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Spring has come and all of a sudden 1 hour of sleep is going to disappear!
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We lose an hour of sleep this weekend and that is why we are talking about sleep today.
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Poor sleep increases our risk of
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Mood Disorders (like depression and anxiety)
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Daytime Fatigue ( Obviously!!!)
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One of the most common insomnias is obstructive sleep apnea.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common sleep related breathing disorder whereby individuals repetitively start and stop breathing while sleeping. These pauses in breathing ( apneas) are caused by throat muscles relaxing and blocking the airway. Snoring is the most common evidence of sleep apnea. While sleep apnea is much more prevalent in men, almost 3 times more common, it is also tested more frequently in men. The ONLY exception to this gender imbalance is for females who are post-menopausal and NOT on hormone replacement therapy (Which IS a discussion for another day that we can have together). Post-menopausal non-hormone therapy ladies have an equivalent risk of sleep apnea as men.
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Clinically, more hospitals are utilizing CPAP machines or equivalent during acute in-patient hospitalizations if merited because studies have shown reduced hospitalization length and quicker recovery with CPAP use. If a CPAP cannot be tolerated, an increased number of people are effectively using nasal strips/nasal dilators or a Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator. A Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator (Inspire therapy) is a device implanted by a local ENT for patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you have a tennis ball attached to the back of your shirt to prevent you from sleeping on your back because you snore so loudly. Your spouse may have made you aware that you were snoring!
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You may be wondering, “How do I know if I have sleep apnea?”
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A sleep study test will monitor your sleeping pattern over the course of 1-3 days ( depending on test type). These can typically be done in the comfort of your own home wearing a minimally noticeable device. At Crossbridge DPC, we do offer home sleep study testing. Home sleep study tests are often covered if you have insurance; however, if you have a higher deductible, it may be very expensive. At Crossbridge DPC, our at home sleep study test monitors your oxygenation level, heart rate overnight, and most importantly, if you have any breathing pauses. These measurements are taken from the comfort of your own bed. It costs $220 for members and can really inform you as to whether or not your daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, or even your depressed mood may be related to poor sleep.
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So please let us know if obstructive sleep apnea is something you believe you may suffer from or would like to be tested for. Good luck on getting back that one hour of sleep this weekend!
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ALLERGY TESTING & TREATMENT
Allergy Season is HERE! Crossbridge DPC continues to do Outdoor Allergy testing and treatment with sublingual immunotherapy. Our members have seen wonderful results over the past year.
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Sublingual immunotherapy, also called allergy drops, works like allergy shots by gradually helping your body tolerate whatever causes your allergies. The difference is instead of getting an injection, the antigen (allergy causing substance) is given under your tongue in a painless liquid drop form.
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- Take at home, or wherever you are, three times daily. No weekly office visits needed.
- Custom prescription based on your history, exam, and allergy testing.
- Treats the cause of your allergies, rather than masking the symptoms.
- Lowers allergy related costs over time
Do you know if you have allergies or would be a good candidate for allergy treatment? Take this allergy quiz to assess your allergy needs.
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Waiting List
Crossbridge DPC is currently on a Waiting List for adding new members in March 2026. If you are interested in joining the waiting list, please fill out the Waiting List Contact Information Form
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SPOT of TEA
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( Parts in my recipe were Tablespoons)
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Heap a spoonful of tea blend into a strainer. Steep in boiling water ( ~170 degrees) for 5 minutes.
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You can add honey or frothed half & half or warm milk if desired.
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This will have a mellow floral taste and can be consumed before bed to help you catch some ZZs .
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Enjoy the warmer weather, & stay active!
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Lt Col Zachariah Overby, MD
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For all of our updates, check out our website or visit one of our social media platforms below. We'd love to hear from you!
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Have you had a 5 STAR experience at Crossbridge DPC?
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Please give us a review on Google to let others know about our practice and the care you have received.
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