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Hidden Dangers of Lack of Sufficient Sleep

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When it comes to getting sufficient sleep, many people cite snoring problems or sleep apnea. But no matter what the cause, sleep disturbances need to be addressed. Humans need between seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Less than that and certain risks start to be elevated. Even for those who claim to be able to perform with much less sleep, their biological needs aren’t changed. We are who we are. And for those suffering from sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea, the risks can be even greater. Understanding these dangers is essential for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Impact on Physical Health

During sleep, the body has time to regenerate. It doesn’t have to focus on using muscle groups so you can move around, think and do all those lovely things that make us human. But when you don’t give your body that downtime during sleep, it puts a huge strain on the body. Imagine running your kitchen stand mixer 24/7 or running the blow dryer all night long. The motor would get overheated and burn out would happen. That’s what happens when you don’t get enough sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, as the cardiovascular system endures constant stress. Hormonal imbalances due to poor sleep can lead to weight gain and metabolic disorders. For people with sleep apnea in Chattanooga, TN, repeated interruptions in breathing reduce oxygen levels and further compromise heart health.

Effects on Cognitive and Mental Function

Beyond physical ailments, lack of sleep impairs brain function. Poor sleep quality can lead to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making. This cognitive decline not only impacts daily activities but also increases the risk of accidents at work or while driving. Moreover, chronic sleep loss is closely linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. When mental health deteriorates, it can create a cycle of further sleep disruption, making it difficult to break free from these issues.

Prioritizing sufficient sleep is essential for overall health. If you’re experiencing disrupted sleep or suspect you might have a sleep disorder, consult a sleep solutions specialist in Chattanooga, TN to get a good night’s sleep again!

Is There a Difference Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

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If you’ve been snoring, you may question what’s behind it. These initial musings can lead you down a rabbit hole that repeats much of the same information. If you’re curious about whether sleep apnea and snoring in Chattanooga, TN are the same thing, we’ll look at what you need to know about both conditions.

Do I Have Sleep Apnea If I Snore?

No, you may not have sleep apnea if you snore. Many people who snore have sleep apnea, but snoring simply refers to the vibrations that tissues undergo when you’re asleep. Whether those tissues are in your mouth, throat, or nose, they all fall under the blanket description of snoring.

What Exactly Is Apnea?

Apnea refers to an actual interruption in your breath, whether it’s due to a tissue blockage or because your brain doesn’t trigger your body to breathe (the latter typically only occurs if you’ve had a stroke or other major brain damage).

For mild cases of sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA),the difference between sleep apnea and snoring might look negligible on the face of it. The problem is that mild apnea doesn’t always stay mild. The longer you go without treatment or interference, the more likely it will become a more severe problem.

How Is Apnea Treated in Chattanooga?

It may sound very scary to hear that you stop breathing at night. In fact, in rare cases, sleep apnea has been known to be fatal. However, for most people, it’s not necessarily a troubling diagnosis. Some people can treat their condition with lifestyle changes, like bringing down their stress levels, losing weight, or cutting back on smoking and drinking. Others may need a sleep study to figure out a better course of treatment — whether you need sleep medication or an oral appliance to help balance your breathing.

If you’re looking for sleep experts in Chattanooga, contact Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions to learn more about our services or to inquire about our expertise. We can not only help you diagnose the problem, we can give you customized solutions to fit your lifestyle.

Can Your Sleeping Position Impact Sleep Quality?

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Many of us are constantly looking for ways to improve our sleep. We may try nasal strips, extra pillows, medications, and other means to help enhance our sleep quality. If you’re still not making any progress, consider changing your sleeping position.

Keep reading to learn more about how your sleeping position impacts your sleep quality, including the best positions to try.

Sleep Quality and Sleep Positions

During the night, your body works to restore and repair itself. Your sleeping position has an impact on this process. If you’re waking up with new aches and pains, or you’re overly tired, your sleeping position could be to blame.

A good sleep position can lower stress on your spine, while a poor position can cause excess strain on your spine and other areas of the body, which can cause lower-quality sleep.

If you’re sick and tired of having sleep troubles, Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions may have the treatment for you. We’re happy to be called one of the leading sleep clinics in the area. Call us today for trusted sleep medicine in Chattanooga, TN!

Best Positions for Sleep

Now let’s discuss how you can make improvements when it comes to your sleeping position. First off, it’s important to understand the position you want to avoid. Try to limit sleeping on your stomach. That’s because this position can lead to an unbalanced spine that isn’t supported properly.

To give your body the best chance to rest and recover, sleep on your side or back. These positions cause less strain on your spine, helping your entire body relax. However, the best position for you depends on your current health status. For example, those with neck pain should sleep on their back.

For more information or to make an appointment with our sleep doctor in Chattanooga, TN, contact Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions today!

Snoring – More Than Just an Annoyance

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Anyone with a partner who snores loudly knows the frustration that comes from this common problem, but what some people do not know is it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Most commonly, snoring can indicate someone is dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If you have a snorer in your life, or if you are a snorer, our sleep professionals in Chattanooga want you to know that there is help available.

Sleep Apnea – A Dangerous Condition

Sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of snoring. This condition causes someone to stop breathing while they are asleep, then to snort loudly and start breathing again. This process disrupts normal sleep patterns, leaving the person feeling tired and irritable. People may need help to focus. However, it can also be fatal if the person stops sleeping for too long during the night.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

While not all causes of snoring are sleep apnea, many are. If you suspect that you or your partner may have it, reach out to us to get a sleep study done. If we find that there is sleep apnea, we can help you get relief.

Sleep apnea has several potential treatments. One of the most common is an oral appliance that stops the obstruction that leads to sleep apnea. We offer custom-made appliances that fit your mouth perfectly. Another option is c-pap, a machine that gently forces oxygen to the airway while you sleep. This will keep the oxygen levels in your blood steady so you do not suffer ill effects from sleep apnea.

Snoring is often a sign of a serious underlying condition. If you’re suffering, contact us for sleep apnea testing and treatment today.

Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions — 5 Benefits of Good Sleep

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Sleep is necessary for everyone. However, many people don’t get the quality sleep they need to feel their best. Stress, anxiety, health conditions, and several other factors can cause this.

Contact Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions today to solve your sleep troubles for good. We offer the best sleep testing in Chattanooga, TN! Call us today to make an appointment.

In this post, we’ll discuss five benefits of getting good sleep.

Better Cognitive Function
Sleep is great for your entire body, especially your brain. Experts claim sleep can help with memory and cognitive function. This is largely due to the brain plasticity theory, which says that sleep is necessary for helping the brain grow, restructure, reorganize, and develop new neural connections.

Improved Mood
People who don’t get a good night’s rest are more prone to mood issues. Sleep restores the body and increases energy, greatly impacting your mood.

Boosts Immune System
Sleep is vital for the immune system. When we’re at rest, our body repairs itself by producing growth hormones that help our tissues and cells recover.

Lower Stress
When you wake up after high-quality sleep, you should be more effective at managing any stressors that come your way. People feel most stressed when tired and run down, which can happen after sleeping poorly.

Sustaining Healthy Weight
While you sleep, your body produces more leptin, an appetite suppressor. At the same time, the body decreases the production of ghrelin, an appetite stimulant. However, when you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more ghrelin and less leptin. This can lead to feeling hungrier.

Are you ready to boost your sleep? Call Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions today to work with our experienced sleep specialist in Chattanooga, TN!