Fact:  Sugary foods cause energy levels to crash and burn. Sugary foods bring on insomnia.

Good foods promote good sleep

Everyone knows how kids react after eating foods high in sugar. They’re hyper, loud and quite often difficult to put to sleep. This is because when sudden, drastic changes in energy levels occur, insomnia is induced. You are left feeling tired, sluggish and unprepared for the new day. This raises the question,  “If foods can induce insomnia, can foods promote good sleep, too? If so, which foods actually help your quality of sleep?”

If you eat foods containing these four essentials, you will promote good sleep:

• Melatonin
• Iron
• Tryptophan
• Magnesium

Melatonin – Melatonin is a hormone provided by the body. It is often taken in supplemental form by those dealing with jet lag or changing work hours. Melatonin is also found in foods such as barley-based beer, almonds, walnuts, tomatoes and red wine.

Iron –Do you suffer from restless leg syndrome (characterized by restlessness and insomnia)? This may be caused in part by iron deficiencies. Foods containing iron include chicken liver, oysters, beef liver, turkey, beans, spinach, raisins, lentils and oatmeal.

Tryptophan – Ever wonder why after a delicious Thanksgiving Day meal you feel so sleepy? It’s not because you’re hosting a lot of people for a lot of dinner (well, maybe). It’s because you ate turkey. Turkey, eggs, nuts, milk, peanut butter, sesame seeds, soy and pumpkin seeds all contain tryptophan, an acid essential for the body. An increase in tryptophan equals an increase in melatonin.

Magnesium – Magnesium supplementation improves insomnia. It also increases sleep time and early-morning waking in older adults. Foods that contain magnesium include almonds, spinach, cashews, peanuts, cereal, black beans and soy milk.

If you’re struggling with insomnia, eat foods that promote good sleep and schedule an appointment with us here at Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois. Call (630) 369-5508. We are passionate about helping you sleep well.

I  wish you success on your journey to better sleep!

Question of The Week – What are the Most Common Side Effects of Oral Appliance Therapy?

Some side effects tied to an oral appliance are: increased drooling, minor jaw pain and tooth discomfort, dryness, sensation of awareness and minor tooth movement or discomfort. Plan at least 2 weeks following your visit to begin Oral Appliance Therapy.

Visit Dental Sleep & TMD Center of Illinois. Let us help you with any side effects you may be experiencing with your Oral Appliance Therapy. Call us at (630) 369-5508. For more information on how you can stop snoring and start sleeping better, visit http://www.tiredofsnoring.com.

Autoimmune disorders can lead to sleep problems

Is your sleep interrupted by aches and pains?

Do you suffer from depression, anxiety and stress and fatigue?

Is sleep apnea a warning sign of autoimmune disorders?

Can autoimmune disorders lead to sleep problems? Studies now show this is a fact. Many people suffer from autoimmune disorders, and their pain can be significant.

Here are ten suggestions to help manage sleep problems:

1. Create a regular bedtime routine and sleep schedule
2. Use extra pillows to support painful joints
3. Enjoy good nutrition and exercise daily
4. Keep a comfortable temperature in the bedroom (Around 64 degrees is suggested)
5. Wear comfortable sleep clothing
6. Try to get 8-9 hours of sleep each night
7. Try to manage pain with routine massage therapy sessions
8. Stop alcohol and caffeine consumption well before bedtime
9. Try acupuncture, meditation or Yoga
10. Ask your doctor if changes in medication are necessary

Read more on how restful sleep can improve your autoimmune symptoms here:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/autoimmune-disorders/getting-sleep-with-autoimmune-disease.aspx

Don’t put up with sleep problems any longer! See a sleep specialist and allow them to help solve your sleep difficulties.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy successfully for over 15 years. For more information on this physician-recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com, or call us at (630)369-5508.

June is Men’s Health Month. Eat more fruits and veggies.

June is Men’s Health month. Bring better health into your life this month.  Improve strength, energy and stamina. You can make your health a priority and stay ahead of your health by adding just a few steps to improve your life now.

Here are four steps to start improving your health with today:

• toss away your smoking habit
• exercise more
• eat more fruits and veggies
• get plenty of sleep

Please click the link below and read more about making new changes in your life this month.

http://www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw/index.htm

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois is a premiere snoring and sleep apnea treatment center in Naperville. We have been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of Oral Appliance Therapy successfully for over 15 years. For more information on this physician-recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com, or give us a call at (630)369-5508. 

Beauty sleep is important to your health Great sleep affects beauty

Sleep affects beauty. For quite some time, science has measured that “deep, tired look” of patients who suffer with sleep disturbances.

Studies show that patients who resolve their sleep issues often enjoy scientifically-measured improvements in their facial skin. Less redness and forehead puffiness are just two of the noticeable and measurable improvements that can result with improved sleep.

In addition, observers who viewed photos of sleep apnea patients after successful treatment often cited these patients as being more attractive, youthful and alert.

Many studies reveal that only about 50% of patients are using their prescribed CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Luckily, many of these CPAP patients who we now treat with Oral Appliance Therapy are enjoying overall improvements in their sleep. After successful treatment, many times we see improvements which may include:

• less dreary eyes
• less puffiness around the eyes
• less redness around the nose
• less visible strap lines (from attempted CPAP use)
• much less ’grumpiness’ factor

If you are not getting good quality and quantity of sleep, it’s important to review possible reasons. Many sleep disorders have profound implications on heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and more. A lack of sleep affects “beauty” inside and out.

For more information on the importance of beauty sleep, visit this USA Today Article. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/05/health-women-beauty-sleep/8731111/. Then give us a call at (630) 369-5508 today. We can help you get the great sleep your body needs.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Lisle, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630)369-5508.