About 1 in every 4 couples sleep separately because of sleep issues like snoring. Often, this is due to conditions like sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health problems, affecting both partners’ well-being.

Why Does Sleep Apnea Affect Both Partners?

When someone has sleep apnea, their breathing stops and starts throughout the night. Blockages in the airway cause these pauses. As a result, loud snoring or gasping for air can occur. This can wake both the person with sleep apnea and their partner, leading to poor sleep for both of them over time.

According to Harvard Health, approximately 90 million Americans suffer from snoring, and about 37 million do so regularly. Many of these cases are linked to sleep apnea, where snoring is just one of the symptoms.

The constant noise and restlessness from sleep issues can make it hard for partners to get quality sleep. This often leads to tiredness, irritability and frustration. As both partners struggle with a lack of rest, it can put a strain on the relationship. Without enough sleep, it becomes harder to function well together.

In addition, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues. Some may have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. This can cause emotional stress for the partner, who worries about their loved one’s health. Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the person who has it. Partners are impacted too. They are very much a part of the experience.

How Can PAP Therapy Reduce Snoring and Disruptions?

PAP therapy is a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea. It helps reduce snoring and nighttime disruptions. The therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose, mouth, or both. This mask delivers a continuous flow of air. The air keeps the airway open while you sleep. As a result, it prevents the throat vibrations that cause snoring. PAP therapy can significantly improve sleep quality.

Research shows that PAP therapy helps reduce snoring. One study found that regular use of PAP therapy lowers how often and how loud people with sleep apnea snore. This means partners can enjoy a quieter, more peaceful night’s sleep. They won’t be disturbed by loud snoring or worry about their partner’s breathing. PAP therapy makes a big difference for both the person using it and their partner.

PAP therapy also helps both partners sleep more soundly by eliminating the frequent awakenings caused by breathing pauses. When individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing, their body wakes them up to restart their breathing. These frequent awakenings, even if brief, lead to fragmented sleep. PAP therapy helps reduce or eliminate these awakenings. Resulting in longer and more restorative sleep for both individuals in the bed.

What Are the Common Types of PAP Therapy?

There are several different types of PAP therapy, each designed to meet specific patient needs. These include CPAP, BiPAP and APAP therapy. Each type has a different approach to maintaining open airways. All aim to improve sleep quality and reduce apnea events.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It delivers a steady flow of air to keep your airway open while you sleep. This helps prevent blockages that cause sleep apnea. Many people find it effective in reducing their symptoms. Studies also back up its benefits for those with obstructive sleep apnea.

However, some patients find it challenging to tolerate the constant airflow. They may experience discomfort or have difficulty exhaling against the continuous pressure. For these individuals, alternative forms of PAP therapy may be a better fit.

BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure)

BiPAP is a great option for people who find CPAP too uncomfortable. Instead of a single pressure, it gives two different pressures — one when you breathe in and a lower one when you breathe out. This makes breathing easier, especially if you need higher pressure to keep your airways open. It’s also helpful for those with other breathing problems. BiPAP can make sleep therapy more comfortable and effective.

BiPAP is often recommended for patients with central sleep apnea or more severe forms of OSA. Like CPAP, it significantly reduces snoring and apnea events, improving sleep for both the patient and their partner.

APAP (Auto-Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure)

APAP adjusts air pressure on its own based on your breathing needs throughout the night. It monitors your breathing patterns and changes the airflow as needed. If your airway starts to collapse during sleep, the machine raises the pressure to keep it open. When your airway is stable, the pressure is lowered for comfort. This automatic adjustment helps prevent sleep apnea events. It’s a more comfortable and personalized option compared to fixed-pressure devices.

Why PAP Therapy is a Game Changer for Couples

PAP therapy may help both the person with sleep apnea and their partner sleep better. It might reduce snoring and nighttime interruptions, making sleep more peaceful for both. Over time, it may improve mood and energy. Both partners could experience better health as a result.

Couples using PAP therapy may feel more satisfied in their relationships. With sleep apnea under control, both partners might sleep better, which can ease tension from restless nights. People with sleep apnea may wake up feeling refreshed, improving their mood. As a result, there might be fewer arguments during the day.

So, What Does Research Say About the Shared Benefits of PAP Therapy?

The study “Breathing Easy Together” found that sticking to PAP therapy leads to better sleep for both patients and their partners. It improves sleep quality and reduces waking up at night. When both partners sleep well, they feel more rested and refreshed.

The study looked at 36 couples in which one person had sleep apnea and started using PAP therapy. After three months, those who used the therapy for over four hours a night had better relationship satisfaction. Couples reported fewer conflicts during this time. Interestingly, both partners noticed improvements, not just the one receiving the treatment. 

The study showed that greater adherence to PAP therapy significantly increased patient and partner relationship satisfaction (B = 4.26; SE = 1.40; p = 0.01). This means PAP therapy helps improve relationships as both partners experience better sleep quality.

It emphasizes the positive role of PAP therapy in promoting harmony in personal relationships. Sleep disorders like OSA can strain relationships, but PAP therapy plays a key role in easing those tensions. The study clearly demonstrates how treatment adherence impacts overall relationship satisfaction. This shows the importance of proper treatment for better sleep and stronger relationships.

Reduced Conflict: An Unexpected Benefit

Beyond improving relationship satisfaction, PAP therapy also seems to reduce conflict. According to the study, higher levels of PAP adherence were correlated with a significant reduction in relationship conflict for both patients and their partners (B = -5.24; SE = 2.51; p = 0.04).

This might seem surprising, but it makes sense when considering the disruptive nature of untreated sleep apnea. OSA can lead to loud snoring, frequent awakenings, and overall poor sleep quality. This can cause tense environment for both partners. PAP therapy, by keeping the patient’s airway open and reducing these interruptions, allows both people to rest more peacefully, resulting in less frustration and conflict.

So, when couples sleep better at night, they wake up feeling more refreshed. This improves their mood and helps them manage stress more easily. Well-rested couples tend to argue less and feel less irritable. As a result, they enjoy a calmer and happier home environment.

Sleep Efficiency and Relationship Satisfaction

Sleep efficiency, which refers to the percentage of time spent asleep while in bed, was another key factor that showed significant associations with relationship quality. The study also found that higher sleep efficiency for patients was linked to greater relationship satisfaction for both the patient and their partner (B = 0.12; SE = 0.06; p = 0.04). In practical terms, this means that as patients using PAP therapy spend more time actually sleeping rather than tossing and turning, both partners benefit.

The Impact of Sleep Duration

Interestingly, the study also explored the relationship between sleep duration and relationship satisfaction, though the results were mixed. For patients, longer sleep durations were associated with higher relationship satisfaction (B = 0.92; SE = 0.35; p = 0.01). This suggests that when people sleep better with PAP therapy, they often feel more satisfied in their relationships. Feeling rested and less tired during the day likely helps with this.

However, the study found a surprising inverse relationship between partner sleep duration and patient relationship satisfaction (B = -1.35; SE = 0.67; p = 0.045). One reason could be that people worry about how their sleep habits affect their partner’s rest. Differences in sleep schedules might also play a role. This idea still needs more research, but it shows how sleep in relationships can be more complicated than it seems. What one person does in bed can impact the other’s well-being.

Dyadic Benefits of PAP Therapy

The research makes a compelling case for the shared benefits of PAP therapy. When both partners experience better sleep quality, it fosters an environment of mutual well-being, reducing stress, enhancing relationship satisfaction, and minimizing conflict. This highlights an important, often overlooked aspect of sleep therapy — its ability to positively affect not just the individual receiving treatment, but also their partner.

For couples, this could serve as a powerful motivator for consistent PAP adherence. Sleep apnea treatment isn’t just about improving personal health. It’s about enhancing the quality of life for both people in the relationship. As the study concludes, recognizing the dyadic benefits of sleep therapy can encourage greater adherence to PAP therapy, benefiting both physical health and emotional connections.

What Are Some Practical Tips to Help Partners Adjust to PAP Therapy?

Adjusting to PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy can be challenging, not only for the person using it but also for their partner. However, there are practical steps both can take to ease the transition.

  1. Open Communication: If you have any discomforts or concerns, talk about them openly. PAP therapy is important for managing sleep apnea and improving your health. Having a conversation about it can help your partner understand why it’s needed. This can make things easier and reduce any stress around getting used to the therapy. Open communication helps everyone feel more comfortable during the process.
  2. Gradual Adjustment: If the sound of the machine or mask bothers you, try easing into it slowly. Many PAP machines are quieter now, but it might still take time to get used to them. Start by using the machine for short periods, like during naps. This can help you get more comfortable with the therapy, which will feel more natural with time.
  3. Positioning: Try different sleeping positions to ensure both partners are comfortable. Some couples find using separate blankets can reduce disruptions from sleep devices. Sleeping a little apart can also help. Others use white noise machines to block out noise. Find what works best for you both.
  4. Routine Consistency: Creating a regular bedtime routine helps both partners get used to a shared sleep schedule. Sticking to the same sleep and wake times improves sleep quality. It also helps the body adjust faster to the PAP machine.
  5. Stay Positive: Celebrate small victories. Whether it’s feeling more rested or noticing reduced snoring. Focusing on the long-term health benefits can be a powerful motivator for continued PAP use.

Why Choose The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona for PAP Therapy?

The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona offers unmatched expertise in PAP therapy.  Our personalized treatment plans ensure each person with sleep apnea gets the perfect PAP setup for their unique needs. We prioritize patient sleep health and education. One of our goals is to give you and your partner how PAP therapy can help you.

We offer helpful tips on how to easily fit PAP therapy into your daily routine for better sleep. Our expertise and support make it easier to succeed with your treatment. Choosing a place like ours can make all the difference in your sleep quality. PAP therapy isn’t just about better sleep. It’s about improving your health, relationships, and overall well-being. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Reach us here. 

References

Troxel, W., Baucom, B., Shock, S., & Baron, K. (2024). 0569 Breathing Easy Together: How Positive Airway Pressure Adherence Benefits Both Patients and Partners. SLEEP, 47(Supplement_1), A243–A243. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsae067.0569

‌Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Positive Airway Pressure: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and GRADE Assessment | Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. (2019). Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7638

‌Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea? – Harvard Health. (2018). Harvard Health; Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/is-snoring-always-a-sign-of-sleep-apnea

‌Miller, R. W. (2020, February 9). Why so many married couples are sleeping in separate beds. USA TODAY; USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/02/09/separate-beds-married-couples-can-help-relationship-experts-say/4657215002/

 Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice.