50+ Lifestyles

Take Your Sleep Health Seriously

By Paul R. Black, DDS, PC
Diplomate
American Sleep & Breathing Academy

Sleep health has been in the news a lot lately. Everyone knows the importance of a good night’s sleep, and that quality sleep is the foundation of good physical and mental health. When you snore, especially over 50, it becomes even more crucial. Lack of quality sleep can become downright dangerous, increasing risk for stroke, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and other ailments. If you share a bed with a spouse or partner, your lack of sleep also affects the quality of your partner’s sleep. Fortunately, there are medical resources available for everyone to get an amazing night’s sleep.

Paul R. Black, DDS of Bettendorf Sleep has been serving the Quad Cities for nearly 40 years and has been at the forefront of sleep medicine for more than 7 years. When most people think of sleep medicine, they picture cumbersome CPAP machines next to the bed. “Most people don’t need CPAP machines,” explains Dr. Black. “For mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, a small dental oral appliance the size of a mouthguard can open up airways.” These devices are small enough that most people find them comfortable and easier to maintain, whether at home or traveling. As importantly, most find their snoring has reduced significantly and their quality of sleep has drastically improved for the user and the entire household.

Discovery is easy. Now one can use an in-home sleep study slightly larger than a smart watch to learn if they have issues. Likewise, for those who realize they have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a detailed home sleep study enables folks to bypass a clinic and being monitored overnight off-site. Bettendorf Sleep works with a team of board-certified sleep physicians who conduct the tests and provide a medical diagnosis. Then Dr. Black conducts an oral exam including the airway and customizes an oral sleep appliance unique to each patient.

There’s no reason not to get tested. Even people who don’t snore may be at risk and not know it. It’s easier than ever to get treatment. Plus, obstructive sleep apnea is a medical issue, which means most insurance companies will cover the dental oral device. In fact, Bettendorf Sleep has in and out of network channels with such insurance companies as Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Health, HMR, plus Medicare, Tricare, and the VA. “At Bettendorf Sleep we have options so don’t lose sleep over the cost of the device,” says Dr. Black. “We’ll work to find the best solution for you.”

Many dental clinics dabble in sleep health. Dr. Black has been focused on sleep health through a total wellness approach for years. Bettendorf Sleep, along with our partners from board-certified sleep physicians to wellness practitioners, is dedicated to making sure every patient gets the help they need. Whether a patient has a mild or severe case, everyone can get treatment and everyone can have an amazing night’s sleep.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 563.359.8271 or go to bettendorfsleep.com.

For additional information contact Carole Ferch, RDH, I-Smile™ Silver Coordinator. Scott County Health Department, 600 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801-1030.Phone 563-326-8258