Sleep Better Georgia Dental Sleep Medicine Blog

Are you guilty of “irregular” sleep patterns — having no regular bedtime and wakeup schedule, or getting varying amounts of sleep each night? For many, it can be an all-too-easy habit to slip into — but although perhaps not common knowledge, the potential negative effects of irregular sleep are significant. One new study proved just how great this concern can be, linking irregular sleep in older adults to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

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Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly in the evening, is very common, with more than three million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. While most people are probably familiar with RLS, what may be less commonly known is that those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to suffer from RLS. What is the connection between the two issues? Learn more below. 

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Dreams are a natural part of the sleep cycle. They occur most frequently during REM, or rapid eye movement sleep, a stage of the sleep cycle that occurs within 90 minutes of falling asleep and then every 90 minutes after that. During REM, your brain becomes more active than in any other sleep stage, dreaming and consolidating and processing information from the day before. While your brain is incredibly active during REM, your physical body shuts down to keep you from acting out your dreams.

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Ah, sleep. A sometimes-elusive, but absolutely necessary bodily function with a seemingly endless number of benefits for physical, mental and emotional health. And still, many don’t prioritize it as they should. In case you need convincing of the importance of proper rest, we’ve compiled a list of the top three reasons that better sleep should be at the top of your to-do list for a healthier mind and body.

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Whether it be a candle or a lightbulb, humans have historically found a multitude of ways to get around the darkness that nighttime brings. And now, we have more distractions than ever before that bring light into the night, from cars driving past our windows to phone and laptop screens. We may be more productive, but we’re also sleeping less: in 1910, most people slept 9 hours per night; now, one-third of Americans are getting less than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis.

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Your sleep is absolutely essential for your health, so it’s important to protect. However, many times that’s easier said than done with distractions abounding at seemingly every turn, whether they come from work, family, or just life in general. But setting boundaries and maintaining good sleep habits is more important now than ever, as we all face some uncertainty with the current situation and many find restful sleep harder to come by. Here are our top tips for maintaining strong and consistent “sleep boundaries.”

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The immune system is pretty much your body’s superhero — it recognizes viruses, bacteria and parasites that are harmful to your body and fights them. And just like any superhero, your immune system must remain healthy to effectively fight off the invaders. So, keeping your immune system as healthy as possible is certainly in your best interest. But how do you do it? One of the easiest, yet oft-overlooked contributors to an optimal immune system: good ol’ quality sleep! 

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This year, daylight saving time (DST) is happening on Sunday, March 8th. We will be “springing forward” — meaning we’re losing an hour of sleep, much to everyone’s chagrin. Whether you’re a person who is already dreading the time change or thinks it’s no big deal, the reality is that springing forward does have effects on your body. Fortunately, with a little know-how, you can ensure that you’re well-rested at every time of the year, regardless of what the clock says.

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Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but thankfully, treatment options like oral appliance therapy can significantly lessen symptoms and help patients live full, healthy lives. But can sleep apnea ever be cured for good? Is it possible for a person with sleep apnea to no longer have it? 

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You’re lying in bed one night and your partner is sound asleep. How can you tell? The loud, persistent sound of their snoring. It keeps you up every single night, and you don’t know what to do about it other than go sleep somewhere else. While snoring might seem harmless (if irritating) on the surface, it could actually be the indication of a much more serious condition called sleep apnea, which can be very damaging to both a person’s sleep and long-term health. (more…)