Sleep medicine is the field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related disorders and the promotion of sleep. The field includes physicians, psychologists, and dentists.

What is sleep medicine?

The term “sleep medicine” encompasses a variety of treatments and therapies that can help with sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and more. If you have trouble sleeping, our sleep medicine team is here to help!

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study is a test that measures and monitors sleep quality and patterns throughout the night. During the study, sensors are attached to your head to measure brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate and other vital signs while the patient sleeps in the comfort of their own bed. The study can be done in one of our offices or a patient’s home if they have an at-home sleep monitor and are comfortable using it. The results of the test will help your provider diagnose any sleep disorders you may have.

What can a sleep physician do for me?

If you’re experiencing difficulty falling and staying asleep, or if you wake up feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep, it may be time to see a sleep physician. We can help you find a treatment plan that works for you so you can start sleeping better right away. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

What do the treatments include?

Treatment for sleep problems depends on the cause of the problem. Your sleep physician may recommend lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, regular exercise, quitting smoking or making other changes to your lifestyle and sleep habits. Other treatments may include medication, therapy or even surgery. We will work with you to find the treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle so you can get the restful night’s sleep you need.

When should I see a sleep physician?

If you experience snoring through the night, feel sleepy throughout the day or have trouble staying awake while driving or have accidents at work due to a decreased level of alertness, you may want to make a sleep appointment. To learn more about how your sleep habits and lifestyle may be affecting your health, contact My Dental Care to schedule a consultation with a sleep physician.

How much sleep do I need?

Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night, though some people function better with more or less. The amount of sleep you need may be affected by your age and lifestyle habits. For example, older adults tend to need more sleep than younger people. A person who works the night shift or takes naps during the day likely needs more rest than a person who sleeps during the day and goes to bed early at night.

When you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may start to notice some side effects like lack of motivation, moodiness, or trouble concentrating. Your body will also crave more carbohydrates and caffeine than usual because your body thinks it is getting close to the time you go to sleep, which is why you might feel tired despite having slept a full night. If you still experience these symptoms after sleeping the recommended number of hours, you may want to talk to your doctor about possible sleep disorders.

While it is true that you can survive with less sleep, you may not live your best life if you can’t get the recommended amount of rest each night. Your body needs this time for restorative functions so that you can stay healthy, fight off illness, and feel energized throughout the day.

Author Bio

Dr. Fab Mancini is a board certified endodontist with a focus on conservative dentistry. She enjoys providing patients with the information they need to make the best decisions about their oral health. She especially loves helping patients feel confident about their smiles so that they can enjoy life to the fullest!

Common sleep disorders

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that occurs when your throat muscles relax more than normal. As a result, your airway becomes obstructed while you sleep and you experience disrupted sleep and snoring. The condition is diagnosed through an evaluation by your doctor of sleeping habits and physical signs such as loud snoring. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, or breathing devices.

- Dr. Smith

Author: Quinn Harris

Date Published: 2019-01-03T10:00:00+00:00

]]>

While sleep apnea is a condition that affects adults, children can suffer from it as well. Children with obstructive sleep apnea are at risk of developmental delays and behavioral issues due to the sleep deprivation caused by the condition. If left untreated, children with obstructive sleep apnea could grow up to have poor academic performance, issues with social interactions, and could develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and behavioral problems. If you think your child might be suffering from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist about treatment options.

- Dr. Smith

Author: Quinn Harris

Date Published: 2018-12-21T17:30:00+00:00

]]>

Being overweight is one of the leading causes of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. If you are overweight, losing weight can help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea in many cases. In addition to lowering your weight, making healthy lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent obesity-related sleep apnea. This includes eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber; exercising at least three to four times a week for 30 minutes or more; avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs that can increase the risk of sleep apnea; and getting enough quality rest each night.

Insomnia

If you’re struggling to sleep, you’re not the only one. According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 50–70 million people in the United States have trouble sleeping. When they do get a good night’s sleep, it’s usually for fewer than seven hours at a time.

Inadequate sleep increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity—and that’s just for starters. It can also lead to increased irritability and poor concentration, which can impact work performance or grades. Sadly, most of these people don’t realize their sleep problems are caused by a medical condition. That can make it difficult to get the help they need.

Fortunately, there are treatment options that can help restore your sleep. One of the most effective treatments is an oral appliance that’s worn at night. The oral appliance works by repositioning your jaw to prevent snoring and sleep apnea. It allows air to move freely through your airway so you can get a good night’s rest. If you decide to use an oral appliance to treat your sleep disorder, make sure you work with a dentist who has experience in fitting this oral device. That way, you can get the most benefit out of your treatment.

-Dr. Kanes is a restorative dentist who has been practicing for more than 20 years. He helps his patients improve both their oral health and their overall wellness. To make an appointment with him, call (855) 302-8255 or visit www.smilesbykane.com for more information.

Our Patients Love Us!

See what our patients are saying about their experience at Advanced Dental Care:

“My hygienist was really nice and gentle. She did a thorough job cleaning my teeth, and I did not feel a thing!” - Nancy Ann R. 5-Star Google Review

“The

Hypersomnia

Nocturnal sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring, are some of the most common sleep disorders that can be managed with oral appliances. Oral appliance therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea can reduce daytime sleepiness and improve quality of life by minimizing the frequency of disturbed nights of sleep. In fact, studies conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that oral devices are highly effective for treating mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.

Reports suggest that roughly 90 million people in the United States suffer from a sleeping disorder. The prevalence of these disorders may be as high as 30 percent in middle-aged adults and up to 40 percent in the elderly population. Symptoms may include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and frequent urination throughout the course of the night. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of a sleeping disorder, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.

*This blog is for informational purposes only. Only a medical professional can diagnose a sleeping disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms of a sleeping disorder, contact Dr. Eddie Siman, DDS at 972-257-4740 to schedule an appointment.