Tired of waking up tired With Dr. Murray Knebel

I wake up tired a great deal and don’t feel as well as I would like. Is there anything I can do that does not involve a prescription medication?
R.S. Calgary. Alta.

YES! And a specially trained sleep dentist may be the answer you are looking for.

The sad fact is that more and more people are dragging their tired, overwhelmed bodies and minds into doctors’ offices asking for something — anything — to relieve the exhaustion, stress and lack of focus they endure on a daily basis.

It is estimated that up to one-third of adults suffer from a sleep disorder that affects their daily life. Trained sleep dentists are able to help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms through the use of a C-PAP machine, or by re-posturing the jaw and neck with a specialized appliance or orthodontic treatment.

Bringing the body into alignment allows patients “room to breathe,” therefore alleviating sleep deprivation.

When patients are able to take in more oxygen, the proper night time rejuvenation process occurs and their health is immediately enhanced.

While awake it is physically impossible to hold your breath and force oxygen levels to drop even one to two per cent. However, we see sleep patients who experience a 20 per cent drop in oxygen, leaving them feeling like walking zombies and greatly affecting the quality of their lives.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following symptoms of sleep deprivation contact a specially trained sleep dentist or medical doctor for an overnight sleep assessment. If you're not sure, take the Epworth Sleep Test below.

• Morning headaches
• Poor memory or foggy brain
• Struggle with Weight
• Diabetes/Hypertension
• Snoring
• Decreased sex drive or impotence
• Personality changes, irritability or ADHD symptoms
• Thyroid, Adrenal or Endocrine imbalance

Epworth Sleep Test:

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is used to determine the level of daytime sleepiness. If you score 10 or more on this test, you should consider whether you are obtaining adequate sleep, or need to see a sleep specialist.

Use the following Epworth Scoring scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:

0 = no chance of dozing
1 = slight chance of dozing
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = high chance of dozing

Fill in your sleep scores to see if we can help:

1. Sitting and reading =
2. Watching TV =
3. Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. theater or a meeting) =
4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break =
5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit =
6. Sitting and talking to someone =
7. Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol =
8. In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic =

TOTAL PONTS RECORDED =
If you scored 10 or more on this test, you should consider whether you are obtaining adequate sleep, or need to see a sleep specialist.

Dr. Murray Knebel is founder of Sierra Dental in Calgary.

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