May is Better Sleep Month, the perfect reminder about just how important sleep is for your overall health and wellness. This month, make a conscious effort toward better sleep—starting with a trip to Bowen Legacy Dental!
Why good sleep matters
Sleep is one of the most important things that helps your body function. There is a plethora of advantages that come with getting a good night’s sleep. Being well rested allows you to breeze through the day with energy and confidence, improves your attention and concentration, and boosts your overall physical and dental health. Studies have linked good sleep with everything from fighting inflammation (like periodontitis!) and maintaining a healthy weight to avoiding heart problems and reducing bruxism.
What is stopping you from good sleep?
You may have unhealthy habits that prevent you from getting proper sleep. These include keeping an irregular sleep schedule, sleeping throughout the day (i.e., taking naps), forcing yourself to stay awake, and drinking caffeine too close to your bedtime. If this sounds like you, take time to prioritize a nighttime routine and regular bedtimes.
Still struggling to get your Z’s? For millions of Americans, an airway problem—which can severely impact the quality of your sleep—may be the underlying cause. When the airway is restricted, people struggle to breathe. This causes issues, like sleep apnea, where the airway repeatedly collapses throughout the night, or sleep-disordered breathing. Because sleep impacts all aspects of your health, from hormone regulation (including stress and growth hormones!) to your brain function, poor sleep causes a wide range of symptoms. While some—like snoring—are obvious, others may be surprising. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, come in and seek treatment:
How we can help
If you are unable to sleep properly—despite adopting healthy sleeping habits—it’s time to visit our team. At Bowen Legacy Dental, we check your airway at every visit. Then using dental sleep appliances, we can give you back your health and wellness. These specially made appliances optimally position your jaw, tongue, and mouth, opening your airway and improving the quality of your breathing for healthy sleep. If an issue like teeth grinding or TMJ dysfunction is causing your poor sleep, we can also help with custom-fitted nightguards and dedicated treatment plans.
Sleep makes up one of the most important parts of your day. If you or your children struggle with getting a proper night’s sleep, book an appointment this Better Sleep Month by calling 614-459-2300.
