My Partner Says I Stop Breathing in My Sleep. What Should I Do?
Noticing that your partner stops breathing during sleep can be frightening. You may wonder if it’s just snoring or something more serious. Sleep apnea is a common condition that can affect anyone, and recognizing symptoms early is key in Fenton, MI. From understanding snoring vs sleep apnea to knowing what to do if your husband stops breathing in his sleep, this post will guide you toward a safer, healthier night’s rest.
Is It Normal To Stop Breathing While Sleeping?
It is not normal to stop breathing while sleeping. Regular and frequent pauses in breathing while asleep are a classic indicator of sleep apnea. These disruptions are more than the occasional snoring.
Signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring that has long, noticeable pauses. You could gasp or make choking noises while asleep. During the day, you may feel fatigued despite having slept through the night. You may be irritable or experience a foggy cognitive thought process.
Some common signs can point to someone being more susceptible to having sleep apnea. Being overweight or over the age of 50 makes sleep apnea more likely. You may also have a history of family members with sleep apnea.
Health Risks
Several health risks can become progressively worse when sleep apnea goes untreated. You may experience high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, accidents from daytime sleepiness, lower productivity, memory struggles, or cognitive decline.
What You Can Do
There are several things you can do if you notice your spouse stops breathing while sleeping. The first step is to monitor their sleep habits. Since they are asleep, they can’t track how often they snore or stop breathing.
Create a diary to record sleep events such as snoring, pauses, or gasping. Include daytime symptoms like fatigue, irritability, trouble staying awake, or morning headaches. This will help identify the cause and document whether sleep apnea is the underlying cause.
Take this diary to a sleep clinic for a doctor to review. The doctor will likely order a sleep study to be done either at home or in the office. With those results, they can prescribe a treatment plan.
The doctor may suggest an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. They may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, changing sleep positions, or avoiding alcohol near bedtime.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Fenton, MI
It’s never normal for your partner to stop breathing during sleep, but the good news is that help is available. By identifying sleep apnea early, you can protect their health and restore peaceful nights.
Reach out to Sleep Well Dental Center in Fenton, MI, to schedule a consultation and start the journey to better sleep.