The National Sleep Foundation reports that about 37 percent of adults sleep less than seven hours per night, but the recommended time is seven to nine hours. People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience daytime sleepiness and health problems. This week, March 5-11, is National Sleep Awareness Week, a campaign designed to promote the importance of sleep. Dr. Pate can help you understand the importance of getting adequate sleep at night.

• Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting about 18 million Americans. Sleep apnea blocks your airways at night, interrupting your rest.
• Insufficient sleep is associated with anxiety, depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
• Sleeplessness decreases your performance and effectiveness, and increases your risk of accidents and injuries.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving is responsible for 1,500 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and 100,000 car accidents each year.
• Staying awake for more than 20 hours straight causes the same reactions and impairment—including blurred vision—as having a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 percent.

In honor of Sleep Awareness Week, take some time to analyze your sleeping habits and understand how your sleep is affecting your life. If you feel tired, sluggish, or irritable during the day, you may not be getting a proper and healthy amount of sleep.

It’s important to determine the source of your sleeplessness and treat the problem appropriately to keep your body safe and healthy. If sleep apnea is keeping you awake at night, Dr. Pate can treat your sleep disorder. He may suggest a snoreguard, an oral appliance that keeps your airways open during sleep. Contact Dentistry in Buckhead at (404) 266-9424 to request a sleep consultation.  We welcome patients from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Lenox, Brookhaven, Atlanta, and surrounding communities.