The Woodlands Sleep Dentist Blog

There are already plenty of reasons to call a sleep dentist if you think you have sleep apnea – chronic exhaustion, loud snoring that’s disturbing your partner, increased risk of a heart attack, and so on. But according to recent studies, there may be another reason that you haven’t thought of: sleep-disordered breathing can speed up the body’s aging process, leading to all sorts of long-term problems. Understanding the link between sleep apnea and aging will make it very clear why getting treatment for a sleep disorder right away is so important.

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If you have sleep apnea, it may seem like a good idea to nap. Of course, you haven’t been sleeping well, and your body needs the rest, so a few naps throughout the day are easy to take. However, did you know that your napping could be hurting your ability to fall asleep at night? Read on to learn why you should avoid snoozing while the sun is still out and how you can give yourself a better night’s sleep for more productive days!

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The holidays are here, which means comfort and joy for many. However, for those affected by sleep apnea, the extra stress, time commitments, and family can impact quality of sleep. Loud snoring and restlessness come with sleep apnea, but it’s important to be able to manage these symptoms so you can truly enjoy the best time of year! Read on to learn some pro tips on how to cope with sleep apnea during the holidays.

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If you’re not getting a good night’s rest because of your sleep apnea, you’re not the only one suffering from the condition. Besides lowering your quality of life, the sleep disorder can also affect the relationships you have with the people around you. Here’s how sleep apnea may be putting strain on your most important relationships. 

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If you’re among the 22 million Americans who live with obstructive sleep apnea, you know there are several factors that can influence the pauses in breathing, like an unhealthy weight or sleeping on your back. Did you know the foods you eat can also affect the condition? Believe it or not, your diet can either help or hinder your treatment plan. Here are a few foods you’ll want to avoid and some better alternatives to promote a restful night’s sleep.

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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, fear of possible infection is obviously on the forefront of everybody’s minds. But did you realize that living with said fear day in and day out could also pose its own threat to your health? Recently, dental experts have seen a rise in specific oral health issues that seem to be connected to stress – and that includes problems typically linked to sleep disorders. A sleep apnea dentist can tell you more about the unseen consequences that the pandemic might be having on your body.

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Cellphones and Your Sleep Quality

According to a recent study, researchers found using electronic devices before going to bed affects the body’s melatonin secretions. Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates your wake-sleep cycle. If your biological clock is unbalanced, it can make it difficult to get a full night’s rest. This can lead to daytime fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating.

Although researchers don’t know exactly how the glow from the devices interferes with your sleep quality, they know the body’s internal clock is sensitive to the blue light emitted from electronics. In addition, the brightness of the screens may also play a role. Researchers found people who use cellphones and other devices before sleeping are less tired at bedtime and not as alert after getting up in the morning.

If you must check your phone before bed or want to watch your favorite TV show, researchers recommend turning down the brightness or using a screen filter. Although these two simple steps might help, there’s no substitute for a good night’s rest.

Tips to Get a Better Night’s Rest

If you’re struggling to get the sleep you need, simple changes can make a big difference. Improving your sleep hygiene can help you wake up feeling well-rested. Here are 6 tips to promote a better night’s sleep:

1. Give yourself time to decompress after a long day by practicing stress-relieving exercises.
2. Avoid any stimulants for at least 2 hours before bed, like alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco.
3. Eat a light snack before bed.
4. Create a comfortable environment.
5. Take a warm bath 2-3 hours before bed.
6. Stick to a schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

If changes to your sleep routine aren’t enough, there might be a bigger issue causing you to feel tired throughout the day, like sleep apnea. The sleep disorder results from an obstruction in the airway that leads to pauses in breathing. As a result, chronic snoring is a common symptom.

If you aren’t getting the rest you need, and you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s time to see your sleep dentist for a personalized treatment plan.

About Dr. Robert Dernick

Dr. Robert Dernick provides high-quality dental care; however, he has also undergone advanced training in sleep dentistry. He uses invasive solutions to help his patients breathe easier and sleep better, like oral appliances. If you’re struggling with chronic snoring or sleep apnea, contact our office today to get the relief you need.

Are you losing a good night’s rest because you wake often choking or gasping for air? Maybe your loud snoring is keeping your partner awake? You might suffer from a disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, which causes frequent pauses in breathing while sleeping. This can create several symptoms that affect many areas of your life, including your heart health and your mood. Although it might seem like an isolating condition, over 22 million Americans also have the disorder, even celebrities. Thankfully, you don’t need to live with the symptoms influencing your quality of life. With the right treatment from your sleep apnea dentist in The Woodlands, no one will even know you have the condition.

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Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can leave you feeling groggy during the day, but the problems don’t stop there. It can also lead to other issues, one of which being changes in your dreams. While some people may experience fewer dreams because of the condition, others can find themselves facing frightening nightmares. As you continue reading, you’ll learn more about these problems and find out how a sleep apnea dentist can help you recover.

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During the winter months, you think about the approaching spring season as motivation to get through the cold and overcast days. However, as the earth warms up and the trees and flowers begin to blossom, the excess pollen can take a toll on your sinuses. For some people, allergy flare-ups can even impact their sleep, and especially worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Read on to learn about the connection between the two conditions and what can be done about it.

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