Did you know that people spend about one-third of their lives asleep? We can't exist without sleeping. Memory, the functions of your immune system and energy levels during the day are all dependent upon sleep.
Approximately 90 million people in North America have a sleep disorder. Do you happen to be one of them?

During regular sleep patterns, people typically experience a decrease in body temperature, blood pressure, respiration, and most of our other body functions. However, the brain doesn't stop its activity. Many studies have shown that our brains are just as busy during sleep as they are when we are awake. In a sleep cycle of eight hours, the average adult alternates between two states which are very different:
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep.

REM Sleep
The majority of dreaming happens during REM sleep stage.
20 to 25% of your sleep cycle is REM sleep.

Characteristics of REM sleep
• Rapid eye movement
• Eyelid fluttering
• Irregular breathing
• Muscle paralysis
• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• Decrease in body temperature

How much sleep is enough for me?
Patients ask this question a lot. Sleep needs varies according to the person, but as a rule, the average adult needs 7 or 8 hours of sleep to feel rested. Infants can sleep up to 15 hours a day, while the elderly can get by with as little as 5 to 7 hours.

Why am I tired when I wake up?
It is probably because you suffer from a sleep disorder. Something disrupted your sleep cycle, and if it wasn't an irritant such as children, pets, etc., then it might be a sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders.

Can snoring be harmful?
Unless you consider the harm that is done to the relationship with your partner in bed with you, then no, snoring isn't considered harmful by itself. An experienced dentist can eliminate and treat it. However, snoring is deemed a strong risk factor for a disorder that can be quite harmful, known as obstructive sleep apnea.