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For the Bed Partner
Could my husband’s loud snoring be harmful to his health?
It’s possible. Snoring is a common disorder, and generally impacts only the bed partner’s sleep. Some snorers, however, may develop Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which can affect their health.
"Apnea" is a Greek word meaning "without breath." Snoring by itself implies that the airway is narrowed, resulting in the snoring sound. In patients with sleep apnea, the throat can obstruct or narrow severely, preventing adequate air from entering the lungs.
Fortunately, the brain senses this apnea, is aroused briefly from the sleeping state, and opens the airway. Once the brain returns to its slumber, the apnea cycle can repeat itself, often more than 100 times a night. The bed partner might notice these episodes in the snorer as pauses in the snoring sound, often accompanied by body and leg jerking.
The obvious by-product of these sleep disturbances is unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness. This is more common in men as it is estimated that one in 20 middle-aged men have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can occur in women as well, who may experience only the daytime symptoms of fatigue and lack of energy.
Lack of air entering the lungs during apnea results in a decrease in body oxygen. This is a biological stress, causing strain on the heart, blood vessels and nervous system. As a result, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Proper treatment of the sleep apnea eliminates that risk factor.
If your bed partner snores loudly with pauses in the snoring sound, finds sleep unrefreshing or you notice that he/she is sleepy during the day, they should consider a visit to Hoag Sleep Disorders Center. There, doctors can determine if the bed partner suffers from sleep apnea and what might be done about it. Loud interrupted snoring is a potential warning sound that should not be ignored.
My bed partner often gets out of bed and walks around the house while he/she seems to still be asleep. I am afraid my bed partner might get hurt. What can be done to stop it?
Your description suggests that your bed partner may be sleepwalking, a sleep disorder called somnambulism. This is more common in small children, but can persist into adulthood on occasion. Sleepwalking occurs during the deepest stages of sleep, which is more common in children, and explains why very few adults walk in their sleep. In addition to walking, some patients might do complex tasks such as preparing something to eat.
The danger to the patient is that he may harm himself if not aware of nearby stairs or other hazards. As a result, sleepwalkers should be protected by sleeping on the first floor whenever possible and by keeping doors and windows locked. Sometimes medications can be used to suppress this sleep disorder. Discuss this with your physician.
My bed partner often flails their arms and legs during sleep as if he is fighting someone. I am afraid that this action may hurt me or himself. Why is this restless sleep occuring?
Your bed partner may be suffering from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, during which the patient appears to act out the content of whatever he is dreaming. Normally, the body loses muscle tone during dream (REM) sleep, preventing most of us from physically reacting to our dreams.
For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients do not lose muscle power during dream sleep, and thus begin to move about as their dream content dictates. The danger to the patient and bed partner is that these movements can cause injury. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder generally requires confirmation by an over-night sleep study in a qualified sleep disorders center. If present, medications can be used to suppress dream (REM) sleep, which generally suppresses the physical activity.
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