Picture this, you and your partner have been dating for a few years. You finally get to a space where you both agree to live with each other. The decision to live with your partner can be a huge deal. You plan on having your life together and finally get to experience your first night of rest together and you realize the love of your life vibrates the entire house with snoring. While this may be a comical thing to banter over at dinner, it can be the result of some serious underlying issues. This snoring can be caused by atrial fibrillation or even sleep apnea which should be taken seriously.
Atrial fibrillation vs. sleep apnea
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots in the heart.
Sleep apnea is when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you are sleeping. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you should be tested for sleep apnea.
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Both of these disorders increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
Typically, people with sleep apnea experience a blockage in the airway, or restricted breathing, for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. The condition can range from mild to severe, based in part on the number of times each hour you stop breathing.
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Risks Of Sleep Apnea
If you speculate that your partner may be experiencing sleep apnea here are some signs to look out for:
- Excess weight
- Narrowed airway
- Chronic nasal congestion
- High blood pressure
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Gender
- Age
People with sleep apnea are also four times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than those who don’t. On the other side, about 50% of those who are dealing with atrial fibrillation are also suffering from sleep apnea.
If you notice that your partner is not only snoring loudly, but having periods of sleep where it sounds like they’re not breathing, it won’t hurt to have a conversation. In this conversation, express that your concern is beyond you not being able to sleep if the snoring is too loud.
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Getting treatment
If you and your partner agree to see your physician they can provide information and treatment that can save your life.
Treatment options like Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), will deliver a forced stream of air into your throat via a mask while you’re sleeping. This forced air pressure will keep your airway open.
Another option you and your partner have is oral appliance therapy, which is a custom-made oral appliance worn while you sleep to reposition your jaw and keep your airway open.
These options can do wonders and change your life in the long run.
Snoring can be cute and funny to discuss in the morning, but making sure there are no underlying conditions is a pivotal part of your health.
Depending on the nature of your partner, think and game plan on how you will approach this conversation without being offensive. You’re bound to get better results!
