ANCSLEEP BLOG

Darian Dozier

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Sleep and Ankylosing Spondylitis Connection

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 29, 2023 7:40:00 AM

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease of the spine. It is strongly connected to sleep, as the symptoms of AS - pain, stiffness, and depression - can severely disrupt sleep. 

AS is fairly rare, as only 0.2%-1% of people in the US have it. Up to 91% of individuals who have it report sleep problems. Restful sleep is important for everyone, and could really help limit the inflammation that worsens AS. Continue reading to learn more about the connection between sleep and AS.  

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Headaches from Sleep Deprivation

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 27, 2023 7:09:00 AM

Getting enough sleep is important for helping the body and mind stay healthy. For most people, getting enough sleep can help them remain symptom free and overall healthy. However, if you are experiencing constant headaches, and don't get enough sleep, that could be the reason why. Continue reading to learn more about sleep deprivation headaches and what you can do to improve your symptoms.  

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Is Falling Asleep Fast a Sign of a Sleeping Disorder?

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 27, 2023 6:05:00 AM

When you think of a sleeping disorder, you may think more about individuals who have trouble falling asleep. This is known as insomnia. However, if you fall asleep too quickly, that may also be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder.

Falling asleep too fast is normally characterized as being able to fall asleep anywhere, or nodding off almost immediately after laying down. Continue reading to learn more about sleepiness, and what may be some indications for you to speak to your health professional about your symptoms.  

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Six Tips for When You Can't Sleep

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 24, 2023 6:52:00 PM

Trouble sleeping is a problem that affects everyone at one point or another. Sometimes the issues is just for a night or two because you're feeling anxious, or you're not sleeping in your bed, etc. Some times the issue is over a long period of time, or chronic. That can negatively affect your life in a major way.

If you can't sleep, there are a few tricks that you can try to help you get your z's. Continue reading to learn more about why you can't sleep and what you can do to improve your sleep.  

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Topics: Insomnia

Sleep and Eczema

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 22, 2023 6:11:00 PM

Sleep issues are very common in individuals with eczema. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a dermatologic issue where one has itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. The lack of sleep can actually make eczema worse, with about 47-80% of children and 33-87% of adults with eczema having problems falling or staying asleep. 

Good sleep is very important for healthy brain function and general health. However, there are specific interactions between sleep and eczema that could help individuals who are struggling with both. Continue reading to learn why there is an interaction, and what you can do to assuage those problems.  

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Melatonin and Birth Control

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 20, 2023 5:24:00 PM

People who have trouble sleeping may depend on melatonin, a hormone naturally made by the body, but can also be purchased over the counter as well. Because melatonin is a supplement, individuals who are taking other hormones, such as birth control pills, may worry about the interactions between the two. However, there are no known interactions between birth control and melatonin.

The important thing to know is that the combination of the two may increase side effects, such as tiredness, dizziness, and headaches. Continue reading to learn more about how each of these work in the visually, and how they affect one another one taken at the same time. 

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Topics: melatonin

Choosing a Sleep Doctor

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 17, 2023 3:39:00 PM

If you are having trouble sleeping, then your primary care physician may refer you to a sleep specialist. It can be difficult to determine who should be your sleep doctor. Of course, here, we would love for you to be our patient. However, it's important for you to make an informed decision about who is going to handle your sleep health.

There are certain characteristics that you should consider whenever you are choosing a sleep doctor. This way you can get the appropriate testing that you need. Learn about what a sleep specialist is, what training and board certification is required, and how you can choose the right doctor that will provide you with the health that you were looking for. 

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Dehydration and Sleep

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 15, 2023 3:19:00 PM

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night completely parched? This could be because you went to bed dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, sore throat, and less urination. However, if dehydration is severe, then you can even feel faint and confused. Dehydration can even impair basic metabolic processes if it gets too severe. 

There is a complex relationship between dehydration and sleep that is not entirely understood. Continue reading to learn more about how dehydration may affect sleep, how how poor sleep might affect hydration, and your ability to stay hydrated throughout the night. 

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Topics: hydration

Normal Sleeping Heart Rates

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 13, 2023 2:42:00 PM

Your heart rate can change throughout the day based on your level of activity, emotions, stress levels, etc. Stress and exercise increase your heart rate, while relaxing and sleeping can lower it. A normal heart rate while you're sleeping anywhere between 40-50 bpm. Now, if you're familiar with normal heart rates, you may think that's incredibly slow, or what's medically known as bradycardia. But your body is under less metabolic demand when you're sleeping, therefore, you're heart doesn't have to beat as fast. Continue reading to learn more about what is a normal heart rate for different ages, as well as signs that you could have an underlying condition.

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What is Deep Sleep and How Much of it Do You Need?

Posted by Darian Dozier on Nov 10, 2023 2:07:00 PM

Deep sleep is the third stage of sleep that is responsible for repairing and restoring the muscles and your brain. In order for you to wake up feeling refreshed, you must spend part of your night in deep sleep. Getting enough deep sleep will benefit your memory, muscle growth, and immune system. Without enough deep sleep, you may have learning difficulties, increased risk of infection, and long-term health conditions. Continue reading to learn more about derp sleep and about how much you need.

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Topics: deep sleep

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