Sleep Dunwoody Blog

The health consequences of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and other sleep disorders are vast. Heart conditions, diabetes, obesity, mental health concerns, and other short- and long-term associated conditions are directly linked to these disorders. And, the more research that’s done on sleep disorders, the more troubling the findings become.

While it’s well known that sleep disorders can become life-threatening, what’s not often discussed is that sleep disorders can fatally injure you in other, non-health related ways. In fact, there are three common sleep disorders that are directly linked to car crashes and other unintentional fatal injuries.

Here’s what we know about your increased chances of being in a motor vehicle accident, or an incident that results in a fatal injury, if you suffer from sleep apnea, insomnia, and/or shift work sleep disorder. While perhaps shocking at first glance, the below research is important to urge anyone with these conditions to seek, and stick with, treatment.

Pets are a treasured part of many individual’s lives. Not only do they provide comforting companionship, but a Harris poll revealed that 95% of pet owners consider their pet to be a true member of their family.

After all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets have been proven to enhance the lives of their owners. These benefits include lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, lower triglyceride levels, reduced feelings of loneliness, more opportunities to exercise outdoors, and more chances to socialize.

With all of these positive benefits, it may be no wonder that many people co-sleep (or allow their pets to sleep on their bed). In fact, nearly half of all dog owners and 62% of cat owners co-sleep with their furry friend. But there are discussions surrounding questions about whether or not co-sleeping with a pet is good or bad for your health. Let’s break it down.

There are many unknowns about the exact implications of COVID-19. While at the forefront, we’ve seen researchers and scientists hard at work finding a viable and reliable vaccine, what hasn’t been widely publicized are the teams attempting to understand the current and future implications of Coronavirus. 

Now with over a year under our belts of experiencing a decade-defining pandemic, researchers are able to provide us with more and more findings on the extent of COVID-19’s impact. How has it impacted us economically? Socially? Physically?

A recent study, published just this past April, shines a light on a subject particularly important to us here at Sleep Better Georgia: the connection between obstructive sleep apnea and COVID-19. Let’s discuss its findings and what they mean for you.

Warmer weather has arrived! With it comes the prospect of spending more time outdoors. While many outdoor enthusiasts simply enjoy feeling close to nature, they may or may not also be aware of the incredible health benefits of camping—including improved sleep. 

Exactly how does sleeping outdoors improve sleep quality? The answer is the body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. When untreated, ADHD can negatively affect the sufferer’s life and the lives of loved ones. Despite the seemingly excess energy that ADHD sufferers have, it may be surprising that 25-50% of people with the condition also struggle with sleep problems. 

When most people think of loud snorers, an image of a man typically comes to mind, and there is evidence to back this up: men are more frequently diagnosed with sleep apnea, a condition often characterized by loud, persistent snoring. But as it turns out, the reason that men are more frequently diagnosed with this condition is complicated. Why is the science and perception of sleep apnea and snoring in women so out of sync? And how can women find out if they have this condition and get the treatment they need? It would be unfair of us to move forward without acknowledging the fact that there are reasons for this outside of biology.

You probably enjoy the occasional glass of wine with dinner or cocktail with friends, but did you know that even light alcohol consumption can negatively impact your sleep? Does this mean you should avoid alcohol altogether? Today, we dive deeper into the connection between alcohol and sleep to discover if a harmonious relationship between the two is possible.

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Pillows are soft, cozy accessories to our sleep environments that we likely don’t think twice about, and because of that, their important role in our sleep health is often overlooked. Yet, they are critical for getting the best quality sleep possible.

Pillows provide your head, neck, and spine with support. The right pillow will support the natural curvature of your neck, leaving you well-rested and ache-free in the morning. Because people come in all shapes, sizes, and builds, pillows do as well. There are pillows made to better suit front sleepers, back sleepers, and side sleepers, and a wide variety of materials are available. 

If you suffer from a sleep breathing disorder, chances are you’re trying to do everything you can to reduce its effects. The correct pillow can be a big help. Here’s how to make the best decision for you.