March 9, 2015
Exactly how much sleep should you get? According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep varies between individuals and age. On average, adults need 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Studies show approximately 30% of adults are getting less than 6 hours per day.
So how does losing sleep affect us? Studies from both Harvard Medical School and Mayo clinic site that sleep deprivation can affect judgment, mood, ability to learn and retain information, and may increase the risk of serious accidents and injury. Long term affects could include a host of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even early mortality.
Here are some tips for a good night’s sleep.
• Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning.
• Avoid large meals before bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Avoid nicotine.
• Turn off all lights and electronics in the bedroom
• Remove pets from the bed
Still can’t sleep? It is possible that you have an undiagnosed sleep disorder. Approximately 40 million people in the US suffer from sleep disorders that can interfere with their quality of rest.
Dr. Wesley Shankland of the Lima Oral Sleep Center is trained in dental sleep medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), the national society dedicated to the practice of dental sleep medicine. At Lima Oral Sleep Center we treat mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea with oral appliance therapy. Patients like the oral appliance because it is easy to wear, comfortable, quiet, easy to care for and portable.
Oral Appliance Therapy is an effective alternative to CPAP and can equal CPAP in effectiveness. Studies by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine have also shown a higher patient compliance rate- as high as 75% with an oral appliance for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
We want to help you! If you or a loved one could benefit from an oral sleep appliance, give us a call at 419-224-SNOR(6776).
And remember, keep smiling, sharing, and caring!