How can I fix sleep apnea naturally?
Certain lifestyle modifications can help improve your sleep apnea, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Positional therapy
- Use a humidifier
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
While lifestyle modifications are helpful, they’re best used in combination with a trusted method such as an oral appliance so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your treatment.
Ease The Strain on Your Relationship With Sleep Apnea Treatment
When you and your partner are suffering from sleep deprivation, it can be difficult to get along or even enjoy each other’s company. When you get the quality sleep you need, the benefits can spill over into other areas of your life that you and your partner will appreciate. Contact our McKinney office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lawrence by calling (972) 542-9129 so you and your partner can experience the satisfaction of a peaceful night’s rest.