Tips for a Better Night’s Rest

Tips for a Better Night’s Rest

In our last post, we talked specifically about snoring and sleep apnea—serious problems that Dr. Wade of Stonebriar Smile Design can help you treat. Today, we’d like to discuss some general tips for sleeping better.  After all, a full night of rest is important for getting the most out of your day. If you’re not sleeping well, try making some changes to your life. If your problems persist, it might be time to talk to Dr. Wade about why that might be. Perhaps you’re struggling with sleep apnea without even knowing you are.

Follow a set schedule

·         Try to hit the sack at a regular time each night, and try to wake up at the same time every morning.

·         If naps are keeping you from a full night of sleep, limit their length or avoid them entirely.

Sunlight in the morning; soft light at night

·         To stay alert during the day, expose yourself to sunlight—take work breaks outside, or go for a walk. Consider opening the curtains or blinds around your home or office space.

·         Avoid using computers, televisions, or backlit devices like iPads right before bed.

·         Sleep in a dark room.

·         Avoid turning on lights if you have to get up in the night. Use a nightlight or flashlight.

Control your environment

·         Is the room temperature comfortable?

·         Use a fan or white noise machine to block out noise from your surroundings.

·         Make sure your sheets, mattress, and pillow are comfortable.

Diet and exercise

·         Avoid large meals or alcohol right before bed.

·         Reduce your caffeine intake

·         Don’t exercise right before bed.

For more advice, read what the Mayo Clinic advises. And if you’re concerned about sleep apnea or snoring, don’t hesitate to give Stonebriar Smile Design a call. We serve patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.

Stress Leads to Inflammation

Stress Leads to Inflammation

Today, we seem more stressed as a society than ever before. With smartphones, especially, it can be hard to unplug from work or even from networking with friends and family. But whether your stress comes from technology, finances, or somewhere else, you should know it’s having a negative effect on your health—and not just your overall health, but your oral health, too. We’re talking specifically here about inflammation.

As a part of the body’s immune system, it can be good when it’s working the way it’s supposed. But too much stress can make it difficult for the body to properly regulate inflammation. That can turn inflammation into a weapon the body uses against itself, and it has implications for your oral health. The ADG reported back in 2012 that a definite link between stress and dental health exists, citing problems with the immune system.

All of this means that managing stress and following a good oral health routine are vital. To keep your smile healthy, remember to brush and floss daily. You should also see Dr. Wade twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

Call Stonebriar Smile Design today if you need to reserve an appointment with us. We’re located in Frisco but provide excellent genera, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to patients from Plano, McKinney, Allen, The Colony, and Dallas.

How Your Dentist Can Help You Get a Better Night Rest

How Your Dentist Can Help You Get a Better Night Rest

Do you feel rested during the day, or do you catch yourself yawning while at work? Has your partner ever complained about your snoring? Are you perceived as moody? All of these are symptoms of a common condition known as sleep apnea.

In most cases, sleep apnea is caused by blocked air passages. That’s why it goes hand-in-hand with snoring. As air struggles to get through, vibrations are created, causing that familiar sound we associate with snoring. Worse than this, though, is the fact that sleep apnea patients will stop breathing for 10 second or longer, eventually waking up to take a breath. For patients who struggle with sleep apnea, this can happen all night, ever night.

Thankfully, your dentist has a way to help. With a custom-made oral appliance, Dr. Wade of Stonebriar Smile Design can help you keep your air passages clear, preventing snoring and helping you to breathe easily all night long.

Why is treating sleep apnea and snoring so important?

In part because of the strain that sleepless nights can put on couples. But more than that, there’s your overall wellbeing to consider. Daytime drowsiness can lead to accidents at work, at home, or behind the wheel. Plus, patients with sleep apnea are vulnerable to developing high blood pressure and other kinds of heart problems. There’s even a risk of premature death.

Are you looking for relief from snoring or sleep apnea? A custom made oral appliance from Dr. Wade can help. Call Stonebriar Smile Design today for an appointment. We’d be happy to talk to you about your needs and to answer any questions you might have.

Our office serves patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.