Issue 24.17
If you’re one of the 108 million Americans suffering from insomnia, exercise could be the answer to getting a better night’s sleep. That’s the conclusion of a recent news story on CNN, wherein the network interviewed sleep experts and researchers from Rush University, Arizona State University and the University of Pittsburgh. The story suggested that for improved sleep, a person should try to get 2 ½ hours a week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, along with strength training that targets every muscle group two days a week.
In addition, the story also found that for the 18 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea, exercise can also have a large impact. According to University of Pittsburgh sleep researcher, Christopher Cline, one of his university’s studies showed that exercise alone led to a 25 percent reduction of sleep apnea symptoms over a 12-week period. Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which the body has one or more pauses in breathing, or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes, and may occur 30 times or more in a minute. People with sleep apnea often snore. What’s more, those with sleep apnea typically don’t realize they have this condition. So, it’s usually a person’s sleeping partner who initially identifies the problem.
Premier Sleep Solutions specializes in treating patients suffering from sleep apnea by fitting them with custom-made oral appliances. These appliances, which are similar to bleach trays in appearance, can often be used in place of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. While CPAP machines have been used for years, recent research has shown that in many cases, custom-made oral appliances can be as effective as CPAP in treating sleep apnea. Plus, many patients find CPAP machines to be so cumbersome that they eventually refuse to use them regularly.
Most insurance companies now cover oral appliance therapy and the oral appliances. Medicare is leading the way relative to standard of care within the industry.
For a limited time, Premier Sleep Solutions in St. George is offering free sleep consultations. This is normally a $200 value.
For more information or to schedule a sleep consultation, contact Premier Sleep Solutions in St. George at (435)319-0478 or visit www.premiersleepsolutions.com. Premier Sleep Solutions has offices in St. George and Salt Lake City. The St. George office address is 75 South 100 East, #1E, St. George, UT 84770.
Dr. Shad Morris, DMD, is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a certified diplomate of the American Academy of Sleep and Breathing, and CEO of Premier Sleep Solutions LLC.