Celebrating National Sleep Month

Serving Patients in the areas of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Big Rapids MI

Did you know that May is Better Sleep Month? Sponsored by the Better Sleep Council, the goal of Better Sleep Month is to raise awareness about the benefits of restful sleep—and the dangers that poor sleep can pose to your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Even going a single night without receiving an adequate amount of sleep has physical consequences. Your blood pressure increases, as does your production of the stress hormone. Failing to get proper sleep repeatedly over a prolonged period of time can cause consequences including difficulties concentrating, mood swings, irritability, and a compromised immune system. Meanwhile, the stress hormone produced when you do not get enough sleep actually makes it harder to sleep in the future, continuing a vicious cycle that deprives you of the ability to get proper rest.

Know the causes of lost sleep

A host of physical and psychological factors can affect your ability to sleep. They can include worry, anxiety, stress, or physical factors such as pain, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms. Environmental factors like noise, temperature, light levels, and humidity also may impede your ability to get quality rest.

Better Sleep Month seeks to make people aware of any behaviors or habits that may be impeding your ability to sleep. The National Sleep Council recommends individuals sleep for at least six to seven hours a night.

How to get better sleep

Sleep is about quality, as well as quantity. Getting six hours of deep sleep is more beneficial than eight hours of light, interrupted sleep.

Your Grand Rapids sleep experts at TMJ & Sleep Disorders of Michigan recommend these steps to help you sleep better at night:

• Be consistent:Get on a regular sleep schedule with the same bedtime each day of the week—even on weekends or days off from work.
• Relax:Before going to bed, stop any stimulating activities such as exercise or working. Instead, perform activities you find relaxing.
• Creature comforts:The ideal sleeping space is dark, well-ventilated, and of an appropriate temperature. If your bedroom is getting too much light or your schedule requires sleeping during the day, consider investing in blackout shades or curtains. You also may want to remove any distractions or sources of light such as computers, tablets, and televisions from the room.
• Get healthy:Regular exercise and a healthy diet often lead to better sleep. You also should avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine too close to your bedtime.

The risks of sleep apnea

One cause of lost sleep is sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that occurs when the airway becomes obstructed or completely blocked while you sleep. These interruptions in breathing may take place hundreds of times per night for a patient with an advanced, untreated case of sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Doctors in Holland, Grand Rapids

TMJ & Sleep Disorders of Michigan, our doctors practice sleep apnea dentistry, which specializes in diagnosing and treating the airway problems that cause sleep apnea. If you are snoring loudly and struggling to get proper sleep, then sleep apnea could be the cause of your problems. Contact our office today at (616) 458-0631 to schedule a consultation.

TMJ & Sleep Disorders of Michigan is here to serve patients in the areas of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Big Rapids in Michigan.