Considering a ‘Sleep Divorce’?
New Study Shows 30-40% of Couples Sleeping Apart

Several years ago, a large survey from the National Sleep Foundation pointed to estimates of couples sleeping apart to be 25%. A 2013 study by Toronto’s Ryerson University suggests that 30-40% of couples are now sleeping in separate rooms.

Why? Well here’s a list of some reasons why couples are parting ways during bedtime:

• Different work schedules
• Snoring or restless sleep
• Uncomfortable or inadequate beds
• Poor sleep environment
• Conflicts with co-sleeping (children in room)
• ‘Night owl syndrome’ conflicting with a ‘morning person’

The study also revealed that couples that slept in the same room suffering with sleep disturbances often expressed less sense of gratitude and appreciation for their partners.

A recent article written by Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., a Clinical Psychologist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, reviews some of the important points that couples need to take into considerations if the sleeping apart habit has kicked in.  ‘Have You Considered A Sleep Divorce’?

Join us on our next few blogs for ideas to help you tackle obstacles that are keeping you in separate bedrooms!

Please “Share” this post if you know anyone facing this concern.

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.

I snore but I am NOT tired or sleepy during the day. I typically sleep well through the night too. Does that mean I do not have apnea?

Over the years in treating snoring and apnea patients, I have not seen a direct correlation with severity of ‘other symptoms’ and a higher risk for having apnea. Many patients who are diagnosed with apnea are actually shocked to find out that they have a serious sleeping disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and are more than ‘just snoring’. Often these patients report they sleep well, and have lots of energy throughout the day.

Others may be diagnosed with very mild apnea, but are often very tired, sleepy throughout the day, and may sleep poorly. These patients are often shocked to find out that they have very mild apnea, some even evaluated to NOT having OSA. Along with apnea patients, these mild patients are wonderful candidates for professional oral appliance therapy.

Because there is no direct link with severity and symptoms, it’s always best to have your sleep and snoring evaluated by a health care physician specifically trained in sleep medicine. Most general health care professionals have very little training in sleep disorders.

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.

For years, we have seen how patients’ lack of sleep has attributed to weight gain. When recently speaking to a patient of ours, he mentioned that he lost several pounds after his apnea was treated without making any additional changes to his lifestyle.

Of course, changing lifestyles such as eating habits and activity levels helps contribute to overall health and weight loss, but sleep is often neglected as a very important piece of the weight loss puzzle.

If you are not getting enough sleep, or have untreated apnea or snoring, contact our office to discuss options available to add hours to your sleep, and potentially to help keep off extra pounds.

Here’s a recent article on how lack of sleep can affect your weight. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/how-sleep-loss-adds-to-weight-gain/?_r=0

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.

*photo credit to Evan Sung for The New York Times

Summer heat, fresh air and outdoor activities can help many people achieve a good night’s rest, but if your summer days are more lazy than fun, you could be suffering from a sleep disorder. While we may want to attribute fatigue to summer’s carefree abandonment of a strict schedule, a sleep disorder, caused by disrupted breathing and snoring, leads to daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, memory and mood problems.

Summer brings weekend picnics, vacation, and outdoor sports that can leave one feeling exhilarated and exhausted. Many of us dream of long weekends resting on a porch and returning from vacation refreshed. However, if your week end gardening or a trip to the lake is plagued by feeling tired, cranky and frustrated, you could be ignoring a vital sign that your health is at risk. Sleep disorders, once diagnosed can be treated.

Typical symptoms of a sleep disorder including sleep apnea can include-

• daytime sleepiness
• snoring
• difficulty concentrating
• memory problems
• depression
• feeling as if you are in a fog

After a physician referral, patients undergo a sleep study that analyzes the length and type of sleep you are getting as well as how many times you experience waking, or, alerting during the night. If you are diagnosed with a sleeping disorder, there are treatments available that can increase your quantity of sleep and quality of life.

Previously, a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure) was the only medical treatment. Now, less cumbersome and intrusive methods are available such as a dental sleep appliance. The custom-made device, much like a mouth guard, subtly alters the alignment of the jaw which positively impacts alignment for breathing properly at rest. She advises that if you are getting a full night’s sleep, and continue to wake un-refreshed and fatigued throughout the day, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.

So if your weekend trips to the garden center or the chores of lawn work leave you feeling more dogged than refreshed, find out if a sleep disorder could be keeping from enjoying the fruits of your labor.