Your Spouse May be Suffering too...

A study from the journal Sleep and Breathing found that treating primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can improve your bed partner’s depression and mood. OSA is known to influence mood and daytime sleepiness in patients, but this study confirms its impact on bed partners.

The study included 36 participants who snored or had OSA. They were 24 to 63 years of age. Each person had a full-night sleep study. The participant underwent OSA therapy as opposed to a control group with no therapy.


Results indicated that treatment improved depression scores for the bed partners of snoring and OSAHS patients during a short follow-up period. A follow-up PSG was given within two to three months after the second RFTA session. AHI decreased from 13.16 to 10.69 for the entire group of patients. Participants also took the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) to assess the changes in emotional state of patients’ bed partners. The average BDI-II scores decreased from 12.69 to 9.17 for the entire group of bed partners, indicating improved mood.

Sleep apnea not only effects you, but plays a major role in those around you as well. Sleep apnea can decrease your life by 10-15 years and while you may be loosing sleep, so is your spouse. It may be time to have an evaluation today.

AADSM.org

The new guy at Suwanee Dental

Hey everyone! My name is Chad Schalk and as the newest doctor to join Suwanee Dental, I wanted to say hi and provide some information about myself.

My formal name is Richard S. Schalk Jr. although I've always gone by the nickname "Chad." Why my parents didn't just name me Chad from the get-go? Good question ha. I was born in Maryland but raised in Roswell, GA since age 3, so I consider myself a "southerner." After graduating high school I attended the University of Georgia and pursued my studies in dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia.

Upon graduation from dental school I considered going into private practice immediately, but decided I'd rather undergo more specialized training through a residency program. This led me to move to Columbia, SC where I completed the GPR residency program at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital. It was here where I received training in IV sedation, molar root canals, as well as implants. It was also at this time where I met and worked with my current colleague and friend Dr. Blazej Golik, aka Dr. G.

Aside from my professional life, I really enjoy going to sporting events, concerts, and movies. I find myself traveling quite a bit during the year and would have to say that skiing is my most favorite activity, probably because it's impossible to do near Atlanta. When I'm not busy working or traveling, I typically spend my time hanging out with friends and family.

While I've only been part of the Suwanee Dental team for the past two months, everything has felt like home. I'm excited about my future here and look forward to providing excellent quality dentistry for my patients throughout the Atlanta area.