SLEEP

  Sleep is critical to good health.

To detoxify and heal the body it is absolutely essential.

 Meta-analysis of sleep studies indicate 7 to 8 hours is needed. During sleep, metabolism slows, allowing time to clear cell damaging free radicals and toxins. The brain’s “GLYMPHATIC” system gets to clear its metabolites, e.g. beta-amyloid, which is critical to brain health.

 Avoid all screen time before bed, including tv, computers and phones. Keep the bedroom cool and dark. No lights. Don’t eat in bed. Avoid alcohol before sleep. Avoid caffeine in the later half of the day. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain that are needed to trigger sleepiness. 

  Obstructive sleep apnea when present can rob us of most benefits of sleep. It is a serious medical condition. If you snore, you should consider getting a referral for a sleep study (polysomnography). Only a physician with special training can diagnose the condition and rule out OSA from simple snoring.

 As a diplomate of the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DENTAL SLEEPMEDICINE I treat patients for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) with oral appliances after (and ONLY after) a prescription from a medical doctor.

There is an entire science developed around sleep-disordered breathing (of which OSA is one condition). As dental team members we can be very effective in screening patients and with special training help the medical profession in treating patients with sleep apnea.

 There is a tremendous body of information regarding sleep apnea and ongoing research is very promising and exciting. This area of medical science is a passion of mine. If you would like to have me present a lecture on the basics and latest trends at your next meeting contact: 

Dr. Gordon Levin gordlevin@icloud.com