Here are a few tips we recommend to change your sleep lifestyle and improve your sleep performance. 1) Be consistent about using your CPAP and/or your oral appliance for best results. 2) Watch when and what you eat before bed.a.  Eating within 2 hours of sleep time disrupts your body’s ability to prepare for a beneficial sleep cycle.b.  Many of us love to have something to eat before bed, and the stuff that makes us feel satisfied are comfort-type foods–rich and higher in fats. These types of foods alter body chemistry and disrupt sleep too. Low-fat, protein-rich foods are best.… [ Read More ]

Happy Daylight Savings Time! Or should we say, Happy Sleep Deprivation Time? It's a salient point to discuss, because this antiquated tradition of moving our clocks to reduce our energy consumption is responsible for significant impacts on our quality of sleep. The human race requires sleep to function and maintain physical health. Our ability to sleep is directly connected to the transition between day and night. Our circadian rhythm is crucial to how we stay healthy. We know that when we disrupt our sleep, it can put us into a short-term tailspin. We fail to get into a cycle that… [ Read More ]

The National Sleep Foundation (sleepfoundation.org) released a statement regarding a comprehensive data analysis of patients, and has released  recommendations  for the ideal amount of sleep for all age groups. If you, your spouse, or your family can’t meet these sleep guidelines, give Lyons Creek Dental Care a call.  We have been practicing dental sleep medicine for over 10 years. We work in conjunction with board-certified sleep medicine specialists. We can give you the professional guidance and treatment to improve your sleep. Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for… [ Read More ]

It may be old news by now that having an airway obstruction like sleep apnea is linked to cardiovascular disease (stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack). But there are scores of studies that are linking sleep breathing disorders to diabetes, obesity, and now, cancer. Recent studies show a link between sleep-disordered breathing (including apnea) and the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. The increasing body of evidence is irrefutable. Any level of sleep breathing difficulty changes our body chemistry and introduces significant medical risks. Even snoring.  That’s right—the thing that most every person does when they sleep. See us for an evaluation… [ Read More ]

I’ve been treating patients with sleep disordered breathing for about 10 years. Originally, I was screening patients for signs and symptoms of obstructed airway disease and how I could recommend the best course of treatment with specialists.  But in 2007, I stepped up my training and became an accredited member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Now I conduct general rounds at the local sleep medicine clinic and provide therapy for patients who suffer from sleep apnea or obstructed airway disorders. When I consult with patients about the best way to breathe during sleep, I recommend more than… [ Read More ]