Words of Wisdom from Dr. Stephen Carstensen. Watch These 3 Informative Videos.

Dr. Carstensen is a dentist who works at our Bellevue, WA location. He was kind enough to record a few videos about his values and philosophy as a healthcare professional who specializes in helping patients breathe better. You can watch all three of his videos here. We agree with everything he says and want to add to his words of wisdom with some thoughts of our own.

Alcohol & Sleep: What You Should Know If You Have TMD Or Sleep Apnea

Do you like to unwind at night with a cocktail or two? Is Friday happy hour with your friends or colleagues a regular occurrence? Does your social life include activities where alcohol is a given? Consuming alcohol, especially in the evenings, does not promote restful sleep, and people dealing with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or sleep apnea need to be aware of the potential effects this can have on their health. If you have either of these conditions and enjoy an alcoholic drink or two in the evenings, even occasionally, please keep reading to learn valuable information that will help you get better sleep.

Do You Suffer From Sleep Apnea?

Have you been struggling with your sleep and would love to have quality sleep? Have your family members mentioned that you snore, but you have no idea how to fix the problem? If either of these questions sound like you, you may be suffering from a common sleep condition known as sleep apnea. At TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, we specialize in treating patients with sleep apnea. We can work with patients to provide an official diagnosis and then create a treatment plan based on their needs.

3 Tips For Keeping Sleep Apnea Under Control During The Holidays

Halloween has come and gone, November is here, and before you know it, the holiday season will be upon us. If you suffer from sleep apnea and are currently receiving treatment, it is important to continue with your treatment plan and scheduled appointments during this busy time. It would be a shame to let your holiday celebrations and activities sabotage your progress. Read on to learn more about what you can do to keep your sleep apnea under control during the holidays.

3 Habits That Make Sleep Apnea Worse

Last month, we sent an email about habits that may be affecting your TMD symptoms and treatment. Since we treat patients with sleep apnea and TMD, this month we want to share some habits that can affect your sleep apnea. Some of them may surprise you, and you may be doing them without realizing that they can lead to problems. Read on to learn if you need to break these habits.

Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Mood?

For years, we have spoken about the negative impact sleep apnea can have on your overall health. Can sleep apnea also have an effect on your mood? The answer is an absolute yes. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea and are not receiving treatment do not get quality sleep at night. Your body needs adequate sleep to function properly every day. Think of a baby or toddler you may know. How is their mood when they do not get a nap during the day or if their sleep is interrupted? They are cranky, irritable, and difficult to calm down. While adults may not behave as poorly as children when they’re tired, their moods can be rather similar.

Man snoring

Is Snoring Affecting Your Health?

Do you or a loved one snore? People who snore often are unaware until a family member complains about the noise they hear every night. Snoring is caused when air flows past tissues in your throat that vibrate. Almost everyone snores at some point, especially if they are congested or have a common cold. The problem is when snoring is something that happens repeatedly every time you sleep. Snoring is one of the common symptoms associated with sleep apnea. You may be surprised to learn that snoring can lead to serious complications with your overall health. When you pair snoring with sleep apnea, it can be detrimental to your health if left untreated.