Herbal Treatments for Your Insomnia Problem

If insomnia is an ongoing problem for you, you realize just how serious and distressing a condition this can be. When you are lacking sleep, you'll find that it significantly affects your daily life.

You can always ask your doctor for a prescription. But sometimes the side effects of insomnia medications are almost as bad as the condition itself. If so, why not take a look at herbal treatments that have been shown to be an effective insomnia remedy.

Consider beginning with something relatively mild, such as chamomile. Chamomile has been used for centuries as a way to get a good night's sleep. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities. This means it can help to soothe any minor discomfort you might be experiencing. Have a cup of chamomile tea before turning in for the night for the best results.

Lavender is another herbal treatment you might want to take a look at. This herb is widely used because it's so effective at calming the nerves. People who experience insomnia due to stress and anxiety find this to be a particularly effective remedy. Try spritzing some lavender oil on your pillow before you go to bed at night.

Many people believe passion flower to be a very effective natural remedy for insomnia. Not only can it calm you and help to induce sleep, it's also known as a pain reliever. The Aztecs used it for both pain relief and as a sedative.

Another popular insomnia remedy is St. John’s Wort. It has a long history of use for insomnia and other health conditions such as depression.

Or there is Valerian Root. People have been treating their insomnia with this herb for countless generations. Because of its natural sedative abilities, it's become one of the most popular herbs for the treatment of insomnia. It is also frequently used as a muscle relaxant. Not only do its sedative properties fight insomnia, they can also relieve nervous problems and calm your restlessness.

Keep in mind that you must use any of these herbal treatments according to the directions. The fact that they're a natural product doesn't mean that there can't be side effects. And taking more of them won't make the condition go away any faster. It might even make it worse.

Any one of these herbal treatments might be successful for managing your insomnia. However, keep in mind that it may take some trial and error until you find the one that works best for you.

A Snoring Mouthpiece Could be the Answer to Your Snoring Problem

If you've tried all the home remedies you can think of to help with your snoring problem, it might be time to consider a snoring mouthpiece.  It has been experienced by many people that these small devices are very effective in stopping snoring and as a result they can get a full night of relaxed and restful sleep.  How can you tell if a snoring mouthpiece will work, and where can one be found?

While snoring people breathe through their mouth instead of nose as they should do.  During sleep, however, control of the body is impossible and it is likely that your head will fall back and your mouth will fall open, causing you to breath through your mouth again.  This reaction can be controlled, if the jaw is forced forward by a snoring mouth piece, thereby helping align the tongue in the mouth and opening up the airways  This also can keep your jaw from falling open as they may keep the entire mouth in alignment as well.  Since the tongue and lower jaw are connected, they both work in conjunction with a snoring mouthpiece so that it stays in alignment and the patient can breath normally while asleep.

Often times a mouthpiece for snoring are not just used by people to snore.  People can also benefit from this device if they suffer from sleep apnea, a condition that causes the body to stop breathing while asleep for a short period  {This is because those airways do not get constricted and the tongue is not allowed to fall back into the throat, something that may cause sleep apnea.}  Persons who clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night may also find one of these devices useful.  And sometimes a snoring mouthpiece is used by those who have just a minor problem with snoring; if your doctor recommends one for you it doesn't mean that you need to be embarrassed by your habit or condition.

There are a lot of health concerns and risks associared with snoring,and that does not include poor sleep for the snorer and any one else who is sleeping by her or his side.  So a snoring mouthpiece might be a bit uncomfortable or embarrassing but of course it's well worth this minor inconvenience.  Anyone that has had their doctor recommend such a device should consider this recommendation very carefully and seriously and not dismiss it.

Are You Suffering From Insomnia?

Aspirin helps people fall asleep, especially if you or your child are just a little tense from the stresses of the day.It is necessary for you to ensure that your child gets adequate and sound sleep. You lose sleep as a result of your child’s bedtime and sleeping patterns.  So, this is perhaps a case where a healthcare provider would suggest a low dose aspirin, as an aid in both of you falling asleep.

It is extremely important that everyone in your family gets a good night’s sleep, every night, as frequent insomnia or sleep problems can lead to so many other health problems.Good sleep is very important as at that time the body repairs itself from daily stress of life.  When anyone in your family’s sleep cycle or pattern is disturbed, it is usually this stage of sleep that is interrupted.

Childhood is the time when some sleep problems can become lifetime bad habits for a child.  So occasional sleep problems should be handled has quickly as possible.  Chronic insomnia can itself be a symptom of another condition, such as depression, heart disease, sleep apnea, lung disease, or diabetes, so it's important to see a doctor if you or anyone in your family is having continued trouble sleeping.

As well as an occasion low dose Bayer aspirin (baby aspirin), a glass of warm milk is also a good aid to help anyone with those occasional problems falling asleep.   Both aspirin and warm milk can’t hurt anyone and if you have any chronic pain, it can certainly help.  As a child, I sometimes had problems falling asleep because of leg pains after playing too hard during the day and baby aspirin was what my mother would give me.  Since that was many years ago, there were not any doctors specializing in sleep medicine and our family doctor told my mother that my leg pains were just “growing pains”.

Studies have since shown that daily low doses of aspirin are good for everyone’s heart and blood circulation so most doctors would say that it is a good habit for everyone in your family to get used to doing, especially if there is any family history of heart attacks.

Low doses of aspirin occasionally for sleep, does not mean you are a bad parent.  A child who gets enough sleep and sleeps well is more likely to be cheerful during the day. The better the child sleeps, the happier the entire family will be.

Narcolepsy And Sleep Apnea: Two Important Sleeping Disorder

Although we rarely identify it as a negative condition, many people actually get too much sleep.  Most of these people often complain that they have not gotten enough sleep on any given night. Example, college students drink copious amounts of caffeine in order to stay awake and finish that paper. Many times, they compensate for a lack of sleep at night by taking naps after (and sometimes during) their classes. This behavior might be recognized as "normal" by many teenagers and young people. However, many college-aged people suffer from sleep disorders. The most commonly recognized among these is insomnia, or the inability to obtain an adequate amount of sleep. A disease potentially harmful and yet  often is hypersomnia.

Hypersomnia is defined as excessive daytime sleepiness and/or nighttime sleep. Humans sleep for an average of eight hours a night. Those with hypersomnia may find themselves sleeping for over ten hours at a time.  The most common symptoms are napping at inappropriate times, difficulty waking up, anxiety, irritability, restlessness and fatigue. Some more serious symptoms may include hallucination, loss of appetite, memory loss, or the inability to hear, see, taste, or smell things accurately. The disorder can have a profound effect on one's ability to cope in social situations.  There is a range of possible causes for the condition, but the primary cause is described as abnormalities that occur during sleep or abnormalities of specific sleep functions.

Those with hypersomnia are generally diagnosed in one of four categories by a polysomnogram, which monitors a patient during one night of rest.

Post-traumatic Hypersomnia is caused by trauma to the central nervous system, such as a head injury or a traumatic accident. This kind of hypersomnia may last for a span of a few days or an entire lifetime following such an incident.

Recurrent Hypersomnia consists of episodic periods of extended sleep followed by periods of normal sleep. These episode's length varies. Recurrent hypersomnia is caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamus.
Idiopathic Hypersomnia has no known cause and is the diagnosis most closely associated with the sleep disordernarcolepsy.

Normal Hypersomnia is seen in people who are commonly referred to as "long sleepers," those who require more than ten hours of sleep per night as a result of genetic predisposition.

Hypersomnia shares some common symptoms with other sleep disorders: narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Narcolepsy makes one suffer from "sleep attacks" in daytime notwitstanding the sleep at night time. It resembles hypersomnia in the respect that many experience onset during teenage and young adult years. Sleep apnea is a condition which causes intermittent shortness of breath during sleep. It affects people of all ages but bears a resemblance to hypersomnia in that it is caused by an abnormality of respiratory function during sleep. Like normal hypersomnia, it also tends to run in families.

Lifestyle conditions may add to the habit of sleeping excessively. Hypersomnia may be a symptom of some medications or withdrawal. Drug abuse, alcohol, caffeine are some substances which play a role in extending sleep.  It is estimated that approximately five percent of the population can be diagnosed with some form of hypersomnia.

However, the condition is greatly underreported because so many who have it do not realize that their excessive sleeping or napping behavior is abnormal. What is more, many do not realize what detrimental implications getting too much sleep can have for one's life. The primary symptom of hypersomnia is serious interference with normal schedule. One might miss large amounts of work, school, or other important activities. Secondly, many of the side effects of hypersomnia such as decreased concentration, anxiety, and memory loss all contribute to a diminished work or academic performance. Treatments for those diagnosed for hypersomnia may include the prescription of stimulant or antidepressant medications. Also, it is advised to maintain a regular bedtime/waking time, and to avoid intake of alcohol and caffeine.

An Important Tip To Overcome Sleep Disorders

Bathing will help guys sleep.    Men are most often to have an irregular sleep schedule. Many men just don't get it that they require more sleep. Every person has their own need for sleep. On average, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested because of poor sleep habits.

Many men do not get this much sleep on a regular basis. The following symptoms show that you are not getting enough sleep
• You have a hard time paying attention during meetings.
• You must use an alarm clock to wake up on time in the morning.
• Sleeping in later is not an option for most people who have to be at work early in the morning.

A man’s job can demand so much of his time that it doesn’t leave much room for sleep. The stress and pressure of a job can affect sleep. Your body wants to rest, but your mind won’t stop spinning. As a result, you toss and turn in bed late into the night. Maybe you fall asleep quickly but wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep. You need to try your best to leave your work at work. You need time away to relax both your body and your mind. Set boundaries and protect your personal free time.

This will be very hard if you work from home. The list of people, places, and things that can exhaust a man’s time is endless.   But one of the best remedies is a warm bath before bedtime.Women have known this for a long time that it is a great stress reliever.

As poor sleep progresses, men stop taking care of their bodies in other ways. They stop eating and exercising regularly. They abuse alcohol and drugs. A man can become depressed and statistics show that men are four times as likely as women to kill themselves.

Many men resist seeking help from a counselor. Men can develop a number of habits that cause bad sleep. The use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can all affect your sleep. Consuming them too close to your bedtime can keep you from sleeping well.

If needed, you might want to eat a bigger meal at lunch and a smaller meal for dinner. Men also may keep an irregular sleep schedule. They go to bed and wake up at different times every day. This can disrupt your internal body clock and keep you from sleeping soundly. You should try to wake up at the same time every day.

Try to avoid sleeping in later on the weekends to catch up on lost sleep. Instead, go to bed earlier at night when you are tired.  There are many health problems that can cause insomnia, so if your sleeping problems last for more than over two weeks, make an appointment to get a physical from your family doctor.

In order to relief your insomnia and feel better overall, there are a few things you can do to avoid any potential harm to your health while you are treating your sleeping problems. A well used and healthy body has very little trouble sleeping. Exercise is good for you and encourages your body and brain to rest as it should. Taking good care of yourself is the best sleeping aid you can find.

Bathing will help guys sleep.  If you are a man and feel stressed out and can’t sleep – take a clue from your wife, soak in a warm bath.

Differences In How Men And Women Sleep

There are many helpful ways to fall asleep.  It is important to make sure that everyone in your family gets enough sleep and sleeps well.

Some children sleep different lengths of time, either shorter or longer. Parents lose sleep as a result of their child’s bedtime and sleeping patterns.

One sleep stage is known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Children or people having trouble sleeping usually miss the REM part of their sleep cycle. If your child has an ongoing sleep problem, then you should talk to your child’s doctor or to a sleep specialist.

Men also may keep an irregular sleep schedule. But it is believe that most all of these people have just developed poor sleep habits.
 
But, insomnia can be caused by another disorder, by changes in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, or by stress. Researchers do not know exactly why people need sleep, but we do know that lack of sleep can kill. Humans deprived of sleep for long periods begin hallucinating and develop other mental problems

Sleep plays a vital role in promoting health and well being. Experts suggest that most men and women need about seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Yet there are many differences in how men and women sleep. In general women tend to sleep more than men, going to bed and falling asleep earlier. A woman’s sleep shows a tendency to be lighter and more easily disturbed. Women are more likely to feel unrefreshed even after a full night of sleep.
In the United States, and in many other countries, sleep deprivation is common among students. School aged children should be getting between 8.5 and 9.25 hours of sleep but many do not. A National Sleep Foundation survey found that college/university-aged students get an average of 6.8 hours of sleep each night.

Sleeping for only five hours a night may change our appearance because of the link between obesity and insufficient sleep.

So it is a good idea to have your family doctor check you and your family to make sure there is not a medical reason for poor sleep.

Here are some suggestions to try if you or anyone in your family is having trouble with sleep.
1. Sleep on a regular schedule – go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time in the morning – even on weekends.
2. Avoid caffeine, sugar, or candy – as these foods act to stimulate your body – especially a child’s.
3. Avoid daytime napping – as that can also disturb your regular sleep cycle.But the same is not really true for young children or elderly adults, as the sleep cycle of the very young and the very old are different.
4. Good stress management – leave work at work, and school at school – your hours off should be your time to relax.
5.  A Harvard study found that daily yoga for eight weeks improved total sleep time, and the time to fall asleep.
6. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a promising natural remedy for sleep.
7. Carbohydrate snacks such as whole grain crackers before bedtime may help to promote sleep. 
8. Gentle, slow music is another remedy that can help to improve sleep without medication. Music has been found to improve sleep quality, decrease nightly awakenings, lengthen sleep time, and increase satisfaction with sleep.
9. Soak in a warm bath as a way to relax your muscles.
10. Don’t eat a big, heavy meal before going to bed as this can also keep you awake.
11. Exercise in the afternoon – the healthier your body is, the better a person will sleep.
12. A glass of warm milk as proven to help a person fall asleep.

There are many helpful ways to fall asleep, and often, insomnia is just caused by poor sleep habits.  But if you have followed all these suggestions and are still having problems, consult with your family doctor.

Ways To Reduce Night Sweats And Sleep Disturbances

Night sweats and insomnia are common symptoms of menopause. A night sweat is the same as a hot flash but it occurs at night while you are sleeping. Often times, the sweating is more severe than a regular hot flash. Many women suddenly find themselves awake in the middle of the night to find their pajamas, sheets and pillow drenched with sweat.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) will help to lessen the symptoms of night sweats and sleep disturbances (insomnia). However, not every woman is a good candidate for HRT. As a result, it is important for you and your doctor to find alternative ways to manage night sweats and sleep disturbances. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor and check with her prior to beginning alternative treatments.

Below are some tips that I got  from Rhonda Cravey who writes at Bella Online – The Voice of Women, which is an excellent resource for women.

• Use cotton sheets on your bed. The cotton will allow air to flow around your skin better than other fabrics. Cotton will also effectively absorb the moisture from the night sweat.
• Turn the temperature down on your thermostat. The room you are sleeping in needs to remain at a cool temperature. (I keep my on cold – which is hard on the electric bill during summers in Texas)
• Layer the covers on your bed. Ideally, you should have a sheet, light blanket, and heavy blanket. You can remove and add the covers as needed.
• Wear lightweight, cool clothes when sleeping. Avoid flannel pajamas and long night gowns.
• Take a cool shower prior to going to bed.
• Don’t drink caffeinated beverages right before you go to bed. The caffeine will make it difficult for you to go to sleep and stay asleep.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks prior to bedtime. You may fall asleep quickly but the alcohol will make it difficult for you to stay asleep.
• Avoid eating immediately prior to going to bed.
• Avoid exercising right before you go to bed. Exercising will increase your metabolism making it difficult for you to go to sleep.
• Try some relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
• Create and follow a bedtime routine. You might try reading or writing in a journal.
• Follow a diet with adequate portions of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and grains.

Sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced lesser by the ovaries marking the start of Menopause. This will cause changes in the menstrual cycle as well as other physical changes. Normally, menopause is a gradual process that occurs over several years as your body adjusts to the changes of decreased hormones. However, some cancer treatments will cause a woman to go into sudden menopause. These treatments include surgical removal of the ovaries, radiation or certain kinds of chemotherapy which cause the ovaries to become non-functional.

Night sweats and insomnia are common symptoms of menopause, so just remember that this too will go away.

A Word About Baby Sleep Patterns

Is your child having sleep difficulties? Are you up several times a night feeding your baby back to sleep?
Most of the parents start baby sleep training gently when the baby is two months old. Unfortunately there is no magic key that will solve all your baby sleep problems. Before the tips, here are a few words about baby sleep patterns. Babies, especially really young ones have much more light sleep than adults and older children. Think about it, while in your stomach, the baby's "bed" was in constant movement, rocking him gently back to sleep.

There are things you can do to help your baby feel safe and comfortable sleeping in a crib. Just remember that you can't change a baby's routines in just a day. Give it a week at least, with implementing the tips below.
Make the crib seem smaller. Put rolled blankets in circle, to make his sleeping place as small as possible. Newborn babies want to have something soft close to their heads. Just make sure you don't put anything in the bed that can fall over his face.

Make the crib smell like mother. Roll one of your used tops and put it close to his head as part of the small bed you're making for him. If the bed smells mom, he is likely to feel safer.

Make sure the crib is not too cold. Either put lukewarm water bottle (or something similar) in the bed for a while or even better, use a sleep bag (like Grobag) for your baby. With a sleep bag, your baby will enjoy more or less the same temperature all the time, helping him to stay comfortable. If you use a water bottle or bean bag, make sure the bed doesn't become too warm and take it out before putting your baby in the crib.
 
Sleep bags are excellent in many ways especially during the first months. As you may have noticed, especially breastfed babies often poop more or less every time they eat in the beginning. This means you will have to change diapers at night from time to time. With a sleep bag that opens easily for diaper change, you might be able to change diapers without making your baby wide awake since he doesn't get cold.
 
If your baby is between newborn and a few months old, you can also consider swaddling him. In the beginning you can swaddle the whole body, but at six weeks old or so, your baby's arms (or at least one of them) should be free. At this time, the baby might start using his hands but for self-soothing or to communicate hunger by sucking his hand. And maybe before that, he'll sleep better at day time too!

If you want more sleep tips, the Baby Sleep Solution might be useful. You'll get tips on over 20 different techniques to help your baby sleep better.
For more help on getting your baby to sleep in the crib, don't hesitate to use the  Baby Help Line.

Does Tension Tamer Tea Help You Sleep

Does “Tension Tamer” tea help with sleep? There are many good relaxation teas and herbs from which to choose as a sleep aid. One herbal tea which many people have reported good results with is known as "Tension Tamer" tea. The ingredients include eleuthero ginseng root, peppermint leaves, cinnamon, ginger root, chamomile flowers, lemon grass, licorice root, catnip leaves, tilia flowers, natural lemon flavor, hops, and vitamins B6 and B12. Reportedly, this tea can relieves stress or tension which helps with your sleep.

When it's not convenient to have hot tea, you might want to try some of the many herbal supplements that promote relaxation. Be careful when buying these, though, because the name on the bottle can be misleading. There are at least three supplements called "Tension Tamer". One is the original blend, one is the Ultimate blend, and one is the Unique blend. They each have slightly different ingredients and they are also different from the tea, itself.  Consult with an herbal professional or your pharmacist before starting any herbal treatment especially if you are on any prescription medications as the two might not work well together.

Why is sleep very important?Because you may not be reaching the stage of sleep that repairs your body if you body does not go through a normal sleep cycle.  This stage of sleep is when your body naturally repairs the muscle, brain or hormone systems that have been damaged during the day.  Recently, it has become known how important this stage of sleep is – many medical problems are now being linked back to years of not sleeping well and not completing the entire sleep cycle every night.

Insomnia may be a symptom of any medical problems and because of that reason; sleep medicine is a recognized medical subspecialty. Doctors who specialize in sleep medicine help people who are unable to sleep well. Sleep doctors are able to detect and treat both common and rare sleep disorders. Some common sleep disorders are insomnia, jet lag, sleepwalking, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

So it is recommended that before you start any herbal or OTC (over-the-counter) sleep aids that you check with your doctor.  Also remember, just like prescription medications, herbs and OTC sleep aids have their good and bad effects and effect people differently.  Most teas have caffeine in them which is not helpful with sleep problems – as it can work as a stimulant and just keep you awake.  Often warm milk will work much better especially if you are effect by the caffeine.

Carbohydrate snacks like grain cracker can help to promote sleep if taken before bedtime.   A cup of tea and a few crackers may be just the ticket for your nighttime sleep – this has been reported by many to work well if you suffer from “restless leg syndrome.”

For many people with insomnia related sleep problems, good results have been reported with "Tension Tamer" tea.And it comes with a catnip which means your cat will like it too (just kidding).

Lack Of Sleep And Its Effect On Appearances

In the question of sleeping helping eliminate wrinkles, the answer seems to be yes and that is where the well known phrase “getting my beauty sleep” comes from.   Women notice when not getting enough sleep, same wrinkles develop around the eyes and other areas of the face.  Perhaps that is why older adults have more wrinkles as they seem to sleep less than any other age group.

But is there any real science behind the myth of beauty sleep? More and more experts say yes. Scientific studies haven’t looked at how sleep affects appearance directly—for example, the way the lack of it impacts skin renewal—but we do know that our bodies repair cells and tissues while we sleep. Research supports the notion that poor sleep patterns lead to poor health - and poor health makes us look a little less beautiful.

Sleep contributes as much to our well-being as eating a proper diet and exercising, but the average American adult sleeps less than seven hours a night, compared to nine hours in 1910. Sleeping only five hours a night may change our appearance because of the link between obesity and insufficient sleep. Lack of sleep lowers leptin levels and raises ghrelin, two hormones that regulate appetite, according to a study at Stanford University. Less time sleeping also increases the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, a health problem linked to weight gain. Studies have shown that everyone needs to sleep properly to metabolize the calories you take in during the day.

There are even sleep spas that are beginning to be marketed.  Sleep spas provide a tranquil setting, give people a break from their usual routines and help them identify the unconscious patterns that contribute to troubled sleep.

As you would expect, a sleep spa experience feels more like a retreat at an expensive hotel than a typical doctor’s visit. And the fees look as if, only the rich and famous can afford them.  At one spa, for example, you can order a sleep enhancement/insomnia relief package; a snoring/sleep apnea evaluation; or an all-night polysomnography (a formal overnight study) to assess problems such as multiple awakenings, snoring, sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness. For anywhere from$140 to $2,275 a staff of professionals of sleep will try to understand your every sleeping problem.

Cosmetic and toiletry brands have gotten in on the act too, launching an array of products to lull you into lullaby land. Although few of these have been tested for effectiveness, many contain lavender (Lavandula augustifolia), a proven treatment for insomnia, according to recent studies. There are also many types of mattress, bedding and pillows all marketed to make your sleep better.

It seems that adults are having to relearn healthy sleep habit such as sleeping on a schedule, avoiding big meals before bedtime, turning off all lights, computers, and blinking Blackberries. The sleep hormone melatonin is sensitive to even low levels of light. More suggestions are also getting regular exercise and winding down with a warm bath, quiet music, a book or a few yoga stretches, just before you climb into bed, or getting a short nap in the afternoon.  In fact, in Mexico, in the afternoon, everything shuts down for several hours so everyone can get a “siesta”, or nap.

So, yes, enough sleep can help with wrinkles as well as other symptoms of aging. Catching enough z’s may not be easy, but it’s one of the best—and cheapest (when you do it at home) —ways to enhance your health and, consequently, your appearance.

Have Problems Falling Asleep At Night?

Have problems falling asleep at night?  Have you tried a sound machine with some soft music? These are just a few tips you might get from a medical professional.

Sleep medicine is a recognized medical subspecialty which shows just how many people are having trouble sleeping in our modern society. Doctors who specialize in sleep medicine help people who are unable to sleep well. Sleep doctors are able to detect and treat both common and rare sleep disorders. Some common sleep disorders are insomnia, jet lag, sleepwalking, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) makes sure that people with sleep problems get the best medical care.  The AASM accredits centers and labs that treat people who have sleep problems. In 1977 the AASM accredited the first sleep disorders center. The AASM also certifies behavioral sleep medicine (BSM) specialists. These doctors help people improve their sleep by changing how they think and behave.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by chronic problems  falling asleep, staying asleep or only sleeping for several hours and being wake unable to fall back to sleep. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake.

Sleep hygiene consists of basic habits and tips that help you develop a pattern of healthy sleep. There are also easy ways to make your bed and your bedroom more comfortable.  The most important thing to change bad habits into good sleep habits is to create an optima sleep environment.

• Make sure your bed is comfortable. Differ¬ent types of mattresses help with different is¬sues. Some mattresses are made to accommo¬date different types bedmates’ sleeping habits and comfort levels. Others are made to adjust to your firmness preferences. In addition, try therapeutic-shaped foam pillows that cradle your neck or extra pillows that help you sleep on your side. Make sure your sheets are com¬fortable and clean.

• Ensure your bedroom remains primarily a place for sleeping. Don’t use your bed for paying bills, doing work, etc. Help your body recognize that this is a place for rest or intimacy.  So take the television out as well as the computer.

• Keep your bedroom peaceful and comfort¬able. Make sure your room is well ventilated and the temperature is consistent, and try to keep it quiet. If you have a problem with out¬side noise, a fan or a “white noise” machine can help block it out.  In fact, the white noise machine, have become very sophisticated now, and offer not just white noise but the sounds of waterfalls, rain on a tin roof, the sounds in the rain forest as well as the beating of a heart to help with a baby’s sleep. Gentle, slow music is another remedy that can help to improve sleep without medication.

• Hide your clock. A big, illuminated digital clock may cause you to focus on the time and make you feel stressed and anxious. Place your clock so you can’t see the time when you are in bed.

There are also some habits you should develop during the day to help with night sleep.

• Do not nap during the day. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, try not to nap dur¬ing the day. If you are feeling especially tired and feel as if you absolutely must nap, be sure to sleep for less than 30 minutes, early in the day.

• Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages for several hours before bedtime.
 
• Don’t smoke. Nicotine is a stimulant and can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Expose yourself to bright light/sunlight soon after awakening. This will help to regulate your body’s natural biological clock. Likewise, try to keep your bedroom dark while you are sleeping so that the light will not interfere with your rest.

• Exercise early in the day. Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise every day can help you sleep, but be sure to exercise in the morning or afternoon. Exercise stimulates the body and aerobic activity before bedtime may make falling asleep more difficult.

Check how much is your iron level. Iron deficient women tend to have more problems sleeping, so if your blood is iron poor, a supplement might help.

Sleeping machines with sounds is really a marvel of new technology.  You can get ones that have all the rain sounds or waterfalls, included with AM/FM radio, coupled with a CD player for your relaxation techniques.  When I worked the night shift, I began using one to block out daytime sounds, and 15 years later, I am still using it.  In fact, can’t go to sleep with out it.  I highly recommend for you to add one of these machines to your sleep environment.

Food And Its Role In Stimulating Sleep

There are many foods that help with insomnia as well as foods that should be avoided before bedtime.
Diet is important to make sure that you or your child gets enough sleep and sleeps well. Some children sleep different lengths of time, either shorter or longer. You lose sleep as a result of your child’s bedtime and sleeping patterns.  By avoiding certain foods before bedtime you are helping your child develop good habits that can have a positive effect on their sleep patterns that will last a lifetime and avoid many of the medical problems that can be caused by abnormal sleep patterns.

Chronic insomnia can itself be a symptom of another condition, such as depression, heart disease, sleep apnea, lung disease, or diabetes, so it's important to see a doctor if you are having trouble sleeping or if your child is having trouble sleeping.  This is just a precaution to rule out any medical problems.

A well used and healthy body has very little trouble sleeping. That is why physical exercise is very good for a child as well as an adult.Also there should an established regular bedtime for children to avoid sleep problems.  You should also avoid candy or any foods that might act as a stimulant before bedtime.

It is important to make sure that your child gets enough sleep. Many parents are unsure of how much their child should sleep. According to reports from parents, many American children are not getting enough sleep. Some children sleep different lengths of time, either shorter or longer. But most children do have the ability to sleep through the night. Children who do not sleep well may have a sleep problem.

Many children have behavioral insomnia of childhood. This sleep disorder involves one or both of the two following problems:  All of us wake up briefly a number of times during the night. This sleep stage is known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Parents naturally may feel that they need to “help” their child return to sleep. The child learns to connect or “associate” going to sleep with a person or activity. I have to rock my child to sleep every night and for every nap. Set aside 10 to 30 minutes to get your child ready to go to sleep each night.

A child who gets enough sleep is more likely to be cheerful during the day. The entire family will be happier if the child sleeps better. Most sleep problems in children are not a result of bad parenting. If your child has an ongoing sleep problem, then you should talk to your child’s doctor or to a sleep specialist. In reality, sleeping is your most valuable activity of the day. Sleeping well enables you to feel, think, and perform better.

In the United States, and in many other countries, sleep deprivation is common among students. School aged children should be getting between 8.5 and 9.25 hours of sleep but many do not. A National Sleep Foundation survey found that college/university-aged students get an average of 6.8 hours of sleep each night.

Foods that do help with sleep are warm milk, and foods with tryptophan which is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin. Carbohydrate snacks such whole grain crackers before bedtime may help to promote sleep.  Also foods rich in magnesium as magnesium is a natural sedative. Deficiency of magnesium can result in difficulty sleeping, constipation, muscle tremors or cramps, anxiety, irritability, and pain.

So diet does have an effect on sleep.  Avoid caffeine, sweets, chocolates or any diet that could be considered a stimulate before bedtime – especially with child.  And add to your diet foods rich in tryptophan and magnesium.

Affects Of Insomnia On Development Of Fetus

Sleep is very important in helping baby’s development. It is important to make sure that your child gets enough sleep and sleeps well. The sleep stage that is most known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is important to make sure that your child gets enough sleep and sleeps well. Some children sleep different lengths of time, either shorter or longer. Going through the entire sleep cycle and it is during this cycle that helps you child’s brain development. 

Many children have behavioral insomnia of childhood. This sleep disorder involves one or both of the two following problems:
 
Sleep-onset association

All of us wake up briefly a number of times during the night. This sleep stage is known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Usually, we are unaware of these awakenings and return to sleep quickly.

Parents naturally may feel that they need to “help” their child return to sleep. The child learns to connect or “associate” going to sleep with a person or activity. I have to rock my child to sleep every night and for every nap. Set aside 10 to 30 minutes to get your child ready to go to sleep each night.
 
A child who gets enough sleep and sleeps well is more likely to be cheerful during the day. The better the child sleeps, the happier the entire family will be. Most sleep problems in children are not a result of bad parenting. If your child has an ongoing sleep problem, then you should talk to your child’s doctor or to a sleep specialist. In reality, sleeping is your most valuable activity of the day. Sleeping well enables you to feel, think, and perform better.

There are many ways to calm down an active child, a warm bath before bed to relax muscles, no caffeine or sugar before bedtime.  Make sure there are not any teddy bears or something that makes a shadow on the wall of the child’s room.  No child should have television or any toys that make noises or flashing lights..  If your child has an ongoing sleep problem, then you should talk to your child’s doctor or to a sleep specialist.

It is very important that a child develops good sleep habitsfrom infancy as these habits will follow them the rest of their lifetime. If you want to give a child a snack before bed tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin. Carbohydrate snacks such whole grain crackers before bedtime may help to promote sleep.

Important hormone production is regulated during sleep; in children, human growth hormone (HGH) is released during deep sleep.

When people do not have enough sleep, they cannot concentrate well the next day and have problems forming memories. Researchers believe that during sleep, neurons can shut down and repair any damage done during the day. Without these repairs, the neurons may not function correctly due to a buildup of waste products. Sleep also seems important for the formation of memories.

It is important to make sure that your child gets enough sleep and sleeps well. The value of sleep can be measured by your child’s smiling face, happy nature and natural energy. A tired child may have development or behavior problems. A child’s sleep problems can also cause unnecessary stress for you and the other members of your family.
 
Many parents are unsure of how much their child should sleep. Experts recommend the following amount of sleep that your child should get at each growth stage:
* Infants (3 to 11 months): 14 to 15 hours
- Toddlers: from 12 to 14 hours
* Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours
* School-age children: 10 to 11 hours
 
So after investigation it seems that sleep does help a child’s brain development.

Everything About Your Teens And Lack Of Sleep

As you enter your teenage years, it is important to make sure that you get enough sleep and that you sleep well.  Some teens sleep different lengths of time, either shorter or longer. But this is the time in your life to begin developing good sleep habits that will last you a lifetime.
A well used and healthy body has very little trouble sleeping.  Unfortunately, the teen years are the years when too much junk food is eaten and teens get very little exercise unless they are into sports.  You might be advised to get into a sport of some type, so you can get the  exercise  that you need. 

Stress is the number one cause of short-term sleeping difficulties, according to sleep experts. Common triggers include school- related pressures, so entering junior high may cause a lack of sleep.  Usually the sleep problem disappears when the stressful situation passes. However, if short-term sleep problems such as insomnia aren't managed properly from the beginning, they can persist long after the original stress has passed.

According to a long-term study published in the 2004 April issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, young teenagers whose preschool sleep habits were poor were more than twice as likely to use drugs, tobacco or alcohol. This finding was made by the University of Michigan Health System as part of a family health study that followed 257 boys and their parents for 10 years. The study found a significant connection between sleep problems in children and later drug use, even when other issues such as depression, aggression, attention problems and parental alcoholism were taken into account. Long-term data on girls isn't available yet. The researchers suggest that early sleep problems may be a "marker" for predicting later risk of early adolescent substance abuse—and that there may be a common biological factor underlying both traits. Although the relationship between sleep problems and the abuse of alcohol in adults is well known, this is the first study to look at the issue in children.

Sleep allows your body to actively recharge itself and prepare for the next day. It is essential to sleep well as it makes you feel, think and perform better.

During deep sleep an important hormone, human growth hormone (HGH) is released and its production is regulated in young adults. Insufficient sleep can affect hormonal balance. And if you have ever lived with a teenage girl, you need all the help you can get in dealing with hormone balance.  Sleep also helps with daytime concentration.

A pre-teen or teenager   that gets enough sleep and sleeps well is more likely to be cheerful during the day. The better the teen sleeps, the happier the entire family will be.  In reality, sleeping is your most valuable activity of the day. You only need to sleep well and next day you will feel think and perform better.

Teens often struggle with depression and  can be a major cause of insomnia. If your teen is struggling with depression, they should have a physical with your family doctor to make sure there aren’t any serious medical problems that need attention. 

A National Sleep Foundation survey found that college/university-aged students get an average of 6.8 hours of sleep each night. Partying, working, and a full class load are the main contributing factors to sleep deprivation among college students

Caffeine can have a pronounced effect on sleep, causing insomnia and restlessness. Although sugar can give a burst of energy, it's short-lived and can cause uneven blood sugar levels. This can disrupt sleep in the middle of the night as blood sugar levels fall.

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin which is a natural sleep hormone. Carbohydrate snacks such as whole grain crackers before bedtime may help to promote sleep.

Magnesium is a natural sedative. Deficiency of magnesium can result in difficulty sleeping, constipation, muscle tremors or cramps, anxiety, irritability, and pain.

Light exposure plays a key role in telling the body when to go to sleep and when to wake up. Gentle, slow music is another remedy that can help to improve sleep without medication. 
Music has been found to improve sleep quality, decrease nightly wakening, lengthen sleep time, and increase satisfaction with sleep.

This speech about teens and sleeping should be given at every junior high orientation.

Tips To Manage Sleep Problems In Dogs

Need suggestions on how to help your dog sleep better when your dog is experiencing problems sleeping at night? This is a rather common problem seen most frequently in older dogs. When the lights go out, your dog may wander around the house and become generally restless and uneasy. If your dog is accustomed to sleeping in the same room with you, this can cause disruption in the sleep patterns of both of you. Is there a solution?

Step1 - Give your dog his own space.
Establish a sleeping area for your dog in a room with a comfortable temperature. Dogs tend to become restless if they're too hot. Ideally, your dog should have an enclosed area to sleep in since dogs tend to feel more secure when in a smaller space. You may want to consider a dog igloo or cage that has a roof for extra security. Encourage your dog to lie down on his bed at the same time each night and give him a small treat and praise when he does.

Step2 - Give your dog daily exercise.
A brisk walk early in the day for at least thirty minutes can help your dog release excess nervous energy which may contribute to doggy insomnia. Exercise also causes natural endorphin release which gives your dog a sense of well being and may help him to feel more secure. Don't walk your dog too close to bedtime since this may further aggravate sleep problems.

Step3 - Provide sensory aids.
Dogs with declining vision may feel more comfortable if a small light is placed by their sleeping area to make them feel more secure and less isolated. Dogs with hearing problems may benefit from the sounds of soothing music coming from a radio. This extra sensory stimulus can make a major difference in your dog's ability to sleep.

Step4 - Give a bedtime massage.
Give your dog a soothing, fifteen minute massage around bedtime. This can help to calm your dog and make him feel more secure. There are a variety of videos and books that show the exact procedure for doing this.

Sleep problems in dogs can often be resolved by making a few simple changes to his sleeping quarters and this can mean better sleep for the whole family.

Herbal Teas That Are Used To Help With Sleep

The market is not lacking in a variety of herbal teas for sleep problems like insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by chronic problems  falling asleep, staying asleep or only sleeping for several hours and being wake unable to fall back to sleep. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake.

It can be caused by another disorder, by changes in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, or by stress. Researchers do not know exactly why people need sleep, but we do know that lack of sleep can kill. Humans deprived of sleep for long periods begin hallucinating and develop other mental problems.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herbthat has been long used as a remedy for insomnia. Some studies suggest that like conventional sleeping pills, valerian may affect levels of the calming neurotransmitter GABA.

Valerian is believed to neither cause addiction nor grogginess in the morning like other medications. But valerian doesn't work for everyone. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness.

Kava is an anti-anxiety herb that may be helpful for anxiety-related insomnia. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava. To date, there have been more than 25 reports of serious adverse effects from kava use in other countries, including four patients who required liver transplants.

Professional herbalists do not prescribe herbs simply to treat symptoms such as insomnia but aim to correct the imbalances within the body that cause those symptoms. For example, sedative herbs such as hops and valerian are used to relax the nervous system so that you enjoy natural, restorative sleep. Each herb contains a variety of active constituents and has a main action and several subsidiary actions which determine the conditions for which it is most appropriate.

Numerous plants have sedative action. Plants commonly prescribed as aids in promoting sleep include: passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), hops (Humulus lupulus), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).

Unless otherwise specified, for insomnia, take one or two cupfuls of an infusion or decoction in the evening about 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Taking an additional cup on waking up at night is not bad practice. Where a remedy that will not make you drowsy is indicated for conditions associated with insomnia, you can take it three times a day.

There is also a tea made with favor mint, lemonbalm, chamomile, and some herbalist put in catnip.
Reduce the dosage of herbs taken by mouth by a quarter for children under five years old and by a half for children under twelve. Consult a professional herbalist and your doctor before administering any herbs to children.

Best Cure for Snoring

Searching for the best cure for snoring is an impossible mission for a lot of people. Discovering the best treatment for snoring is one thing that a lot of people have spent a lot of time searching for. Snoring could create numerous problems with your relationship and the way you function in the daytime. It is necessary for you to have a cure for snoring that will do the job for you.

Many cures have been attempted. The best cure for snoring must involve seeing a doctor first. It's very critical to find the cause of snoring before trying to cure it. There might be a serious medical issue responsible for the snoring, and if you don't have it diagnosed, you might be taking a big risk with your health.

It is counterproductive to search for the best cure for snoring if you are ignorant of the cause. You could have soft palate issues which are causing the trouble. If palate issues are making you snore, you should discuss surgery options with your doctor as a possible cure for your snoring issues.  A doctor can do a minor surgery to stop any vibrations that are the results of issues with your palate or overly large tonsils.

A snoring source could be the nasal passages are blocked, causing air to be forced through. This is an example of snoring which may be corrected with simple surgery. Ask the doctor to figure out whether a deviated septum is what is causing the snoring and what might be done about this issue.

Not breathing periodically while asleep is a symptom of sleep apnea and must be investigated with your doctor. Ask your partner about this. Yor partner certainly hears when you are snoring and may have even noticed that at times you make no noise at all--you have stopped breathing. Sleep apnea may also contribute to the snoring your partner is complaining about.

Sufferers of sleep apnea will actually cease to breathe while asleep, and the snoring is a result of air forcing itself through air passages. You'll need to be tested in a sleep study lab for confirmation of sleep apnea.  The best cure for snoring when it comes to sleep apnea is the use of the CPAP mask to deliver air continuously while sleeping.

When seeking the best cure for snoring, you must first determine what type of snoring you're suffering from. It's more than just an irritating problem; it might be a rather serious medical issue. A doctor will recommend treatment that is based on the diagnosis made.

Restless Leg Syndrome – An Introduction

Recent news stories and television commercials have brought home the discomfort of Restless Leg Syndrome sleep disorder (often known as simply RLS) to everyone. While naturally those people who have suffered from this disorder for years know only too well the way RLS can disrupt life. As information about RLS becomes more widely known people may well discover the cause of their mystery symptoms and start to ask questions of their doctor. More importantly they will come to see their symptoms as real and they are not alone. 

The easiest description of just how RLS affects a person is to say that it is a disorder in which you experience an inability to relax. Whenever a person sits down or lays down at night their legs start to feel like pins and needles are sticking them or suffer a creepy or crawling feeling and the need to constantly move, making it just about impossible to sleep. This alone explains why one of the principle results of RLS is insomnia. 

As research data has become available it has become clear that many of those with RLS also have family members with the disorder and that there is thus undoubtedly a genetic component to the disorder. This genetic element is an important one when it comes to diagnosing children because they often do not vocalize their discomfort or pain in the same way as adults and the disorder is frequently misdiagnosed, as stress, muscle cramps, arthritis and insomnia and attention is often focused on the child’s inattentiveness, restlessness and irritability as what is referred to as merely growing pains.

Additionally, at times pregnant women find themselves with the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the worst symptoms coming during the final trimester. However, because of their pregnancy, medication is generally not recommended until the last two or three months of their pregnancy when the effects on the unborn baby are going to be minimal. 

The main concern for anybody with RLS should be diagnosis because it is after diagnosis that treatment can become the focus and relief begins.

Treatment for RLS varies widely from one person to the next and depends upon the severity of the restless leg symptoms being experienced. Medication is often used for severe cases with Requip and Mirapex being the most commonly prescribed medicines. For individuals who do not like to take medication there are alternative methods like acupuncture and a variety of homeopathic remedies. In addition, changes in lifestyle such as using hot and cold packs, exercise and relaxation are also used to provide symptomatic relief.

While it may feel normal to look for the best relief for your symptoms on your own you should check with your doctor first as RLS can sometimes be a secondary condition and result from another condition or disorder as, for example, when it appears during pregnancy. Using your own treatment plan could well result in additional problems and thus not bring about the relief you want. 

Because each of us is unique so too are our symptoms and an understanding of this is central when it comes to a disorder like RLS. It is only with sound knowledge of this disorder that appropriate restless leg syndrome treatment can begin and the leg pain of RLS will become a thing of the past.

A Look At Sleep Apnea And Its Cause, Warning Signs and Diagnosis

Sleep apnea is one of several common sleep disorders and the commonest type of sleep apnea is what is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is a condition marked by periods during which breathing stops while you are sleeping. From time to time this disorder is called sleep apnea syndrome or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

In otherwise healthy individuals the muscles that work the upper part of the throat ensure that the air flow in and out of the lungs is continuous and steady. While you are sleeping these muscles relax somewhat but still manage to do their job properly. However those individuals who suffer from sleep apnea generally have airways which are narrowed for one reason or another and therefore when the throat muscles relax this causes the airway to partially or completely close up thereby stopping the passage of air to the lungs. Snoring and labored breathing resulting in a sleep apnea episode will then be seen.

In some individuals breathing can also stop completely during periods of deep (or REM) sleep and researchers and medical experts are unsure about just why this happens. These periods during which breathing stops can last for as long as ten seconds or more and are referred to as apneic events or sleep apnea episodes.

These apneic events lead to an awareness that you have ceases breathing and you subsequently struggle to start breathing again which is generally accompanied by choking, gasping or even snorting.

Thereafter it is normal to fall into a period of light sleep before the pattern of sleep apnea episodes returns.

The effect is that a person suffers from fragmented sleep which does not allow them to enjoy amount of rest that they need on a nightly basis. This in turn leads to a number of health problems including excessive daytime tiredness. One reason for this daytime symptom is simply that the level of oxygen in the blood stream falls markedly during an apnea episode leading to a condition called hypoxia.

It is very important to be aware that many individuals with sleep apnea are not aware of their problem and often it is left to others to bring the problem to their attention. Sleep apnea sufferers are usually aware of being very tired during the day but do not necessarily know why this is the case.

The commonest symptoms of sleep apnea include loud and habitual snoring, awakening in the morning and not feeling rested, morning headaches, problems with concentration, alterations in personality, falling asleep at inappropriate times, hypertension, hyperactivity (in children) and swelling of the legs. The symptoms ought not to be disregarded because the danger of sleep apnea is very real.

The initial step in diagnosing sleep apnea should be a visit to your doctor who will read through your medical history and examine your neck, throat and mouth for any growths or abnormalities. If sleep apnea is suspected your physician will send you for a sleep study and what is known as a polysomnogram. This test records eye movement, brain waves, breathing rate, muscle activity, heart rate, oxygen levels in the blood and how much air is being both inhaled and exhaled during sleep.

Sleep apnea is an extremely common disorder which often goes unrecognized but which can be very dangerous and which can also usually be effectively treated.

Is Narcolepsy Simply Comical Or A Life-threatening Sleeping Disorder?

A lot of people are familiar at least with the concept of narcolepsy as it is often referred to for comical effect in stories and movies. The common image is that of an individual in mid-conversation who suddenly falls to the ground and goes from a state of alertness to complete sleep. The person concerned then awakens not realizing that he has been sleeping and continues on with their conversation.

Not surprisingly, narcolepsy is not exactly as it is shown in the films. Although in some extremely rare cases of narcolepsy people do fall asleep without any warning, most sufferers have difficulties with overwhelming tiredness throughout the day and occasionally have to give in to the desire for a nap.

Like other sleep disorders there are different degrees of narcolepsy. For example, some people might merely have a problem with getting extremely sleepy during the day while others may have a whole variety of issues all of which indicate narcolepsy.

One example of narcolepsy is sleeping while you are working or engaged in conversation and not even appearing to be asleep to others around you. While others may think that your mind is merely wandering or you might begin to think that you have memory problems because you do not seem able to remember what people have told you, the simple fact is that you are really sleeping during your interactions. You just do not appear to be sleeping because your eyes remain open and the people around you are unable to tell that you are asleep.

Other characteristics of some rarer types of narcolepsy include paralysis and hallucinations. Having hallucinations when waking up might be a sign of narcolepsy but it is not an absolute indicator although people with severe narcolepsy could well experience scary and dramatic hallucinations as a result of this relatively rare sleep disorder. Sleep paralysis is actually a relatively common thing and our bodies are in essence 'paralyzed' while we sleep so that we are not able to act out our dreams. However for individuals suffering from narcolepsy the paralysis goes beyond the usual sleep paralysis and a narcoleptic individual may be completely paralyzed upon waking up but be aware of his situation and therefore understandably very frightened.

Of course there is medication which is designed to assist individuals with narcolepsy and medication is normally quite effective in assisting people to keep awake during daylight hours and then to get a full night of sleep.

A few people find a problem with narcolepsy medication because the stimulant effect which is designed to keep them awake during the day makes them feel jittery or nervous. It is a trade-off for a few narcoleptics who must either continue to have erratic sleep or solve their sleeping problems and put up with the side-effects of the medication.

However, some narcoleptics do not have a choice because for them the desire to sleep during the day is so strong that they end up falling asleep while at the wheel of a car or at other obviously dangerous times. In these luckily rare instances medication can be a life-saver.

Anti Snoring Devices

Because there are so many possible sources of snoring, it is crucial for you to discover the correct cause in order to use the right anti snoring devices to aid in obtaining a good night's sleep. This will relieve anybody who has had to deal with snoring, both you and your loved ones, when you find an answer to your problem.

If the mouth is found to be the culprit regarding your snoring, some devices may be put in the mouth to help keep airways open while you're sleeping. Discuss them with a doctor to discover which will work the best for the snoring. The mouth problem may also be corrected with a surgical procedure that can eliminate the vibration in the soft palate that causes snoring.

There are many anti snoring devices that open up the nasal passages to stop the snoring. This may be a good solution if your snoring problem comes from the nasal passages, but not all snoring comes from this. You should always check with your doctor before trying any of these anti snoring devices or methods. If your snoring problem does not come from your nasal passages, you wouldn't want to waste your time and money on these methods.

Your snoring may have a cause that is easy to fix.with anti snoring devices.  But snoring is frequently a symptom of a serious problem called sleep apnea. If you find yourself gasping for air in the middle of the night, that is a dangerous situation which requires medical treatment.

Inadequate sleep is known to cause poor health and may necessitate medical attention. Even if you sleep long enough, if you snore at night it is likely that you are getting poor sleep, not to mention disturbing the sleep of those near you. Using an effective anti-snoring device will help to alleviate snoring and provide better sleep.

Snoring can affect many people who are overweight. There are many ways to prevent this problem. Alcohol use is one of the main causes of snoring. By simply exercising, not drinking alcohol before bed, and sleeping in different positions you can reduce the chance of snoring.

People who lack sufficient sleep are impaired in their ability to drive and to work--they are at risk for having an accident while driving or not functioning well on the job. Anti snoring devices to make you stop snoring is a viable option which can be tried after you have received a correct diagnosis of the cause of your snoring from your doctor.

Prevent Snoring, a Three Way Anti Snoring System

Stop Snoring Exercise Program

When you are aware that you are disturbing your partner in his or her sleep and this becomes a real problem, you know you need to do something about it. That is one of the reasons that many snorers are looking desperately for treatments and cures to prevent snoring. But before you can put a stop to it and prevent snoring you need to know what is causing it. Snoring is in 90% percent of all cases caused by a vibration of excessive tissues like fat and muscles in the throat and air passages. What your partner hears when you snore are these vibrations and those can be extremely loud. Luckily there are some effective ways to prevent snoring and now you know the cause of your snoring you can understand why they work. We will give you a three steps system to prevent snoring that really works.

Step 1 to prevent snoring is loosing weight

You now know that being overweight can have a great effect on your snoring because of the vibration it is causing in excessive tissue like fats. Losing weight and reducing those body fats can be a great first step to prevent snoring. And lets face it reducing that extra weight will not only help you to prevent snoring but also to be more healthy in general. You will be less prone to sickness and diseases. When you are not overweight you still can have loose tissue in your air ways and that is where step two in our method starts.

Step 2 Stop Snoring Exercise Program

The Stop Snoring Exercise Program is probably one of the most powerful ways to prevent snoring, you need to actually do something for this to work but when you put in about 3 minutes a day this Stop Snoring Exercise Program will prevent you from snoring forever. It is easy and can be done by anyone and the benefits are extremely great. Imagine never have to worry again about your loving partner leaving the bedroom or you who needs to sleep on the sofa so your sleep partner can have a good night rest. But also for your own health, no more worries about scary stop snoring treatments like snoring surgery, implants and other horrible devices. You also don't have to worry about apnea and getting up tired in the morning. With these exercises and our other 2 steps you can change your live and that of your partner completely.

Step 3 change your sleeping position

Ask your partner, do you snore more and more loudly when you sleep on your back? You probably are, and there are some easy ways to start sleeping in another position so the snoring will be reduced very quickly. Step 3 alone will not prevent snoring completely but it will have a great effect in the complete treatment. Sleeping on your side or elevating your head and upper chest might work also. All the information about how you can change your sleeping positions when you are actually asleep is part of the Stop Snoring Exercise Program material.

A last quick tip is the fact that there are types of medication that can cause you to snore more and louder. This is because some medications are actually made to relax the muscles. You need to ask your doctor if this can be the case with the medication he prescribed and ask if it is possible to describe something else.

If you want to prevent snoring and want to know more about snoring remedies and the stop snoring exercise program you can follow these links to our website www.GottaStopSnoring.com

Sleep Issues That Affect Your Child

toddler behavior

Some of the most common concerns that parents of young children express are about sleep issues. It can be highly disruptive for the entire family when a child has problems going to sleep or wakes up many times during the night. Disorders that affect sleep in children are not that much different than those occurring in adults, yet sleeping problems in children are far more common. It is considered a problem when a sleep pattern is causing disruptions in adolescent or toddler behavior.

Night terrors usually occur in children who are three to eight years old and happen approximately 90 minutes after falling to sleep. Your child may suddenly sit upright and scream, and be inconsolable. As frightening as they might be, rest assured that they usually go away on their own. Alleviating stress and ensuring that your child is getting enough rest is all that can be done to combat night terrors.

Sleepwalking and sleep talking can be another concern for parents and they should take steps to make balconies or stairs safe, since sleepwalkers can experience physical harm. Their bedroom should be on the first floor of the home, with the windows and doors firmly secured. Parents should keep interventions to a minimum as these sleep behaviors generally do not require any interference, except for safety. This disorder is usually outgrown by adolescence.

Bed wetting is considered one of the most prevalent and persistent sleep issues a family can face. A family history of bed wetting tends to be a mitigating factor. Kids who lag developmentally at one and three years of age are more likely to still be bed wetting at age six. It is a more serious issue than being uncooperative in toddlers potty training attempts or dismissed as unpleasant behavior. It is thought that kids who wet the bed have a lower bladder capacity.

While colic is not a sleep problem on the surface, colicky infants appear to have a shorter duration of sleep. Colic is often the bane of a new parent's existence in that sleep problems may sometimes persist after the child has outgrown the colic. Strategies that parents developed to cope with the crying spells, like frequently holding the infant or car rides can interfere with the adaptation of normal sleep patterns.

Make sure to put your child to bed while they are still awake. This gives them a chance to learn how to fall asleep on their own and this will avoid many sleep issues. Keep in mind that just because your child has slept through the night a few times, this doesn't mean it will occur every night. Most babies don't sleep through the night on a consistent basis. Be aware that with each new milestone your child reaches, like when they start potty training, they may also resume waking in the night.

How do Snoring Devices Work?

Snoring is more than a minor inconvenience or annoyance, as anyone who snores excessively can probably tell you.  Snoring can lead to throat soreness which leads to headaches and other pains when you wake up, and moreover, it does not allow you to take a sound sleep   So it's no wonder that there is no limit to the number of snoring devices that are available today!  What is the best way to determine the appropriate snoring devices for you which will yield the most positives?

First, you must understand what is actually causing you to snore.  For many it's simply because they sleep on their back so that their head falls back and their mouth falls open.  This causes them to breath through their mouth, which is unnatural.  In these instances, the best snoring device to use might be a basic snore pillow to cradle and support your head as you sleep.  Body pillows that you place under the small of your back will prop you up and make great snoring devices.  This will give you more success in refraining from rolling onto your back than any other home remedies.

Mouth guards are another snoring devices that keep the jaw aligned.  Mouth guards shouldn't interfere with a good night's sleep as long as they're properly fitted by your dentist.   This is why it's important to have it fitted properly; one that's too loose will not keep your jaw in place and one that's not loose enough will be painful to wear.  If the mouth guard doesn't stop your snoring, you can check with your doctor/dentist for recommendations of other devices on the market.

Of course there are many snoring devices and snoring aids you can purchase right at your pharmacy.  Nasal strips that widen your airways by pulling out on your nostrils have been shown to work for a large number of people.  {Drops and sprays can help to keep your throat coated and moist.}  You can also put a humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom; you might not think of these as snoring devices but they do help to keep your throat moist as well.  There seems to be some relief from snoring with all of these remedies.

What's the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment?

If you experience sleep apnea, it is extremely vital that you know about the various treatments.  Some easily dismiss sleep apnea as being a minor inconvenience or assume that it's not very serious, but in reality depriving your body of oxygen even for a few moments during sleep can lead to serious health problems.  The brain is not supposed to go without oxygen for any length of time so brain cells can actually die.  When the body doesn't breathe it's not expelling carbon dioxide the way it should and so toxins can build up in the blood.  There are actually many reasons to be concerned with sleep apnea treatment if you have this condition.

Losing weight is the first thing you are going to want to do to treat sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is often caused by excess fatty tissue collapsing on the airway around the neck in overweight or obese people.  Being overweight is dangerous to one's health for a variety of reasons and it being a sleep apnea treatment is one of them.  Extreme cases of sleep apnea may have been the causes of some terrible cases in which obese people died in their sleep.  For overall good health, you need to lose weight and keep it off even though it is hard. 

The environment that exists in the bedroom is vital when starting your sleep apnea treatment.  A room that's dry and stuffy may cause sinuses to dry up and get clogged and this can interrupt one's breathing.  A good humidifier or vaporizer is probably not very expensive and can work wonders when it comes to keeping sinuses open and breathing stable.  Moisture also helps the lungs to work properly and keeps them healthy as well.  You might not have thought of a humidifier as a form of sleep apnea treatment but you should look into it.  Menthol, eucalyptus and marjoram are also favorite homemade remedies to keep the sinuses open so that the body can breathe properly.

A CPAP machine is also a common sleep apnea treatment, especially for extreme cases.  {This modified oxygen machine comes with a mask that slips over the nose and mouth and gently pushes oxygen into the body at a steady rate.}  This means that the machine will maintain the regular flow of oxygen even if the patient ceases to breath for themselves .

Using a Snoring Appliance for Snoring Relief

Not only is snoring embarrassing and frustrating it is also unhealthy.  Waking in the middle of the night, as well as disturbing the sleep of others in the house, can have multiple negative effects on your health.  So chronic snorers would do well to consider using a snoring appliance to get some relief from this habit - if not for themselves then certainly for their bedmate!  In what way does a snoring appliance lessen snoring and where are they sold?

It would be nice if you could walk into your local pharmacy and pick out a snoring appliance from the shelves but typically you need to see your doctor to be fitted for such a device.  This is because it works like a mouth guard that fits around your teeth and keeps you jaw pushed forward a bit; this means that your tongue will also get pushed forward as well since the tongue is attached to the lower jaw.  The objective of an appliance for snoring is to control the position of the jaw so as to prevent the mouth from falling open which forces breathing through your nose rather than the mouth.  When you breathe through your nose you are less likely to snore.

A physician will need to ensure that your snoring appliance fits snuggly to your jaw and mouth.   A mold or fitting of your mouth will usually be taken and the appliance will be designed to fit you personally .   A device that does not fit correctly can be uncomfortable and will not work properly.   These aren't like clothes where a bit of room here and there is fine; it's something that needs to fit your perfectly.

Your insurance carrier may or may not cover the cost of a snoring appliance, but if not it's something you may still want to consider.  Those who snore will find that there is a lot of damage that can be done to their bodies. Permanent damage to the throat and mouth is possible when there is constant snoring. Snoring can also lead to fatigue and other health problems, as well as falling asleep at the wrong times.
  It is worth paying for something that will help you get a good nights sleep , which in turn will benefit your health and a snoring device can fit that bill .  And why not discuss this with your physician and get their suggestions?

Easy pointers for selecting between various alternatives of snore pillows

Are you in need of a few snore pillows?  It may be surprising to find that today there are many varieties available.  This might seem odd since a pillow is a pillow, right?  In reality the differences between all these snore pillows is more than just a name brand - those differences can really affect how well the pillow works for you and your sleep habits.  To clarify our claim, let's examine the differences we are alluding to.

The use of a snore pillow made of dense foam material will keep the head and neck from sinking into the pillow.  Hold the neck carefully to position the head the correct way, so it is easy to breathe from the nose.   With this, your snoring will end.  These snore pillows usually contain a depressionn on at least one side to stabilize the head and neck in a comfortable manner.  The use of this type of pillow provides support to the back, shoulder and neck area, relieving tension and stress to the upper body.

However most  snore pillows are designed for those who sleep on their backs and don't allow for much movement.  There are some designs available now for those who prefer to sleep on their side and need some cradling to keep them comfortable and from rolling over.  One solution that has been proposed has been for snorers to insert a tennis ball in the waistband of their pajamas to prevent them from rolling on thier backs.  But imagine how uncomfortable that would be!  The tennis ball would probably wake you up more than your snoring.  Some snore pillows used today are shaped more like a U - you place one part of it under your armpit and the pillow is wrapped around you in a way that has one in front and one in the back of you.   This specific design will enable your body to remain cradled, so you will not experience any backward rolling.    These types of snore pillows are good for those who don't typically sleep on their side because they need some support when they do so.

You will want to take the time to check out all kinds of snore pillow to find the one that is the best fit for you.  Don't be swayed by a brand name alone.

Why You Must be Familiar With Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Do you think you're experiencing sleep apnea symptoms?  If so it's important that you take these symptoms very seriously.  While you may not realize the dangers of sleep apnea, they do exist.  Many people suffer serious health consequences from this condition and most don't even realize it.  People often do not know the symptoms of sleep apnea, believe they have another condition, or believe their condition does not require further attention.

The usual sleep apnea symptoms deal with the reduction of sleep that a loot of patients encounter.  When a person experiences sleep apnea or the cessation of breathing during the night, the body will wake itself up just long enough to get breathing again.  Because of the fact that most people who suffer from sleep apnea go back to sleep very quickly they have no idea that they even had a period of time that they were awake.  This can disrupt your regular sleep pattern and does not permit getting a complete and restful night of sleep.  Fatigue during daytime hours, being drowsy or sizzy during the day, irritability, moodiness, yawning a lot, or falling asleep during unsuitable times can be a sign of sleep apnea.  A lack of sleep can also cause morning headaches and so these too are common sleep apnea symptoms.

Difficulty breathing during the day is not uncommon for those who have sleep apnea, and extremely loud snoring or different types of snoring can be considered sleep apnea symptoms.  Choking, gasping, wheezing, snorting, and sounds like these are common for those who have sleep apnea as they are actually signs that the person is trying to get oxygen.  Often these sounds are mistaken for typical snoring when they're really not.  If you're not sure of the sounds you make when you sleep, a simple tape recorder next to the bed can work wonders; your doctor can even review the sounds you make to see if they may be possible sleep apnea symptoms.

See a physician if you have any of these sleep apnea symptoms.  Other ways to help you breathe better while sleeping include using a humidifier and elevating your pillow.  A snore pillow can actually help as these pillows cradle the head and neck and help to keep airway passages open and breathing clear.  Sleep apnea is very dangerous, if you have the symptoms please see a doctor as soon as possible.

Tips for Choosing and Using a Sleep Apnea Mask

If it's been recommended that you use a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea, you of course need to be fitted for a sleep apnea mask.  The mask attaches to the device with a long hose that then fits inside the machine and from there the oxygen flows.  You should consider some important tips on the fitting and use of a good sleep apnea mask,before you are tempted to just purchase one from the internet.  {As with so many other pieces of equipment that go near the head - a football helmet, a pair of glasses - you need to make sure that this mask fits properly and that you're using it properly as well.}

It is important to know that there are different kinds of sleep apnea mask.  The most popular are the nasal type and headgear.  These are usually more comfortable to wear and provide the highest amount of oxygen.  However the fit of your particular sleep apnea mask is going to be vitally important no matter which you choose.  Headgear that is too loose and that doesn't fit properly will lose oxygen over the course of the night and not provide the proper amount.  It can also be very uncomfortable as it shifts and moves during the night.  It's very important that you get fitted for your sleep apnea mask by a professional and that you try yours out in various positions before committing to it.

If you have a tendency to breathe through your mouth, you may want to consider a sleep apnea mask with a chinstrap.~A mask with a chin strap is a good idea if you tend to breath through yur mouth when you sleep.  This will help to keep your mouth closed so that you're not losing oxygen through your mouth when you sleep, which can defeat the purpose of a CPAP machine altogether.  Make sure your chinstrap isn't too tight or too loose either.

Most headgear you purchase for a CPAP machine will come packaged with a sleep apnea mask included but this doesn't mean you're just stuck with this one.  If it doesn't fit properly it's better to invest in a different mask so that you can have not just the comfort it offers but so that you know it's working properly as well.As you will be wearing your sleep apnes mask for a considerable number of hours it is important that you get one that is comfortable!

Tips for Getting the Right Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

Getting the correct assessment of sleep apnea is important, as there are complications that can occur with people who suffer from this disorder.  If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, you should speak with your doctor about the steps you need to take to get diagnosed.  This condition is more than a minor annoyance or irritant; sleep apnea can lead to blood poisoning, the loss of brain cells, and in severe cases even death.  And of course having the sleep patterns interrupted throughout the night can make one drowsy during the day and even nauseated as well.  So how can you go about getting the right sleep apnea diagnosis?

There are many symptoms associated with sleep apnea.  One characteristics that separates sleep apnea from other disorders is the type of snoring that a person with sleep apnea has.  It has been shown through studies and research that people that suffer from sleep apnea have a certain type of snoring.  If the sounds you make during sleep are like gasping, choking, or wheezing these may be signs of sleep apnea.  The reason being is those sounds are not snoring sounds, they are the body trying to catch its breath again.  Choking and gasping are typical sounds a person makes during an apnea episode as they are waking up slightly in order to start breathing again.  If you don't have a bedmate that can give you an accurate description of your snoring, don't hesitate to put a recorder in the bedroom.  Your doctor may even want to listen to these sounds to help with your sleep apnea diagnosis.

Headaches in the morning go along with the diagnosis of sleep apnea.  If the body is deprived of oxygen, even for a few moments, the nerves around the brain are irritated and the patient will feel pain around their head and face.  Bad posture while sleeping can be the cause of morning headaches.  But typically severe morning headaches are tied in with a sleep apnea diagnosis.  Many who have headaches on any type of regular basis are encouraged to keep a headache diary, which is a record of their headaches - when they get them, how severe the pain is, how long they last, and so on.  Try this with your morning headaches as well.

Of course only a doctor can give you an accurate sleep apnea diagnosis.  He or she can tell you exactly what they're looking for and can even recommend a sleep study.  While sleep apnea is a very serious condition, it's not recommended that you come to a sleep apnea diagnosis on your own.  Talk to your physician and get his or her recommendation before starting treatments.

Why Choose a Sealy Snore Reduction Pillow?

You may have noticed that these days you have many snore reduction pillows from which to choose, ranging in price from just a few dollars to some that are literally hundreds of dollars.  There are some many to choose from, so why should you pick a Sealy Snore Reduction Pillow rather than one of the others?  There are some points to remember as to the reason for this brand to be better than any other.

The Sealy snore reduction pillow was clinically tested by Stanford's Sleep Institute as to its design and function.  They use memory foam, the type of dense material that molds to your shape and form.  If your neck, head or even ears ache this can be useful to you.  No matter your body size or shape the contour of the pillow will give you the comfort and support you need.  Sealy pillows fall into one of two categories; Sealy "soft support" pillows are flat for stomach sleepers to lessen the strain typically exerted on the head, neck, and spine.  The "medium support" is a better option for those who sleep on their back.  The Sealy snore reduction pillow covers are made from 100% cotton in 200 to 450 thread count measurements.  This can give you the maximum comfort levels, which will result in a restful night's sleep.

Using a snore pillow usually offers a tremendous amount of comfort and relief for anyone but the Sealy snore reduction pillow is preferred by many.  The Sealy name has been associated with quality sleep for many years and their pillows are no different.  No matter your sleep position there is a Sealy Snore Reduction Pillow that will fit your needs.  Cradling the head and neck to keep the jaw aligned, or providing support for the front and the back, all their models and shapes provide a tremendous amount of relief for even the most chronic snorer.  

If you are in the market for a snore pillow, the place to both start and stop with with a Sealy Snore Reduction pillow.  Their many brands are affordable and meant specifically for those who snore regardless of the cause or reason.  The great support encourages the best sleep possible for you.  A Sealy snore pillow is undoubtedly a worthy investment for your health when you consider your sleep pattern.