Greeley Endodontics - June 2019

IS YOUR PILLOW AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH?

If you’re feeling stiff and tired during the day or constantly waking up at night, it could be because of your pillow. Many people don’t think about their pillows when it comes to health, but your pillow plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Rest Everyone knows that getting eight hours of sleep per night is ideal for a healthy body and mind, and your pillow can make all the difference in how you sleep. A lousy pillow causes discomfort and makes it difficult to relax, which can prevent you from getting the quality of sleep that is best for your health. Stiffness The way you sleep is connected to the type of pillow you use at night. For instance, a side sleeper needs a thicker pillow to support their neck, while a back sleeper needs a thinner one. Your pillow should allow your neck to rest comfortably without straining your muscles. If you’re sleeping with the wrong kind, it can cause stiffness and pain in the neck, which can lead to dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and headaches. Acne Breakouts are no fun, and they happen to everyone. Pillowcases tend to collect oil and dirt through constant contact with your skin, hair, and the environment. This buildup can irritate your skin and The vast majority of researchers agree that perhaps the most important advancement in the history of sleep medicine was the discovery of sleep apnea. In 1965, specialists viewed obstructive sleep apnea as a simple and periodic closure of the upper airway. This meant that the treatment method they often turned to was performing a tracheotomy, a severe surgical approach to eliminating airway obstructions. Fortunately, in 1981, the first continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy mask was created. Science has certainly come a long way when it comes to sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, but there is still much to learn. To help spread knowledge and awareness about this prevalent condition, here are three surprising facts you may not know. 1. SEVERE UNDERDIAGNOSIS According to Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center, nearly 80% of people who report sleep issues are living with undiagnosed sleep apnea. In fact, it’s now estimated that 22 million people suffer from moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea. 2. A VARIETY OF SYMPTOMS Many people are inclined to believe that snoring is the only symptom associated with sleep apnea, and while snoring can be symptomatic, DID YOU KNOW? 3 Surprising Facts About Sleep Apnea

result in acne. By washing your pillowcase once a week, you can significantly reduce unpleasant breakouts.

Allergies Along with collecting dirt and oil, pillows can accumulate dust mites and dead skin cells, which are key triggers for allergies. If you suffer from severe allergies, it’s a good idea to invest in a dustproof, zipper-locked pillowcase to keep irritants away. There’s one excellent way to see if you need a new pillow or not: Try bending it in half. If it returns to its original shape, your pillow is fine, but if it doesn’t, it’s time to invest in a new one.

it’s not the only thing to watch out for. Other symptoms, like depression, fatigue, trouble concentrating, dry mouth, and sore throat, are also indicative of a larger throat and airway problem. 3. POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS Sleep apnea disrupts more than just your good night’s sleep. Untreated, it can develop to become a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Fortunately, here at Greeley Endodontics, we now have a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner, a machine that takes images of patients’ neck and throat areas so Dr. Lowry can examine for obstructions and volume size. We have intermittent workshops to provide more information about CBCT scans and sleep apnea in general, so if you want to learn more about the event, be sure to give our office a call!

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