Jerry C. Hu, DDS Family Dentistry, LLC
Anchorage: 907 202-9685
Soldotna: 907 262-6466
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The 4 Most Common Sleep Disorders

3/4/2022

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Sleep disorders are not commonly known medical conditions, but they are very real and can be quite serious. A sleep disorder is defined as a problem that occurs during sleep, causing difficulty sleeping or waking up. There are a variety of different sleep disorders that can impact people in different ways.

Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can be caused by many different factors, including stress, anxiety, medications, and health conditions.

People who have insomnia have trouble functioning during the day due to fatigue and lack of energy. They may also experience mood swings and problems with concentration and memory.

Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes an urge to move the legs, often accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation. The need to move often occurs during rest or inactivity and can cause difficulty sleeping.

People with RLS often have trouble staying asleep and may wake up frequently during the night. They may also experience daytime fatigue, irritability, and problems with concentration.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. People who suffer from narcolepsy often fall asleep unexpectedly, even in the middle of activities. They may also experience sudden muscle weakness (called cataplexy), hallucinations, and problems with bladder control.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds or several minutes, and they can occur dozens of times per night. People who suffer from sleep apnea tend to snore heavily and have difficulty staying asleep. They may also feel exhausted during the day due to poor-quality sleep.

Do I Have a Sleep Disorder?
If you're constantly trying your best to get enough sleep but still find yourself feeling tired, there could be an underlying health condition causing your sleep problems, such as sleep apnea. Left untreated, it can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

But there's good news – many sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can be treated with dental sleep medicine. At Smiles of Alaska, we offer custom-made oral appliances designed to keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize obstructive sleep apnea.

Schedule an appointment with us today to find out if dental sleep medicine is right for you by calling (907) 349-6466 or emailing us at office@smilesofalaska.com.

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How to Sleep Well

3/4/2022

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Getting enough hours of sleep alone does not guarantee sound sleep. Sleeping well means that you fall asleep relatively quickly, sleep through the night without waking up often, and feel rested when you wake up in the morning. Getting a good night's sleep is essential for feeling your best the next day while keeping your body healthy and resistant to severe issues like obesity, cancer, and heart disease.

Here's how to get the most out of your sleep.

Have a Routine
Establish a routine before bed and stick to it. This can help your body know when it's time to wind down.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
These substances can make it difficult to fall asleep, especially if you consume them before bed.

Keep Your Room Cool and Dark
A cool, dark room is the ideal environment for sleep. Make sure your room is dark by using blackout curtains or an eye mask.

Avoid Watching TV or Using Electronics in Bed
Electronic screen blue light can interfere with your body's natural sleep rhythm. Try to avoid using electronics in bed, if possible.

Practice Relaxation Techniques
There are a variety of relaxation techniques that can help you fall asleep. Try deep breathing exercises, visualization, or muscle relaxation.

Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. Regular exercise can help improve your sleep quality.

How Well Do You Sleep?
If you're constantly trying your best to get enough sleep but still find yourself feeling tired, there could be an underlying health condition causing your sleep problems, such as sleep apnea. Left untreated, it can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

But there's good news – many sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can be treated with dental sleep medicine. At Smiles of Alaska, we offer custom-made oral appliances designed to keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize obstructive sleep apnea.

Schedule an appointment with us today to find out if dental sleep medicine is right for you by calling (907) 349-6466 or emailing us at office@smilesofalaska.com.


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6 Telltale Signs You're Not Sleeping Well

3/4/2022

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Great sleep is paramount to our overall health and well-being. Not getting enough good sleep can lead to problems, including decreased productivity, weight gain, and even heart disease.

A few telltale signs can indicate you're not sleeping well. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to make some changes to your sleep habits:

  1. You're feeling tired throughout the day, even if you've had enough sleep.
  2. You're having trouble falling or staying asleep.
  3. You're waking up frequently during the night.
  4. You're feeling grumpy and irritable more often than usual.
  5. You're finding it hard to focus or concentrate on tasks.
  6. You're snoring so loudly that your partner is kept awake.

Constantly Tired
Do you find yourself exhausted even after a full night's sleep? If so, you might be one of the many people who suffer from poor sleep quality. People who don't get enough deep, restful sleep are often tired throughout the day.

Trouble Falling Asleep
It can be challenging to get to sleep if your mind is racing or you're dealing with stress. If you're having trouble falling asleep, try relaxation techniques or yoga before bed.

Trouble Staying Asleep
If you're waking up frequently during the night, it might be because your bedroom is too hot or too cold or because you're dealing with noisy neighbors or a snoring partner. Creating a comfortable sleep environment can help you stay asleep throughout the night.

However, if you find yourself waking up randomly for no good reason, it might be a sign of something else.

Waking Up Irritable
Poor sleep can cause people to feel grumpy and irritable more often than usual. Poor quality sleep does not allow you the rest you need to recharge your body and mind. This can lead to feeling tired, stressed, and moody the next day.

Trouble Concentrating
If you're finding it hard to focus on tasks, it might be because you're not getting enough rest. When you're tired, your brain can't function as well as it usually does. This can lead to problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making.

Snoring
While seemingly harmless, snoring can actually signify that you're not getting good quality sleep. Snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes people to stop breathing for short periods during the night.

Do You Snore?
Snoring is more than just a nuisance. It can be a sign of a severe sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Left untreated, it can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

But there's good news – obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with dental sleep medicine. At Smiles of Alaska, we offer custom-made oral appliances designed to keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize obstructive sleep apnea.

Schedule an appointment with us today to find out if dental sleep medicine is right for you by calling (907) 349-6466 or emailing us at office@smilesofalaska.com.

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Why Is Sleep Important?

3/4/2022

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One of the most underrated things in life is sleep. People often take it for granted, especially during youth when it feels like there is an endless supply of energy. Sleep, however, is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing, no matter your age.

Countless facts point to the importance of sleep, and here are just a few:
  • Sleeping helps to keep your immune system strong.
  • Sleep is vital for cognitive function, including learning and memory.
  • Sleep deprivation can lead to obesity and other chronic health conditions.
  • Sleep is necessary for emotional wellbeing and stress management.

Recovery
Sleep helps your body recover from the day's activities and repairs any wear-and-tear damage. This includes repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue and regenerating cells in the body.

Mental Function
Sleep also helps keep your mind healthy by allowing your brain to process information and make decisions. Cognitive function, including learning and memory, is improved with a good night's sleep.

Stress Management
To manage stress effectively, you must get enough sleep. When you are tired, your ability to cope with stress is diminished. A good night's sleep allows your body and mind to relax and rejuvenate, helping you to manage stress in your life better.

Emotional Health
We all know how cranky we can be when we don't get enough sleep – that's because our brains aren't working at their best when we're tired. Sleep is necessary for your emotional health, as it allows you to relax and recharge. When you are well-rested, you feel happier and more energetic.

Sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, mood swings, and even depression. Getting a good night's sleep allows your body and mind to rest and recharge, improving your emotional wellbeing.

Overall Health
But sleep is also crucial for our overall health. Studies have shown that people who don't get enough sleep are more likely to develop diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Lack of sleep can also lead to accidents and poor work performance.

Are You Getting Quality Sleep?
If you're constantly trying your best to get enough sleep but still find yourself feeling tired, there could be an underlying health condition causing your sleep problems, such as sleep apnea. Left untreated, it can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

But there's good news – many sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can be treated with dental sleep medicine. At Smiles of Alaska, we offer custom-made oral appliances designed to keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize obstructive sleep apnea.

Schedule an appointment with us today to find out if dental sleep medicine is right for you by calling (907) 349-6466 or emailing us at office@smilesofalaska.com.

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Anchorage Hours
Friday - Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday by appointment

Soldotna Hours

Tuesday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Anchorage location:
12570 Old Seward Highway Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99515 

Contact/mailing Information:
Dr. Jerry C. Hu, DDS
125 N. Binkley St.
Soldotna, Alaska 99669



Anchorage phone: 907-202-9685
Soldotna phone: (907) 262-6466
Toll Free: 1-888-975-3888
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fax- (907) 260-3459
office@smilesofalaska.com

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