There is a growing need for dentists to take a more active role in identifying and treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in their patients. It’s well known that OSA affects a growing number of adults in the United States, but you may not be aware that Dentists like you can be on the front lines in combating this sleep disorder.  If you’re unfamiliar, OSA is a disorder that causes airway obstruction during sleep. This obstruction can lead to choking during sleep and interrupt the natural sleep cycle. In the short term, OSA can cause sleeplessness, daytime fatigue, irritability, and mood...

Insomnia 30%  Obstructive Sleep Apnea 24% mild to moderate;  4% Severe Restless Leg Syndrome 10% Delayed Sleep/Wake Phase Disorder 10% Shift Worker Disorder 2% Sleeping seems so simple–just lay down and close your eyes. But the reality is far more challenging. Millions of Americans are suffering from a variety of sleep disorders that lead to chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation. This not only impacts quality of life but also puts them at risk of developing other, more serious health concerns later in life.  There are a few sleep disorders that impact more than all the rest. So here’s your list...

It’s really easy to develop bad bedtime habits. Whether you watch TV right before bed, have late night cravings, or sleep in a messy, cluttered space, there are so many things that can make falling asleep and staying asleep seem difficult or impossible. But it doesn’t have to be so stressful.  We’ve created a quick list of the best, surprisingly simple ways you can start to get better sleep tonight–no medication required. If you try these easy tips and tricks, you’re likely to start getting better, more restful sleep so you can face each day refreshed. 1) Develop a Clear...

While there are a bunch of different ways to get poor sleep, sleepwalking is definitely one of the strangest. You’re in a deep sleep, but your body is up and moving around. You can even start to fall into routines during sleepwalking: waking up, brushing your teeth, eating, even driving a car! Whether you suspect you or someone you love is a sleepwalker, here are five interesting facts about sleepwalking you should know.  1) Sleepwalking Leads To Weird Nighttime Behaviors Some sleepwalkers have very average behaviors when they sleepwalk. In some cases, the person only sits up or walks around...

Sometimes it’s easy to avoid prescribing potentially helpful tests for your patients because you don’t want to worry them with the time and cost associated with testing. Even if there may be affordable options, the stress may not be worth it if the patient doesn’t really need the testing.  However, even if there is a chance your patients may not test positive, it’s always better to know and treat rather than pretend it’s not a problem until it’s a bigger problem. Your patients rely on you to give them as much information as possible, and your clinical expertise is imperative...