15
Nov
Sleep and Denial
Today, I’m sharing a few paragraphs directly from the book “The 8-hour Sleep Paradox” by Dr. Mark Burhenne.
“We are in denial about how we’re sleeping. Sleep-disordered breathing reduces our productivity and even earnings. In fact, the biochemical restoration that the brain and body go through during sleep is so powerful that brushing off sleep is akin to saying, “Yep, I’m okay with a little brain damage every day for the rest of my life.””
Do you catch that?
“Yep, I’m okay with a little brain damage every day for the rest of my life.”
What a wake up call! I don’t know about you, but I am NOT okay with brain damage.
“Even if you are able to barrel through the short-term effects of sleep deprivation, there’s no escape from the long-term effects. As the damage accumulates, the immune system is weakened and you increase your risk of multiple types of cancer. the body becomes more susceptible to metabolic and endocrine issues, raising the risk of heart disease and diabetes. You accelerate cognitive decline, increasing your chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s. People with untreated sleep disorders have a 20% shorter life expectancy.”
So, how are you sleeping? Are you in denial? Are you okay with a little brain damage every day for the rest of your life?
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Dr. Bryce Eagar
Dr. Bryce Eagar completed his undergraduate studies at the College of Southern Nevada and the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and attended dental school at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He joined the Minnesota National Guard while in dental school and later transferred to the New Mexico National Guard. He retired from the US Army Reserves as a Major after serving for 13.5 years.
Dr. Eagar’s journey to becoming a biological dentist started with his and his family’s health. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine.
Dr. Matthew D. Geddes
Dr. Matthew D. Geddes earned his BS in Zoology and Chemistry from Weber State University and his DDS from Dalhousie University dental school (in 2006). He has worked as an associate and owner of a general dentistry practice. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Orthodontic Society. Dr. Geddes began learning about sleep and TMJ dentistry in 2018, which prompted him to enter the area of biological dentistry.