S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
Rest for the Weary
New technology leads to a better night’s sleep By Dr. Macon Singletary of North Raleigh Periodontics If you’ve struggled to wake up rested and refreshed, you’re in good company. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of American adults struggle to get quality sleep, thereby “increasing risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and frequent mental distress”—not to mention feeling exhausted by the end of the day.
surrounding it become weaker, so the natural aging process is one possible explanation for snoring.
In attempting to get much-needed shut-eye, people have tried almost everything—from chamomile tea, yoga, supplements and aromatherapy to breathing techniques, oral appliances and CPAP machines (for those diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing stops and starts during sleep).
Snoring can also be caused by obstructive sleep apnea, during which the narrow airway blocks proper respiration. Take a quick look in the mirror, stick out your tongue and say “ahh.” If you’ve been told you snore and you notice a small airway at the back of your throat, it’s likely that you do indeed snore while sleeping. Other possible causes of snoring include carrying excess weight around your neck, a natural predisposition of your body’s build, nasal and sinus problems, and sleeping flat on your back. Frequent use of alcohol, smoking and medications with tranquilizing can also lead to snoring.
Recently, laser technology has evolved to become a viable and successful option for many. It’s especially effective for individuals who snore, which leads to interrupted sleep for the snorer and exasperation for the partner who must listen to the snoring. As we age, our throats become narrower, and the muscles
Regardless of the cause, a complimentary home sleep study is an effective screening tool that can determine if laser treatment is a good option. This nonsurgical, gentle treatment known as NightLase uses a laser to stimulate collagen contraction in the tissues of the upper airway. The treatment causes
those tissues to tighten, which reduces the risk of overrelaxing them during sleep and contributing to apnea and snoring. No anesthesia or surgical intervention is necessary. Generally, three 15-minute treatments over a six-week period are performed, and patients can immediately resume their daily activities. It’s not the answer for everyone, but for many patients, it has proven to be life-changing.
Dr. Macon Singletary of North Raleigh Periodontics is a periodontist and diplomate with the American Board of Periodontology. He also specializes in snoring and sleep solutions.
North Raleigh Periodontics 7805 Fiesta Way, Raleigh North Carolina 27615 919.518.8222 | northraleighperio.com
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