Elite Dental of Staten Island

Business Hours
Monday:
9.00am to 5.00pm
Tuesday:
12:00pm to 8:00pm
Wednesday:
9.00am to 5.00pm
Thursday:
9.00am to 5.00pm
Friday:
CLOSED
Saturday:
CLOSED

Are you getting enough sleep?

According to a new study, more and more people are having difficulty falling and staying asleep at night.

If you struggle to sleep at night, it turns out that you are not alone. A new study performed at Iowa State University (ISU) in the United States found that adults in America who reported having trouble falling asleep at least once a week had increased by 1.4 percent between 2013 and 2017, while the number of people who said they had trouble staying asleep had risen by 2.7 percent in the same time period. Read on to find out more about the study and what the findings suggest…

What did the study look at?

Researchers at Iowa State university (ISU) analyzed data from almost 165 000 adults in the United States and suggest that, based on their findings, it is plausible to believe that up to five million more adults experience sleep problems now than just a few years ago. The study, which was published online in the journal Sleep Health, suggests that technology may be a factor in the increase in sleep problems. In fact, previous research at the same university shows a link between smartphone use and insufficient sleep in teenagers.

What are the implications of poor sleep?

Sleep quality has an effect on overall health and wellbeing, and insufficient sleep and poor-quality sleep can increase the risk of health issues like heart disease. Sleep deprivation can also cause memory issues, trouble with concentration, mood changes and weight gain. The body needs sleep to function properly, and sleep helps to restore one’s chemical balance and gives the brain the opportunity to forge new connections and retain memories. Without enough good quality sleep, the brain and body are simply unable to function as they should.

What else can cause sleep deprivation?

Besides the factors discussed in the study, some of the main causes of sleep deprivation are airway and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea causes one’s breathing to stop temporarily during sleep and occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Some of the most common symptoms of the condition include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, episodes of stopped breathing during the night, waking up gasping or choking, headaches upon waking, difficulty focusing on tasks during the day, mood changes, high blood pressure, night sweats and decreased sex drive.

What should I do if I’m not getting enough sleep?

If you have noticed that you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, we recommend that you come in and see us for an assessment. We understand the value of good quality sleep for the sake of our patients’ overall wellness. Many people go for years without seeking treatment, but it’s important to know that an unrestricted airway is essential for carrying oxygen cells to the body in order to promote healthy bodily function. For this reason, it is a good idea to let us determine whether you have a breathing disorder, and if so, what the best course of action might be.

What treatments are available?

There are a number of options available for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. At Elite Dental of Staten Island, we offer sleep position training, oral appliance therapy, continuous positive air pressure (CPAP), and surgery, depending on the case. We also offer advice and information regarding behavior modification and lifestyle changes that can often be very helpful — these include weight reduction, reduction of alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and limiting the use of sedatives and muscle relaxants.

If you would like to arrange a consultation at Elite Dental of Staten Island, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team looks forward to helping you get a good night’s sleep!