Your master bedroom decor can promote good sleep

We’ve decorated my kids’ bedroom a couple of times over the years. My husband and I decided it was our turn. It was time for OUR master bedroom décor to take priority and get upgraded.

We enjoyed a date night through a local retailer shopped for new bedding. We came to a mutual decision on everything and went home happy with our purchases. We were both surprised as to the effect the new materials had on our sleep!

Since bedding and the bedroom environment can have a considerable impact on quality of sleep, it’s important to consider the following tips when evaluating your own master bedroom decor:

• Ideally, both bed partners will want to share input on fabric and thickness of the comforter, especially if “temperature” preferences are an issue.
• Newer high quality sheets can make a BIG difference in overall bed comfort. (We were shocked on this one).
  • Bamboo (http://www.bambooki.com/blog/bamboo-sheets-vs-cotton-sheets/)
  • High thread count cotton (http://www.hgtv.com/bedrooms/guide-to-buying-sheets/index.html)
  • Egyptian linen (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_Egyptian_cotton_sheets_and_regular_cotton_sheets)
• Lighting from artificial and natural sources can negatively impact your sleep. Keep this in mind when picking out new window treatments or adding electronics to the bedroom.
• For many, sleeping midst clutter or disorganization can affect sleep as well.  (Another reason to help our kids pick up their rooms. Back to us …)
• Mattress and pillow qualities – Need I say more on that?
• Certain smells like lavender can help promote relaxation. Consider room smell and linen sprays.

Master bedroom decor that’s set up for comfort and relaxation can only help to promote good sleep. Is it time for a master bedroom decor overhaul in your home?

• Does your bed partner complain about your snoring?
• Is your bed partner tired and irritable during the day?
• Does your bed partner show signs of depression?

A recent study by Sleep and Breathing, focused on the bed partners of snorers.  The study found that when a snorer was treated, the bed partners depression scores improved.

This was one of the first studies to include a snoring and/or sleep apnea sufferers bed partner.

At Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illlinois, we truly belive treating your sleep apnea and snoring can help improve your relationships!

Did you know that there are literally over 20 million adults in the U.S. that suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea and don’t even know it?

That’s why Jason F. feels so fortunate.  And because of this, his entire live has changed for the better.

Only 2 years ago Jason was referred to us because he felt overwhelming fatigued, and was not getting enough sleep.  He knew excess weight was also a factor.  After just a few short months Jason was a new person. Because of his successful oral appliance therapy, his energy and weight loss began to occur.  He started his own weight loss program with the support of other friends that have also lost considerable weight based on the TV reality show Biggest Losers.  He is now more energetic, alert and much happier.

Do you have an oral appliance success story?  We would love post it here and help other sleep apnea sufferers.  Send us your story: civersen@sbcglobal.net You might be able to help someone change their life!

The Good

• OTC Devices are inexpensive
• OTC Devices can be purchased at many drugstores

The Bad

Unsupervised wearing of these devices can lead to permanent side effects including: permanent dental damage, tooth movement, and jaw problems. Due to OTC construction, the potential for failure is high, discouraging FDA approved and physician recommended treatment with professionally fitted and custom-made Oral Appliances.

 The Ugly

Most importantly, many who try boil and bite devices may be masking obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a life threatening condition in which a person stops breathing repeatedly through the night.

If you are snoring, or believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea, Please discuss your situation with your physician.

Dr. Sosenko is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the founder of Dental Sleep Medicine of Illinois.  She offers snoring and apnea sufferer’s relief through professional oral appliance device therapy. For more information visit her website: www.TiredofSnoring.com .

Without treatment, middle-aged men are much more likely to suffer fatal consequences from OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).  In OSA, a person’s airway collapses causing the individual to struggle to breathe while asleep. This study highlights that men with OSA have a 58% higher risk of developing heart failure.  Men with the most severe OSA had a 68% higher risk for developing heart disease than those who do not have OSA.

Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea is described as 30 or more breathing interruptions.  These interruptions cause oxygen depletion and can last at least 10 seconds.  Accompanying burst of adrenaline from sudden wakefulness increases blood pressure, which possibly contributes to vascular problems, according to researchers.

Researchers add that most people suffering from OSA do not get diagnosed until years and up to a decade after the onset of symptoms.  Therefore, those most at risk for associated cardiovascular death are those individuals ages 30 to 50.   “The take-away from our study is that obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that warrants medical treatment, said Daniel J. Gottlieb, M.D., M.P.H., lead study author and associate professor at Boston University’s School of Medicine. “Many patients don’t experience symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as daytime sleepiness, or if they do, don’t mention it during routine medical exams. It’s important for anyone who suspects they have obstructive sleep apnea to discuss it with their primary care physician.”     (July, 2010) Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

At Dental Sleep Medicine of Illinois, we can help you understand your risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and align a treatment that best meets your needs and lifestyle.  Prevent serious health consequences and consult with us today.

ACo-authors are: Gayane Yenokyan, M.D., Ph.D.; Anne B. Newman, M.D., M.P.H.; George T. O’Connor, M.D., M.Sc.; Naresh M. Punjabi, M.D., Ph.D.; Stuart F. Quan, M.D.; Susan Redline, M.D., M.P.H.; Helaine E. Resnick, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Elisa K. Tong, M.D., M.A.; Marie Diener-West, Ph.D.; and Eyal Shahar, M.D., M.P.H. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.