Sleep is a vital component of overall wellness, yet many people underestimate its importance. The impacts of inadequate sleep on the body are far-reaching, affecting various aspects of physical and mental health.
Sleep issues such as mouth breathing and nasal congestion can disrupt sleep quality and contribute to other health concerns. Those with allergies often struggle with mouth breathing and combining Allermi nasal spray with VIO2 mouth tape can tackle these sleep disturbances.
Dr. Shuba Iyengar, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer at Allermi, is a board-certified allergist who has expertise in managing allergies and related challenges to help patients improve their quality of life. She is joined today on the blog by Dr. Vincent Ip, DDS, FAGD. Dr. Ip is a doctor of dental surgery focusing on oral health and its connection to quality sleep and the co-founder of VIO2 mouth tape. Together, these two doctors offer a comprehensive approach to addressing issues related to allergies and sleep.
Expert Q&A with Board-Certified Allergist and Doctor of Dental Surgery
Sleep is obviously a crucial part of wellness. What are the impacts of not getting enough sleep on the body?
Dr. Vincent Ip: I’m so happy to be here talking about sleep! So many people are seeing the effects of undiagnosed sleep disorders. Lack of sufficient sleep weakens the immune system, increases the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and can cause hormonal imbalances. Sleep deprivation causes weight gain, insulin resistance, heightened stress, anxiety, and mood disorders. It elevates blood pressure, risking cardiovascular health. All these things can take years off your life so everyone should take their sleep very seriously!
Dr. Shuba Iyengar: So many people with allergies are affected by sleep. Besides the above-mentioned effects that sleep has on chronic conditions, sleep also affects memory consolidation and learning. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions, including attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Lack of sleep can also lead to increased emotional reactivity, mood swings, and a higher risk of developing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Sleep-deprived individuals often experience impaired judgment and decision-making abilities, leading to an increased likelihood of making errors and engaging in risky behaviors.
How can sleep be negatively impacted by the mouth, specifically mouth breathing?
Dr. Vincent Ip: Mouth breathing can negatively impact sleep by causing dry mouth, sore throat, and increased risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. It can lead to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, disrupting sleep quality and causing frequent awakenings. Mouth breathing may reduce oxygen levels in the blood, leading to restless sleep and daytime fatigue. It can also cause poor alignment of the jaw and teeth, contributing to discomfort and sleep disturbances. Addressing mouth breathing through proper treatment can improve sleep quality and overall health.
Allergies can cause nasal congestion. How can this impact sleep?
Dr. Shuba Iyengar: Nasal congestion caused by allergies can significantly affect sleep quality and overall health. Nasal congestion makes it difficult to breathe through the nose, forcing individuals to breathe through their mouths. This can be uncomfortable and can disrupt sleep. Congestion can exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. This leads to repeated awakenings and poor sleep quality. Difficulty breathing because of congestion can cause frequent awakenings or prevent deep sleep stages, leading to fragmented sleep.
What are some common signs that you’re not getting enough sleep, or that your health concerns may be impacting the quality of sleep?
Dr. Vincent Ip: I give every patient an Epworth Sleepiness Scale - this is a quick way for me to see if there are any red flag patterns. You should not fall asleep easily while driving, watching TV or reading. If you have trouble staying awake during the day, you may have sleep disordered breathing and should talk to your doctor to get a sleep test. By the way, most sleep tests these days can be administered by you in your own bed. It’s a much more comfortable experience for the patient!
Dr. Shuba Iyengar: Common signs of insufficient sleep include persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and frequent yawning. Physical symptoms such as dark circles, headaches, and weakened immune response are also signs. Having to rely on caffeine, and falling asleep quickly during activities also suggest sleep deprivation. Frequent night awakenings, loud snoring, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and night sweats may show underlying health issues affecting sleep quality. If these signs are present, it's important to address potential sleep disorders or health problems.
How did your dental practice lead you to create VIO2?
Dr. Vincent Ip: About 8 years ago, our son was diagnosed with a sleep disorder. I also suffer from one. I set out to learn everything I could about sleep disorders and through additional training, became board certified in the field of dental sleep medicine. I kept coming across mouth tape in my training. At the time, there was only one mouth tape on the market and it was full coverage. I did not feel comfortable using that on myself or my son, and I definitely didn’t want to recommend it to patients. So, my wife and I set out to create our own that was more approachable for people that were considering trying mouth tape. I thought of the design (it can be worn two ways) and my wife worked to make sure it is safe for all skin. That’s how VIO2 was born!
How have you seen Allermi improve patients' sleep?
Dr. Shuba Iyengar: Allermi has significantly improved the quality of life for thousands of our patients, and you can see that when you scan through our 4k+ reviews. For many, Allermi improves patients' sleep by effectively managing nasal allergies that contribute to nighttime congestion and breathing difficulties. By providing personalized allergy treatments, including tailored nasal sprays and other therapeutic interventions, Allermi helps reduce nasal congestion, allowing for better airflow and more comfortable breathing during sleep. This improvement in nasal symptoms leads to fewer nighttime awakenings, reduced snoring, and overall enhanced sleep quality, helping patients wake up feeling more rested and less fatigued.
The Solution to Better Sleep
When used together, Allermi nasal spray and VIO2 mouth tape can complement each other's benefits. Allermi helps clear your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your nose while VIO2 mouth tape encourages nasal breathing by keeping your mouth closed.
This combination can lead to improved airflow, reduced snoring, and a more restful night's sleep. By incorporating Allermi nasal spray and VIO2 mouth tape into your bedtime routine, you can take proactive steps towards achieving better sleep.
The Bottom Line
If you're looking to optimize your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed, consider incorporating Allermi nasal spray and VIO2 mouth tape into your nightly routine. These two products can work together to help you breathe more easily, reduce snoring, and improve your overall sleep quality. Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to a more restful slumber with this powerful combination.
About Allermi Nasal Spray
Allermi nasal spray is designed to provide relief from nasal congestion, allergies, and sinus issues. By clearing your nasal passages, Allermi can help you breathe more easily while you sleep. This can reduce snoring, improve airflow, and enhance overall sleep quality.
Allermi offers a unique approach to allergy relief with its nasal spray that contains multiple active ingredients compared to regular nasal sprays which typically have just one. The Allermi formula is backed by science to give you the most effective allergy treatment for your individual allergy symptoms. This comprehensive formula provides immediate and long-term relief for all symptoms in one convenient bottle. What sets Allermi apart is its customization based on individual symptoms and severity, allowing for personalized treatment.
About VIO2 Mouth Tape
VIO2 mouth tape is a simple yet effective tool that helps promote nasal breathing during sleep. By gently taping your mouth shut, VIO2 encourages you to breathe through your nose – the optimal way to breathe while sleeping. Nasal breathing can help prevent snoring, improve oxygen intake, and promote relaxation.
Mouth Tape encourages nasal breathing to ensure adequate oxygen levels while asleep. Mouth breathing may result in shallow breathing and reduced oxygen intake, affecting sleep quality. By using VIO2 Mouth Tape, you can sustain correct breathing habits throughout the night, resulting in a more peaceful and revitalizing sleep.
