Sunday, November 30, 2008

Do These Snoring Aids Really Work?

Snoring Aids Video

Before you run down to the local pharmacy and plunk down your hard earned cash on a bunch of snoring aids that claim to cure this habit in one night, pay attention to what real people have to say about which are the best and which seem to really work.  After all, you can spend literally hundreds of dollars on those snoring aids, and some will work while some really won't.  Wouldn't you really rather know the difference beforehand?

Does a so-called snoring pillow actually work?  What do the users say?  And if they do work, just how and why?  Why can't a regular pillow do the same job?  And what is the real difference between the models, especially those that are priced so high?  Are they worth that cost or is it just a matter of a name brand?  This article will attempt to answer a few of those questions.

Throat Sprays

Many throat sprays that are advertised as snoring aids work by keeping your throat hydrated and coated all through the night.  If your throat is coated, you'll snore less even if you do breathe through your mouth.  Even throat sprays that are advertised for sore throats, cough, and allergies can work well also.  They do pretty much the same thing, by coating your throat and providing some relief from the scratchy feeling..

Snore Pillows

Also popular as snoring aids are the so-called snoring pillows.  These help to keep your head and neck propped up; if your head is in alignment, your mouth is less likely to drop open.  Snore pillows are also preferred as snoring aids for the same reason as nasal strips - they involve no medications or anything that you take into your system.  They are also usually very affordable, the basic models starting at only about $20.  For most persons who use them, snoring pillows are reportedly very effective and work to keep you sleeping on your side or stomach, and even when you do sleep on your back, your mouth stays closed.

If none of these basic snoring aids seem to work for you, it may be time to talk to your doctor.  There are prescription medications, dental devices, and even outpatient surgeries that can be recommended.

For more information visit Facts About Insomnia

Obstructive Sleep Apnea - What Is It And How Do You Treat It?

Never feel rested no matter how much sleep you get? Does your partner frequently complain about your loud snoring? Besides being irritating, these could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder occurs when the upper airway is blocked by the narrowing of the respiratory passages. However, sleep apnea can do far more than leave you tired. Without the right treatment, the condition can result in hypertension, depression and even heart trouble. In this article, we'll explain how this sleep disorder works and what you can do to get a better night of rest.

The most common complaints associated with obstructive sleep apnea are loud snoring, disrupted sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients with apnea suffer from fragmented sleep and may develop cardiovascular abnormalities because of the repetitive cycles of snoring, airway collapse and waking up. Although most patients are overweight and have a short, thick neck, some are of normal weight but have a small, receding jaw. Because many patients are not aware of their heavy snoring and nocturnal arousals, this nocturnal sleep problem may remain undiagnosed.

Sleep apnea can come with other health conditions. Cardiovascular disease is common in patients. Hypertension and obesity increase the risk of cardiac disease and are frequent findings in patients with this sleep disorder. Patients with apnea who are smokers may also have coronary artery disease and obstructive airway disease. Psychosocial problems are common in patients who have sleep apnea. These patients often have depression, mood changes, poor memory, irritability and impaired concentration. Nocturnal panic attacks have also been associated with this sleep disorder.

Sleep medicine isn't enough to treat apnea. Specialists usually recommend weight loss, and dental devices that modify the position of the tongue or jaw. Some doctors may prescribe the use of a CPAP mask. With this method, straps hold the mask firmly over the nose and the CPAP machine that generates the positive airway pressure sits on a table next to the bed. CPAP treatment is used in most patients who have sleep apnea. Jaw surgery is the most invasive surgical procedure used to treat this malady. The surgical procedure may be limited to pulling the tongue forward. An extensive procedure may entail moving both the mandible and maxilla. Extensive jaw surgery has a higher complication rate and a longer recovery time.

Because obstructive sleep apnea disturbs your rest several times a night, you can be very sleepy during the day. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the chance of having high blood pressure and even a heart attack or stroke. Patients also run the risk of diabetes, work-related accidents and driving accidents. If you suspect that you have the condition, then consult a sleep disorder center for a sleep study. They can monitor your symptoms during sleep and prescribe a course of treatment.

For those who can get a quality nights sleep it is unthinkable for somebody to suffer from insomnia or to be worn-out all of the time. Sleep disorders strike millions of people in America and countless other more over the world. The troubles have the capacity to range from simple snoring all the way sleep apnea. It can put unbelievable stress on a marriage if one individual's sleeping sounds greatly influence the other. Intense disorders can likewise become a danger to your life. The best way to ease your nighttime suffering is to obtain as much knowledge and assistance as you possibly can. You can begin getting the assistance you require by clicking here:

Effect Of Insomnia and more information at Child Sleep Disorder and go to Zoloft And Insomnia

Sleep Disorders - Educating Yourself On Some Of The Facts

Everyone suffers from an occasional nightmare or sleepless night, but millions of Americans suffer from extremely severe sleep disorders that can negatively affect their health if left untreated. In fact, ninety-five percent of people suffering from a sleep disorder remain undiagnosed. This staggering number means that a huge population of people aren't getting the treatment they need. In this article, we'll talk about sleep disorders to help you decide if you need medical help.

There are over one hundred different types of sleep disorders that can be classified into four categories. Insomnias include difficulty falling and staying asleep. Narcolepsy and sleep apnea are examples of sleep disorders that prevent people from staying awake. People suffering from jet lag or those who have trouble sleeping because of shift work are having a disturbance in their sleep/wake cycle. People who experience sleepwalking or enuresis are experiencing sleep interruptions associated with behavioral problems. Any condition in which your sleep doesn't follow the typical sleep phase cycle or doesn't stay in each cycle for a sufficient period of time is a disruptive sleep disorder.

Those who have disrupted sleep tend to not experience "restorative sleep." Sleep deprivation can make you irritable, tired, have less focus, a lower frustration level, and can lead to exhibiting behavior that's more emotional and impulsive. One dangerous fact about sleeping disorders is that they weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to other diseases like diabetes, cancer and even the common cold. It is not uncommon for people who suffer from sleep deprivation due to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia to also suffer from other problems including diabetes, asthma or a second sleep disorder.

When gaining insight about sleep disorders, you will find that no one is immune. Many elderly people suffer from insomnia and often have to be put on medication for the condition. Some of the common sleep disorders that affect children include night terrors, nightmares and bedwetting. Nearly seventy percent of women report that they suffer from some type of sleep disorder. Similarly, over forty percent of women admit that daytime sleepiness disrupts their daily activities. Although menopausal and pregnant women are far more likely to suffer from a sleep disorder, women are two times more likely than men to experience a malady of this kind.

If you're concerned about sleep disorders, then the first person you should speak to is your doctor. He can assess your condition and recommend either sleep medicine or refer you to a sleep specialist. A lack of sleep can seriously impact your quality of life, so wake up the treatments available and get a good night of rest.

For people who can get a good nights sleep it is unthinkable for someone to experience insomnia or be exhausted all of the time. Sleep disorders affect millions of Americans and countless more over the world. The disorders have the capacity to vary from simple snoring all the way sleep apnea. It can put unbelievable stress on a marriage if one individual's sleeping sounds greatly influence the other. Intense disorders can also be a risk to your life. One of the way to lessen your nighttime suffering is to obtain as much information and help as you possibly can. You can begin obtaining the assistance you require by going here:

Insomnia And Nutrition and more information at Sleep Insomnia Causes and certainly try Remedies For Insomnia

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Sleep Problems In Children - Addressing A Serious Issue

Quality sleep can fill you with energy, and no one needs more energy than a child. Without adequate nocturnal rest, kids can exhibit behavioral problems, have trouble learning and experience health issues. Sleep problems in children are surprisingly common. In this article, we'll discuss sleep disorders found in children and how they can impact your child's development.

New parents are often very concerned about how much sleep their baby is getting. Newborn infants have irregular sleep cycles and sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours per day. However, they may only sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time. As children get older, the total number of hours they need for sleep decreases. A pre-school child may still need to sleep 10 to 12 hours each day, whereas a school aged child sleeps about 10 hours each day. It is important to remember that each child's sleeping pattern will be different.

It is well known that a child who has a sleep problem will also develop behavioral and attention problems in school. A recent study reported that 37% of school aged children experience significant, nocturnal sleeping issues. Problems may include a reluctance to go to sleep, disrupted sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking. In older children, bedwetting can also become a challenge. Sleep problems are also common in kids with ADHD. It is important to try and figure out if these issues, especially if your child has difficulty falling asleep, are a side effect of any ADHD medication he or she might be taking.

Sleep problems in children can no doubt be thwarted if a regular sleep schedule is followed to ensure that your child gets enough rest. Start by establishing a quiet time before bed. This is a good time to take a bath and read a story. By winding down, your child will be able to fall asleep quicker. Once the body adjusts to a set schedule, he or she is more likely to be sleepy at the same time every night. If your child suffers from night terrors or nightmares, then make him more comfortable by turning on a night light in the room and allowing him to sleep with a favorite toy. Physical comfort, such as a firm sleep foundation is also key to a good night of sleep, as well as roomy and cozy pajamas.

Sleep problems in children can be a learned behavior. If you have a family of night owls, then there might be a connection to your child's bad sleeping habits. If you're really concerned, then visit a sleep disorder center - especially if you suspect that depression or other anxiety disorders may be behind your child's sleepless nights. It's important to remember that different people need different amounts of sleep at different ages. If your child is not tired during the day, then don't worry! Sometimes a simple bout of insomnia is nothing to lose sleep over.

Sleep disorders can impact a person's daily life. They do not go through the proper sleep cycles as well as their day to day lives start to degrade from the lack of restful sleep. The conditions has the ability to be dangerous. Sleep apnea is a medical condition where the individual actually halts breathing when. It is extremely dangerous and life threatening if not treated in the right way. You do not have to keep enduring. Even if snoring has become a problem, there are instruments to help you in getting a good nights sleep as well as feel well rested in the morning hours. Go here for additional information:

Natural Insomnia Cures as well as Work Schedule Sleep Disorders and go to Sleep Disorder Clinic

Friday, November 28, 2008

Natural Cures For Snoring

Cures for Snoring Video

There are a lot of so-called cures for snoring on the market today, from fancy pillows to homeopathic remedies and throat sprays and so many more.  How do you know if any of these work?  And why should you spend all your money on expensive pillows and harsh pills and other medications, if you're not sure about their effectiveness?

There are many things you might consider when it comes to how to stop snoring, and many homemade or simple remedies are just as effective as anything you'll get from your doctor or dentist.  Of course, if your doctor has told you that the only thing he or she can recommend regarding how to stop snoring for you is medication or a surgery, then or course you need to follow your physician's advice.  It's not up to us to interfere with that!  But for others, there are some simple plans and changes you can make to help you get past this bad habit.

For many people, snoring happens because their mouth and throat is very dry and scratchy.  When they breathe through their mouth, the throat makes a very loud vibrating sound that we call snoring.  Think about breathing right now - do you make that sound when you breathe through your nose?  Not usually.  Your nose is meant to be kept moist by all the mucus in there.  It's gross to think about, but a key in figuring out how to stop snoring is to figure out if your throat is very dry at night.


Menthol oil has been found to be one of the best cures for snoring because it clears those blocked sinuses and allows a person to breathe freely and more easily.  You can find pure menthol oil in health food or vitamin stores, or buy it in different products.  Eucalyptus is another product that does much the same thing - opening those blocked sinuses and allowing a person to breathe easier.  These two oils are also considered not just cures for snoring but as a way to help the lungs and the respiratory system relax and breathe easier overall.

One of the better cures for snoring for many people is to add a humidifier or vaporizer to the bedroom and to turn it all the way up.  When your throat and nasal cavities are dry, the air passing through them is going to cause the tissue to vibrate.  Many people snore more in the winter and other cold, dry months.  It seems odd that these little appliances are great cures for snoring, but they really do work for many people.  And if you get a good vaporizer, you can add some of the menthol and eucalyptus oil as well.  If you have back problems, you might consider a moist heating pad before going to bed, as this can help your lungs relax as well, and adds moisture to those areas.

If you have sinus problems, chances are you're going to snore.  You should breathe through your nose when you sleep, but if your nose is plugged up, this is impossible.  A good step in figuring out how to stop snoring with a plugged nose is to figure out why it's plugged in the first place.  If it's not a simple cold or temporary condition, see your doctor.  Asthma or allergies should be treated with medication, and chronic breathing problems need more serious help.

Find more information on sleep disorders go to Prozac Insomnia

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Anxiety and Sleeping Disorders

Does Stress affect your life?

If you are reading this article you probably do. Young or old, rich or poor, it really makes no difference in your situation or way of life. Stress affects almost everyone in life.

So are Anxiety, and Sleep Disorders related? Some seem to think the answer is quite obvious as anxiety can keep you up all night, and can awaken a person from a deep sleep. In reality the problem stems much deeper than that.


It's important to note and understand the connection between anxiety and sleep disorders, as sleep is part of every day life and very important if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and a lack of sleep can lead to a host of problems.

There are many people who believe there are strong connections between stress, anxiety and sleep disorders, and that many people suffer from alack of sleep as the mind tries to put them out of the picture at night.  But why does this occur?  We all still  manage to eat our meals and shower before we go to work, and manage so many other things even when we are worried.

Why is our sleep pattern attacked so much?  One connection associated with anxiety and sleep disorders is, when you eventually jump into your bed at night. This might be the only real time that you really have the time to think about what you want to think about.

During our daytime the brain is busily sorting out everyday chores and distractions. In the night we have loads of time to start to think about our problems; this can be ok if that thinking is part of a problem solving matter and part of considering ways to fix or address those issues. What normally happens is that we just lay in bed staring into space and assuming that the worst ia about to happen.

So it could be possible that anxiety and sleep disorders are possibly connected because all of this thinking that we do is not positive, and does not help to accomplish anything except to maybe make the situation worse.

They is the possibility that your worries and concerns may cause your anxiety and sleeping disorders worse, and may lead towards you feeling helpless and trapped.  These feelings may lead to a the problems causing your anxiety that cuases you difficulty when you need to rest and relax before its time to fall asleep.  This causes the body to have a hard time falling asleep as it feels jittery and edgy and anxiety produces these awful feelings.

We are aware that this feeling of helplessness can be a big part of anxiety and sleep disorders and really should be be addressed before we try and get to sleep and stay asleep.

One way to look at the connection between anxiety and sleep matters is to approach them head-on.  By trying to make short-term goals and then producing a plan on how to achieve these goals, hopefully this feeling of helplessness can be removed.  Our problems may not disappear over night but you may be able to feel more positive and therefore more relaxed.

Short-term goals should be your aim when it comes to alleviating anxiety and sleep disorders as these problems can often seem too big to fix.  But when we brake them down into short-term goals they are much easier addressed.

When you are addressing these problems rather than letting them overwhelm your thoughts, you are far less likely to have them interrupt your sleep on a nightly basis.

 

This is just a quick summary of what sleeping disorder problems. If you want more information  and a FREE ebook to browse through, visit http://www.HelpWithSleepingDisorders.Com">Help Wit Sleeping Disorders

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Coping with the Effects of Insomnia

The effect of insomnia is felt by patients on their minds as well as bodies, the suffering caused can be substantial because sleeplessness can often be quite damaging to the body and it often goes beyond just feeling tired and sluggish. There is, in fact, a greater likelihood that the damage caused by insomnia could be serious enough to warrant further remedial action.

Lasting Effects to the Body and Mind

Also, there are effects of insomnia that are felt on a number of organs in the body as well as the mind, and often a patient will notice is becoming less energetic and be unable to perform their normal activities. What’s more, when a person is lacking in adequate sleep, it increases the likelihood of becoming ill, because it is important for the body to recharge itself while a person sleeps, and when sleep is deprived, obviously the body cannot repair itself. Another consequence and other effect of insomnia is that the body cannot deal with handling illnesses, which means it will take longer to recuperate.

The inability of the body to heal is another effect of insomnia and this can be attributed to the fact that at night the body has to do a lot to heal it as well as perform other restorative functions. When you sleep at night the body has an ideal opportunity to heal and also replace the damaged cells and tissues. When sleep is insufficient, these restorative processes are unable to be performed, making the work of healing a lot harder.

There is also dysfunction in the brain that is another serious effect of insomnia. When the body is at rest or asleep, the brain can restore the chemical balance within the brain, which ability is prevented should the body not get enough sleep. Another consequence of insomnia is that the patient becomes depressed and stressed, that in turn contributes to the insomnia condition.

Another effect is an inability to focus on tasks like driving. Each year there are thousands of mishaps on the roads caused by driver being fatigued and falling asleep at the wheel. Much like driving under the infuence of alcohol, insomnia can effect your consontration and lead to deadly mistakes while you are behind the wheel.

Finally, the effect of insomnia is also felt in the patient’s memory since lack of sleep is known to retard the patient’s ability to form as well as recall from memory. The bottom line is that the effect of insomnia is costing the government an estimated hundred million dollars each year, and it is believed, that as many as eighty million people or almost one third of all Americans are insomnia patients, which only goes to show the seriousness of the problem.

Click here to find out more about the Effects of Insomnia. Make sure you visit GetLocalHelp.com to find help in your neighborhood. 

Proper Bed For A Proper Sleep

Do most of you know exactly how we spend around a third of our lifetime, which on average equals between 20 and 25 years?  Well, it is none other than sleeping.But that is not all - your waking hours can also suffer as a result of poor quality sleep.Bad quality sleep is bad for all aspects of your life, and the root of the problem is the quality of your bed.  A good bed is one in which you feel good.  It is important to avoid mattresses that are too soft as they will not support your spine properly.Too hard a mattress often makes one uncomfortable.  If you suffer from a bad back, go for the harder one rather than the softer option as the harder type provides better support for your back.

There are some rules here that you need to observe.Woolen type of mattresses need high maintenance as they need to be turned once a week.  If you prefer foam mattresses, choose a good quality one, in natural latex if possible and at least 20cm (8 inches) thick.If you decide to pick a mattress with springs, then be sure to check and see how many springs there are.The more spring there is the more effective the support is.There are over 200 to 2000 brands to choose from.

You should try to choose a base with interconnecting slats.Such design provides the most comfortable and efficient option.  It adapts to the shape of your body and your movement during sleep easily.Do not sleep with your head too elevated too.  It can damage your cervical vertebrate.  Ergonomic pillows that are specially designed to protect your spine are now widely available and it is at an affordable price.

Now, go get a proper bed that will give you the good quality sleep.  No more sleepless nights

Monday, November 24, 2008

Handling Sleep Apnea With The Least Discomfort As Possible

More than 12 million adult Americans are believed to have sleep apnea, a common disorder in which the upper airway is intermittently narrowed during sleep, causing breathing to be difficult. From persistent sleepiness to depression to heart disease, this sleep disorder can severely damage your health if left untreated. Thankfully, treating sleep apnea is usually quite simple. In this article, we'll talk about the apnea treatment options available and the possible consequences of forgoing help.

There are four basic approaches to apnea treatment, and they can be used in conjunction with one another. The simplest method involves changing the circumstances which may be causing the condition. The patient is advised to lose weight, quit smoking, avoid alcohol and sedative drugs, have a regular sleep schedule and try to sleep only on their side. The most common treatment option is using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the upper airway to support and hold the airway open. This involves wearing a CPAP mask over the nose. The mask provides a supply of continuously flowing air via a flexible plastic hose from a CPAP machine. Studies have shown that when patients use CPAP, they not only slept better and were more alert during the day, but there were significant improvements in the size, shape and pumping action of their hearts.

The third apnea treatment option is the use of a dental splint to prevent the jaw and tongue from moving back and narrowing the airway. However, oral devices have not proved to be as effective as CPAP and the appliances can be uncomfortable. The fourth and most extreme form of treatment is surgery. This kind of procedure involves removal of the part of the soft palate that hangs down in the back of the throat, as well as the tonsils if present, and other soft tissue if it is felt to be excessive. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea.

To diagnose which treatment is best for you, your doctor will evaluate the symptoms you're experiencing and their severity. If you think that treating sleep apnea is unnecessary, then consider the alternatives. Sleep apnea can lead to depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Patients who do undergo treatment report fewer headaches, improved mood, higher energy and improved job performance.

Getting immediate treatment for this sleep problem will improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor if you're having trouble with your treatment. He can suggest ways to make your care easier or help you to explore alternatives. His or her advice will make treating sleep apnea a simple part of your day that you can't live without.

Sleep disorders can be deadly. Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and even walking in your sleep are different causes why numerous people continuously feel sleepy during the day regardless when they have slept the prior night. The difficulty is that they are unable to get the sleep quality their bodies demand in order to function. Snoring may be the butt of many jokes yet it is dangerous. If you suffer from poor or restless sleep quality you need to go here for more information:

Insomnia And Stress Management with more helpful material at Anxiety Sleep Disorder also click here Insomnia Treatment

Saturday, November 22, 2008

How The Danger Of Sleep Symptoms Effects People

If you're already feeling sick and run down, then sleep symptoms can exacerbate existing illnesses. Sometimes the symptoms of your illness or the medication being used to treat it can cause insomnia, apneas or other sleep disorders. However, consulting with your physician about your restless nights can improve your overall health. If you are sick and persistently suffer from sleeplessness, then read on. We'll examine the sleep warning signs associated with common illnesses and what you can do to treat them.

Insomnia is defined by when you have problems falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or experience non-restorative sleep that occurs on a regular or frequent basis. While an occasional sleepless night may just leave you with a nasty case of daytime sleepiness, long term sleep deprivation can lead to several health problems. Insomnia is among the symptoms associated with many common conditions. People withdrawing from drug and alcohol dependency often cannot fall asleep. Insomnia is also a common side effect of headaches, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ginseng overuse. Drowsiness is also a sleep symptom of many conditions. Frequent travelers often feel drowsy after a long trip. Feelings of sleepiness can also accompany diabetes, whooping cough, head injuries and heart attacks.

Studies have shown that sleep disorders are more prevalent in women. Premenstrual syndrome, menopause symptoms, and post partum stress can all disrupt your sleep. Women with these conditions often experience headaches, hot flashes, digestive issues, breast pain, joint pain and night sweats, all of which inhibits the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. These symptoms can be exacerbated by stress and overwork. To regulate the symptoms and improve the quality of your sleep, many doctors recommend correcting nutritional deficiencies, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing salt intake and treating hormone imbalances promptly. If you don't want to take sleep medicine, then naturopaths suggest avoiding junk food, fatty foods and tea and coffee, eating raw vegetables and not smoking.

Anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression can be debilitating and these disorders are very commonly made worse by a variety of sleep symptoms. Patients suffering from psychological illnesses often have low energy, have difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions, experience changes in appetite that lead to changes in weight and have an increase or decrease in the need for sleep. What makes these conditions especially difficult to treat is the fact that the sleep symptoms feed the illnesses and the illnesses feed the symptoms. To treat psychological illnesses, most doctors will recommend a combination of medication and therapy. In addition to antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, doctors may prescribe sleeping pills to treat the corresponding sleep disorder.

If you're concerned about sleep symptoms making an illness worse, then the first person that you should speak to is your doctor. He can assess your condition and recommend either sleep medicine or refer you to a sleep specialist. A lack of sleep can seriously impact your quality of life, so take the treatments available and get a good night's rest.

For people who can get a good nights sleep it is unthinkable for somebody to suffer from insomnia or to be worn-out all of the time. Sleep disorders strike millions of Americans and countless more across the world. The disorders can vary from basic snoring all the way sleep apnea. It can put unbelievable stress on a marriage if one person's sleeping sounds greatly influence the other. Severe disorders have the ability to also become a risk to your life. One of the method to lower your nighttime suffering is to get as much knowledge and help as you possibly can. You can start obtaining the help you need by clicking here:

Menopause And Insomnia and more information at Insomnia In Children also head on over to Paxil And Insomnia

Sleep Apnea Treatment - Learning About An Effective Useful Sleep Treatment

Of all the sleep disorders, apnea is one of the most serious. Because breathing is stopped, often hundreds of times a night, the side effects of the disorder can be debilitating. Besides persistent sleepiness, apneas can lead to depression, diabetes and even death. There are several sleep apnea treatment methods available to deal with mild, moderate and severe cases of the disorder. The first step toward a healthier life and a better night of sleep is reading this article for more information about this sleep disorder and how to get treatment.

There currently is no proven sleep medicine for sleep apnea. However, there are four basic approaches to treatment. Firstly, doctors recommend changing the circumstances which may be causing the apnea. This would include suggesting that the patient lose weight, quit smoking and avoid alcohol and sedative drugs. The sufferer should also get into a regular sleeping schedule and try to sleep only on their side. The second and most common treatment option is in using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the upper airway to support and hold the airway open. This involves wearing a CPAP mask over the nose. The mask provides a supply of continuously flowing air via a flexible plastic hose from a CPAP machine.

The third treatment option is the use of a dental splint. One of the reasons for the upper airway to become narrowed at night is because the tongue falls posteriorly. Using a dental splint at night prevents the jaw and tongue from moving back. However, oral devices have not proven to be as effective, as CPAP and the appliances can be uncomfortable. The fourth and most extreme form of apnea treatment is surgery. This kind of procedure increases the size of the upper airway. It usually involves removal of the part of the soft palate that hangs down in the back of the throat, as well as the tonsils if present, and other soft tissue if it is felt to be excessive. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea.

Once you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it's important that you pursue treatment immediately. Failing to do so could result in further serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and heart disease. It's also important to follow your prescribed treatment faithfully. While wearing a dental splint or a CPAP mask may seem uncomfortable at first, you'll soon get used to it. A few nights of discomfort will be worth it once you see how continually getting a restful night of sleep is improving your overall health. People who have undergone sleep apnea treatment have reported fewer headaches, clearer thinking, improved performance at work and better moods.

There is no one "type" of person who gets sleep apnea. Men, women and children can all suffer, but the disorder seems to be more common among people who are overweight, over the age of forty, have a large neck size and family history of the sleep problem. What everyone does have in common is the ability to get sleep apnea treatment and live a healthier life.

Sleep disorders can be deadly. Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and even sleep walking are different reasons why numerous individuals continuously feel sleepy during the day even when they have slept the night before. The difficulty is that they are not able to get the sleep quality their bodies demand in order to function. Snoring is sometimes be the butt of different jokes however it is serious. If you are afflicted from poor or restless sleep quality you need to go here for more information:

Sleep Disorder Treatments similarly Facts About Insomnia and Treatment Of Insomnia

Friday, November 21, 2008

Sleep Apnea Syndrome - Handling a Challenging Condition

Introduction To The Sleep Lab - Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

If your loud snoring is disturbing either you or your partner, then it may be time to see a doctor about apnea. Sleep apnea syndrome is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when breathing frequently stops for brief periods throughout the night. Not only does this condition reduce the quality of your sleep, but it can also lead to other serious health conditions. In this article, we'll wake you up to the symptoms of sleep apnea and the treatments available.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of apnea and is due to an obstruction in the throat during sleep. The narrowing of the upper airway can be a result of several factors including inherent physical characteristics, excess weight, and alcohol consumption before sleep. Central sleep apnea is caused by a delay in the signal from the brain to breath. With both obstructive and central apnea you must wake up briefly to breathe, sometimes hundreds of times during the night. Usually there is no memory of these brief awakenings.

Sleep apnea syndrome can lead to life threatening illnesses if it's not treated properly. Consequently, it's important to know the signs. Loud snoring and gasping are the most common symptoms. Patients also frequently complain of excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, night sweats, and having to go to the bathroom several times during the night. The side effects of sleep apnea range from mild to severe and include high blood pressure, depression, difficulty concentrating and reduced libido. More severe cases can lead to heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat and heart disease. In addition to the health impact, sleep deprivation can impact your life socially.

A sleep test, called polysomnography is usually done in a sleep disorder center to diagnose sleep apnea. Mild cases of sleep apnea syndrome are usually treated by some behavioral changes like losing weight or sleeping on your side. There are also mouth devices that can help keep the airway open by bringing the jaw forward, elevating the soft palate or preventing the tongue from falling back into the airway and blocking breathing. Moderate to severe sleep apnea is usually treated with a CPAP mask and a CPAP machine. This machine blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. Some people have facial deformities that may cause the sleep apnea. There are several other surgical apnea treatments like removing excess tissue to clear the airway, moving the tongue forward, and moving the upper and lower jaw forward.

Sleep apnea syndrome is a progressive condition that gets worse as you age, so it's important to take it seriously. The symptoms of sleep apnea can be made worse by obesity and alcohol consumption, so lifestyle changes should supplement the treatments that your doctor recommends. Taking care of this sleep disorder will allow you to live a healthier - and more restful - life.

Sleep disorders are deadly. Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and even walking in your sleep are various causes why many people constantly feel sleepy during the day regardless when they have slept the prior night. The problem is that they are not able to get the quality of sleep their bodies demand in order to function. Snoring might be the butt of different jokes however it is dangerous. If you are afflicted from poor or restless sleep quality you need to click here for more information:

Chronic Insomnia as well as Insomnia Medications also head on over to Birth Control Pills And Insomnia

Sunday, November 16, 2008

How to Fight Insomnia

In this article, we will review a variety tips on helping a person fall asleep. How long does it take for any given person to fall asleep?It might depend on a number of factors, including how tired the person is, what the person ate before they went to bed, and numerous other factors.If you have sleep problems, it may seem like hours before you fall asleep.

Insomnia Information: Insomnia means you find it extremely hard to go to sleep.It also can mean that you are having a difficult time staying asleep. Most people who suffer insomnia say that they remember turning and tossing all night long or remember being awake at night. Nights when I have insomnia I just can’t seem to turn my mind off, and often I can’t even close my eyes. It generally takes me about a half hour to fall asleep, but my son is asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.

The TV helps me fall asleep -- I have it on a timer so that it shuts off after 30 minutes.I also require total darkness, and my bedroom needs to be ice cold – even in summer. This doesn’t help save energy!

Some treatments for insomnia are referred to as natural or behavioral. One well-known relaxation technique is to tense different muscle groups and then relax them. Another approach is to repeat a set of visualizations to produce a state of relaxation. My favorite visualization? Just lying in the sun on a beach in the Bahamas.

It is also good to be able to manage the stress in your life; this can allow you to more easily relax at night and when it’s time to go to bed. Another helpful method is to associate the bedroom with sleeping by limiting the time spent in the bedroom for non-sleep activities.So take your computer, office, and television out of the bedroom. Also avoid large meals just before bed, and reduce the use of stimulants, such as caffeine; this can help reduce insomnia. A person can also try soaking in a hot bath to relax or listening to some soft music before going to bed.

Melatonin aids people in falling asleep. It is especially helpful for people who suffer from insomnia caused by jet lag or shift work. Melatonin occurs naturally in the body; this happens when serotonin is exposed to less light.

Other over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids such as Sominex or Nytol can also be tried by adults but, again, a person should discuss with their doctor before taking any of these sleep aids especially if you suffer from Parkinson’s disease, or are being treated for depression or other mental health problems. But it is also buying into the mindset of turning to a pill to solve a problem, which can produce problems in other areas of a person’s life. More insomnia info at bestinsomnia blog and how to stay asleep during the night.

It is advised that if you have trouble falling asleep and have tried all the natural tips in this article, then perhaps you need to see a sleep management specialist. So many people have sleep difficulties, there is now a sub-specialty in medicine for such problems. Since insomnia might be a symptom of another medical problem, it is best to get a consultation with your doctor and discuss your sleeping problems with him.

Even with all these tips on falling asleep, each person must discover their own best way to fall asleep.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Sleep Apnea Is Both A Very Commonly Seen and Occasionally Dangerous Sleep Disorder

Sleep apnea is one of the most commonly seen of all sleep disorders and affects almost 18 million Americans. A sleep disorder which is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, sleep apnea is also without doubt the most dangerous of sleep disorders as it deprives the brain of crucial oxygen and sometimes proves to be fatal.

There are two completely different types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is in essence a neurological disorder where breathing is broken as a result of signals sent from the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea by contrast is in effect a mechanical problem where the windpipe is obstructed either by too much tissue or as a result of the unusual relaxation or collapse of the muscles around the windpipe. In both cases however the results are effectively identical with regular interruptions to normal breathing that starve the brain of oxygen and put the sufferer at greater risk from such things as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Sadly, diagnosing sleep apnea can prove a problem because snoring, which is a common symptom and frequently leads to sleep apnea being referred to as the snoring disease, is also often seen as a symptom of many other medical problems. Snoring is usually present with sleep apnea because the brain reacts to a drop in oxygen by awakening the sufferer enough to restart the breathing process and this generally causes snoring.

This frequent awakening throughout the night also results in a very poor quality of sleep and it is not at all uncommon for sleep apnea sufferers to get up in the morning feeling even more tired than when they got into bed. This also causes a feeling of sheer exhaustion during the day and an overwhelming need to sleep.

However, tiredness arising from a poor quality of sleep is just part of the problem and a variety of other symptoms will almost certainly be seen including headaches in the morning, a lack of memory and a problem in concentrating.

Without treatment the accumulating exhaustion from sleep apnea may produce significant psychological difficulties starting with simple touchiness and progressing to depression with noticeable changes in behavior and mood.

Both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea are treatable and, as long as the condition is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is often quite easy. For example, minor cases of obstructive sleep apnea resulting from nasal congestion can usually be treated with little more than a course of decongestants. Likewise, a lot of cases of sleep apnea which are not especially serious can be treated with the use of a mask that is worn while sleeping and that provides air at a constant pressure to keep the airway open. Finally, in the most severe cases of sleep apnea surgery may be necessary and can be very effective, although it can also produce a variety of complications and has to be considered with caution.

Probably the most important thing to bear in mind with sleep apnea is that because it carries the potentially fatal risk of respiratory failure sufferers should not be tempted to use sleeping pills or to use other forms of sleep enhancers without first seeking the approval of their doctor.

Natural sleep remedies certainly provide an effective complement to medically prescribed medication and herbs that are intended to improve the quality and duration of sleep can assist in the management of the excessive daytime sleepiness usually accompanying sleep apnea. Similarly, things like aromatherapy, chromatherapy and guided relaxation and meditation can help to reduce the insomnia and anxiety which come with sleep apnea.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Weight Gain and Snoring Often Go Hand in Hand

Of all the problems that one needs to consider when thinking about those pounds that seem to keep creeping on year after year, the connection between weight gain and snoring is just one more than cannot be denied. But why would a few extra pounds cause a person to snore? What is it about added pounds that can mean a connection between weight gain and snoring?

There are a few things to consider here. One being that a person is not always aware of excess body fat around the neck and throat area even if they are overweight. You don't need a neck the size of your leg to have too much fat in this area! This connection between weight gain and snoring happens when that added weight closes or collapses the airways in the throat which can cause not only snoring but other sounds such as gasping, wheezing, choking, snorting, and noises that we usually call snoring even though technically they're not. This is probably the most common connection between weight gain and snoring and is not always easily fixed. You can use a body pillow to put behind you and prop yourself up so that you sleep on your side; this keeps those airways more open than if you sleep on your back. Some have also found it helpful to put something under the feet of their bed so that they're slightly elevated at their own feet; this keeps the mouth from dropping open and forces a person to keep breathing through their nose. While this isn't always a permanent solution to the problem of weight gain and snoring it can help someone that always sleeps on their back.

The other common connection between weight gain and snoring has to do with the damage that one does to their respiratory system overall with added weight. The body is simply not meant to carry a lot of additional pounds and this body fat can collect around the area of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, making breathing of any type that much more difficult. It's not unusual for those that are seriously overweight to have asthma and other respiratory problems. This could be one of the most dangerous connections between weight gain and snoring as being unable to breathe freely can mean damage to every cell in the body if left unchecked.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

What 70 Million American Do Not Know About Sleep Disorder?

Sleep is most important factor in determining how you live, perform, think. Around 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Around 47 million adults may be putting themselves at risk for injury, health and behavior problems because they aren’t meeting their own minimum sleep requirements.

Do you take more than 30 minutes to sleep?

Does it happen to you regularly?

If your answer is yes, you might suffer from sleep disorder or insomnia.  Now insomnia is a symptom, not a medical problem. Persistent insomnia indicates that something isn’t working properly for you.

There is growing evidence that sleep disorder has bad affect on our heart and mental health. Insomnia also triggers irritation, anxiety and frequent mood swing. Here are 11 tips for a healthy sleep at night

1.Always take a bath before you go to bed.

2.Use dim lights after 8 p.m.

3.Design your bedroom in such a way that it is conducive to sleep. You should use a firm mattress and pillow at night.

4.You should not go to bed after heavy exercise. However, relaxation exercises like deep breathing, listening to soothing music helps.

5.You should not watch action packed movie, avoid intense conversations before bed time. However you can read light books which you can easily pick up and put down.

6.You should not look at the clock because it will make you anxious.

7.Avoid alcohol and strong coffee before bed time. It is found that the stimulating effect of caffeine lasts up to 12 hours. 

8.A glass of warm milk or a cup of herbal tea helps you to sleep.
 
9.You can not force yourself to sleep. If you cannot sleep, get up after 30 minutes and do something relaxing or productive.

10.You need to practice natural stress management techniques to avoid any kind of anxiety attack.

11. If you can not sleep because of snoring of your partner, take appropiate steps.