Sleep is a vital physiological process that is essential for our overall health and well-being. During sleep, our brain and body have the opportunity to rest, recover, and rejuvenate. Sleep is a complex process that occurs in several stages, each of which is associated with different brain wave patterns, physiological changes, and mental states. At Henrich Dental, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep.
If you are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, please reach out to us. We can help!
The different stages of sleep
The first stage of sleep is the transition from wakefulness to sleep, also known as the “hypnagogic state.” During this stage, the body’s muscle activity slows down, and the brain waves start to shift from alpha waves to theta waves.
The second stage of sleep is characterized by a further drop in muscle activity and brain wave frequency. This stage accounts for nearly 50% of total sleep time and is essential for consolidating memory and learning.
The third stage of sleep is known as “deep” or “slow-wave sleep” (SWS) and is characterized by a predominance of delta brain waves. During this stage, the body’s metabolism slows down, and the brain relaxes into a state of restorative and reparative sleep. SWS is crucial for physical recovery, tissue repair, and regulating hormones such as growth hormone and cortisol.
The fourth and final stage of sleep is the rapid eye movement (REM) stage. During this stage, the body is highly relaxed, and the muscles are temporarily paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams. REM sleep is critical for emotional processing, creative thinking, and consolidating memories.
Restorative sleep
When you wake up feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally refreshed and keep experiencing these advantages throughout the day, you have experienced restorative sleep.
Deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are the only two stages of sleep that are regarded as restorative.
The body produces bone and muscle, heals and regrows tissue, and fortifies the immune system, all while sleeping deeply. Learning, memory, and cognition all depend on REM sleep, which is the state during which you generally dream. When you wake up feeling exhausted despite getting the required amount of sleep, your sleep is not restorative.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a condition characterized by the lack of a sufficient amount or quality of sleep. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including work pressure, stress, anxiety, depression, and medical conditions like sleep apnea. Scientifically speaking, sleep deprivation can be classified as either acute or chronic based on its duration.
Acute sleep deprivation occurs when a person fails to get adequate sleep for one or more days, while chronic sleep deprivation persists over longer periods. The effects of sleep deprivation can be profound, leading to a wide range of physical and mental health problems.
Sleep apnea and snoring can often lead to sleep disruptions, causing sleep deprivation and fatigue during the day. Research shows that these conditions can put a tremendous strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It is essential to manage these conditions before they worsen and result in critical health issues. A consultation with us is an important step in diagnosing, evaluating, and developing a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Snoring and sleep apnea
According to estimates, 25% of women and 40% of men regularly snore. Snoring can have an impact on both the quantity and quality of your sleep, even though it could seem like a harmless habit or merely a bother to your partner. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate and create a sound. It is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
While snoring can be harmless, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea, which causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Snoring has been linked to a number of factors, including:
- Obesity
- The use of sedatives or alcohol
- Smoking
- Nasal polyps, which are small growths in the nose.
- A bend in the wall between the nostrils
- An underactive thyroid
- Swelling of the tonsils or other tissues near the throat
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition in which a person repeatedly stops breathing while they sleep, which leads to interruptions in the sleep cycle and can cause a range of health problems. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and occurs when the airway is blocked while sleeping. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe during sleep, while mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both.
The symptoms of sleep apnea can vary, but the most common signs include snoring, waking up with a headache or sore throat, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating during the day. Sleep apnea can also lead to more severe health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes if left untreated.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, and age. Men are also more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, and the risk increases with age. Come in and speak with Dr. Henrich if you suspect you might be suffering from sleep apnea. It is crucial that you seek sleep apnea treatment as soon as possible.
The impact of the loss of sleep.
Daytime drowsiness – Not getting enough sleep is a typical reason for feeling exhausted during the day. Daytime sleepiness can make someone lack the energy to accomplish the activities they enjoy and can lead to issues at work, in school, and in relationships.
Impaired mental function – One of the most obvious consequences of inadequate sleep is impaired mental function. One becomes less awake and sometimes struggles with multitasking as their sleep debt increases. Lack of sleep makes a person less attentive and more prone to errors, which raises the possibility of a workplace or automobile accident.
Mood changes – Lack of sleep can cause a person to feel more nervous or depressed. People who need more sleep may feel agitated, frustrated, and unmotivated. They might also have trouble controlling their emotions and coping with change. Losing sleep can have a negative impact on one’s self-esteem.
Immune system deterioration – Because sleep is essential for keeping the immune system strong, sleep deprivation can make the immune system less effective. In fact, studies show that those with sleep problems respond less favorably to the flu shot and are more susceptible to diseases like the common cold.
Weight gain: Sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of gaining weight as it affects hormones that control hunger and fullness. People who don’t get enough sleep may also have less energy to exercise, which can lead to further weight gain.
Diabetes: A lack of sleep can make it more difficult for the body to process sugar, contributing to glucose intolerance.
Heart disease: During regular sleep, blood pressure decreases in ways that are thought to be good for the heart. Your risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses is increased by a lack of sleep, which prevents this decline in blood pressure and causes inflammation.
It is vital that you seek help if you are constantly feeling sleep-deprived. You are welcome to make an appointment to come into our office located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and speak to us about our treatment options.
Treatments to increase deep sleep.
At Henrich Dental, we’re committed to helping our patients get the restorative sleep they need to function at their best every day. We can help address issues like sleep apnea and snoring, which can disrupt your sleep and affect your overall health. Doctor Henrich commonly asks about your routines and sleep habits to help pinpoint the reason for sleep deprivation; he may ask questions like:
- When do you go to bed, and when do you get up every day, including on the weekends?
- What time do you start working?
- Is sleep refreshing, or is it challenging to wake up in the morning?
- Do you frequently awaken during the night?
- How often do you nap during the day?
Using this data, Dr. Henrich might suggest a sleep test to help identify the cause of sleep problems. We do not offer sleep tests, but we work closely with sleep apnea specialists who offer this service.
Our team of experienced dental professionals will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve the restful, restorative sleep you deserve. Treatment includes:
Nasal spray
Dr. Henrich may advise you to use a steroid nasal spray before bed to treat minor kinds of snoring brought on by swelling of the nose’s lining. He might also recommend nasal strips or dental appliances.
Oral appliances
Oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices or splints, are custom-made devices that can help alleviate the symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea. They work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue, which can help keep the airway open during sleep. In fact, studies have shown that oral appliances can be just as effective as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are also more comfortable and less invasive than surgery, making them an attractive option for those seeking treatment. They need to be tailored to each individual’s unique needs and medical history. Overall, oral appliances provide a non-invasive and effective solution for snoring and sleep apnea sufferers.
Our team might also suggest that you:
- Sleep on your side rather than on your back.
- Improve your eating habits and lose weight.
- At least four hours before going to sleep, stay away from alcohol and big meals (or snacks).
- Establish a regular sleep schedule. Like trying to go to bed each night at the same time, for instance.
- Your bed’s head should be four inches higher. Lift the entire mattress, not just the pillows.
Why choose us?
If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea or snoring, you know firsthand the impact it can have on your well-being and quality of life. It is important to seek treatment from a trusted and experienced professional. Henrich Dental, located in Tulsa, OK, offers comprehensive sleep apnea treatment and snoring treatment options that can help patients achieve better restorative sleep.
Dr. Frank Henrich has been practicing for several years and is dedicated to providing superior care to his patients. Utilizing advanced technologies and techniques, Henrich Dental can create custom oral appliances that allow patients to breathe easier while they sleep. With a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction, Henrich Dental is the clear choice for anyone looking to reclaim a good night’s sleep.
FAQs
How Much Sleep Do Adults Require?
Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep per night to feel their best. Your level of activity, genetics, and physical condition can all affect how much you personally need. For instance, those who engage in intense physical activity or are athletes may need nine hours of sleep. Sleep demands for older people decrease by an hour to seven to eight hours per night.
Within the typical range, each person’s needs for sleep differ. However, if you discover that you are sleeping much more or less than seven hours each night, it may be an indication of a sleep issue or an underlying medical condition.
What Are Sleep Deprivation Warning Signs?
Excessive fatigue is the most noticeable symptom of sleep loss. Other indicators of inadequate sleep include:
- Falling asleep while reading, working, or watching TV or a movie
- Concentration, learning, or problem-solving challenges
- Slow response times
- Difficulty making decisions or remembering things
- Making more mistakes at work or school Behavioral issues in kids include heightened impulsivity, rage, or mood swings.
Do older people have more issues with sleep?
While the elderly do face distinct sleep issues, they do not experience more. Deep sleep, also known as REM sleep, is frequently problematic for both men and women over the age of 65, according to sleep research. As a result, they usually sleep for shorter amounts of time and with less intensity. Additionally, older people are a little more likely to experience insomnia.
Why do I jerk myself awake as I’m about to fall asleep?
Ans: Myoclonic jerks are what they’re known as, and they’re quite mysterious. Although experts are unsure of the exact origin, some think it may be a simple cerebral energy surge that sends the body into a momentary shudder just as you start to nod off. There is a theory that suggests heightened worry, a late-night cup of coffee, or exercising too soon before bed may enhance the likelihood that they will happen.