Sleep apnea, also called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a­ potentially serious condition where people’s airways become blocked during sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health risks.¹

Many people are unaware they have the condition, so their partners can be the first to notice a pattern of symptoms that may indicate sleep apnea. This article covers signs that people may notice, suggesting that someone close to them could benefit from a professional diagnosis.²
 

Nighttime signs you may observe

People with OSA may display one or more of these signs while they sleep.³ 

• Loud or irregular snoring
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Gasping or choking sounds
• Restless sleep
• Night sweats

Daytime symptoms to look for 

Sleep apnea can disrupt sleep, which means some patients rarely reach deep, restful sleep phases. A person with OSA may think they’ve slept all night but still demonstrate these signs of severe fatigue.⁴

• Morning headaches 
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Changes in mood and irritability
• Falling asleep during activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in work or daily performance
• Feelings of chronic fatigue

Risk factors to be aware of

If your partner has one or more of the following risk factors for developing sleep apnea, it may mean their symptoms are more likely to be caused by the condition. 

Obesity

Higher BMIs are correlated with an increased risk of sleep apnea, with obesity present in around 70% of patients.⁵

Anatomical features

Facial features such as a receding or narrow jaw, narrow throat, and large neck or tongue are considered risk factors for sleep apnea.⁴

Age and gender considerations

In general, the likelihood of sleep apnea increases with age. While more men are diagnosed with sleep apnea, this could be because women sufferers are underdiagnosed due to displaying less obvious symptoms.⁶

Family history 

Your partner’s risk of developing the disorder may increase if they have a family history of it.⁷

Smoking and alcohol use

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that consuming alcohol increases the risk of sleep apnea by 25%. Similarly, multiple studies have found links between smoking tobacco and an increased risk of OSA.⁸

Known medical conditions

Some medical conditions are correlated with a higher risk of OSA, such as those that affect hormone balance or muscle control.⁴

Supporting partners on the road to diagnosis

Your partner may need encouragement to seek medical attention, especially if they don’t believe they have OSA. However, symptoms that may indicate OSA can be a cause for concern and need attention. Here are some considerations for the diagnosis journey and ways partners can offer support.⁹

Doctor visits

Accompanying a partner to doctor visits can be helpful for taking notes, remembering details, and providing emotional support. 

What to expect at the first appointment

At your partner’s first appointment, the doctor may investigate their risk factors, symptoms and anatomy. Your partner may then be referred to a specialist for diagnosis. 

Understanding sleep studies

A sleep study helps physicians diagnose a variety of sleep disorders, including OSA. This study involves monitoring and measuring sleep in a controlled environment. 

In-lab sleep studies

An in-lab sleep study is called polysomnography. It takes a range of measurements during sleep to help physicians diagnose a disorder.

At-home sleep studies 

An at-home sleep apnea test, sometimes referred to as ‘level 3’ sleep study, uses fewer sensors than the in-lab study.  

What sleep studies measure

Sleep studies measure the body’s response to sleep disruption. They may record brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and eye and leg movements. Read our article, What is a sleep study?, for more detailed information.

Why treatment is so important

Treating OSA is important because there can be serious associated health risks. It can also impact on your quality of life and your relationship.⁹ Typically, treatment involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and CPAP therapy, which effectively regulates breathing during sleep. 

Impact on relationship quality

Common symptoms associated with OSA, such as irritability and noisy or restless sleep, can impact the sufferer’s relationship with their partner. Some couples start sleeping separately, which can put further distance and strain on the relationship.⁹ 

Shared sleep quality

If an OSA patient is sharing a bed with their partner, sleep disruption can compound for them both. The patient may wake their partner, who in turn becomes restless, further disrupting the patient’s sleep.⁹

Long-term health risks

Left untreated, sleep apnea can impact your respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems.¹⁰ It is also linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.¹¹
 
 For more information on associated health risks, read our article What are the health risks of obstructive sleep apnea?

Frequently asked questions

Should I wake my partner when they stop breathing?

Yes, if someone stops breathing for more than a few seconds while they’re asleep, they should be gently woken.⁹

Can sleep apnea affect our relationship?

Yes, sleep apnea can significantly affect a relationship. The effects of disrupted sleep for both partners can increase conflict and hamper emotional intimacy.

How can I support my partner through sleep apnea treatment? 

To support their partners through sleep apnea treatment many people join them at appointments, make shared lifestyle changes, or help with a CPAP machine at home. For more information on this treatment, go to What is CPAP therapy and why is it used?

This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s healthcare provider.