It’s as simple as this – there are few better ways to achieve the optimal happiness and welfare of the human body and mind than a good night’s rest. Sadly, for many in the modern age, a consistent sleeping schedule is a pursuit much easier yearned for than achieved. Given the widespread frequency of sleep deprivation, as well as the issues related to sleep, more and more people are turning to pharmaceuticals to help them get some rest. While prescription sleep meds might offer fast and convenient relief, they should only be a temporary aid, as they can be damaging if used for long periods. Today, we will explore this phenomenon and offer some effective long-term alternatives for treatment from the team of professionals at Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists that can help you rest easy.
Why You Should Think Twice About Sleeping Pills
We get it. There is an allure to the idea of consuming a small pill with a glass of water and falling asleep just minutes later, especially when the other option entails tossing and turning for hours until you finally fall asleep from exhaustion and irritation. A pill seems convenient and stress-free, but it’s not. Unfortunately, there’s more to pharmaceutical sleep aids than meets the eye.
They may provide temporary relief, but rarely, if ever, do they address the root causes behind sleep deprivation, of which there are many (sleep apnea, sinus issues, anatomical and genetic make-up, and more). Moreover, there are various potential short-term and long-term side effects of using sleeping pills, ranging from mild to severe intensity.
Below are some side effects associated with sleeping pills, some of which are more common than others:
- Addiction and dependency issues that can affect mood and make achieving sleep naturally more difficult
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, which may lead to falls
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea
- Prolonged periods of drowsiness
- Severe allergic reactions leading to hives, vomiting, chest pain, and breathing problems
- Abnormal sleep behaviors, such as driving or eating when not fully awake, or increased occurrences of sleepwalking
- General daytime memory and performance problems
Furthermore, some studies are demonstrating a possible correlation between excessive ingestion of prescription sleeping pills and increased susceptibility to infection, depression, suicide, and even cancer.
Alternative Methods of Treatment
Thankfully, there are a variety of safe and effective alternative treatments that don’t involve doses of prescription drugs. At Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists, we specialize in a number of these methods.
Home Sleep Test
The first step to choosing a long-term treatment for sleeping problems is receiving a proper and accurate diagnosis. At our practice, Dr. Lee Mandel specializes in convenient, effective home sleep testing kits. He uses this equipment to perform incredibly detailed sleep tests from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to schedule an appointment at an outside facility or stay the night hooked up to several monitoring devices. You wear the sleep monitor while in your bed. Once returned to the office, Dr. Mandel then analyzes the data and starts creating personalized solutions.
Minimally Invasive Palatal Stiffening
Minimally Invasive Palatal Stiffening Minimally Invasive Palatal Stiffening (MIPS) is a proprietary in-office procedure performed under IV sedation in approximately three minutes when it is a standalone procedure. It only takes between 15 and 20 minutes if Dr. Mandel combines it with another nasal procedure. Dr. Mandel penetrates the palatal surface of the uvula and soft palate with a precision diode laser to correct the area of obstruction. This procedure aims to stiffen your soft palate and minimize breathing vibrations that cause airway blockages.
Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedures
Much like MIPS, Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedures are a unique way to achieve quick sleep relief. Dr. Mandel tends to do these procedures in combination with MIPS to increase nasal airflow by removing any sinus obstructions and widening the nasal cavity. Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedures are an instantaneous and straightforward method of encouraging a healthy sleep cycle.
LATERA Implant and Balloon Sinuplasty
If your sleeping issues are related to sinus problems, Dr. Mandel may recommend a LATERA implant or a balloon sinuplasty. Both applications are low-risk, minimally invasive, endoscopic nasal procedures. Our board-certified anesthesiologist begins balloon sinuplasty by providing you sedatives through an IV. Once anesthetized, Dr. Mandel utilizes an endoscope to view any causes of inflammation in the nasal passage.
Then, he inserts a small balloon catheter into the nose to open and reshape your nasal passageways. This catheter helps to drain any preexisting fluid, and a saline flush purges out any remnants. Dr. Mandel removes the balloon catheter, leaving a natural and open sinus cavity behind. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within 24 hours. After only 15 minutes, your sinuses are clear, which will significantly improve your sleeping quality.
Start Sleeping Better Today With Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists
Start Sleeping Better Today With Florida Sinus & Snoring SpecialistsAre you having problems getting to sleep at night due to sinus issues? Before reaching for another bottle of prescription sleep meds, enlist the services of the experienced and professional team at Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists. Get long-term relief through the specialized treatment plans provided by Dr. Mandel.
Whether it is a LATERA implant, Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedure, balloon sinuplasty, or MIPS, a quick procedure from Dr. Mandel could deliver the satisfying sleep you desire without unnecessary pharmaceutical intervention. With decades of combined experience, our expert team of professionals can create a custom treatment for you to improve your sleep situation. Call us today at 954-983-1211 to request an appointment.
