Sleep should be a time to rest and recharge—but when your partner snores all night, it can turn bedtime into a battle. If you’ve ever lain awake thinking, “I think my partner has sleep apnea, but how can I be sure?”, you’re not alone.
A National Sleep Foundation survey found that nearly one in four couples sleep in separate beds, and snoring affects 57% of men and 40% of women. Beyond disrupting sleep, chronic snoring can strain relationships, harm mental and physical health, and even signal a serious medical condition. Here’s how to tell if your partner’s snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea—and what you can do about it.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) don’t realize they have it—up to 80% remain undiagnosed. Often, it’s a partner who first notices the warning signs, such as:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep
- Waking often to urinate
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Mood changes or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low libido
If you’ve noticed several of these signs, it’s important to encourage your partner to see a healthcare provider for screening.
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
OSA doesn’t just cause fatigue—it’s linked to serious health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Poor breathing at night affects nearly every system in the body, from the immune and nervous systems to the digestive and reproductive systems. Untreated sleep apnea can worsen asthma, acid reflux, and liver disease, and in men, it’s been associated with reduced fertility and erectile dysfunction.
Women Can Get Sleep Apnea Too
It’s a common belief that only men snore or get sleep apnea—but that’s not true. While men are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), many women also suffer from it, especially after age 50. In fact, research shows that a third of women who think they don’t snore actually do—sometimes severely. Because symptoms in women can be different or mistaken for menopause (like fatigue, insomnia, depression, or morning headaches), sleep apnea in women often goes undiagnosed.
If your wife shows these symptoms, encourage her to talk with a doctor or sleep specialist. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in her health and quality of life.
How to Talk to Your Partner About Getting Help
Discussing sleep apnea can be sensitive. Before bringing it up, make sure you’re well-rested—earplugs, white noise, or even separate sleeping arrangements can help temporarily. When you do talk, focus on health rather than frustration. Explain that sleep apnea isn’t just snoring—it’s a condition that affects oxygen, heart health, mood, and energy levels. Emphasize the benefits of treatment, such as:
- Deeper, more restorative sleep
- Better focus and mood
- Stronger immunity
- Healthier weight and reduced stress
- Improved relationships and daily performance
Approach the topic with empathy, not blame. The goal is to help your partner feel supported, not criticized.
If you suspect that you or your partner may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive airway evaluation at Presidential Holistic Dentistry.
We offer non-surgical, FDA-cleared oral appliance therapies, such as the Vivos CARE system, designed to naturally expand the airway, improve breathing, and reduce or eliminate the need for CPAP.
To book your appointment, simply call our office or schedule online through our website. Your journey to healthier, more restful sleep starts here.***