If you remember back to your college days, it was possible that you were functioning on four or five hours of sleep, right? Between studying for exams, partying with friends, and working your part-time job, who had time to actually sleep? Now, as an adult, your sleep habits haven’t changed, but you’re finding it much harder to function each day. If you’ve discovered you suffer from sleep apnea in Glastonbury, here are 3 common myths we’re debunking that are associated with “better sleep” that you can easily fall victim to if you’re not careful.
Snoring is Just Annoying, Not Harmful
“Roll over! You sound like a buzz saw!” If you’ve heard that statement or one similar before, you know that snoring in Glastonbury is an annoying habit. While you can’t necessarily help that you snore, there are different remedies available on the market to help minimize the sound. From nose strips to sprays, people have been trying for years to stop snoring, but for individuals with sleep apnea, it’s more than just annoying, it can be harmful.
For a person who is unaware that they have sleep apnea, snoring can pose a serious threat to their ability to breathe. When the throat and tongue become relaxed, it can cause vibrations that result in snoring. Combine this with the soft palate and tongue collapsing on the throat, and you now have someone experiencing apnea.
If you or your partner snore, it is best to see a sleep doctor or dentist as soon as possible, as it can lead to serious health conditions such as a heart attack, stroke, or death.
A Drink Before Bed Will Help You Relax
If you think that glass of wine or mixed drink is a great way to make you relax before going to bed, may we suggest another option? Studies have shown that alcohol actually makes it much more difficult for your body to reach the phase of deep sleep. The brain and body encounter various sleep cycles, each of which is important for you to function at optimal speed the next day.
When you are unable to reach the phase of deep sleep, you will begin to struggle with chronic fatigue in Glastonbury, which is another common symptom associated with sleep apnea. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea are encouraged to avoid alcohol because of its inability to help with sleep. You may feel more sleepy when drinking, but we assure you, that glass of red wine isn’t helping you to feel more rested.
Your Body (and Brain) Only Need Four or Five Hours of Sleep to Function
If you want to avoid being called a “walking zombie,” make sure you’re getting more than four or five hours of sleep each night. Scientific evidence has proven that this myth is incredibly harmful to a person’s health. Sleep deprivation is linked to numerous health-related problems, including negative cognitive brain function, respiratory disease, and even cardiovascular disease.
Think about it: if you’re tired, you’ll be less likely to exercise and get in shape, you’ll have difficulty remembering things, and you’ll find that you’re more irritable. Individuals with sleep apnea need as much rest as possible in order to function, which is why treatment is necessary. Talking to a dentist or sleep doctor about being treated with CPAP therapy or an oral appliance can help those with sleep apnea get the rest they need.
Don’t let common myths get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Listen to your body and what it’s telling you. If you’re tired, think about ways you can adjust your schedule. Go to bed earlier, opt for water instead of alcohol, and seek treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. Before long, you’ll be noticing a big difference in the way you feel.
Dr. Keith Hollinger, DMD, attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst before going on to receive his dental degree at Tufts University. Since that time, he has devoted countless hours to pursuing additional training in sleep medicine, TMD therapy, orofacial pain, and orthodontics. After discovering a connection between sleep problems and chronic pain, Dr. Hollinger opened the Central Connecticut Orofacial Pain & Sleep Medicine office to help those in need. To learn how he can help you, visit our website or call (860) 430-5687.
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