Dangerous Sleep – Part 1
January 21, 2011
Why is a dentist writing about sleep problems? More and more dentists are getting training in this area of medicine because they can be a help in the treatment of some of the problems associated with sleep-related issues. There also seems to be a large part of the population who are un-diagnosed or are diagnosed but have issues with treatment modalities they are using.
What is sleep apnea? It is a serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects approximately 18 million Americans. It comes from the Greek meaning of apnea which means “want of breath”. People with sleep apnea have episodes in which they stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Since many people see their dentist on a regular basis, if there is any concern of sleep apnea, the dentist can work closely with a physician to implement and manage a prescribed therapy.
There are two major types of sleep apnea, both of which can severely disrupt the regular sleep cycle.
Obstructive sleep apnea is when the muscles in the walls of the throat relax to the point where the airway collapses and prevents air from flowing into your nose and mouth. However, as you continue to sleep you also continue to try to breathe. This is the most common type of sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea is the other type. This is when breathing interruptions during sleep are caused by problems with the brain mechanisms that control breathing.
What are the symptoms associated with sleep apnea? People with sleep apnea usually do not remember waking up during the night. Some of the potential problems may include morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning, excessive snoring, choking/gasping during sleep, insomnia, or awakening with a dry mouth or throat.
So, what is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? Unlike mild/moderate snoring, individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing completely for 10 seconds or more, typically between 10 and 60 times in a single night. If the person sleeping in the same room hears loud snoring punctuated by silences and then a snort or choking sound as breathing then resumes, this could be sleep apnea.
Studies have shown that people with diagnosed sleep apnea can be so fatigued during the day that, when driving, their performance is similar to that of a drunk driver. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to impaired daytime functioning, high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.
Next week we will discuss the diagnosis of and treatment options of this potentially life-threatening disorder.
A Couple of Keys to Success
January 4, 2011
I hope you had the chance to read my last column. I submit it to be printed every year because I think it is an excellent reminder of things to think about at the end of a year in preparation to make the next year a better year. If you missed it, you can view my blog at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com.
No matter what profession you are in, including domestic engineer, the most important key to success is to be principled. Those who follow indisputable and grounded principles are much more likely to achieve successful outcomes and realize satisfaction from a job well done.
However, change is inevitable. And, change is not always easy. Let me use dentistry as an example because it is what I know best.
Technology and techniques in dentistry change. There are some dentists that jump on the bandwagon right away with every new gadget. There are others who are late adopters of everything. Dental technology and techniques may change, but principles don’t.
Principles are based upon a sound foundation of trying to do what’s right and what’s fair. Incorporating innovations in the practice of dentistry may enable a dentist to be successful and simultaneously remain principled. However, I have seen the other side as well. The purchase of technology and sense of urgency to “sell” in order to afford the technology creates an unbalanced set of principles.
For other dentists, change does not come as easy, and these dentists are often bogged down with tradition. That can be good and that can be bad. To deliver what is best for the patient, the dentist must be open to something new. If the new technology or technique is scientifically tested and the dentist feels it is within or improves the core foundation of grounded principles they use to treat their patients, they almost have an obligation to adopt it. When we do our best and what is right, it is okay to make a profit.
Other than having a firm set of principles, another key to success that I am sure you can relate to is learning people skills. Interacting with people can sometimes be difficult. Everyone has their own set of “issues” and everyone has their good days and their bad days. We don’t have to like everyone we come in contact with but learning how to deal with all kinds of people is a valuable skill. When it comes down to it, this brings us back to our core set of principles. If we center our conversations around our principles and people see our interactions are genuine, trust and friendships can be made.
Those who have grounded principles and have achieved some level of success in their own eyes, find themselves wanting to become better and better. It is important to become dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, no matter what you do, and to seek out the expertise and knowledge of others.
Your principles will guide you through whatever lies ahead, and your flexibility will enable you to handle whatever the future holds, which is something nobody knows for sure. Let’s work on it together.
