'Power naps' improve memory and lower heart disease risk, but long naps can have drawbacks
Short naps at the right time of day can boost focus, help solidify memories and potentially improve heart health.
Steven Bender
Clinical Associate Professor, Texas A&M
Steven D. Bender, DDS, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and serves as the director of the Center for Facial Pain and Sleep Medicine at the Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. Dr. Bender practiced general restorative dentistry for 14 years then studied orofacial pain and temporomandibular, or jaw joint, disorders at the Parker E. Mahan Facial Pain Center at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. From 2000 to 2015, he maintained a private practice devoted to pain management of the head and face, as well as sleep medicine. In 2016 he transitioned to a full time faculty member at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Dr. Bender received his Bachelor of Science in biology from Stephen F. Austin State University and in 1986, Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry, which is now the Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. He has been awarded fellowship status in the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the American Headache Society, the International Academy of Oral Oncology and the American College of Dentists. Dr. Bender has served as president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the Fourth District Dental Society of Texas and the Dallas Academy of General Dentistry.
