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sleep Solutions & Tmj Pain Therapy Blog

7 Myths About Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Busted

June 20, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 4:53 pm
A woman holding her jaw in pain.

When it comes to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and it’s easy to see why. With so many different causes, signs, and symptoms, a little confusion is inevitable. If you suffer from TMD, here are a few common myths and misconceptions and the truth behind them.

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5 Facts About Sleep Apnea That May Surprise You

April 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:20 pm
Woman with sleep apnea snoring in bed

You may have already heard about sleep apnea and how it can prevent you from getting quality sleep. But how much do you really know about this disorder? Learning as much as possible about sleep apnea can put you in a better position to properly deal with it. To help you get started, here are 5 crucial facts about sleep apnea that aren’t as widely known as they should be!

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Do Not Disturb: How Cell Phones Affect Sleep Apnea

March 21, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:12 pm
A woman looking at a cell phone in bed.

Picture this: it’s late in the evening, and you’re ready to go to bed. Unfortunately, you’re not feeling sleepy just yet, so you pick up your phone or tablet to peruse your favorite social media site for a few minutes until you start dozing. But for some reason, it doesn’t seem to help. Sound familiar? This is a common scenario for many people, but what they may not realize is that in an effort to make themselves feel drowsy by scrolling their electronic devices, they are actually doing the opposite. Worse yet, for those with sleep apnea, this kind of disruption isn’t just exhausting, it can be downright dangerous.

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Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Rheumatoid Arthritis

February 11, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 1:46 am

Comparison of normal and sleep apnea airwayRheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes several symptoms that can affect your quality of life, like pain in your joints, swelling, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. If you’re finding it difficult to make it through your day without more caffeine, your ongoing fatigue may be a sign of another condition. Sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis can go hand in hand. Here’s what you need to know to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. 

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Dental Dreams: Does Sleep Apnea Cause Nightmares?

January 8, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 8:10 pm
Man frowning in his sleep

Have you ever had the experience of feeling frozen in place at night while your heart races and your breathing stops? This can be a terrifying experience in addition to leaving you feeling drained and exhausted before your feet hit the floor in the morning. If you’re having nightmares you can’t explain, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. This condition interrupts your body’s natural sleep cycles which means you’re not getting the quality rest you need at night. If this sounds familiar, keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea and what you can do to prevent it.

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Best Foods to Eat If You Have a TMJ Disorder

December 22, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 10:15 pm

Nutritious foods on wooden tableYour temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located just in front of your ears, connecting your lower jaw to your skull. Inflammation, tension, or injuries to the joints can cause them to function incorrectly. Whether you experience clicking and popping, your jaw locking into an open or closed position, or facial pain, the foods you eat can help or worsen your symptoms. Here are the best and worst foods to eat if you have a TMJ disorder.

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Can Weighted Blankets Help Sleep Apnea?

December 18, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 7:50 pm

Weighted blanket on a bedWeighted blankets are great sleep aids for people with anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and many other conditions, but can they help sleep apnea sufferers? Yes! Anxiety can be a source of sleep issues, which can coincide with the breathing disorder. Here’s how a weighted blanket can help you get the rest you need.

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TMJ Awareness Month: Symptoms and Treatment Options

November 30, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 8:13 pm

TMJ and skull on deskNovember is TMJ Awareness Month, dedicated to improving public knowledge about the signs of jaw disorders and treatment options. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your face, just in front of your ears. Certain issues can cause the joints to function incorrectly, leading to several symptoms that can affect your quality of life. You don’t have to live with recurring jaw pain. Here’s how TMJ therapy can stop your discomfort and improve your oral functions.

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7 Factors That Can Make Sleep Apnea Symptoms Worse

November 29, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:43 am

Close up of man’s hand holding a cigarette If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), getting a good night’s rest can be difficult. Daytime fatigue isn’t the only concern. You can be at risk of various physical and psychological health issues, like heart disease, depression, and memory loss. Many factors can make your symptoms worse. You don’t have to spend another night struggling to get some sleep. Here are 7 common triggers you should avoid.

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Better than an App: Keeping a Sleep Diary Might Be Your Key to Getting Quality Rest

October 1, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:38 pm
woman writing in sleep diary

The benefits of journaling have gotten more and more attention over the past few years thanks to modern life becoming increasingly complicated. In addition to helping you remember your day-to-day and organize your thoughts, this practice can also serve another important purpose—tracking your sleep to see why you’re so tired all the time. For people struggling with sleep apnea who don’t know it yet (which is 80-90% of those with the disorder), keeping a sleep diary can serve as the first step toward getting the diagnosis and treatment they need.

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