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The Woodlands Sleep Dentist Blog

Can a Sleep Diary Help Diagnose Sleep Apnea?

September 3, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 11:09 pm
Woman writing in her sleep diary.

Every night, millions of people miss out on countless hours of sleep because of sleep apnea; and even worse, many more cases remain completely undiagnosed! But sleep apnea does more than just cause you to miss out on rest; it can lead to some serious health complications if left untreated! This means that seeking a diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial if you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea. But did you know that keeping a sleep diary can also play a vital role in determining the quality of your sleep and the source of your disruption? Keep reading to learn more from your sleep dentist.

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7 Tips to Prepare for Your Sleep Test

August 23, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 10:09 pm

Man laying on bed with suitcasesIf your physician has ordered a sleep test, it can cause your anxiety to rise. Sleeping in an unfamiliar location while hooked up to medical equipment can make anyone’s palms sweat, but there’s no reason to worry. You’ll be in a comfortable environment that will feel like a home away from home. Here’s how to prepare for your upcoming sleep study to prevent tossing and turning all night.

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Sleep Apnea and Weighted Blankets: What You Should Know

July 19, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 8:54 pm
woman sleeping with weighted blanket

Ever heard of a weighted blanket? You probably have due to all the online craze surrounding it. Many people claim it’s a lifesaver for those with ADHD, ASD, and sensory processing disorders by helping reduce anxiety and ease restless minds. They promise to improve anyone’s overall quality of sleep! Some research even suggests that it could be helpful to those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. In this blog post, we’ll explain more about how weighted blankets can benefit those with sleep disorders.

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Why Is Sleep Apnea on the Rise?

June 13, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 9:33 pm
woman with sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of Americans. It causes your breathing to become shallow or stop completely while you sleep. There are some cases where these pauses can last 10 seconds or longer, occurring as often as 30 times or more in an hour. Within the last few years, this sleep disorder has been on the rise for many reasons. Read on to learn which factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnea and what you can do to combat it.  

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How Are Type 2 Diabetes and Sleep Apnea Connected?

May 10, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 12:22 pm
Eyeglasses on paper with words diabetes type 2

Do you or a family member have type 2 diabetes? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects more than 37 million Americans, with type 2 diabetes accounting for over 90 percent of all cases. Although diabetes is very common, few people are aware that sleep problems can make it more difficult to manage. Keep reading to learn more about the surprising connection between type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, and how a dentist can help.

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TMD And The Link To Women’s Health: What You Need to Know About Jaw Pain

April 13, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 3:47 pm
Uncomfortable woman holding her face

Have you ever experienced persistent pain, aching, or general discomfort in your jaw? Do you frequently notice a locking sensation or popping when you try to open your mouth? If so, it’s likely that you’re familiar with how painful TMJ disorder can be. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a host of problems when it isn’t working correctly. And while both men and women struggle with TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), women are more likely to suffer. Here’s what we know about TMD and women’s health.

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Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?

March 24, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 6:04 pm

Sleeping child hugging a stuffed bearOver 18 million Americans live with obstructive sleep apnea. The condition causes frequent pauses in breathing from an obstruction in the upper airway. Although it’s thought to only affect adults, children aren’t immune to it. It’s believed that 7% to 9% of children have a sleep-related breathing disorder; however, up to 90% of cases are undiagnosed. If your child suffers from loud snoring, they might be at risk. Here’s what you need to know about children’s sleep apnea, so you and your little one can sleep peacefully. 

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Traveling with Sleep Apnea? Stay Comfortable with These 4 Tips

February 11, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 6:57 pm
Picture of airport, passenger with suitcase walking by

It’s easy enough to manage sleep apnea with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine at home, but what about when you’re traveling? It’s important to make sure that you have access to your prescription when you need it, so you need to consider the situation carefully and plan accordingly. Below are 4 tips for traveling with sleep apnea; keep them in mind if you want to make your upcoming trip a bit less stressful.

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Beware of the 5 Hidden Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

January 18, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 6:09 pm
snoring young man and wife with pillows covering ears, white couple, in bed with white sheets, gray background

No one wants to snore – or to share a bed with someone who does – but if you do frequently wake up with a dry mouth or feeling groggy, you may be sawing logs much of the night. And it’s more than a harmless habit. Unfortunately, snoring often actually indicates sleep apnea, which can take a negative toll on your overall health. Keep reading to learn about the 5 hidden dangers of untreated sleep apnea, then make an appointment with a dentist who offers sleep apnea treatment to get the relief you need. 

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How to Adjust to Wearing an Oral Appliance

December 4, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — drdernick @ 6:48 pm
Woman wearing an oral appliance in The Woodlands

If you’ve recently learned that you have sleep apnea and seen a dentist to get a custom oral appliance in The Woodlands, you’re probably relieved that you can finally start to improve the quality of your sleep. Oral appliances are designed to expand the airway, making it easier to get more oxygen throughout the night and prevent apneas from occurring. However, getting used to sleeping with an oral appliance can take some time, so, you’ll want to take note of some tips from a dentist on how to adjust.

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