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

Three common sleep myths debunked

Some of the most common myths about sleeping could actually be impacting your overall health.

Do you think you can get by on just a few hours of sleep every night? Perhaps you think your snoring is a harmless habit? Read on to find out more about some of the most common misconceptions about sleep, and why it’s better to know the facts.

You only need a few hours of sleep

Many people claim that they are able to function perfectly with just a few hours of sleep every night. In fact, according to a recent study performed by researchers at the NYU School of Medicine and published in Sleep Health, this was one of the most common assumptions about sleep. The researchers, however, were able to dispel the myth with scientific evidence, and actually went on to show that the belief that five hours or less of sleep is sufficient, is actually the myth that poses a significant risk to people’s overall health. Sleep affects overall productivity, wellbeing and mood, which is why a consistent sleep schedule, as well as at least seven hours of sleep every night, are essential.

Drinking alcohol before bed aids sleep

It is a fairly common belief that having an alcoholic beverage before bed can help to induce sleep. While an alcoholic nightcap might make you feel sleepy, research shows that alcohol actually prevents the body from achieving deep sleep, which is so important for proper functioning and overall health.

Snoring is a harmless habit

Another common misconception, many people believe that snoring is a harmless habit. While in some cases, it may not be an indication of any underlying health problems, it is also one of the most common signs of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious health problem that occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway and causing air flow to stop. This, in turn, causes the blood oxygen level to drop and leads to fragmented sleep.

If you snore at night, it’s important that you are properly diagnosed. The best way to differentiate harmless snoring from sleep apnea is with an overnight sleep study, which evaluates exactly what your body is doing at night. To find out more about an overnight sleep study involves, take a look here.

Get a good night’s sleep

Research shows that good quality sleep plays an important role in our overall health, so if you suffer from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, we highly recommend that you come in and see us. We offer a range of treatments and understand the importance of treating airway conditions in order to promote overall wellness.

Some of our treatment options include behaviour modification such as sleep position training, weight loss, reduced consumption of alcohol, limited use of sedatives and muscles relaxants, and smoking cessation. Depending on the case, we may recommend oral appliance therapy, which is an effective treatment for some patients. Others may benefit more from continuous positive air pressure (CPAP), which involves the use of a specially designed mask that is strapped to the head at bedtime.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended for the treatment of sleep apnea, although this will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your condition and your overall health.

To find out more about our range of sleep apnea treatments, please take a look here.

To arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have and is committed to providing you with top quality care.