The Woodlands Sleep Dentist Blog

Spending time in the summer sun boosts your mood and improves your health. However, the warmer weather might come at the cost of high-quality sleep. This is especially true if you already have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Do you tend to sleep badly during the summer? If so, there’s a reason why. Read on as a sleep apnea dentist explains this connection and how you can enjoy a good night’s sleep this summer.

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In recent years, the prevalence of sleep apnea in the United States has been on the rise. Across the country, more and more people are discovering that they’re suffering from breathing problems at night, and about 38,000 people die with this sleep disorder as a complicating factor every year. If you want to keep yourself safe, you need to understand why sleep apnea has become more widespread so that you can address the potential risk factors.

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Most people don’t expect their dentist to ask them if they’ve been sleeping well lately. The fact of the matter is the mouth has a major impact on how well we sleep. Turns out, the same is true when it comes to the foods we eat! If you’ve been struggling to sleep due to sleep apnea, or your symptoms have been worse lately, take a moment to learn about the foods most likely to harm (and help) your sleep quality!

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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.