Dr. Dana Blalock of Sleep Better South Carolina believes that it’s crucial to dispel the misconception that sleepless nights are an inevitable part of aging. Adequate sleep is essential for good health, regardless of age. For older adults, improved sleep can lead to better mental health, improved pain management and enhanced overall quality of life while awake.
“I would probably be safe in saying that the greater percentage of my patients that I treat for sleep apnea are seniors—65 and older. There is a strong correlation between sleep and age-related concerns,” said Dr. Blalock.
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Even if you believe you’re getting a restful 7 hours of sleep, you may still experience disruptions. Feeling tired during the day despite what you think was a good night’s sleep is an indication you might be experiencing disturbed sleep cycles.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which sleep is disrupted as your tongue blocks your upper airway, is often the culprit. When the airway is blocked, your oxygen level drops, causing a short pause in breath. The body wakes as a result, and you may gasp for breath to clear the airway before falling back asleep. These events can occur without your conscious awareness.
Older generations often believe in the “bootstraps” mentality, and the myth that “aging is tiring” persists. As a result, patients may miss out on the opportunity to discover a simple solution by visiting Dr. Blalock and using a simple, custom-made oral appliance.
“By the time they reach us, our patients have had conversations with their medical provider about their issues and have gone through a sleep test. We review their sleep study and discuss treatment options,” said Dr. Blalock.
When measuring patients for sleep appliances, Sleep Better South Carolina uses a digital scanner and 3D CBT images to view their oral and nasal airways.
“This helps us assess and address any potential issues with airway obstruction, which can contribute to sleeping difficulties,” said Dr. Blalock. “It’s also an excellent visual aid to help patients understand what’s going on.”
Once the device is created and fitted, a team member provides the patient with instructions on care, use and treatment expectations.
Seniors with dentures or implants are easily fitted for sleep appliances, too.
“Seniors can wear a sleep appliance like anyone else. We can make them to fit over dentures or partials,” Dr. Blalock said. “We also address dexterity concerns by ensuring the oral device has a passive fit that is easier to place and remove.”
This solution may also be cost-effective for seniors since it’s covered by Medicare and supplemental plans, leaving little to no out-of-pocket expenses.
Sleep Better South Carolina is committed to raising awareness about the importance of good sleep. By incorporating sleep into health and wellness programs, Sleep Better South Carolina can collaborate with healthcare professionals and their patients to emphasize the value of a good night’s rest.
By Amy Gesell