Heartfelt Care: Supporting Loved Ones with Sleep Apnea February 9, 2026 Heartfelt Care: Supporting Loved Ones with Sleep Apnea Valentine’s Day is usually about romance, connection, and thoughtful gestures, but one of the most meaningful ways to show care is by supporting your partner’s health and sleep. If someone you love has sleep apnea, or might have it, your understanding and encouragement can make a real difference. Sleep apnea is common, treatable, and often first noticed by the person sharing the bed. Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses lower oxygen levels and repeatedly wake the brain, even if the person doesn’t remember it happening. The result is poor-quality sleep and ongoing exhaustion. You might notice loud snoring, choking or gasping sounds, restless sleep, or extreme daytime tiredness. Over time, untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just affect energy, it can affect memory, concentration, mood, and decision-making too.1 More importantly, sleep apnea can place stress on the entire body. Repeated drops in oxygen and disrupted sleep can increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.1 In older adults, it’s also linked with cognitive decline.1 That’s why diagnosis and treatment matter - not just for better sleep, but for long-term health. If you’re concerned about your partner, how you raise the topic matters. Choose a calm moment, not the middle of the night after being woken by snoring. Speak from a place of care, not frustration. Focus on their wellbeing and how they’re feeling during the day. Suggest a sleep study as a simple step toward answers rather than a big medical ordeal. Significant weight gain or loss can also change sleep apnea severity, so reassessment may sometimes be needed. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on how severe the sleep apnea is and what a doctor recommends after testing. For milder cases, options such as mandibular advancement splints (oral appliances worn in the mouth) or positional therapy devices may be suggested to help keep the airway open during sleep. For moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is often recommended. CPAP uses gentle air pressure through a mask to prevent airway collapse overnight. Adjustment can take time, but the right mask fit, proper cleaning, and correct settings make a big difference, and most comfort issues can be solved with professional support. Lifestyle habits also play a role. Keeping a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can all improve symptoms.2 Sleep position matters too. Many people experience fewer breathing events when sleeping on their side, though comfort and other health conditions should be considered.2 Supporting a loved one through sleep apnea treatment isn’t about policing their habits; it’s about partnership. Encourage consistent device use if prescribed, including during naps and travel. Be patient during the adjustment phase. Celebrate small wins like improved energy, quieter nights, and a better mood. When sleep improves, relationships often do too. If you notice symptoms of sleep apnea like loud snoring, choking or gasping at night, or ongoing daytime fatigue, encourage a conversation with a doctor. A simple sleep study could be the first step toward a safer sleep and a healthier future together. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 85 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References 1. “Sleep Apnea - Living with | NHLBI, NIH.” Www.nhlbi.nih.gov, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/living-with. 2. “Healthy Tips for Sleeping Better with Sleep Apnea | Banner.” Www.bannerhealth.com, www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/sleeping-like-a-baby-when-you-have-obstructive-sleep-apnea.
