About Sleep Disorders

Light-treatment Device To Improve Sleep Quality In The Elderly

2009-05-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sleep disturbances increase as we age. Some studies report more than half of seniors 65 years of age or older suffer from chronic sleep disturbances. Researchers have long believed that the sleep disturbances common among the elderly often result from a disruption of the body’s circadian rhythms — biological cycles that repeat approximately every 24 hours.

In recent years, scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center and elsewhere have demonstrated that blue light is the most effective at stimulating the circadian system when combined with the appropriate light intensity, spatial distribution, timing, and duration. A team at the Lighting Research Center (LRC) has tested a goggle-like device designed to deliver blue light directly to the eyes to improve sleep quality in older adults.

“Light and dark patterns are the major synchronizer of circadian rhythms to the 24-hour solar day,” said Mariana Figueiro, Ph.D., Lighting Research Center Light and Health Program director and principal investigator on the project. “Light stimulus travels through the retina, the light-sensitive nerve tissue lining the back wall of the eye, to reach the master clock in the brain. However, a combination of age-related changes in the eye and a more sedentary lifestyle may reduce the amount of light stimulus reaching an older person’s retina, therefore reducing the amount of light for the circadian system.”

As we age, the lens in the eye thickens and the pupil shrinks, reducing the amount of light passing through to the retina. Making matters worse, in some cases, such as with persons with Alzheimer’s disease, the circadian system may require a stronger light stimulus due to deteriorating neural processes in the brain. These physical and neural changes can lead to muted signals to the circadian system. Factor in environmental influences, such as an indoor lifestyle with less access to daylight, and you have a perfect scenario for the development of irregular sleep-activity patterns, according to Figueiro.

The research team explains that a marked increase in daytime lighting levels can counteract the age-dependent losses in retinal light exposure by providing a stronger signal to the circadian system. However, the color and intensity of commercially available lighting systems, like those used in senior residences, assisted-living facilities, and nursing homes, are designed for visual effectiveness and minimal energy use and not necessarily efficacious for generating light to stimulate the older circadian system.

Commercially-available “white” light sources advertised to treat circadian-related sleep disorders are usually very bright light and can cause glare and compromise compliance.

In this project, the light-treatment prototype tested by Figueiro’s team was developed by Topbulb.com, LLC, based on prior LRC light and health research. The device offers an alternative approach using specially designed goggles that deliver blue light spectrally tuned for optimum circadian response.

VIA : Sciencedaily

Insomnia: The Cure Starts With Observing Yourself

2009-05-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Could our sleep patterns change by observing our sleep habits? Part of taking control of your insomnia is done by observing your behavior and sleep pattern. It is so important to write down what is happening with your sleep in order to change wrong behaviors.

You might feel like you can remember how many times you got up in the night, how long you stayed in bed or what time you went to bed but from my experience it won't be accurate. Keeping track of your sleep habits on paper is crucial during your road to recovery.

This sleep journal will allow you to see yourself from a birds eye view. It's almost like reading a story about someone else. Maybe that's why it seems easier to help other people with their problems than it is our own---when you're standing on the outside you can see the whole picture.

In addition to writing down how many times you woke up in the night, keep track of how long you stayed in your bed. If you wake up in the night you shouldn't stay in your bed for more than 20 minutes. It's important to get yourself up and go to another room until you feel tired.

If you have insomnia, your mind most likely has an association with being awake in your bed. It's time to break that habit.What if by observing our sleep...our sleep patterns would change? There is so much we don't know about the human brain. Our brain as well as the energy around us is so complex I think anything is possible.

Say Goodbye To Insomnia: Sleep Without Drugs

2009-05-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

Why can some people sleep like the dead and yet others are stuck counting a herd of sheep. For many insomnia sufferers the cause can come from medical problems such as chronic pain, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Depression alone can cause insomnia and visa versa...sleep deprivation can actually cause depression, so it then becomes a vicious cycle.

Some drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease, arthritis and cancer have a side effect of sleeplessness. Lastly but not least there is sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome which can cause someone to fall into the black hole of insomnia. As for primary insomnia it seems to have people stumped. It tends to occur in people that have a hyper-aroused nervous system that makes it hard to either drift off to sleep or get back to sleep.

It also is more likely in women and people over the age of 55.
After many years of researching primary insomnia there seems to be one treatment that has soared above the rest. It's called cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT-I. CBT-I is a form of temporary psychotherapy that helps people correct mistaken beliefs about sleep and change poor sleep habits.

Jack Edinger, Ph.D., a psychologist at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Durham, N.C. has conducted many studies comparing CBT-1 to other insomnia treatments. While sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques have helped people fall asleep it didn't help them stay them asleep. "Patients keep getting better and better with this treatment," says Michael Perlis Ph.D., Director of the university of Rochester Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Laboratory. Perlis continues to say "CBT-I has actually changed tender sleepers into robust sleepers."

The study showed that just two to four sessions of CBT-I have shown large improvements in patients sleep maintenance with even better results at a six-month follow up. Perlis continued by saying "of all the problems that continue with age, this is one of the most fixable."

You need to have self discipline when starting this therapy but when your sleep returns to you "in all it's glory"--- it makes it all worth it. It's hard for some sufferers to grasp that they might actually have to get a little less sleep in the beginning stages of this treatment. The thought of no naps and no reading in bed can be hard to adjust to.

But once they stick to the rules their sleep starts to improve dramatically. Over a short amount of time there are more good sleep nights than poor nights and the trust starts to build. People start to rebuild their confidence in their ability to sleep well and anxiety starts to disappear.

Susan Roberts a school psychologist in Washington, DC states "if you can sleep for only six hours but you're in bed for eight, that's a sleep efficiency of 75 percent. To increase this number to 90 percent or more, the therapist will cut back the time you're in bed, so if you usually go to bed at 10:00 you're now go to bed at 12:00."
This is the most important rule DON'T BE IN BED AWAKE. Rachel Norwood MD a psychiatrist at the national Jewish Medical and research Center in Denver says "you want the feel, the smell, and sight of the bed to become cues telling your brain it's time to go to sleep". Expect the more time you're in bed awake to make your sleep worse.

With the CBT-I treatment if the patient wakes up they should not lay in bed for more than 20 minutes. The patient is instructed to leave the bed and go to another room to read--- when they feel tired they can go back to bed. They repeat this ritual until they fall asleep. I have found that this practice is imperative to getting back on the right track. This treatment is all based on sleep wake cycles and getting the mind to associate your bed with sleeping.

At the start, getting up out of bed in the morning when you've only gotten 4 or 5 hours sleep can be brutal. But you will see that after about a week or even just a few days that your sleep will be deep and with less awakenings. I couldn't believe I was actually getting 7 hours of sleep. I continue to be amazed with the results from this treatment not to mention my morning order of venti lattes can now be downsized to a 'grande' and life looks a whole lot brighter.

Sick Of Your Sleep Apnea?! There Are Surgery Options

2009-05-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Most physicians will agree that people with obstructive sleep apnea first need to try CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) before exploring surgery options. If you are someone that has tried every kind of CPAP mask or nasal device and cannot tolerate them, then considering surgery might be right for you. It is also important that you know if your sleep apnea is mild, moderate or severe.

Here are descriptions of the most common types of surgery.

UPPP, which stands for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, try using this word when talking to you Doctor and he'll probably give you a sucker. This surgery involves removal of the soft palate, uvula and tonsils, if you still have them. It is done under general anesthesia and the recovery is dependent on the individual.

Some patients from our sleep labs have told me it's the most painful "sore throat" they've ever had and didn't feel comfortable for 2 to 3 weeks. Others have been fine after 3 days, so it really depends on the individual's pain threshold. Most physicians require you to stay overnight after the surgery. UPPP has been known to be most effective with snoring and hypopneas (partial airway obstruction), Studies have shown it to be 85% effective for correcting apneic episodes (or complete cessation of breath).

LAUP procedure (which stands for laser assisted uvuolopalatopharyngoplasty) is the same as the UPPP but done with a laser instead of the surgical knife. The recovery time is still the same as well.

Somnoplasty uses low temperature frequency waves administered through a needle to the back of the throat or soft palate. There is no hospitalization and can be done as an outpatient in about an hour. This surgery might have to be repeated and most physicians recommend it for patients with mild sleep apnea.

The pillar is the latest procedure and is getting some popular reviews. This surgery entails placing three tiny woven inserts into the soft palate with a needle. The inserts firm the soft, loose tissue as the body makes scar tissue in response to the inserts. This surgery has been said to be comparable to UPPP but without the recovery time. It is performed with local anesthetic and is completed in about 10 minutes. It is recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

These surgeries have changed lives and even saved lives of patients with sleep apnea. Some people with severe apnea will continue CPAP even after having surgery. You might think "then what's the point of surgery?" But having surgery can also allow you to use CPAP on a lower pressure that will be much more tolerable---and if you feel like a million bucks during the day then isn't it worth it????

If your CPAP is not working for you then talk to your physician about having surgery. If you or anyone you know has had any of these procedures, please send feedback on your experience. This will be very helpful to all readers considering surgery. Your physician will discuss which option is best for you, but hopefully, after reading this, you will have some knowledge as to what they are.

Hating CPAP? Don't give up on a cure!

2009-05-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Please don't give up the fight to feel normal again. If you do give up the fight and try to manage without any treatment, at least try to think of the damage to your heart. If your mood, your driving, your work, your social life and relationships don't seem to be affected...you can still count on heart disease and/or stroke to knock you down.

As I said in previous posts there are other options to the dreadful "Darth Vader" mask. But don't quit too early if you already have possession of this device. You might find yourself getting used to it right about the time you're getting ready to throw it out the window.

Please contact your medical equipment company and communicate with them as much as possible. They have numerous types of masks and nasal pillows that you should try. You owe it to yourself, friends and family to try as hard as possible to get the proper amount of oxygen and sleep.

If you absolutely cannot take the CPAP then talk to your physician about a referral to an otolaryngologist (ear nose and throat doctor). This physician will let you know about what options for surgery are the best.

I've seen great results in patients who decided on a combination treatment. Having surgery and then wearing a CPAP at a much lower pressure has been a success with some patients. Also, surgery in addition to wearing a mouthpiece has been popular. You might only need one treatment but if your one treatment isn't working then consider looking at all avenues.

Trying CPAP? 10 tips for CPAP success

2009-05-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have added 10 steps to help you with your CPAP success...

1. Don't push the love. Just as in dating someone most likely you don't fall in love on the first date. Take time to let yourself get to know your CPAP. In addition to wearing it for sleeping also wear it for short periods of time during the day i.e. while watching TV. or reading.

2. When turning the CPAP on don't start at your set pressure, use the ramp setting so the air will slowly increase to your set pressure.

3. Don't skip nights. Use your CPAP EVERY night and with EVERY nap. You're only prolonging the time it will take for you to feel comfortable. The more you wear it ---the faster you will "bond".

4. The most updated CPAP models are very quiet, but if yours makes too much noise place it under your bed.

5. Make sure you have a heated humidifier with your CPAP. This makes a huge difference in the comfort.

6. Keep lines of communication open with your supplier. It's imporant that if you're struggling at all to ask for different facial apparatuses. You should try nasal pillows and different masks until you are happy. If your supplier is no being cooperative then you might want to consider changing companies.

7. Have a respiratory technician work with you on adjustments with tubing and headgear.

8. Make sure you are changing your filters on the humidifier and CPAP.

9. Keep your headgear,tubing and mask clean (clean once a week)

10. Focus on how you are feeling during the day. In the beginning there will probably be small improvements with your tiredness. As you use the CPAP more and more, the fatigue you felt during the day will be replaced with a new energy and awareness on how life is really meant to be.

Take it slow... expect great things but don't expect them overnight.

Bonus #11. Remember, good friendships take time to grow.

Take Charge of Your Sleep...and Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights

2009-05-23T14:13:00.001-07:00

You know the story---as your bedtime approaches the anxiety starts to build. You go about your bedtime routine as the negative thoughts creep in. "I know I'm just going to lie there" or "I know I'll wake up in a few hours and not be able to fall back asleep." The vicious circle begins...anxiety sleeplessness----sleeplessness anxiety. "I'm miserable, what if I can't ever sleep good again!!!"

The first thing to take action with is changing your thoughts about sleep. You don't necessarily need 7 or 8 hours of sleep. However, you do need some quality sleep but the amount varies with each individual. Some adults only sleep 4 hours a night and feel great while others need their 8 hours.

When you set out to conquer your sleep problems start by delaying your bed time. Pick the absolute minimum hours of sleep that you can function on. For example if you chose 6 hours and your wake up time is 6:30am then don't go to bed until 12:30am. If you're not tired at 12:30 wait until you do feel sleepy but you still have to get up at 6:30! It usually takes a few nights to settle in to this routine but you will find yourself going to sleep faster, waking up less and sleeping more soundly. When you feel like you're quality of sleep is getting better then you can start moving your bedtime up in 15 to 30 minute increments. I now sleep from 11:30pm to 6:30am and only wake up once but go right back to sleep.

If your questioning whether or not you want to try this then think about it logically. Don't you think that if you were given only from (for example) 3:00am to 7:00 am every night that you would sleep like a dead person. Yes you would. I know that's a drastic example but the point is that you have to break the cycle and train your brain to sleep like it used to. This technique has turned many insomniacs into robust sleepers. Are you ready to whip your brain into shape? If your tired enough of being tired then you'll have the discipline.

Can a Sleep Apnea Treatment Make You Lose Weight?

2009-05-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

Many people with sleep apnea are told to lose weight as part of their treatment. But what about the other way around? Is it possible to lose weight because of treating the sleep apnea? The first line of treatment normally is a continuous positive airway pressure mask or better known as CPAP which is worn while sleeping.

If you have been to see the physician about your snoring and/or possible obstructive sleep apnea then you might have heard the recommendation to lose weight. A high percentage of people who have sleep apnea are over weight. Studies have shown that just by losing 10 pounds can greatly improve your sleep. Why? With sleep apnea, the soft palate in the back of your throat collapses...extra weight can play a big part in the amount of room for air and only exacerbates the obstruction. Losing weight can be a challenging feat in itself much less trying to lose weight when you are miserable from sleep deprivation.

Here is some positive news. In the last 10 years that I've worked in the sleep disorder field I cannot count how many times a patient commented about how they lost weight due to their CPAP treatment. I have heard "thank you's" to the sleep techs and physicians because they have finally started losing weight after wearing the CPAP. How does this happen? There two ways...

1. There are certain sleep stages that regulate our metabolism. Most often a person with sleep apnea does not get into the deep sleep stages. By keeping your airway open and correcting the sleep apnea you are now getting to sleep stages that play a role with balancing your metabolism.

2. By achieving higher quality sleep you will have more energy. When you have more energy you are more likely to move more or even exercise...instead of sitting down any chance you get.

Exercise and eating right is still a big component to losing weight while on CPAP. You can't eat a quarter pounder then walk around your office and call it a day. There is still a need to start some exercise program even if only for 20 minutes a day. The sleep you're getting because of the CPAP should give you a new lease on life---take advantage of that extra energy!

Daytime sleepiness provides red flag for cardiovascular disease

2009-03-01T02:02:00.000-08:00

Clinicians should be alert to patients reporting "excessive" day time sleepiness (EDS), says the European Society of Cardiology, after a French study found healthy elderly people who regularly report feeling sleepy during the day have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

The Three City study, published in Stroke, by the American Heart Association(Thursday, February 26), found that elderly people who reported excessive day time sleepiness have a 49 % relative risk increase of cardiovascular death (from cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction and heart failure) , compared to those who do not report sleepiness.

"Based on this study asking patients the simple question of whether they feel sleepy during the day, is a useful way of identifying a subgroup of elderly patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease who require a more thorough follow up," said Professor Guy DeBacker, from the Division of Cardiology at the University of Gent, Belgium, and former chair of the European Society of Cardiology Joint Prevention Committee.

Professor Torben Jorgensen, from the Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup, Denmark, commented: "The study offers the opportunity to practice prevention by investigating the underlying causes of patient's sleep problems, and then introducing lifestyle changes with the intention of preventing later cardiovascular complications."

The Three City study represents the largest yet investigation exploring the prospective association between EDS and mortality in the community dwelling elderly, and the only study yet to have been conducted in Europe - all the other studies were undertaken in North America. Criticisms of the study include a low responder rate (37%) that could introduce an element of bias, and the fact that it lacked objective measures of day time sleepiness (such as polysomnography readings), instead using self reported patient responses.

"The subjects with EDS were less educated and had a lower income so there were differences between the two groups in "socioeconomic status", which was not accounted for in the multivariate analysis. SES is a strong independent predictive factor for total and for cause specific mortality, and it might be that the difference between the two groups is just the effect of socioeconomic differences," said DeBacker.

Both DeBacker and Jorgensen say the results are "hypothesis generating", and that the data needs to be confirmed in other large scale studies in different populations before any changes should be made to existing guidelines.

VIA : Physorg

‘Wake Up’ To Health Risks Of Heavy Snoring

2009-03-01T01:58:00.000-08:00

Heavy snoring can be far from a nuisance. It can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where an individual briefly stops breathing during the night which raises the risk of heart failure and strokes.

“Sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing is one that we’re getting more and more interested in because we see a very strong association with strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems,” says Melvyn Rubenfire, M.D., director of Preventative Cardiology at the University of Michigan Health System’s Cardiovascular Center.

The cardiovascular risk factors that most often come to mind are smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history. But it’s important to be aware of the possible health risks of heavy snoring.

Snoring is caused by a blockage in the back of the throat. What you hear is the tongue forced to the back of the throat when a person is lying on their back.

When people snore they don’t always stop breathing, but there are chemicals in the brain that should trigger breathing that are not stimulated when a person snores. Without the stimulation the person will often stop breathing.

When a person obstructs at night and stops breathing, oxygen levels drop dramatically and hormones and adrenaline surge. Those hormones contribute to high blood pressure, irregularities of the heart and can trigger heart attacks

People who snore do not necessarily have obstructive sleep apnea but the relationship is pretty strong.

And the relationship between snoring and cardiovascular problems goes both ways. Those with heart problems are more likely to have sleeping disorders. For example, heart failure can lead to water retention – water buildup in legs, lungs and tissues in the back of the throat.

VIA : Sciencedaily

Molecule Helps Sleep-deprived Rebound Mentally

2009-03-01T01:51:00.000-08:00

Sleep experts know that the mental clarity lost because of a few sleepless nights can often be restored with a good night’s rest. Now, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have identified a key molecular mechanism that regulates the brain’s ability to mentally compensate for sleep deprivation.

Working with mice, they found that a molecule called an adenosine receptor is necessary for sleep-restricted animals to attain adequate levels of slow-wave activity in the brain once normal sleep resumes. It is this increase in slow-wave activity, or SWA, during rebound sleep that helps restore normal working memory and attention skills to the sleep-deprived, the scientists report in the Feb. 4 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

“Normal society pushes people to burn candles at both ends — going to bed late, getting up early, and somehow performing mentally with lack of adequate sleep,” said senior author Dr. Robert Greene, professor of psychiatry at UT Southwestern. “We need to have our adenosine receptors intact to do that.”

Adenosine receptors on nerve cells, including brain cells, are akin to docking points for the molecule adenosine. Adenosine levels increase in the brain with each hour of waking activity, and “docking” of the molecule with its receptor is shown in this study to help promote the slow-wave activity of sleep. Scientists have known that recovery from sleep deprivation involves not only an increase in sleep time, or rebound sleep, but also an elevation in this slow-wave activity.

To investigate how adenosine receptors and SWA might be linked, Dr. Greene and his team engineered mice that lacked a receptor to pair up with adenosine.

Sleep-restricted mice were kept awake by being placed on a moving treadmill. Researchers then electronically monitored sleep and waking activity of both normal and genetically engineered mice, including monitoring electronically the brain waves of the animals. The mice also traveled a maze with eight paths, each with a piece of chocolate at the end of it.

VIA : sciencedaily

Sleep Disorders - What is Sexsomnia?

2008-10-26T02:04:00.000-07:00

Sleep is a precious necessity and that is why in the pre-industrial era people used to sleep for twelve hours. It was abnormal to work at night but with increased industrialization we have seen 24 hour operation in our places of work. People are more busy than ever with deadlines to beat, targets to hit and great expectations from the society.

There is never enough time to do things and that is why sleep is always compromised. It is an achievement to sleep after doing everything else you had planned to but how healthy is missing on your sleep? A sleep-deprived person is less effective at work, relationships, and also in sex. This might lead to a sleep disorder known as sexsomnia. It is a condition where people have sex when they are sleeping. Sleep sex can be a real pain to a partner. Who wants somebody who sleeps on the job? Not me and not any other person.

A study was carried out at the university of Minnesota regarding inappropriate sleep sexual behavior. The victim might make surprise sexual advances towards a person they are sharing a bed with even though he/she is not a sexual partner. It can be quiet embarrassing especially if these are respected persons. Sexsomnia are known to be very aggressive in sex even though they are usually in a state between deep sleep and consciousness.

They remain in a sleep twilight zone all through the sex process. In some cases the victims even snore and misbehave in other unflattering ways. Some partners are understanding enough and can bear with the post-coital state while others dislike people who sleep on the job.

Sleep and sex experts refer to the case as a result of a certain sexual disorder. The victims are aroused even in their deep sleep. Though partially conscious, they perform well sexually but their judgement on what to do is impaired and they are capable of interacting normally with their sexual partner. This can result into mild rape cases as the sexsomiacs overpower their partners and force them into the act of sex.

It more or less appears like a dream and they might talk about their partners loudly. It is unfortunate if they are they cheat on their partners because they might give themselves away by murmuring another person's name. Sexsomnia can cause relationship problems in such a case. It might be a mere obsession with another person but the spouse might not understand.

Sexsomnia is a sleep disorder which can be treated with time. It does not mean that sexsomniacs are perverted. They are people who would not wish to do so in their consciousness. Sleep centers are good at identifying your specific problem and assisting you to deal with it. It is interesting that some people find the whole idea of sleep sex very exciting.

They love the occasional sleep-inspired romance. Night time sexual activities might affect your relationships but it all depends on who you are dealing with. People are different and they react differently to different circumstances.

Quinine and RLS

2008-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

The most common neurological disorder in the world today is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This disorder occurs among 10% of the world's population. While the cause and immediate cure for the syndrome is unknown, the symptoms can be controlled over time through proper medication and diet.

Most RLS patients describe the symptoms as creepy-crawly sensations, numbness and even severe cramps in their limbs. The symptoms usually flare-up when that particular limb has been kept idle or in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time. For RLS sufferers, air travel and car travel can trigger the symptoms.

While RLS symptoms can occur in anybody, RLS sufferers experience the symptoms often, to the point where their lifestyle is affected by the pain. Some RLS patients have mild cases that can be relieved as soon as they can move their legs and get the blood circulating again. However, for others it might not be so easy to get rid of the symptoms, which can last for hours.

The most painful occurrence is when the syndrome flares up at night. RLS patients with severe symptoms are often jolted out of their sleep by severe leg cramps. This is why insomnia is also a serious issue for RLS patients.

Today there are many researchers working to find a cure for the condition. One of the most commonly prescribed cures for RLS is Quinine, which was discovered accidentally. Quinine is generally given to prevent or cure malaria; however during the course of the treatment, it was also found that the patients treated with Quinine suffered less from RLS.

This has led to the common practice of prescribing Quinine for patients with RLS. For some time, Quinine has been known as a muscle relaxant. It has been widely used for athletes to relieve them from the muscle fatigue and pains that follow after a heavy work-out or a run. It helps to circulate the flow of blood and oxygen in the legs.

This relaxes the muscles and gives them the necessary energy required to support the body and its activities. The increased blood flow and relaxation helps to ease the creepy-crawly feelings that are common with RLS.

It is also known to provide relief from involuntary muscle contractions. There are many other qualities that make Quinine the most preferred choice of medicine for patients suffering from RLS. Quinine should always be taken in appropriate, prescribed dosages. Self-medication of quinine is dangerous.

Another therapy that has had success over the years is mixing traces of quinine with Vitamin E. This forms a very effective cure for RLS sufferers. With continuous Quinine medication over a period of time, the symptoms of RLS can be reduced.

Exercising Your Way to Insomnia Relief

2008-09-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Insomnia is a very common sleeping disorder that makes it difficult for a person to fall and stay asleep. Insomniacs always whine about not being able to rest their minds nor close their eyes for a long time. If you are faced with this sleeping disorder and you find it hard to meet the amount of sleep that is required, consult your physician or a sleep therapist. He may present you with common cures or practices to achieve insomnia relief. But before choosing what procedures to apply to have insomnia relief, you have to know a little more about this disorder and the insomnia relief measures.

Insomnia is known to be sleeplessness and is caused by different things. However, no one really knows the exact reason for insomnia, although it is still very possible that you realize the reason that causes you to be awake during sleeping hours. As soon as you know this reason, you may successfully you're your own insomnia relief.

There are many types of insomnia relief. Most doctors advise patients with synthetic medications. Some prescribe herbal remedies. There are also some sleep aids available in the market. These may work effectively in some mild episodes of insomnia. Yoga and meditation and some forms of exercises can also be considered as insomnia relief, which can efficiently treat insomniacs. These practices are guaranteed by many experts. But whatever insomnia relief you come across, you have to choose something that is convenient for you but is effective in curing your problem. You may choose to be treated with a single insomnia relief measure or a combination.

Naturalists want to introduce herbal drugs into the market to cure insomnia and there are many insomnia relief medications that have a unique all-natural herbs and ingredients combined. And these natural ingredients are proven to assist in promoting sleep and rest.

Not getting adequate amounts of sleep can make a person miserably unhealthy. For a long time insomniac, no sleep may go on for days. Sometimes, insomnia can even be fatal. That's why it is always advised that a person who is afflicted with insomnia should see a doctor or sleep therapist right away.

Prescription drugs are generally effective measures for insomnia relief, although these may sometimes cause some serious side effects. These should not be considered as a cure for this sleeping disorder. There are most commonly advised drugs that can be very addictive. Patients may easily become dependent on these medications that they may not be able to sleep at all without taking them.

The best cure for insomnia so far is regular exercise. If an insomniac increases his physical activities, he may be able to boost not only his energy, but his sleep as well. Once you get more serious in working out or engaging in sports, you may find yourself sleeping like a baby in the night. You don't have to be too active or have a vigorous workout routine. Just a few minutes of your time is needed for a better sleep.

Overview Regarding Sleeping Disorders in Children

2008-09-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

There are various sleep disorders that are prevalent in children and major part of it can be attributed to their fear of the dark. The children who have fear from the dark suffer from the worse sleep disorder. However, night terrors are the worst condition in which the child gets up screaming in terror to free from a frightening dream.

Various sleep disorders are listed below that lead to many problems in children.

Sleep Talking or Walking: This is one of the most common sleep disorders in children. Medical name of sleep walking is â€˜somnambulismâ€™. Though it is not harmful but needs special care on part of the parents for the children so as to provide them a safe and healthy environment. Both the disorders i.e. sleeping with open eyes and talking while sleep may seem weird but there is nothing unusual and usually do not cause any harm to the children.

Bruxism: Bruxism which is gnashing and crushing the teeth at the time of sleep. It is very disturbing and irritating sleep disorder and may end up in causing dental problems in children.

Head Banging or Rolling: Most of the children are head bangers or rollers, particularly when they are lacking sleep. Generally it is a harmless habit and they will grow out of it before they gain maturity.

Bedwetting and Enuresis: Bedwetting is also most widespread sleep disorder in most children. But it is very humiliating as well as embarrassing for children and troublesome for parents particularly when children grow older. This is usually a medical problem and is treated mainly with the doctorâ€™s prescription.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (Or Heartburn): It is also known as heart burn in simple terms and is common in both children and adults. It can be hazardous, especially for children who are sleeping. Actually, in this type of disorder the acids in the stomach might regurgitate into the throat at the time of sleeping. Also, it may be an indication of some underlying medical problem which might need surgery.

Restless Leg Syndrome or Periodic Limb Movement: Both these disorders are very distressing for parents as well as the children. In this the sufferer has an urge to move the leg, which causes insomnia, sleepwalking and night terrors.

Nocturnal Seizures or Nocturnal Asthma: Seizures and asthma are terrifying problems at anytime. Nocturnal seizures and Nocturnal asthma are troublesome for both parents as well as children as they lead to sleep disorder and many other problems. In either of the case, it is essential that the child is taken under a proper medical care.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): It is the deadly and the worst sleep disorder and is abbreviated as SIDS. Due to SIDS many children die and is commonly known as crib death. Its treatment and cause is not much known by the doctors.

This is just a brief overview regarding various children sleep disorders. Some of which are not harmful while some may prove deadly, so it is must to seek the help of a qualified practitioner if your child is facing any of the sleep disorders.

Method to Treat Sleeping Disorders for Back Pain Sufferers

2008-09-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, it is quite obvious that you find problems in having a good nights sleep or suffer from sleeping disorders. However, you can prevent these sleeping disorders by choosing your bed wisely.

People with chronic back pain should choose a bed which can offer them a good support and also that they are able to sleep in a position which lets their body rest in the neutral position. Choose a bed that is firm and does not droop; however make sure that it is soft enough so that the heavier parts of your body sink in a bit and thus supporting your lower back. Whenever you are buying a new mattress, get mattress with a firm or medium-firm pattern, some mattresses may be too firm to offer you comfort, too firm mattresses often do not let your shoulders and hips to sink down; in this way your back gets more strained.

If you have chronic back pain and sleeping problems occur; then it is recommended that you better try sleeping on blankets or just a firm foam pad on the floor instead of using your too soft bed. Also, you can use a bed board between the mattress and box springs of the bed. Make sure that the length of the board must be sufficient to support you from the shoulders to knees. Though bed board is not the best solution to correct a badly drooping mattress but it will help a great deal. Box springs are not required in the beds like captain's bed and platform beds. Also, using bed board is not beneficial in these kinds of beds. It is due to the fact that the mattress on these beds is already firm. You can have adequate back support in waterbeds and the airbeds if filled properly.

To prevent sleeping disorders when suffering from chronic back pain it is necessary to have proper resting and sleeping positions. In this way also, you can prevent increased pain in your back.

You must watch your sleeping patterns and see in which way you find your body at most comfort. However, it is quite possible that you have maximum rest when you lie on your back or on the side instead of lying on the stomach. If you are lying on the bed, it is better that you use a small pillow under your lower back to get maximum comfort. Additionally, putting some pillows under your knees can also help. Sleeping on your stomach is uncomfortable and you might feel more sleeping disorders as you already suffer from back pain. It is due to the fact that your back remains tight and inflexible in that posture. However, if you still want to; then better put one or two pillows under the stomach to have comfort.

In upshot, if you suffer from chronic back pain, it becomes important that you follow proper sleeping positions so that you are able to prevent sleeping disorders and have sound sleep.

You can also try a Memory Foam Mattress they are proven in relieving pressure on the back while sleeping giving your back time to rest and heal properly. You also get extreme comfort using a memory foam mattress and in return you'll find that you can reduce tossing and turning in bed by upto 80%, by achieving this you back has less movement in bed and gets the rest it needs to recover. Try a memory foam mattress and see the difference yourself!

Bright Light Therapy aids sleeping disorders in Alzheimer's Disease

2008-03-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain that causes dementia, gradually destroying a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgements, communicate and carry out normal daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, particularly in older adults and accounting for about 60% of all cases. Most cases of Alzheimer's develop in those aged 65 or over. Below the age of 65, Alzheimer's is rare, affecting about 1 person in 1000. Over the age of 65 it affects about 1 in 20. The risk of developing Alzheimer's continues to increase with age, so those aged 80 have a higher risk of developing it than those aged 65. By the age of 85 nearly 1 in 2 will have the disease. Women have a slightly greater chance of developing Alzheimer's than men. It is thought that about 500,000 people in the UK are believed to have the disease. There is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease and very few effective treatments are available.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can vary greatly, but those with the disease often have one or more of the following: 1. Problem with memory 2. Problems with speech and language 3. Confusion 4. Changes in mood and behaviour 5. Problem learning new information, ideas or skills 6. Difficulty performing simple everyday tasks

People afflicted with Alzheimer's often suffer disturbances in circadian (daily) rhythm, which affects body functions such as sleep cycles, temperature, alertness and hormone production. As a result, impaired sleep and nocturnal restlessness place great burdens on the sufferer and the care giver. Sedatives are usually prescribed; however these have limited usefulness and are typically accompanied by side effects.

It is thought that daily exposure of Alzheimer's patients to bright light may resolve circadian rhythm sleep disorders. According to the Sleep Review, clinical research has shown that exposure to very bright light in the day and darkness at night can consolidate rest and activity patterns in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In a 12-week trial involving 27 women and 5 men aged 60-95 years, 15 subjects received 1 hour of exposure to bright natural light each morning and 17 control subjects were exposed only to normal low-light conditions. Results obtained from this trial indicated a trend toward increased sleep efficiency (percentage of time in bed spent asleep), decreased nighttime wakefulness, and decreased nighttime activity in the intervention group, compared with the controls.

Although further research needs to be done in this area, existing research have produced very promising results, which is a real light at the end of the tunnel for Alzheimer's Disease sufferers, caregivers and family members caring for such patients.

Useful links Alzheimer's Society

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

NHS Direct - Alzheimer's disease

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=14

Family Practice News Article - Light Therapy Aids Alzheimer's Sleep Disorders

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BJI/is_17_30/ai_66168796 Sleep Review - Light Therapy and Alzheimer's disease

http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/issues/articles/2003-01_01.asp

The usefulness of Light Therapy in the treatment of Fibromyalgia

2008-03-05T22:26:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic illness, which causes immense physical pain and unbearable fatigue. The word 'fibromyalgia' actually means "pain in the fibrous tissues in the body" and as such does not involve the joints, as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is not classified as a disease as it is a condition that causes many different symptoms, which affect all systems in the body. 90% of those affected are female (especially during child bearing ages) with most patients experiencing symptoms between the ages of twenty and forty. Children and the elderly can also be affected by FM.

FM has no known cause as there is little evidence supporting any of the theories suggested by researchers. It is however thought to be triggered by, 1. Sleep disorders 2. Injury and Muscle Trauma 3. Genetic predisposition 4. Immune System Abnormalities, and 5. Infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria

FM has two main components, pain and fatigue. Pain is felt throughout the body (ligaments, tendons and muscles) and can range from mildly uncomfortable to excruciating. It can also continue for months and even years. Fatigue can be experienced as anything from feeling a little tired to feeling absolutely exhausted, and can make the pain of the illness harder to bear.

Symptoms include: 1. Morning stiffness 2. Wide spread pain 3. Sleep disorders 4. Chronic headaches 5. Dizziness 6. Nausea 7. Depression 8. Facial and jaw pain 9. Irritable bowel, frequent bouts of diarrhoea or constipation and irritable bladder 10. Cognitive dysfunction including lack of concentration and mixing up words (To mention a few) Patients often feel they are aching all over, with muscles feeling sore, stiff and overworked. Muscle twitching is also not rare in FM and can sometimes feel like they are burning.

Treatment for FM tends to be very comprehensive and can involve a number of health care providers including physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, chiropractors and occupational therapists. Common treatments include pharmaceutical treatments such as the use of Lentizol, Sinequan or Seroxat. Other treatments include relaxation techniques, therapeutic massage, gentle exercise program, acupuncture, change in diet and cognitive behaviour therapy, to mention a few.

Light therapy is an alternative therapy, which can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia. It can help reduce muscle pain, depression, fatigue and sleep disorders. Three different types of light therapy can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia: Bright Light Therapy, Colour Therapy and Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT).

Based on the idea that our body is specifically attuned to light, bright light therapy uses high powered fluorescent lights to help trigger the release of specific hormones, which help to restore the body's natural rhythm and overall health. Bright light therapy for fibromyalgia is typically carried out using a light box, which is typically placed in front of you at eye level. Depending on the intensity of the light box, treatment time could be between 15 minutes to 3 hours. You remain seated in front of the box without staring at the light box, but absorbing the light while carrying out other activities such as reading, eating, etc.

Colour therapy is a form of phototherapy, which delivers coloured beams of light to various parts of the body and its usage is becoming more popular among chronic pain sufferers. As the eyes see the coloured beams of light, the light energy is converted into electric impulses, which travel through the brain, triggering the release of hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, which help to improve your mood and ease pain. The four colours typically used are red, blue, violet, and white. Colour therapy is very relaxing and typically lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour.

Also known as Cold Light Therapy or Soft Laser Light Therapy, Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) helps to reduce pain and promote healing by increasing the energy levels of certain cells in the body. Low-frequency laser light beams are applied to various painful areas of the body, once the photons emitted by these beams are absorbed by the body; they are converted into cellular energy by the energy power houses within the cells (the mitochondria). Consequently, this helps to increase the rate at which your body heals thereby eliminating pain.

Various studies have suggested that light therapy is highly effective at reducing symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue and depression, and as such is worth a try for fibromyalgia patients who yearn to be relieved of their symptoms. Read more about light therapy in our brand new Light Therapy Learning Centre. As effective as light therapy is for various disorders, certain individuals are advised against using it especially those suffering from epilepsy, skin sensitivities, glaucoma, bipolar disorders, cataracts and other eye diseases.

References Start shopping from our range of Light Therapy products.

Light Therapy...Did you know?

Useful links UK Fibromyalgia

http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/support_pages/support-frames.html

Fibromyalgia Symptoms http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/index.html

Fibromyalgia Association UK http://www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org/

Fibrofocus http://www.fibrofocus.org.uk/links.html

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Gout and Sleep Apnea

2007-10-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

About 5 years ago my wife noticed I stopped regularly breathing during the night whilst asleep.

I was overweight at the time and was getting tired during the day all the time.

After a severe Gout attack I went to my local Doctor and mentioned about my breathing problem, and that's when he mentioned I might have sleep apnea and this was related to Gout and heart disease and many other medical complications. Great I thought I have Gout and Sleep Apnea, what else can go wrong?

My doctor had just come from a seminar that included Gout and Sleep Apnea as a discussion topic and the studied new methods of detection and results.

A month or two later I was diagnosed with severe apnea, I then lost weight and it was downgraded to mild sleep apnea that required no breathing device at night luckily.

What I also did not know was during REM or Deep sleep if a sufferer has an apnea attack then the body sends out adrenalin to make the sufferer go into a lighter sleeping pattern which also kicks starts the breathing again.
So imagine if you have a heart condition or disease, if massive adrenalin doses pour through your system you could have a heart attack.

The Doctor had strongly suggested that being overweight or Obese as I was was making the air pipe smaller, hence less oxygen was getting into the bloodstream which can affect organs and the brain, as an oxygen starved brain certainly isn't a nice thing to get.

An oxygen starved bloodstream causes the breakdown of cells which forms Uric acid, the enemy of Gout.
Coupled in this low oxygen environment is carbon dioxide which causes the blood to increase in its acidity and also increases monosodium urate.

Monosodium Urate is a group of calcium phosphates that can build up in connective tissues such as the ears and elbows and create Tophi...and inflammation or just attack the synovial sacks and kick off a Gout attack.

Another common trait with Gout is the circumference of the neck.

I have a large neck, which in a car accident is good as it is harder to break my neck or good in certain areas of sport, but for Gout and sleep apnea it is a bad thing to have.

A thick neck generally equals a smaller air passage, the more overweight you are the smaller the circumference is of the airway.
Every extra pound or kilo of weight could be an extra millimeter less of air passage = less oxygen = more gout = more chance of other organ sickness etc.

Also having a thick tongue, or a receding chin, thick tonsils, nasal congestion, Hypothyroidism, post-polio syndrome, and Down syndrome can affect you, as well as being a smoker, drinking before bedtime and the taking of sedatives can also bring it on.

Some schools of thought seem to think that Gout is an early warning sign of Sleep Apnea, this may well be true.

Signs of Sleep Apnea:

* Sleepy during the day
* falling to sleep driving
* angry and tired for no reason or personality changes that are unexplained
* regular sudden awakenings
* waking up tired in the mornings
* headaches
* sore throat in the morning
* Dry mouth
* lethargy
* rapid weight gain
* Memory loss or very vague
* short attention span
* slower healing process
* slower reaction time

The best methods for trying to control sleep apnea are:

* Lose weight immediately ( but be careful as the faster you lose weight the easier you can get a Gout attack )

* Sleep with the aid of a breathing apparatus designed for Apnea sufferers. It is basically a small mask that fits over the nose and a small machine by the bed, when an apnea attack occurs the machine registers no breathing and gently pumps air down the airways, my friends who have this device say that they have never had a better sleep ) This is generally for severe Sleep apnea sufferers.

* Another device is a jaw disc or a jaw plate. It fits in like a set of plate for false teeth in the top of the mouth and pushes the jaw forward, so that during sleep the air passage is open more. This is for lighter cases of apnea.

* There are talks of laser surgery in Japan on the back of the air pipe, but this is best to stay away from as it is experimental at the moment and nothing is proven with this method.

* Sleep on your side and not on your back. Try using a back support pillow wedged behind your spine so when you try and roll over it stops you. There are people out there touting the use of a squash ball supported on your back so that you feel it when you roll over. It is a good suggestion and I guess what ever works for you is a great thing indeed. So experimentation is what is required especially to help Gout and Sleep apnea.

* Lose weight ( for more information see Weight Loss for Life )

* Learn to play a Wind Instrument

* Cut out using muscle relaxing drugs

* Reduce alcohol intake

* There are newer Surgery methods being developed so it is best to seek medical advice first.

Types of Sleep Apnea

* OSA - Obstructive Sleep Apnea ( this is the most common form )
* CSA - Central Sleep Apnea ( Brain signals delay instruction to the body to breathe- this is also a central nervous disorder)
* Mixed Sleep Apnea ( mixture of the above two )

Dangers of Sleep Apnea:

* Gout
* Tophi
* Heart Disease
* Insomnia
* Sexual disfunction
* Obesity
* Depression
* Premature death
* Sudden infant Death Syndrome ( Babies generally grow out of this but you should get a breathing monitor alarm system just to make sure )

Acid Reflux, Sleep Apnea and Heart Palpitations

2007-10-28T00:54:00.001-07:00

Acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart palpitations are serious problems that people have to look after; otherwise, problems that are more serious could result in untreated symptoms. A person who suffers from sleep apnea may also complain of frequent headaches, dry mouth, and a sore throat in the morning, heart palpitations, urinating throughout the night, falling asleep while working or driving, and chronic fatigue and memory problems.

People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease and accidents while driving or working.

If suffering from acid reflux, sleep apnea and or heart palpitations, you are strongly recommended to consult a doctor. It is common for people to have an occasional sleepless night but a lack of sleep on a regular basis is cause for concern. Insomnia can be the result of sleep apnea or even nighttime acid reflux. Insomnia will leave you feeling tired throughout the entire day. It will also cause psychological and physiological damage to your body.

When underlying ailments such as sleep apnea, lung disease, hot flashes and diabetes are treated the insomnia may be treated as well. Natural remedies available for insomnia include a change in lifestyle such as a better diet. Much of the food we eat is made up of toxins, which cause an imbalance in the body. The alkaline imbalance may be what triggers insomnia in some people.

Acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart palpitations can all be traced in some way to the food we eat. Hydrogenated fat, refined table salt, mono sodium glutamate, sugar, chocolate, corn syrup, refined oils, baking powder, fried foods, junk foods, carbonated soda and alcohol are all toxins that will cause problems in the human body.

Replace these poor health choices with natural foods and you may begin to notice a change in your overall health and you may be able to sleep better at night. Fruits and vegetables have plenty of fiber and natural enzymes that balance the acid-alkaline ratio in the body.

Acid reflux can cause chest pain because stomach acid causes the esophagus to become enflamed and can lead to chest pain. This pain may feel quite similar to pain associated with angina, which is felt by people with coronary heart disease. Acid reflux does not directly cause heart palpitations but it may cause a person to feel extremely anxious which in turn may cause palpitations.

Another scenario may be that the person may actually be experiencing a heart related attack of pain of some sort. In this case, the palpitations may be the result of a heart attack. Other symptoms of heart disease that could rule out acid reflux include nausea and shortness of breath.

Acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart palpitations are serious ailments that are linked to our lifestyle. If you are someone who is at risk for heart disease, it is important to rule out acid reflux disease before assuming it is responsible for the chest pains and heart palpitations. Even something that feels like a typical case of heartburn could be a sign of heart disease, so a careful history and evaluation of the patient is required.

Top Tips to Stop Snoring Now!

2007-10-28T00:52:00.001-07:00

Snoring may not be a problem for you, but that's because you're the one who's getting the sleep. It is a very common condition and is more likely the older you are.

About 20% of men and 5% of women snore regularly among 30-35 year-olds and by the age of 60 years, about 60% of men and 40% of women snore regularly.

Snoring is caused by slack muscles inside the throat, which vibrate against the soft palate as you breathe. As we get older, our throat muscles get weaker, making snoring more likely.

Being overweight is also a trigger, as fat affects the smooth functions of all muscles including those in the throat.

A blocked nose from a cold or allergy can cause temporary snoring, while heavy drinking, smoking and sleeping on you back can also contribute.

Snoring may also be a sign of sleep apnea - brief episodes of interrupted breathing, lasting between 10 and 60 seconds.

One theory suggests that prehistoric man learned to snore as a way of scaring off predatory animals while he slept!

Here are some suggestions to stop snoring.

- Avoid sleeping on your back. Put a walnut, cork or even a tennis ball into a sock and pin it to the back of your pyjamas (use a safe nappy pin). This will encourage you to sleep sideways rather than on your back.

- Lose weight if you need to.

- Don't smoke and avoid alcohol within five hours of bedtime as both interfere with breathing.

- Tilt the head of your bed up 10 cm (4 inches) by putting bricks under the legs to lessen the effect of gravity on the throat muscles. Do not use a thick, hard pillow; this will kink your neck and make the problem worse.

- Try sleeping in a whiplash foam collar, to stop the neck kinking.

- Think of taking up singing. Professional singers rarely snore and it is thought this could be because singing exercise the throat muscles.

- Nostril dilators encourage nasal breathing and help to prevent mouth breathing.

- Trash the tranquillisers and sleeping pills: Both drugs slow down the central nervous system, which can leave your tongue floppy and throat muscles loose.

- Keep your room humid: Lack of humidity dries out the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. Hanging a damp cloth over your bedroom radiator should keep the air from getting too dry.

- See your doctor if the problem persists as you could have sleep apnea, which can be treated.

These self help measures should help you tackle the snoring and keep your partner happy!

Top Tips to Stop Snoring Now!

2007-10-28T00:52:00.000-07:00

Snoring may not be a problem for you, but that's because you're the one who's getting the sleep. It is a very common condition and is more likely the older you are.

About 20% of men and 5% of women snore regularly among 30-35 year-olds and by the age of 60 years, about 60% of men and 40% of women snore regularly.

Snoring is caused by slack muscles inside the throat, which vibrate against the soft palate as you breathe. As we get older, our throat muscles get weaker, making snoring more likely.

Being overweight is also a trigger, as fat affects the smooth functions of all muscles including those in the throat.

A blocked nose from a cold or allergy can cause temporary snoring, while heavy drinking, smoking and sleeping on you back can also contribute.

Snoring may also be a sign of sleep apnea - brief episodes of interrupted breathing, lasting between 10 and 60 seconds.

One theory suggests that prehistoric man learned to snore as a way of scaring off predatory animals while he slept!

Here are some suggestions to stop snoring.

- Lose weight if you need to.

- Don't smoke and avoid alcohol within five hours of bedtime as both interfere with breathing.

- Try sleeping in a whiplash foam collar, to stop the neck kinking.

- Think of taking up singing. Professional singers rarely snore and it is thought this could be because singing exercise the throat muscles.

- Nostril dilators encourage nasal breathing and help to prevent mouth breathing.

- Trash the tranquillisers and sleeping pills: Both drugs slow down the central nervous system, which can leave your tongue floppy and throat muscles loose.

- Keep your room humid: Lack of humidity dries out the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. Hanging a damp cloth over your bedroom radiator should keep the air from getting too dry.

- See your doctor if the problem persists as you could have sleep apnea, which can be treated.

These self help measures should help you tackle the snoring and keep your partner happy!

About the author :

Visit the http://sleeptips.org/ website for tips on getting a wonderful night's sleep.

Get A Grip At Sleep Or Lose Your Life

2007-10-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

Sleep deprivation may exist in three basic categories. One, when you have a hard time falling to sleep at night. Two, if you find it easy to get to Slumberland and last there for a few hours or minutes, only to awake in the middle of the night and never be able to return to sleep. And three, when you have short sleep patterns at night yet you wake up early at dawn no matter how insufficient your sleep was.

More often than not, sleep deprivation is caused or influenced by behavior; sometimes voluntary but rarely intentional; you just won't hear someone giving himself a hurrah for deliberately cutting off his sleep hours! If your lifestyle or work results to the disruption of what can be considered normal sleep patterns, you are at risk of depriving yourself with adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation is a direct result of the choices or preferences that you make for yourself.

But the real problem with chronic lack of sleep is that it can set off other disorders. And you are lucky if your lack of sleep leaves you only with inability to concentrate or a bad temper the next day. There are cases where sleep deprivation can lead to much more serious disorders such as these two infamous conditions.

Heart Diseases

Experts have found that people who have inadequate sleep unnecessarily increase their risk to heart ailments. In fact, such risk is more than double than for those who manage to have enough hours of sleep.

The link between heart diseases and sleep deficiency can be explained by the increase in the levels of stress hormones in the body every time a person has sleep deficit. The increased stress hormones are used by the body to keep it on alert status despite total lack of sleep. But sadly, these stress hormones are also responsible for increasing one's risk to heart attacks and propelling higher blood pressure.

In essence, lack of sleep can cause low inflammatory indicators in your blood vessels. While these inflammations can be negligible at low levels, they can however make you more susceptible to cardiac arrest or stroke if left unchecked and unchanged for a long time.

Obesity

Sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity. This also supports findings that point to obese people having less sleep than people with healthy weight levels. Current studies show overwhelming proofs that chronic lack of sleep can undermine one's metabolic rate and affect a person's eating habits.

Lack of sleep can alter hormonal levels, which in turn, triggers bigger appetite. And as sleep deprivation is a big factor that causes fatigue and stress, it also brings about an unhealthy change in a person's diet; primarily characterized by a person's inclination towards fast food eating habits. Bigger appetite and fast food consumption are two recipes for obesity which can all start from sleep deprivation.

But here's the good news. Chronic sleep deprivation can be easily treated. To deal with this problem you only need to change your current sleep patterns. The best and often the only way to treat this disorder is to start increasing your sleeping time until you can easily get no less than eight hours of sleep each day. And then, you stick to it.

If you find it hard to get sufficient sleep at night, you should make time to visit a sleep specialist. Apart from detecting what factors cause your sleep problems, a sleep specialist can help you fix your daily sleep patterns. You can also enhance the quality of sleep you get by using products like Sedamine.

Keeping Your Feet Warm To Get Better Sleep

2007-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

We all look forward to that perfect good night's rest that we so crave for. A time where we get relax and unwind from our busy schedules during the day that leaves us with little time to give ourselves a break.

Sleep for many people are equated with not only physical rest but also a mental recoup for many. By the process of dreams we eliminate a lot of the unwanted accumulated stuff that we absorb during the day. Since sleep is associated with mental rest too, any worries, anxieties or worries that we have act as an opposing factor to us getting a good night's sleep.

Other sleep disorders such as insomnia also act against the natural process of sleep. There are various factors that contribute to overcome the usual problems and help you get a good night's sleep. One such very factor that is often neglected, a factor that can contribute to a good nights sleep is that of wearing socks on your feet when you go to sleep.

Why keep our feet warm

There are a number of nerves in the soul of your feet. These nerves are directly connected to your central nervous system. When we fall off to sleep our central nervous system also goes into a state of relaxation. Our brains and central nervous system, which are at a constant, state of alertness and are in sync during the day.

Thus it is essential for the nervous system to relax when you sleep. It is a proven fact that cold impairs the central nervous system to a certain degree. The extent to which it is impaired depends on the severity of the cold.

When we cover up our feet we are covering up our nerve endings, which would otherwise be exposed to the cold. Thus we directly prevent the cold environment around us from having any bearing on the central nervous system. Thus are nervous system is permitted to unwind with the right level of comfort.

Wearing of socks while you go to sleep is recommended especially if you inhabit a cold climate.

Massage For Good Sleep

2007-09-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

Studies have related massage therapy with a host of benefits. It is including enhanced mother-infant interaction for depressed mothers, infant relaxation and decreased crying for colicky infants. It may help newborns develop a more regular sleep cycle as well, which may mean more hours of uninterrupted sleep for mothers.

Why get a massage?

Massage therapy provides relief to people from all prospect of life. The weekend athlete, the home gardener, the over stressed executive, secretaries, waitresses, laborers, virtually anyone can feel a need for massage therapy sooner or later.

Massage reduces effect of stress

Up to 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related complaints such as headaches, backaches, neck pain, eyestrain, poor concentration, anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, physical and emotional exhaustion too.
Massage therapy has an amazing effect on the body's nervous system. When massage therapy activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, it counteracts in body's negative response to stress, relaxing muscle tension and allowing heart rate, blood pressure and circulation to return to normal. Massage therapy also helps to become more aware of the body and the person's unconsciously held tension. As the person become more aware of the body, one will begin to recognize tension as it builds during the day so that the person can consciously release it before it can have a negative effect on the body.

Massage strengthen the immune system

Massage therapy not only improves the circulation of blood and its vital nutrients, but also increases the circulation of lymph in lymphatic system thus helping body to fight off infection and speeding recovery from injuries and illness. It increases the resistance power in the body and promotes sleep. Sleep is important because it enhances Ojas that is considered to be the master coordinator between mind, body and the inner self. Ojas is the finest product of digestion, the main life-supporting force within the body. It acts like a shock absorber, helping to insulate the mind from day-to-day stress and enhancing the body's innate immune systems. A good night's sleep cannot only help to stay alert, bright and focused the next day but also it can also keep one healthy in the long run.

A Child Sleep Disorder Can Cause Educational Interferenc

2007-08-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Many children have sleep disorders that interrupt their lives, and those of their parents and siblings as well. A child sleep disorder can make life very difficult and interfere with the necessities of life. Parents who worry about the child sleep disorders in their family might rest assured that they are not alone. Many parents face similar problems. One of the main child sleep disorders that parents face is a child cannot sleep through the night. Most parents do not want their child to be awake in the middle of the night by themselves so this problem can affect their sleep as well.

The problems with some children are just part of their makeup because they do not sleep well through the night. Adults and children have sleep cycles that go between deep sleep and light sleep. The deep sleep cycle is when a person dreams. During the light sleep cycle, the child is more likely to wake up. Since each person goes through several of these cycles during the night, there are several times during the night when the child sleep disorder might occur. Infants do not usually sleep through the night for some time. These small babies have a light sleep cycle every fifty minutes. Parents of infants all know that this is the case, and they work to get their child on the proper sleep cycle.

A Child Sleep Disorder Can Interrupt the Necessary Amount of Sleep

Children need much more sleep than their parents although sometimes they want to stay up as long as their parents stay awake. A child in school needs between nine and twelve hours of sleep every night. They need at least nine hours to be ready to participate properly in school activities. There are many children who do not get this amount of sleep, and many of these do not do as well in school because of this. Children who are getting enough sleep will wake up easily. All parents who have trouble getting their children to wake up should know that their children need more sleep.

Children should also be able to fall asleep quickly. If they toss and turn for more than thirty minutes before they fall asleep, there is some kind of a problem. Children should be able to stay awake throughout the day if they are getting enough, proper sleep at night. There is information that a substantial number of children are not alert at school and that their drowsiness interferes with their education to some extent.

Sleep Apnea Products

2007-08-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the advanced research in the medical condition of sleep apnea, a number of sleep apnea products are available in the market for making life happier and healthier. These products can give you a good result if you use them under medical prescription and guidance.

Sleep apnea is a condition resulting into obstruction of air passage to your lungs at the time of your sleep. The condition can lead to medical complications such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, paralytic strokes and neurological disorders due to constant shortness of oxygen and fatigue. While you can manage certain aspects of your life style like weight and sleep pattern, you need to depend upon a constant supply of sleep apnea products such as Constant positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) kit, masks, humidifiers, air tubes, headgears, breathing machines etc. especially in case of serious condition.

It is always advisable to start using the sleep apnea products based on a thorough analysis of your medical history and past pattern. In some cases, you may not at all require all that fancy stuff and simple changes in your lifestyle will be a better option to treat mild obstructive sleep apnea condition. Thus a simple procedure may clear your nasal congestion and blockages if you are suffering from the same. The treatment is far better than all the sleep apnea products which you can buy for yourself.

Always look for FDA approval on these products to be sure of quality and performance. While some of these products can relieve you of your pain and sleep disorders, together with medication you can bring about changes in your health and living standards for the better. Sleep apnea products as well as medication are your best friend to tide over the medical trauma and suffering from the potential life threatening condition.

Sleep apnea is not an incurable disease. You can lead a perfectly normal and peaceful life once you diagnose the exact causes and factors responsible for your condition. Remember that the longer the condition remains untreated, the worse it will be for your nerves and system as the condition at a later stage starts affecting your heart and brain.

It is a good idea to consult a sleep specialist who can analyze your sleep pattern based on initial observations made by you or your sleeping partner. This would include the number of times you have sleep apnea disorder episodes, the number of times you get up in the night looking for oxygen flow. A thorough assessment of your heart condition is also necessary to obviate the possibility of serious damage. Having done that, the medical practitioner may prescribe various sleep apnea products for your benefit. This needs to be taken strictly as per advice. You will also need to intimate your progress and status to your doctor for suitable changes in the medication and procedures.

Sleep apnea needs to be thoroughly investigated and cured to help you lead a wonderful life. Believe me it is possible with little effort.

Stop Insomia Now

2007-08-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

On May 25, 2007, Tony Wright made headlines by staying awake for 11 days and nights - beating the previous Guinness World Record. However, the authors of the Guinness Book of Records have since removed this title because of the associated health risks of insomnia.

Indeed, a growing body of research indicates that America's sleep problems have reached epidemic proportions and may be the country's No. 1 health problem. From the looks of it, Wright probably belongs to the 47 million Americans who are chronically sleep deprived.

Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to sleep. You toss and turn and your mind is endlessly racing as the events of the day constantly fill your head. Worse, background noises keep you wide awake at night.

Insomnia can be a symptom of several physical disorders, although for most of us it's the result of tension, stress and anxiety. The more anxious we get about our insomnia, the worse it gets. Fortunately, the treatment of insomnia can be simple. Often, it's just a matter of finding out what's keeping you awake. This will help you deal with the problem directly. By making a few changes in your sleeping habits, you can beat insomnia. But if your doctor calls you a "healthy" insomniac, then it's time for more action. Here's what to do courtesy of Dromias, the safe and natural way to a good night's sleep:

Avoid or limit your use of caffeine ( e.g. coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, etc.), decongestants, alcohol and tobacco. Exercise more often, but don't do it a few hours before going to bed. Learn to reduce or manage stress in your life. Don't lie in bed worrying about things. Set aside another time just for worrying. For example, spend 30 minutes after dinner writing down what's worrying you and what you can do about it. Eat a light snack before going to bed. Don't eat too much before bedtime. A glass of warm milk or some cheese and crackers may be all you need. Don't nap during the day if it makes your insomnia worse. Sleeping pills like Dromias taken once a night can help you visit dreamland fast. Dromias contains a proprietary blend of natural ingredients such as valerian, passionflower and lemon balm that scientific research shows can help fight sleep disorders, restlessness and anxiety, relax your muscles, and improve sleep quality.

Unlike early products, today's sleeping pills don't carry the risks of dependence and lethal overdoses. Dromias in particular is not habit-forming. Nor is it a prescription drug so you can use it with confidence. This remarkable product is a non-synthetic, non-hormonal supplement that you can take anytime and can even be mailed directly to your home or office.

Some sleep experts believe that keeping a bottle of sleeping pills in the medicine cabinet can be helpful for chronic insomniacs because the knowledge that a pill is available provides a sense of security and minimizes the fear of insomnia. If so, be sure to keep a pack of Dromias handy since you'll never know when you need it.

Jet Lag Symptoms Are A Part Of Life For Frequent Fliers

2007-06-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Overcoming jet lag is not too difficult for those of us who jet off around the world infrequently, perhaps once or twice a year on holiday or for the occasional business trip, but for aircrews and regular long-haul fliers, jet lag can bring in its wake a number of health problems which can become virtually permanent.

Long haul travelers will be familiar with the disruption to their sleep pattern and the insomnia that can result from a long trip, as well as such things as irritability, changes in mood, gastro-intestinal problems and difficulty in processing information. But, for the very frequent flyer these, normally transient symptoms, become a part of everyday life and are often joined by menstrual cycle problems for women and even by short-term psychiatric disturbances for some people.

The major factors in influencing the degree of jet lag experienced, apart from the frequency of travel, are the distances involved, the direction of travel and your age.

If you are regularly traveling across just two or three time zones then any affects are likely to very mild. However, once you start crossing more than three time zones, and particularly when you get up to frequently traveling across six or more time zones, symptoms begin to increase markedly.

Jet lag symptoms are also more marked when you are traveling east and tend to affect you less when flying west. If you are traveling from London to Singapore on holiday for example you will experience more jet lag on arrival in Singapore at the start of your holiday than you will in London when you return.

As a general rule when traveling east you can expect jet lag to last for several days and a good guide is roughly two thirds of the number of time zones crossed. For example, if you cross six time zones you can expect jet lag to affect you for up to four days. Traveling west jetlag can be expected to last for about half this time.

Age is also a significant factor when it comes to jet lag and, as you get older, you will find that you are increasingly affected by jet lag.

There is no such thing as a true jet lag cure but there is a great deal that can be done to help to reduce the symptoms of jet lag.

Several Ways To Stop Snoring Have Proved Very Successful

2007-05-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

The best way to stop snoring will depend greatly on the frequency of the snoring. Occasional snoring related to cold, allergies, or another illness can be treated easily by treating the primary cause of the snoring (the sickness) plus adding nasal strips to help open airways while sleeping. Some of the nasal strips are even available mentholated which many people find soothing when they are ill.

For chronic snorers, the solution will usually require medication, surgery or a lifestyle change. Medication will often mean pharmaceutical products such as throat sprays, special head positioning pillows, or mouth guards for ways to stop snoring.

Life Style Changes

There are many habits people have that can actually contribute to their snoring. Smoking, drinking large amounts of alcohol, and being overweight all could cause snoring. Therefore quitting smoking, drinking in moderation and losing weight through diet and exercise are great ways to stop snoring.

Alcohol and Nicotine

Alcohol tends to relax all the muscles in the body, including all the soft tissues of the mouth and throat. For this reason limiting the amount of alcohol one consumes will prevent this over relaxation and could be a way to stop snoring.

Smoking is terrible for every part of the respiratory system, it isn't surprising it would make snoring worse or even be the source of loud snoring. Quitting smoking is a huge benefit to a person's over all health and may consequently be a way to quit snoring.

Obesity

People who are over weight, especially around their neck, have an increased risk of harmful sleep apnea. Losing weight has various health benefits including being a way to quit snoring. Also regular diet and exercise can help a person sleep more soundly which also leads to less snoring.

Routine

Keeping a regular sleep schedule is important for people who want a way to quit snoring. Waking and going to sleep at the same time every day can stop snoring and help people feel more refreshed after each sleep.

Napping during the day can cause people to sleep less soundly at night as well. This waking during the night can contribute to the snoring problem. Omitting naps from a person's daily schedule is another way to quit snoring.

Sleep Position

For many people sleeping on their side prevents them from snoring, hence the reason many wives may elbow their husbands throughout the night. Something as simple as sewing tennis balls into the back of a person's pajamas is a way to quit snoring, as that person' wouldn't be able to comfortably rest on their back!

What ever the cause of each person's snoring, finding a way to quit snoring is possible. If the snoring doesn't subside with the use of these tips it may be necessary for the person to see a doctor to be tested for a more serious condition called sleep apnea.

A night terror, also known as pavor nocturnus

2007-05-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

A night terror, also known as pavor nocturnus, is a parasomnia sleep disorder characterized by extreme terror and a temporary inability to regain full consciousness. The subject wakes abruptly from the fourth stage of sleep, with waking usually accompanied by gasping, moaning, or screaming. It is often impossible to fully awaken the person, and after the episode the subject normally settles back to sleep without waking. A night terror can occasionally be recalled by the subject. They typically occur during non-REM sleep.

Contents

* 1 Night terrors versus nightmares * 2 In children * 3 Treating night terror episodes * 4 Famous people suffering from night terrors * 5 See also * 6 External links

Night terrors versus nightmares

Night terrors are distinct from nightmares in several key ways. First, the subject is not fully awake when roused, and even when efforts are made to awaken the sleeper, he/she may continue to experience the night terror for ten to twenty minutes. Unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during the deepest levels of non-REM sleep.

Even if awakened, the subject often cannot remember the episode except for a sense of panic, while nightmares usually can be easily recalled. After the night terror is complete, it can often result in a seizure, which is commonly a tonic-clonic type (although the subject may not be epileptic). The subject often has no recall of the dream, nor the fit.

Unlike nightmares, which are frequently a scary event dream (e.g. a monster under the bed, falling to one's death, etc.), night terrors are not dreams. Usually there is no situation or event (scary or otherwise) that is dreamt, but rather the emotion of fear itself is felt. Often, this is coupled with tension and apprehension without any distinct sounds or visual imagery, although sometimes a vague object of fear is identified by the sufferer. These emotions, generally without a focusing event or scenario, increase emotions in a cumulative effect.

The lack of a dream itself leaves those awakened from a night terror in a state of disorientation much more severe than that caused by a normal nightmare. This can include a short period of amnesia during which the subject may be unable to recall his name, location, age, or any other identifying features of himself. This state generally passes after only one or two minutes.

While each night terror is usually different, all episodes of the same person will generally have similar traits. One of the most common qualities of night terrors is a strong sense of danger. For these people there is always a being, tangible or otherwise, who wishes to hurt the sleeping person, or the sleeping person's loved ones. Many sufferers of night terrors are reluctant to speak of them because of their violent and often disturbing nature.

In children

Children from age two to six are most prone to night terrors, and they affect about fifteen percent of all youngsters,[1] (although people of any age may experience them). Episodes may re-occur for a couple of weeks then suddenly disappear. Strong evidence has shown that a predisposition to night terrors and other parasomniac disorders can be passed genetically. Though there are a multitude of triggers, emotional stress during the previous day and a high fever are thought to precipitate most episodes. Ensuring that the right amount of sleep is gained is an important factor.

Special consideration must be used when the subject suffers from narcolepsy. Quite often the dream is manifest with a temporary paralysis with vivid recall of events leading up to, as well as the climax of the night terror. Finally, do not attempt to waken a subject during the dream, but, talk to them in a warm and comforting tone, as this can be very supportive to the person who is helplessly in the throes of a bad session.

Treating night terror episodes

The consensus for treating night terror episodes is three-pronged: gentleness, disposal of anything nearby that might hurt the subject, and avoiding loud voices or movements that might frighten the subject further. It is also critical to remember that the person experiencing the terror is unaware that they are experiencing one.

As a result, they may become even more agitated if told that "it was just a dream," as they are quite convinced that the experience is real. The quickest remedy is simply to calm the person by telling the person that you are there for them or simply say, "I'm here". Telling the victim "It's OK" or "nothing's there" may agitate the sleeper further because feelings they are feeling are very real to them and obviously not "OK". However, simply knowing the person's source of "calm" helps immensely.

If he/she has a favorite companion dog or cat, telling them that the cat or dog is warm in bed, safe and asleep, and that they need to sleep as well could also be a good trigger. Calm the person and convince them to "go back to sleep"

In some cases, they may be calmed by the mere presence of a familiar person. Night terrors are transitory, so medical help is often unnecessary, but options may range from treatment of sleep apnea to prescription of benzodiazepines and psychotherapy.

A successfully used method for treating night terrors is to have the sufferer sit down and engage them in something light-hearted and harmless, such as television or easy conversation. This helps to distract the sufferer from their perceived experience, and let them regain normal consciousness. More calming, positive reinforcement can then be administered. Turning on lights and appliances like the TV or radio can also help transition the individual into normalcy, as a lit room with noise is more normal (while awake) than a dark, quiet room.

Sleep Secrets: Get the Good Night Sleep You Deserve

2007-05-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

There are few things in life as satisfying as a good night's sleep. Mothers insist on it to help children grow well, doctors advise it for optimum health, and beauty gurus recommend it to stay younger and feel better. Thus, it is important to get the good night sleep you deserve.

Ironically, however, this supposedly natural body phenomenon proves impossible to achieve for many people. If you have sleeping disorders and you find it hard to get the good night sleep you deserve, you are not alone. A report by the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reveals that about 40 million people suffer from chronic long-term sleep disorders each year.

Sleeping disorders are generally classified into three categories: lack of sleep (e.g. insomnia), disturbed sleep (e.g. sleep apnea or the obstruction of airways during sleep), and excessive sleep (e.g. narcolepsy, the condition of falling asleep spontaneously and unwillingly).

If you regularly cannot get the good night sleep you deserve, then you might have a chronic sleep disorder. Some sleep disorders are chronic, brought about by deep medical or psychiatric conditions. Others occur occasionally and are only temporary, cured easily by eliminating the root cause of sleep deficit. Common causes of sleep disorders are lifestyle changes, work-related stress, and prescription drugs that disrupt sleeping patterns.

People with sleeping disorders are typically given medications or advised to undergo behavioral or psychotherapeutic treatments to treat their condition. While medications (such as sleeping pills) provide easy and immediate relief, they don't exactly give you the good night sleep you deserve and don't eliminate the root of a sleep deficit.

So before you pop that pill, remember that much can be done to win the fight against sleepless nights. Here are some tips to get the good night sleep you deserve - either before you hit the hay or as you lay in bed frustrated.

One way to get the good night sleep you deserve is to figure out how much you need. A good night's sleep varies from one person to another. Infants sleep most of the day (about 16 hours); teenagers usually need about 9 hours a day; and adults need an average of 7 to 8 hours a day. The key is to keep track of the total number of hours you spent sleeping. For two weeks, take note of how many hours you spend in the sack, including naps. Calculate the average sleep you get in twenty-four hours. If you get, say, six hours, spend six-and-a-half hours in bed, to allow for time to fall asleep.

Another way to get the good night sleep you deserve is develop a pre-sleep routine. Every night, before you hit the sheets, perform a specific "wind-down" ritual. Read a book, do yoga stretches, listen to calm music - anything that helps you de-stress. A nighttime routine will create an association with sleep that your body will respond to automatically. This routine will help you get the good night sleep you deserve.

Use your bed wisely. Try to avoid non-sleeping activities in bed, such as watching television or balancing your bankbook. These activities will not help you get the good night sleep you deserve. Use it only for sleeping, and sex. Doing this will send subconscious cues to your brain that will help it associate the bed with sleeping.

Take a steamy shower. A drop in core body temperature prepares your body for sleep. So an hour before bedtime, take a warm shower or relax in the bathtub. Once you've cooled down, your body will be set for slumber and you will get the good night sleep you deserve.

Keep off the uppers. Coffee, cigarettes and alcohol are some of the stuffs you definitely need to avoid before going to bed. They may relax and help you fall asleep, but when the effect wears off they can cause fragmented sleep during the remainder of the night. If you want to get the good night sleep you deserve, avoid coffee, alcohol and cigarettes. So hold off the "nightcap" and do not drink alcohol within six hours of bedtime. If you must smoke, have your last cigarette at least three hours before going to bed. Coffee should also be avoided after 3 p.m.

Wear an eye mask. Strapping an eye mask on will help blot out miniscule light sources such as the red LCD screen of your alarm clock or the dim glow of the computer screensaver. These miniscule light sources are surprising sleep obstructions, which your brain can detect even when your eyes are closed. These things will deprive you from the good night sleep you deserve.

Count sheep. The old adage about "counting sheep" (or any other animal, for that matter) really works, because it helps you focus on a series of ascending or descending numbers which in turn keeps your brain too busy to focus on anxious thoughts. Adding a visual image (such as the sheep hopping over a fence or walking down a flight of stairs while counting) can give you the sense that you're moving deeper and deeper into slumber. This will help you get the good night sleep you deserve.

Melt muscle tension to help you get the good night sleep you deserve. When you are anxious, your nervous system goes into overdrive and tenses you up all over. To remove the tension, imagine it dissolving slowly through your toes. Then, move on to the stress on your calves, all the way to the top of your head. By the time you're done, you'll feel physically "looser" and primed for dreamland and you are on your way to get the good night sleep you deserve.

If the above tips are not enough to get the good night sleep you deserve, don't lose hope. Do you want to learn how you can double your energy levels and naturally transform your body into a restful sleep magnet? You will learn how you too can easily master the natural art of energizing sleep and finally break free from daytime drowsiness once and for all! Learn how to get the good night sleep you deserve visit Natural Sleep Secrets.

Information On Fibromyalgia: What Might Cause This Disease

2007-05-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

If you are concerned you may have fibromyalgia then you will be keen to find as much information on fibromyalgia as possible. This article aims to cover the theories concerning the possible causes of this debilitating condition.

Although initial studies have found women, between the ages of twenty and fifty-five, are most likely to develop fibromyalgia, there are still so many unknown factors about fibromyalgia that are yet to be understood.

There is a compelling reason why studies on fibromyalgia need to continue and that is the number of people afflicted by fibromyalgia is rapidly rising. In the United States, it is estimated that around 3 - 5% of the population have fibromyalgia.

That would translate to around five to seven million people. And the number is reportedly still rising. On a global scale, the volume of such patients is much greater.

Several more interesting facts about fibromyalgia are to be found in its immediate demographics. Women are far more likely to develop the disease compared to men, on a representative ratio of 20:1. Although the development of fibromyalgia does occur in older people and children it is less common. The average age for developing fibromyalgia is 45.

Symptoms are varied and tend to start slowly and build up over time, with the connection between the symptoms often overlooked. Because of the similarity to other conditions fibromyalgia is commonly misdiagnosed.

The main symptom is pain, and there are 18 common tender points on the body that are very sensitive to pressure or touch. These tender points tend to occur symmetrically on each side of the body.

Aside from pain other symptoms include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, stiff joints on waking, sleep disorder and mental fuzziness, sometimes termed 'brain fog'.

Though there are many studies that have already been conducted, the cause of fibromyalgia is unclear with a number of competing theories being put forward.

Sleep disorders are common in people with fibromyalgia and recent research may have changed the status from a symptom to a cause. Most fibromyalgia sufferers do not achieve the same levels of deep sleep as normal people do. It is during deep sleep that cells heal and rejuvenate and the brain sorts and stows all the day's experiences. Without deep sleep the body is unable to function at its normal capacity.

Immune system abnormalities may also be to blame. When the immune system is malfunctioning it can start to attack healthy cells, which causes inflammation and pain.

Genetics haven't been ruled out as a cause either because women with a close female relative with fibromyalgia have a high risk of developing the condition themselves.

Another theory is fibromyalgia is bought on by an accident or injury. A vast majority of sufferers experienced a physical trauma before the onset of the condition. Damage to the central nervous system can impact on the way the brain functions, lowering pain thresholds, disturbing sleeping patterns and impairing cognitive thought processes.

Keep reading to find out how to sign up for the Fibromyalgia newsletter and discover natural ways to overcome fibromyalgia.

If you are concerned that you have fibromyalgia then make an appointment with your doctor and discuss with them information on fibromyalgia and whether further testing is required.

Herbs for Insomnia

2007-05-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

This could easily be a continuation of my recent article "Insomnia a Herbal Remedy" However as the title this time is Herbs for Insomnia I'll try and list as many as I know. Please as always if you have a medical problem consult a health care profesional before attempting self medication. Any drug can be both good and er well bad.

Herbs for Insomnia.

PASSION FLOWER eases anxiety-induced insomnia. Calming and can ease muscle spasms that can be very painful and keep you awake.

PEPPERMINT Used as a tea it may ease digestion a common cause of insomnia

RED CLOVER Used for years as a tonic. Very relaxing inducing sleep

ST. JOHN'S WORT Good for mild depression and anxiety. It improves the quality of sleep

SIBERIAN GINSENG Gives you a lift. Good for the treatment of depression, lethargy and chronic fatigue syndrome makes this an excellent herb for insomnia

SPEARMINT Spearmint is a great aid to digestion, and relieves gas. It has a calming effect on the entire body. A few drops on your pillow can be very soothing.

THYME Another common cooking herb, thyme is also excellent for treating nervous disorders and also respiratory problems. Try it as a tea or put a bit into your pillow.

VALERIAN This is probably the best known herbal remedy for sleeplessness. It eases both nervous tension and muscle tension. It's great for combating stress and relieving insomnia. Valerian tea is a natural sedative. High doses could cause paralysis and a weakened heartbeat, but used as the package suggests, and it is a very beneficial aid to sleep. It is known as the valium of the nineteenth century.

WOOD BETONY Because of its calming effect on the nervous system, Wood Betony is good for anyone suffering from Parkinson's disease. It's also great for calming anyone's nerves and promoting sleep. Use it as a substitute for black tea. The taste is very similar, but it contains no caffeine.

CATNIP Yes, this is the herb you're cats love, the one that makes them go a bit crazy. But don't worry. For humans, catnip is relaxing and great for the digestion. It's often used in insomnia formulas and as a sleep promoting tea.. It can even be smoked to promote relaxation, but smoking it can cause severe headaches.

FLEECE FLOWER ROOT Treatment for deficient blood syndrome

GOTU KOLA Has a calming effect and also improves the circulation

HOELEN Another herb from the Orient. Hoelen is used in many Chinese Herbal Remedies for different maladies. It's noted for it's calming, soothing effect.

HOPS Hops, as a tea, is relaxing and calming. It's also relieves pain and aids digestion. It's not advised to take this herb, however, if you are depressed, as it is somewhat of a depressant.

JASMINE Best known as an aromatic oil. Put a few drops into the bath to help you relax. Used as a tea, it's a mild nerve sedative.

JUJUBE (DA T'SAO) Relieves nervous tension and apprehension

KAVA KAVA This member of the black pepper family helps give you a night of restful sleep. It's very relaxing. Long-term use isn't advised, however, as it can cause liver damage.

LAVENDER This is another herb known better as an aromatic oil. Use it in your nightly bath. Just a few drops will help to relax you and you'll sleep better. Taken in a tea, it helps to relieve anxiety.

LEMON BALM A tea made from lemon balm is great for the digestion and it relieves nervous tension. Try a cup at bedtime if you suffer from insomnia.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT This herb has nothing to do with the sugary blobs you roast over a campfire. It's a calming herb. Strong dosage might interfere with some of the drugs your doctor ordered from the pharmacy, so be sure you take them a few hours apart.

OAT FIBER Soothing to the digestion and to the nervous system

PASSION FLOWER Eases anxiety-induced insomnia

SAGE Eases depression and is good for the nerves

YOHIMBE is a popular herb originally from South Africa and known worldwide as an excellent aphrodisiac and sleep enhancer

MACA Increases libido, Deeper sleep,Helps adapt to stress,Slows the aging process,Lessens aches and pain.

CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM especially helpful for treating chronic coughs, asthma, and other bronchial conditions

REISHI MUSHROOM Recent studies have indicated that Reishi can have a number of effects: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral through inducing interferon production, lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, expectorant & antitussive, liver protecting and detoxifying, antibacterial, and anti-HIV activity.

Insomnia: Dangers & Treatment of Sleep Deprivation

2007-05-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from sleep deprivation? You know by now how you feel without a good night sleep: tiredness, irritability and a loss of concentration are high on the side effects list for insomnia. Therefore, it is very important that you find your cause of insomnia and an insomnia cure as soon as possible.

Sleep deprivation and sleep apnea affects our nervous systems by leaving us drowsy and unable to concentrate. Even losing sleep a few nights a week can significantly impair your ability to function and decrease the quality of your life. Not getting enough sleep also leads to poor memory. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings will develop. In the same vein, sleeping problems are common in both mental and physical disorders including schizophrenia and depression, stroke, cancer, and head injuries.

Insomnia treatment and cure: For getting a proper sleep at night, do the following:

Sleep only when sleepy. This reduces the time you are awake in bed.

If you can not fall asleep within 25 minutes, just get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy. Sit quietly in the dark listen to some nice relaxing music. Do not expose yourself to bright light while you are up.

Do not take naps. This will make you tired at bedtime. If you just cannot make it through the day without a power nap, sleep less than one hour, before 4 pm.

Go to bed and get up the same time every day. When your sleep cycle has a regular rhythm, you will feel much better.

Refrain from exercise at least four hours before bedtime. Regular exercise is recommended to help you sleep well, but the timing of the workout is important. Exercising in the morning or early afternoon will not interfere with your sleep.

Develop sleep rituals. Listen to relaxing cds, read something soothing for twenty minutes, have a cup of warm milk, and do relaxation exercises.

Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol at least four hours before bed. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Alcohol may seem to help you sleep in the beginning as it slows brain activity, but you will end up having a restless night.

Have a light snack before you go to bed. If your tummy is too empty, that can interfere with sleep. However, if you eat a big meal before bedtime, that can interfere as well.

Take a hot bath ninety minutes before bedtime. This will relax your body and will help you fall asleep.

Make sure your bedroom and bed are quiet and comfortable.

Getting a good night's sleep is as important as having a proper healthy diet and exercising to keep a healthy body. A good nights' sleep makes your skin look fresh and it also helps make your brain more alert. Though in a busy lifestyle we always try to sacrifice sleep for work but it is very important that you set aside enough hours for some good old-fashioned beauty sleep. The average person needs eight hours of sleep, while infants need sixteen hours of sleep, and teenagers need about nine hours.

Scientists believe that sleep maintains and repairs our bodies and minds. Every night we cycle through three stages of sleep ranging from light sleep to deep sleep, and finally, to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. A complete sleep cycle takes ninety to one hundred minutes on average. While we sleep our brains are using important neuronal connections that might otherwise get worse from lack of activity. During deep sleep, brain activity that control emotions, decision-making processes, and social interaction stops, allowing us to maintain optimal emotional and social functioning when we are awake. Cell repair and cell growth takes place to combat the affects of stress and UV rays in this stage as well. Hence, deep sleep is really beauty sleep.

Sleep also strengthens our immune system and helps our bodies fight infection. This is because our immune system releases a sleep inducing chemical while fighting a flu or an infection. Sleep helps the body conserve energy and other resources that the immune system requires to mount an effective attack. Start your insomnia treatment as soon as possible to prevent sleep deprivation.

Sleep Apnea In Children Can Cause Significantly Lower IQ Scores

2007-05-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Although it has been known for some time now that children with sleep apnea often produce poor scores on IQ tests (typically scoring an average of 85 against a score of 101 for children without sleep apnea) what has not been known until recently is that this results from chemical changes within the brain. This means that an otherwise 'smart' kid may well turn in a mediocre performance as a result of nothing more than a sleep disorder which, in most cases, can be quite easily treated.

In a study conducted at the Hopkin's Children's Centre in Baltimore, 31 children between the ages of 6 and 16 (19 of whom had severe sleep apnea) were examined using a special form or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and it was found that those children with sleep apnea showed significant changes in both the hippocampus and right frontal cortex - two areas of the brain associated with learning and higher mental function. The same study also discovered that these children had altered levels of three chemicals within the brain, indicative of brain damage.

This alteration of the brain chemistry brought about by the presence of sleep apnea may or may not be permanent and, at this stage, further studies are required to see whether or not this effect can be reversed. However, even if reversal is possible and the brain chemistry and cognitive function can be returned to normal, children with sleep apnea will suffer a loss in learning as long as they are suffering from untreated sleep apnea and they will certainly not be able to wind back the clock and regain this period of learning.

Parents should of course already be on the lookout for signs of sleep apnea in their children, but this latest study clearly indicates that an early diagnosis and treatment of this sleep disorder could have a very significant affect on a child's success in life.

The signs of sleep apnea include frequent pauses in breathing during sleep which often result in an arousal from sleep and tossing and turning in bed. Children may also display loud or labored breathing, snoring, coughing, gasping and, occasionally, bedwetting at an age when this phase should normally have passed. Parents may also notice a child sleeping in an odd position, perhaps with their bottom sticking up in the air and their head tilted back in an unconscious effort to force their airway open.

In most cases sleep apnea in children can be treated by the surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids, or excess tissue from the back of the throat or nose. In addition, a continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) machine may also be used to provide the child with a flow of air delivered through a mask worn while sleeping to keep the airway open.

Sleep apnea is in itself debilitating for any child and the effects of night after night of inadequate sleep will take their toll on your child. However, when this is combined with an impairment of your child's IQ, it becomes imperative that you act at the earliest possible opportunity to have this condition diagnosed and treated.

Treating Fibromyalgia Naturally

2007-05-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Fibromyalgia is an increasingly common condition that is characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. The National Fibromyalgia Association reports that as many as 10 million people have fibromyalgia, and over 80 percent of those diagnosed are women.

Fibromyalgia can mimic rheumatoid arthritis without the swelling and deformity of joints seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Ironically, this is unfortunate since people with this disease look perfectly healthy while feeling so ill.

By far, the chief complaint of fibromyalgia is pain followed closely by fatigue:

*Muscle and joint pain on the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, knees.
*Fatigue
*Sleep disturbances
*Body aches
*Reduced exercise tolerance
*Chronic facial muscle pain or aching

It is not known what causes people to develop fibromyalgia. Preliminary studies have hinted that there may be a genetically inherited disposition to develop the disorder, but that is not conclusive.

The clinical management of fibromyalgia leaves much to be desired. Until recent research showed that the pain was real, many doctors referred people with this disorder for psychiatric care. Since fibromyalgia isn't a bacteria, virus, or germ, doctors have a hard time dealing with something they can't see. Some patients are helped by anti depressants, but many are not. Traditional treatment options are few.

Fortunately fibromyalgia is one condition where alternative medicine can definitely help. Naturopathic doctors feel the fundamentals of disease are malnutrition, toxins, and stress on the immune system. Things like mercury in tooth fillings, industrial chemicals in the products we use, and various other toxins in our environment magnify each other and affect the immune system so that eventually it does not function properly.

A holistic approach will seek to boost your immune system through detoxification, proper diet, and supplements in combination with treatments such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. Many people have found relief in these methods. Fibromyalgia isn't a life sentence of pain and fatigue.

Statements made in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

Treatment Options For Restless Leg Syndrome

2007-05-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

After many sleepless nights, you finally had the courage to seek help from your doctor to know what's wrong with you. Then he tells you what it is. He calls it Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS. It suddenly makes sense now why you've suffered from painful and unpleasant sensations in your calves and lower legs for many nights now. Now, you may want to ask this question: What are the treatment options available for people like you who suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome?

You've observed that moving your legs, massaging them, doing some deep knee bends and walking seem to provide some temporary relief. You also observed that it often occurs when you are lying down or sometimes when you sit for a prolonged period of time. It occurs most often at night so that you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Because of this you feel very tired and restless when morning comes.

They say that it is quite difficult to pinpoint the cause of Restless Leg Syndrome. It was linked to anemia and other diseases that are chronic in nature such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, kidney failure and peripheral neuropathy (where you lose feeling in your hands and feet). They even say that RLS might be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that could be worse.

There is no cure for RLS. Most often, treatments are geared towards alleviating the symptoms of the condition. Generally doctors suggest a change in lifestyle and taking prescription drugs and supplements to relieve the symptoms. The treatment options for Restless Leg Syndrome include the following:

1. Health practitioner advise those who suffer from RLS to stop or even reduce consumption of tobacco products, caffeine and alcohol to prevent worsening of the symptoms.

2. They also advise you to develop a regular sleep schedule in order to regulate your sleeping and waking cycle.

3. Doing some moderate exercises or engaging in activities such as walking, yoga or stretching at bedtime is suggested and has proven to help prevent some occurrences of the symptoms

4. Taking cold or hot baths and massaging the legs or using ice packs or heating pads can be done to relax the muscles in the affected areas.

5. Doctors also advise you to take vitamin and mineral supplements to increase your body's iron, foliate and magnesium levels. It has been observed that RLS generally does not occur in people who have high levels of these minerals.

6. For cases where the symptoms are too severe for other remedies to provide comfort, doctors can prescribe one of the following drugs:

a. Benzodiazepines. They tend to depress one's central nervous system in order for sufferers to be able to sleep better despite the symptoms. However, those who have sleep apnea should not use them.

b. Dopaminergic agents. These are drugs that are most often prescribed for Parkinson's disease patients. They have also proven to reduce symptoms of RLS and leg movements at night.

c. Opoids. These are "relaxants" or painkillers that can often help those who suffer from severe symptoms.

So you see, there are actually a lot of treatment options for Restless Leg Syndrome. Some people falsely claim that RLS is not a very serious condition and can be left untreated. They believe that symptoms would probably go away after a while. Some symptoms do, but most do not.

Seeing your doctor is the first step in treating your condition. It will save you from having a lot of pain in the future, since the likelihood of the symptoms worsening increases the longer it is left untreated.

Acupuncture and Sleep Apnea

2007-05-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

Sleep apnea is a disorder that can seriously impact your health and quality of life given the fact you need peaceful sleep. Acupuncture for sleep apnea is one treatment.

Acupuncture and Sleep Apnea

The term sleep apnea refers to a generalized sleeping disorder syndrome that is characterized by several conditions. Frequent and loud snoring that is sometimes followed by a temporary cessation of breathing is one of them. Most likely as a result of this primary symptom, other symptoms include tiredness during the day, morning headaches, dry mouth, and sore throat. Depression is common and impotence and high blood pressure also often occur.

You would be hard pressed to find another condition that so well illustrates the weakness of Western Medicine when compared to Traditional Chinese Medicine in the area of internal medical conditions. When you examine most literature on sleep apnea, you are going to encounter much on the symptoms, but very little on the cause. The treatment suggestions are going to all be directed at symptomatic relief and environmental and lifestyle alterations in behavior that might be helpful in symptom control. One article on sleep apnea contained a section on acupuncture and sleep apnea that consisted of one short sentence. It said that acupuncture is useful for the treatment of sleep apnea. That was all.

Well, this should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with acupuncture. The basic assumption made in Traditional Chinese Medicine is that the body is supposed to function properly. When all is in harmony, it will do so. It is necessary to live in a certain way to make this harmony more likely. There are important environmental considerations such as diet, exercise, and even the mental and spiritual well being of a person that contribute to harmony. When something gets out of whack, there is a definite reason and cause. It is the pursuit of this underlying cause rather than a concentration on symptoms that makes acupuncture and sleep apnea such a good match.

The treatment of all manners of sleep disorders has been a major area of interest in acupuncture therapy for a very long time. Many techniques have been developed to improve the ease, duration, and quality of sleep. Acupuncture body points have been identified that are related to sleep issues to such a degree that a procedure known as acupressure is often used to induce sleep and treat insomnia.

Acupressure is simply the applying of mild pressure to the acupuncture body point. This can be done by pinching the point lightly between the thumb and finger. If positive results can be obtained this easily, it certainly bodes well for the chances of success when full needling is done. Acupuncture deserves more than a mere mention in the treatment of sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms Are Not Always Easy To Recognize

2007-05-12T23:06:00.000-07:00

Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder which affects more than twelve million Americans and is now as common as adult diabetes.

The commonest form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea which, as the name suggests, results from an obstruction to the airways which interferes with breathing. There is also a second form of sleep apnea known as central sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to control breathing adequately during sleep. Finally, some people suffer from mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of both obstructive and central forms of the condition.

Sleep apnea symptoms can appear at any time and, while they are most commonly seen in overweight men over the age of forty, they can be found in both men and women at any age and are increasingly being seen today in children.

The most obvious symptom of sleep apnea is snoring which is of course a difficult symptom to spot yourself and normally needs to be pointed out to you by a sleeping partner. Snoring has many causes and the presence of snoring is not by itself an indication that you have sleep apnea. Most sleep apnea sufferers will however snore.

The second most obvious symptom is excessive daytime tiredness. Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing frequently during sleep and the body's natural reaction to this is to wake you just enough for you to start breathing again, but not sufficiently for you to be aware of the fact that you are being awakened. The result of this is that your sleep is very light and continually interrupted and you do not enjoy the deep sleep that your body needs to recharge its batteries. As a consequence, over time, you find that you are becoming increasingly tired and sleepy during the day.

If sleep apnea is left untreated its effects will begin to become evident and further symptoms will start to appear. These may include headaches (especially first thing in the morning), irritability and possibly depression. You may also notice that you are starting to put on weight.

A less obvious symptom of sleep apnea is an increase in blood pressure which can result in a number of cardiovascular problems. This will be picked up if you are among the growing number of people who now monitor their own blood pressure regularly at home but otherwise will not be detected until you have a routine physical exam at your doctor's office.

Yet another symptom is that of increasing learning difficulties and problems with memory retention. Again this is not something that is easy to spot yourself but others may notice that you are not as quick on the uptake as you used to be.

Finally, some sleep apnea sufferers will notice a decline in sexual function and this can ultimately result in impotency.

As with many conditions individual symptoms by themselves could be a sign of just about anything. However, when you start to see these symptoms coming together then you should consider consulting your doctor and think about being tested for sleep apnea.

One word of warning though. Sleep apnea testing will often involve referral to a sleep specialist, preferably one who is certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM), and could mean undergoing overnight sleep testing either in a sleep laboratory or at home. Such testing can often cost upwards of $1,000 and you should check with your insurance company before committing yourself to a program of sleep apnea evaluation.

Your Insomnia May Be Caused By Your Eating Habits

2007-04-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

Not being able to fall asleep is a problem that has plagued almost everyone at some point in their lives. You toss and turn while you watch the clock slowly tick the minutes away. Just as you feel the tug of sleep, you hear the sound of the alarm clock and you have to get up and face your day without any rest. There are many contributing factors to the problem of insomnia.

One of those factors might be what you are eating during the day. Your breakfast, lunch or dinner could be the culprit behind that insomnia. Our bodies absorb certain foods and those foods could be working against your desire to sleep. Changing our diets is one of the healthiest ways to fix a sleeping problem.

Choosing foods that enhance the body's ability to relax and fall asleep is the most natural cure you can find. There are foods that naturally work with the body's chemistry to promote sleep. If you find yourself struggling to get a full night's rest it might be worth considering adjusting your diet to incorporate some of the foods listed below.

Fruits - one fruit that seems to have a stronger effect on treating insomnia is lemons. · Breads - any type of bread including muffins and bagels seem to be effective, but whole grain breads are preferable over other types. · Milk - a glass of warm milk has been said to help a person fall asleep and that is true, there is a chemical found in milk that actually promotes sleep.

Everyone's body chemistry is different. Therefore each individual person has to do their own research into what foods work for them. If having a bowl of strawberries before bed makes you sleepy, than you need to consider that strawberries might be a trigger for you. If however, you have an apple and two hours later you are tossing and turning in bed, the natural sugar in the apple might be the reason you are suffering from insomnia.

A good way to keep track of what foods you are eating and how they impact your sleep pattern is to keep a journal. The premise is simple - you just write down each thing that you eat during the day and the time that you ate it. Then each night you mark down what time you go to bed and after waking jot down a quick note or two on how you slept and how long you slept.

Before long you will probably notice a pattern developing - your body will react to certain foods and after consuming them, you may experience insomnia. At the same time you will see clear patterns developing that tell you what foods are helping you to sleep better. With this knowledge you'll be able to carefully plan your meals and snacks while taking into consideration what foods you need to avoid and which you should include in your diet so that you get a full and restful night's sleep.

Night Moods: Do You Have Nocturnal Panic Attacks?

2007-04-29T00:42:00.000-07:00

Do you have nocturnal panic attacks? Many of us do and most of those that do have them do not know what they are. If you find yourself doing things like this, then you may be experiencing this condition. You go to sleep knowing that you need to sleep to have a good day tomorrow. But, then trouble happens.

As you unconsciously transition from one level of sleep to another, something frightening happens. You bolt upright to find yourself short of breath and suffering from chest pains. You feel dizzy and have a sense of impending doom and suffocation. You're sweating and feel as if you're going crazy. You have just experienced a nocturnal panic attack.

Nocturnal panic attacks occur to many people. They happen when they want to and do not give any signs that they are going to happen. Your dreams have nothing to do with this condition. In fact, you may not even remember the dreams, only the terror of the nocturnal panic attacks. Nightmares happen at a different time frame during your sleep than panic attacks happen.

Sleep Apnea If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may be experiencing panic attacks at least in part due to this. Your heart rate will increase as will your blood flow. This causes a feeling anxiety and that can lead to panic attacks. It is your body's way of protecting you. What Are They Many of those that face nocturnal panic attacks will also experience panic attacks during the day.

About half of those that have panic attacks during the day will have them at night as well. But, the catch is that only ten percent of all panic attacks happen during the night. People that have these night time terrors often have a fear of things like having a heart attack or having a stroke while they are asleep.

They are, in effect, worrying about bad things happening to them even when they know that it is unlikely that they will happen. What Can Be Done One thing you can do independently is take inventory of your bedtime habits. Be merciless. Be thorough. There are likely many behaviors you can modify that will keep you from sleeping too lightly, thereby decreasing your risk of being awakened by panicky feelings.

The most common types of modifications involve changes in dietary behavior. The National Sleep Foundation suggests pinpointing diet-related culprits by eliminating them, one at a time, and taking note of the results. Reducing your daily consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages after midday can often bring the biggest rewards.

Other nocturnal panic attack sufferers choose to forego the use of artificial sweeteners. Any attempt at getting a better night's sleep that works consistently should be adopted immediately. Eliminate daytime naps, if they are currently a part of your regular routine. Do all you can to encourage your body to rest easy. Nocturnal panic attacks can be treated by your doctor as well.

Nightmares and Bedwetting: Children and Bedtime Issues

2007-04-29T00:39:00.000-07:00

While there are many children that do not have any bedtime issues, there are many children who do. Not every child is able to go to bed at night, and get all of the required sleep they need. The following paragraphs will discuss children and bedtime issues, including bed wetting, nightmares, and inability to fall asleep at night.

Bed Wetting and Children Bed wetting is one of the most common bedtime issues with children. Boys are most often bed wetters as opposed to girls. Studies have shown that boys wet the bed up to twice as much as girls do. Bed wetting can not only cause stress for your child, but very often it causes embarrassment, as well. You should consult with a doctor if your child's if: Your child is over the age of 7 and is still bed wetting.

Your child is potty trained then all the sudden starts bed wetting. Your child tells you they need help. It is also a good idea to seek professional help if your child's bed wetting is affecting his ability to sleep. Nightmares It is common for most children to experience nightmares every once in a while. Nightmares are just one bedtime issue regarding children.

They most often occur during light sleep, and will usually awaken your child. They leave children very frightened, and most of the time a child will not want to go back to sleep. There are some actions you can take to help your child with this bedtime issue. Firstly, you can limit what your child sees on television before bedtime.

By eliminating violent shows and movies from your child's viewing, you will be in a sense, preventing a nightmare before it happens. Trying to prevent nightmares in the first place is always a good idea. Secondly, you should anticipate nightmares, and always be prepared. It is very important for a parent to go to their child if their child is awaken at night by a scary dream.

In order to go back to sleep successfully, your child may need your comfort, as well as your support. Lastly, reassure your child after a bad dream, and remind them that you are always there to be their protector. You should always speak to your child in a calm manner, and always tell them it is safe to go back to sleep.

Stay with your child as long as they need you to, but do not let your child get in bed with you. It is very important to make them comfortable in their own bed. Bedtime can often be stressful, no matter what the issue might be. The most important factor in regular, peaceful sleep is routine.

By establishing a set routine, it will help your child develop more consistent sleeping habits, as they will be training themselves when they should be tired. Routines can actually take the stress out of bedtime, and thus eliminate most bedtime issues.

8 Simple Remedies To Beat Insomnia

2007-04-29T00:35:00.000-07:00

Insomnia affects millions around the world. Sleep is fundamental to every human being for a healthy way of life. Without regular sleep, people are not able to function properly. Some may only need a few hours of sleep a night, but most generally need a minimum of eight hours to function properly during the day, without which their health, life, work and relationships suffer. There are many ways to combat insomnia:

* What you eat during the day for breakfast, lunch or dinner could be the cause of insomnia. Change your diet to include food that helps the body relax and fall asleep, such as lemons, whole grain breads, and milk. Milk, in particular, once heated is quite effective, as it releases a chemical called tryptophan that relaxes the body and helps you sleep.

* Drinking herbal tea before bed is also said to have a soothing effect on the body.

* Try waking up earlier in the morning in order to force your body's internal clock to adjust. With this shortened sleep schedule, you will tire earlier at night so that you are ready to hit the sack by your regular bedtime.

* Taking afternoon naps may disrupt your sleep at night so it is a good idea to cut out the nap and instead exercise or do some other activities.

* Certain exercises help you to sleep better at night. Non-strenuous exercises such yoga help, and so do walking and swimming as long as you do them in a non-vigorous, relaxing and leisurely manner. It is also better to do these exercises early on in the day and not after late afternoon. On the other hand, strenuous exercises that energize and gets the adrenaline pumping makes it very hard for you to get a good night's rest.

* Television may adversely affect your sleep especially when you watch something thrilling or scary. These types of shows tend to get the body all pumped up with adrenaline, making it difficult to calm down and go to sleep. Instead of watching TV before bedtime, you could instead try unwinding by reading a book, listening to soft music, or playing a card game.

* Taking a warm bath helps to relax your muscles and body, and helps you get a good night's rest.

* Certain soothing sounds seem to enhance the desire to sleep, in particular, the sound of nature such as the sound of water flowing in a river, or of birds chirping. Soothing music also seems to help, especially relaxing and repetitive music. Making these positive changes in your daily habits is a step in the right direction towards beating insomnia. With these simple but effective remedies, you will once again get the rest you need for a healthy body and mind.

Baby Sleep Tips - Some Tricks for the Transition To Solitary Sleep

2007-04-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

As a new parent, one of your priorities will be to establish good sleeping habits with your newborn. Your baby needs to learn to sleep on his own; the transition from sleeping with his mother to sleeping by himself takes some time. Of course, as add added bonus, if you get your baby to learn to sleep on his own you will also get some much needed rest yourself.

To instill good sleeping habits in your baby, research and try to employ different baby sleep tips: try a lot of things and see what works for you, and don't be afraid to trust your instincts. Many baby sleep tips center on the idea of establishing routines and associations for your child between nighttime and sleep.

The sooner you child begins to associate bedtime with sleep, the more likely he is to be able to go to sleep without a fuss. A period that is often overlooked, however, in establishing day vs. night associations, is the period of "transition" - that is, the one between being awake and falling asleep.

Here are some transitioning techniques to try: Try what is sometimes called "fathering down." Just before placing the baby into bed, the father should cradle the baby in such a way that the baby's head rests on the father neck. The father should then talk gently to the child. Because the male's voice is much deeper than the female's, babies are often more soothed by it, and will fall asleep more easily after being exposed to it for some time.

You can also try what is sometimes referred to as "wearing down." This is effective if your baby has been active throughout the day and is too excited to go to bed easily. All you have to do is place your baby in a sling or carrier - "wear him" in other words - for about half an hour before his bedtime.

Simply go about your regular household activities: being close to a parent and slowly rocked about before bedtime will provide your child with an easier transition from being awake to being asleep. Finally, if you've exhausted other options, you can go for the tried and true method of "driving down."

Most parents are probably familiar with this as a last resort: place your baby in the car and drive around for awhile until he falls asleep. This one, while inconvenient, usually works every time, and if you desperately need some sleep it can be a godsend. Obviously, you don't want to do things like drive around every night to get your child to sleep. Nor do you want to have to carry him around in a sling. The idea, though, is to start with these more drastic techniques and then slowly ease out of them.

Keep in mind what a major transition your baby is going through when he is tiny: he's never slept on his own before. He simply doesn't know how to transition himself from being awake to being asleep. By employing these transition techniques you will be slowly teaching him how to do so, and as they are gradually removed your baby will learn good sleeping habits, which will ensure that both you and your child get a good night's rest.

Insomnia or Sleep Deprivation

2007-04-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

Insomnia is mainly associated with people who cannot sleep at all, however there are many types of Insomnia which prevent people from sleeping. Types of insomnia include; inability to sleep through the night, difficulty in falling asleep,waking early in the morning & being unable to sleep again & more commonly lack of quality sleep.

On average adults require between 7-8 hours of sleep per night, however this figure can vary from person to person. As people get older they may tend to require less sleep at night but then nap during the day. Young babies spend most of their day asleep whilst school age children require about 10 hours sleep per night.

Insomnia has many symtoms including: Lying awake a long time before falling asleep. Waking up several times during the night. Awaking early in the morning and then not being able to fall asleep again. Feeling tired & un-revitalised. Feeling irritable during the day. Inability to concentrate or function correctly during the day.

Insomnia may result from many factors including: Drug Use - Withdrawal from certain drugs can lead to insomnia, such as hypnotics -prescribed for short term insomnia, alcohol, antidepressants, diet pills, beta blockers & corticosteroids. Psychiatric Problems - Stress, depression, dementia or anxiety can lead to insomnia.

Physological Problems - Your environment may cause insomnia, noise, light, jet lag, snoring or movement by a partner & physical activity before bedtime ( sports or reading ). Physical Problems - Insomnia may be caused by physical conditions such as; headache, arthritis, hot flushes & parkinson disease. In treating insomnia drugs should only be used as a last resort as they have side effects & can be addictive.

The first cause of action in treating insomnia should be to eliminate any underlying causes. Steps you can take to eliminate these causes are: Restricting your intake of caffeine, alcohol & Nicotine. Taking regular exercise during the day. Keeping a good sleep environment - quiet & not too light. Educating yourself about sleep & relaxation.

Counselling - Talking to a professional may help you to get to the underlying causes of your insomnia. Preventative action you can take to stop insomnia occouring include: Do not eat a big meal before going to bed. If noise is a problem wear ear plugs. If you cannot sleep, get up and occupy yourself for a short time & then try again. Try not to nap during the day. Keep to a routine before bedtime so that you create a mindset for sleep.

A Consistent Sleep Pattern Can Help Stop Snoring

2007-04-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

During the week when you're working you might try and get to bed at a decent hour. You realize and recognize that a full eight or nine hours of sleep each night is essential to focus and productivity at work. When the weekend rolls around, you decide to go out and party and as a result you don't get to bed until the crack of dawn.

The difference might not only be your bedtime or the hours of sleep you get but it might also be whether or not you snore. Going to bed at the same time each night and sleeping the same amount of hours can have a direct impact on snoring. Snoring is never a good thing and it's sometimes a very sore spot in a relationship, especially when it's keeping one partner awake almost every night.

The cause of the snoring could be contributed to a lack of sleep. Our bodies crave routine be it in the form of exercise, the number of calories we consume, and also how much sleep we are giving it every night. Our bodies depend on sleep to remain rested and vital. Routine is good and when our body is forced out of that routine, whether that be because of illness, stress or in this case a lack of sleep it can cause a person to snore.

Snoring results in a fitful sleep that might leave the person feeling more tired than before they went to bed. It can also directly change the sleep patterns of those that the snorer lives with. For someone who has a snoring problem, the idea of a scheduled pattern of sleep is well worth trying. It involves going to bed each night at approximately the same time and waking the next morning at a predetermined time.

The use of an alarm clock is very helpful. Over time you might even notice that your body will develop its own inner clock and you'll awaken just before the alarm clock rings, after a nice free of snoring. By developing this type of sleep pattern, the person will have less chance of snoring. Their body will be following a regular routine and that results in a feeling of being rested which is essential to good health.

Sound sleep is often a contributing factor in whether or not a person snores. The difference between sleeping in a very quiet room as opposed to a room where there is outside noise filtering in can also playing a role in snoring. If your goal is to stop snoring, it's important to establish a regular sleep routine and stick to it all week long.

Your body will appreciate the regularity and with the added bonus of being rested, the chances of you snoring decrease. Pick a time to go to bed that you can live with and a time that's easy to wake up to each day. Stick to it and you may just stop your snoring.

Baby Sleep and Daytime Feedings, The Connection

2007-04-29T00:22:00.000-07:00

As a parent, it is important that you establish good sleep habits for your baby. All babies experience a transition period during which they adjust from sleeping with their mothers to sleeping by themselves. You can facilitate this process and help your child to develop better sleep habits.

Your efforts will also let you get some more rest yourself! Parents should keep in mind that no recommendations about a baby's sleep should be viewed as a hard-and-fast rule. Your instincts as a parent should guide you. As a new parent, you may feel insecure about the decisions you make, but it is important that you think about any baby sleep advice in terms of your own parental instincts.

Your baby's feeding routine is one of the first things to consider when attempting to encourage better sleeping habits in your baby. Often, a baby will be active and busy during the day and not feed much. This means, however, that the baby will wake up over and over during the night to be fed.

Therefore, one method for getting your baby to sleep at night is to make sure that regular feedings occur during the day. Try feeding the baby every three hours. This ensures that the baby's hunger is relieved, and it also works to create a stronger association with feeding during the daytime. If your baby does wake up in the night to be fed, try to encourage him or her to take a full feeding the first time he or she wakes up.

This method keeps the baby from waking up every few hours for snacking. These recommendations are only meant as guidance, not as rules set in stone. Generally, you want to establish daytime and sleep-time associations for the baby. You want the baby to know that feeding and play are things that occur during the day, while baths, lullabies, and sleep are things that happen at night.

Encouraging these associations means that the transition between waking and sleeping is easier. If your baby doesn't want to feed every three hours, of course, don't think that you must force him or her to do so. Additionally, don't feel like you must force a full feeding on the baby when he or she wakes at night. Consider the overall goal, which is to create general associations and habits that will result in healthy and quick sleep-pattern development.

Sleep Apnea Is A Scary Condition And Needs Treating Seriously!

2007-04-29T00:20:00.000-07:00

Those of you reading this have probably come here because you have some sleeping disorder of some kind. This short piece is about sleep apnea which is a common breathing condition that can range from mild to moderate to severe. Adult sleep apnea is common around the world and the name comes from the Greek word, apnea, meaning "want of breathe.

But just what causes it and what can we do to tackle the problem? Sleep apnea sufferers are those folks that consistently experience interrupted breathing whilst sleeping. Sometimes the sufferer wakes up gulping or gasping for air. One of the common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring, but that doesn't mean to say that all those that snore have the condition.

What happens with the sufferer is the that the snore itself actually stops the breathing while they are asleep, and this can last for up to 10 seconds 5 or more times an hour. Over time, if gone untreated, this can lead to many more serious health conditions due to there being low oxygen levels in the body as a result of this breathing disruption.

For those who are suffering with sleep apnea and have sought help from your local GP, you have most likely been told to lose some weight, or if weight is not an issue it may have been suggested that you attempt to sleep on your side, and to sleep at an elevation. All of the above can and do help in many cases, but not all suggestions work for all patients and the conditions is assessed on a case by case basis.

Quite often beds and bedding can play a major role in assisting sleep apnea patients. Adjustable beds can be one of recommendations so too can various support pillows and other bedding items. Basically, the way and the position in which the sufferer sleeps can be the cause of their problems and this is why beds and bedding can help to lesson or cure the problem. Unfortunately, Sleep apnea is quite a common condition. In fact it's believed to affect as many adults as diabetes.

Every person who suffers with sleep apnea is going to find relief using different methods, with surgery being a last resort. But no one should just suffer alone and in silence. If your sleep is constantly being disrupted through sleep apnea then you should seek help without further ado. Sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition which can ultimately lead to death in some extreme cases.

Six Non-CPAP Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea at Home

2007-04-29T00:12:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, there is no substitute for CPAP when it comes to treating Sleep Apnea. The proper thing to do, if you suspect that you might have it, is to go to a sleep specialist and follow his instructions. He will probably recommend CPAP, surgery, or oral appliance therapy.

This list is not necessarily an alternative to CPAP, surgery, or oral appliances, but rather supplementary methods that decrease the probability of airway collapse. Usually these methods are not enough to entirely eliminate apnea. Again, talk to your doctor before attempting to treat sleep apnea. So here are the six ways:

1. Weight Loss - Unless you are extremely overweight AND your sleep apnea is mild, usually weight loss is not enough to entirely eliminate it. But it can definitely help. Weight loss is thought to improve apnea by changing the shape of the airway which decreases the probability of airway collapse.

2. Avoid Alcohol Before Bedtime - Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the airway, which worsens snoring and sleep breathing problems. The best advice is to abstain from alcohol, but if you insist on drinking make sure you leave sufficient time for your blood alcohol level to decrease to zero before going to bed.

3. Sleep On Your Side - Your bed partner may have already pointed this out to you: when you are on your side, your snoring improves. Sleeping on your back may increase the probability of airway collapse due to gravity's effect on the jaw and tongue.

4. Elevate the Head of the Bed - If you have sleep apnea, you may have noticed that you sleep better in your recliner. As with side-sleeping, it is thought that head elevation may improve sleep apnea by changing the conformation of the airway. A 30 to 60 degree elevation of the head of the bed may lead to improvement in sleep apnea.

5. Avoid Sleep Deprivation - There is evidence that sleep deprivation both prolongs breathing problems while sleeping and decreases the chances that you will wake-up from those problems. In other words, current scientific evidence suggests that sleep deprivation worsens sleep apnea. So get more sleep, and sleep breathing may improve.

6. External Nasal Dilation (Breathe Rite Strips) - May reduce severity of snoring but probably not effective at treating sleep apnea. If you think you might have sleep apnea, then you should talk to a sleep specialist. If he suggests that you wear CPAP then DO IT. However, while your waiting to get your CPAP machine, or if you want to enhance your treatment of sleep apnea, then the above methods may help.

Home Remedies For Bruxism

2007-04-28T23:35:00.000-07:00

Bruxism or teeth grinding is one of most damaging forms of dental disorders. This condition is usually difficult to detect in the early stages as the patient is completely oblivious of this habit. It leads to clenching and grinding of the teeth along with extreme jaw movements.

You can suffer facial pain due to the clenching - clamping the top and bottom teeth together. This stressful act puts pressure on the muscles, tissues and the areas around the jaw. It can lead to serious problems like jaw joint disorders, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth and many others. This continuous form of grinding damages the teeth completely.

This condition is very common among children but it is not only restricted to them. It is a very common problem among people with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. The teeth clenching and teeth grinding may lead to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). Home Remedies for Bruxism Before retiring to bed you can chew on an apple, cauliflower or carrot.

This will calm your overactive mouth and prevent grinding. To relax your jaw muscles use a warm washcloth around the sides of your face. Continue doing this for sometime. This will relax the clenched muscles that cause head pain. Do it before bedtime to benefit more. Be relaxed and avoid stress by taking warm baths and massages. Massage your neck muscles, shoulders and face to relax peacefully.

Stress relieving exercises should help you unwind. Squeeze a tennis ball; it may come in handy to get rid of the stress. Sleeping on your side or your stomach may increase your chances of bruxism. The best position to sleep is on your back to reduce the stress. Use contoured pillow if you can't sleep on your back. Place the contoured pillow under you face and the ordinary pillow between your arms.

Sleeping in this position reduces the strain on your jaw and neck and prevents you from rolling over onto your face. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it inadvertently affects your sleep and increases the movement of your jaw which causes clenching. Cut down on caffeine and carbohydrates like candy and pastries.

Try acupressure, it may help you relax for a good night sleep thus avoiding any incidents of teeth clenching or grinding. Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

How Serious Is Long Term Insomnia?

2007-04-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

Long term insomnia is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. Persistent insomnia, which is sometimes called chronic insomnia, is characterized by the inability to sleep that often persists for several nights. This type of sleep disorder can even last for up to months depending on the gravity of the problem.

Long term insomnia is often caused by a number of factors although most experts hold worrying as the culprit responsible. However not all experts believe that psychological factors are the root of persistent insomnia. In some cases, persistent insomnia can even be a result of some type of physical problem.

Certain physiological factors have been found to cause persistent insomnia in some patients that participated in a study conducted by the Association of Sleep Disorders in the United States. An individual with physical disorders such as abnormal muscle activity or breathing problems often experience sleep disorders that can be as serious as persistent insomnia.

Long term insomnia can also be attributed to two well-known psychological factors namely depression and stress. Research has also shown that more women are at risk of experiencing persistent insomnia due to biological factors such as menopause. Other factors that can cause persistent insomnia can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle with too much caffeine, nicotine or alcohol as well as late night snacks.

Dependence on prescription drugs such as anti-depressants can also lead to sleep disorders. Several environmental factors can also lead to persistent insomnia like excessive light or noise, working the night shift, and jet lag. Sleeping on an uncomfortable bed can also lead to persistent insomnia.

Easy Techniques to Ease Long Term Insomnia Despite being a serious sleep disorder, people suffering from persistent insomnia need not worry, as there are natural remedies that can be employed to help ease the problem. The most logical solution would be to refrain from takings naps during the day. Too much sleep during the day will make it harder to sleep at night.

Yoga is a great exercise that can help a patient suffering persistent insomnia loosen up and focus. Yoga is a unique form of relaxation technique that can teach a person to meditate and visualize away their worries. Reducing stress will help decrease stress hormones. Other than yoga, insomniacs can also engage in physically energizing workouts to raise adrenaline levels and increase the body's core temperature.

Exercise such as this is best done in the afternoon or even in the early evening as the hormone levels go down five to six hours after exercise can help promote deep sleep. Avoid exercising right before bedtime, as the body will be too stimulated to fall asleep. Pass up a heavy meal at least four hours before hitting the sheets.

Going to bed on a full stomach will make it harder to sleep, as the tummy feels bloated; however drinking a glass of warm milk before bedtime can help promote sleep as it contains tryptophan. Aside from milk, other protein-rich foods like nuts, tuna, dates, and even potatoes can help promote sleep. These foods contain tryptophan, which is a chemical that sends a message to the brain that initiates the release of the hormone serotonin to help a person relax.

Alternative remedies such, as acupuncture may be a solution to persistent insomnia. This ancient Chinese remedy is known to be quite effective in treating a variety of sicknesses and is a dependable alternative to taking prescription drugs that at times can be addictive. Vitamin and mineral supplements can also be taken to treat persistent insomnia. These may include calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Other types of supplements that can be taken to pacify the nervous system would be vitamins B3, B6, and C.

The overall ambience of the bedroom can cause a person to lose sleep. In some cases, loud wall colors or uncomfortable beddings, curtains or carpets with frenzied patterns can keep a person awake all night. It helps to have bedroom walls painted in soft pastel colors that are calming to look at. Severe chronic insomnia will require professional assistance and a lot of patience on the part of the patient. It is also a good idea to start a sleep diary wherein the patient can write down their observations in order to identify any pattern that could have led to the sleeping disorder.

Some Common Causes Of Adult Sleep Disorders And Tips That May Help

2007-04-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Sleep is very important for maintaining our health and quality of life. Even though sleep is very important, about forty million people suffer from sleep disorders, and many of these go undiagnosed. Without the proper amount of sleep our bodies don't function as well as they should.

Fatigue can cause us to be irritable, have trouble concentrating, have trouble remembering things, and slower recovery times from injury and illness. It is recommended that the average person should get between seven and eight hours of sleep a night. You may need more sleep than this, it just depends on the person. If you are ill you will probably need more than this.

Pregnancy can also cause you to need more sleep. If you are getting your seven to eight hours of sleep and find you are still irritable or having trouble staying alert and focused you may need more sleep. There are many different disorders that people suffer from.

Some of the more common sleep disorders include irregular sleep patterns, sleep walking, nightmares, snoring, insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. Some of these disorders are more easily diagnosed than others. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders that people suffer from.

Insomnia is when you have trouble falling or staying asleep at night, or waking up too early in the morning, and not feeling refreshed when you wake up. You may have occasional insomnia, or you may have a severe case of insomnia. Many different things could be causing your insomnia.

Anxiety, depression, pain, illness, irregular schedules, and drugs such nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine can also be a cause of insomnia. Some of these problems may require you to seek medical help, while others can be fixed at home. If your insomnia is due to anxiety or depression or prolonged illness or pain you may want to speak to your doctor to see what you can do.

If you suffer from an irregular schedule the fix may be as easy as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Other things you might want to do is make sure you are tired when you go to bed. There is no sense in going to bed if you are not tired, you might as well do something until you are tired. Doing activities that are relaxing will also help you feel more ready for bed. You can try reading a book, or watching some television, whatever helps you relax.

Smoking and doing exercise would probably not be something you would want to do since neither one is very relaxing. On the other hand, regular exercise that is five to six hours before you are ready for bed may help keep you on a regular schedule. You may also want to avoid drinks with a lot of caffeine for five to six hours before you would like to go to bed. If these tips don't help you with your insomnia you may want to speak to your doctor and see if there is anything else that is causing the disorder.

Kids' Snoring Is on the Rise... But Why?

2007-04-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Most parents, at some point during the night, sneak into the room and listen to their children sleeping as they check to make sure they’re safe and sound. For many parents, it’s the only time they manage to see their children peaceful and quiet. Unfortunately, there’s been a rather alarming increase in childhood snoring as well as sleep apnea that has many parents afraid for the health of their children.

The rise in childhood obesity is a definite issue to consider when evaluating possible causes in the rise in childhood snoring as well as sleep apnea. It’s a very logical explanation, particularly in light of the correlation between obesity and apnea in adults. There will probably be greater numbers of reported snoring among children who are overweight as well as an increased number of cases where apnea is present.

There’s another possibility that is being given some considerable attention as well. NBC reported that some instances of sleep apnea in children could be the direct result of fewer tonsillectomies being performed.

The vast majority of sleep apnea cases are obstructive sleep apnea, which means that something is blocking the airways. It’s a logical conclusion that tonsils can be the culprits in many of these cases. Children who would have had their tonsils removed in decades past are keeping them, only to find that larger problems loom as the result.

Snoring in and of itself isn’t dangerous and there can be numerous reasons why your child is snoring. He or she could simply have a cold, which inhibits their ability to breath.

You could also find that your child is sleeping in a position that doesn’t provide the best possible environment for deep breathing that’s associated with sleep. Don’t panic if you’ve heard your child snoring for a night or two - just begin to pay attention.

If he quits breathing during the night and suddenly gasps for air or he’s becoming more and more tired throughout the day, you should consult your doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of sleep apnea.

Childhood sleep apnea is more than a health problem, though that alone is enough to worry most parents. It can inhibit learning and proper growth. A good nights’ sleep is vital to growing bodies and if your child isn’t breathing properly, he isn’t getting that restful sleep that’s so important.

A short attention span is one of many problems. This often exhibits itself in manners that are seen as behavioral problems and an inability to focus and concentrate on lessons and in school. Other problems that are associated with childhood sleep apnea include high blood pressure, obesity, and on the opposite end of the scale, an inability to gain weight properly.

Sleep apnea in children is no laughing matter. If you suspect that your child may have this problem, you should seek medical care immediately. If nothing else, you can work to rule out this life threatening condition and obtain peace of mind. Otherwise, you have discovered the problem and can begin treating it before it’s too late.

Can Diet and Exercise Cure Snoring?

2007-04-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Your physical fitness has an impact on almost every aspect of your life. Even those who are in relatively decent shape can often notice immediate boosts in energy, concentration, and overall well-being from losing as little as five pounds. Weight is a serious contributor to common snoring problems.

Many instances of snoring are the direct result of soft tissues in the throat that rattle and create noise as you sleep. That sound is what is known as snoring. Being overweight may cause those fatty tissues in the throat to enlarge, which restricts airflow to the lungs.

The problem with obesity and snoring, more specifically sleep apnea, is that it’s a vicious cycle you have to try to break. The worse your snoring is, the less likely you are to have a decent night’s sleep.

This means you aren’t rested when the day begins and are more likely to tire easily. Being tired all the time means you’re less likely to do the exercise that’s required to use the calories that have been consumed. An inability to exercise properly makes weight loss goals more difficult to achieve. Plus, we often munch on high-sugar sweets to get a burst of energy to help us get through the day when we’re tired.

The good news is that losing weight is a simple process. The bad news is that it isn’t easy. In order to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in. Most of us don’t like to feel hungry all the time and very few like to eat like rabbits. Fruits and vegetables are a great way to get the nutrients you need without filling up on empty calories. They also help you feel full longer, which is important.

You’ll also find that water is your best friend when it comes to losing weight. Drink plenty of water regularly. Water helps your body cleanse itself from the inside out and it also helps you feel full.

When you aren’t hungry or thirsty, you’re less likely to consume “empty” calories, which are those that provide few nutrients that your body needs to survive. It isn’t easy and it isn’t fun to diet, but making these healthy lifestyle changes could save your life if you suffer from severe snoring and sleep apnea.

It doesn’t have to feel like exercise when you’re trying to burn calories. Try jumping on the trampoline for 30 minutes. Riding a bicycle, walking along the riverbank, climbing a rock wall (or a real cliff), swimming, rowing, and even roller skating or bowling can burn calories.

Obesity is a killer that’s blamed for countless bad health conditions. Knowing that it impairs so many aspects of your life, it shouldn’t be surprising that it also hampers sleep - one of the most important things regarding your health and well being. You don’t have to lose all the excess weight in a matter of days, but every pound you lose puts you one pound closer to better health and a good night’s sleep.

Recent Studies and The Problems Related To Snoring

2007-04-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

Did you know that severe snoring caused by sleep apnea can impair you. For starters you might feel tired all day long. You might have frequent bouts with headache and hypertension, and even incur cardiac diseases such as dysrhythmias of atrial and venticular origin. This might set in motion asystole, and in worse cases, sudden death. All because of severe snoring or possibly sleep apnea.

Many studies such as those Strollo, Jr. & Rogers study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that sleep apnea contribute to increased occurrence of chronic hypertension, extreme daytime somnolence, rise in road traffic accidents, and even social and family unit disruption.

Are you a snorer but are ashamed to admit it? You should not be because you are not alone. Roughly 37 million people in the United States snore regularly and 50 million snore intermittently, according to a recent market study sponsored by Eisai Corporation. This means that there is at least one snorer in 78 percent of American households.

But the results of a study conducted by Great Lakes Sleep Diagnostics found even worse news an estimated five of 100 Americans have obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder, a symptom of which is severe snoring, is more frequent in males and overweight people, and usually becomes progressively worse over time.

Many businesses are quick to cash in on this trend. Over 300 devices claiming to be cures for snoring are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. many programs claim to sure snoring. The Stop Snoring Exercise Program is one of these has helped thousands of people around the world by stopping snoring and even curing sleep apnea. 7 simple exercises taking as little as 3 minutes a day have made this a popular program. All of the testimonials are proof that it works.

There are two types of snoring, mild and severe.

Mild snoring is fairly ordinary. In fact, everyone (including babies) snores once in a while, especially when air passage is congested. According to Dale H. Rice, professor and chair of the Department of Otolaryngology and professor of neurosurgery at the School of Medicine in the University of South Carolina, mild snoring is just a social problem and not a health hazard.

If your snoring is chronic or loud your airway may already be substantially obstructed. Airflow may completely cease resulting from pharynx collapse at some stage in inspiration. Snoring then becomes a symptom of sleep apnea, which can raise blood pressure and stress on the heart and lungs. In grave cases, severe snoring can trigger cardiac arrhythmia and even death.

You do not have to have to surgery, but as these many studies show us snoring is a big problem and for your own health should be dealt with. The Stop Snoring Exercise Program can be an inexpensive way to do it.

How to Overcome Jetlag

2007-04-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Jetlag seems to be every traveler’s worst nightmare – especially if you’re going away for just a short while.

What causes Jetlag?

Jetlag is a condition that arises from crossing multiple time zones in a relatively short time and consequently disturbs your natural body clock or circadian rhythms. Other contributing factors include lack of exercise, dry atmosphere and alcohol.

What are the symptoms of Jetlag?

Arriving at your destination feeling tried, groggy and disorientated are the most common symptoms. Many people also find it difficult to concentrate and have very erratic sleep patterns. Waking up in the middle of the night or feeling a need to take nap during the day can be frequent.

Because of the dry atmosphere aboard aircraft, Dehydration can also be a major problem.

How long do the symptoms last for?

Jetlag symptoms can last for just a few hours – all the way up to a week (for more acute cases). Generally though, travelers find on a normal flight between the US and Europe, the effects of Jetlag last for a couple of days. As a guide, for every time zone you cross, allow for a full day of recovery. Symptoms also vary by age. Children are far less susceptible.

How can Jetlag symptoms be reduced?

Before you depart, make sure that you get plenty of sleep. Eat well and avoid alcohol. Allow for plenty of time before departure. Stress is one of the worst culprits. Also, try taking some zinc supplements as it’s been proven that people with higher zinc levels tend to suffer less.

While traveling, drink plenty of water. Stay away from alcohol, fizzy drinks and coffee. These drinks only exacerbate jetlag causing dehydration, tiredness and headaches. Drink plenty of water. Chamomile tea is very calming. Eat Lightly. The last thing your body needs it to digest a large meal. Exercise - “Economy Class Syndrome” is caused from inactivity or sitting in the same position for an extended time. When the time permits, get up and walk around the aircraft.

Specific exercises and stretching techniques can be accessed through:

http://www.airnz.co.nz/resources/inflight_exercises.pdf

Try and get some sleep. Sleeping onboard will not only help to pass the time, but can help you feel refreshed upon arrival. A travel neck pillow will assist in your sleeping, providing excellent head support. Avoid sleeping pills at all costs.

When you arrive, getting a quick nap will seem very attractive indeed – but resist this temptation. Go to bed at your normal bedtime (based on local time). This will force your body to adjust to any new time zones far quicker.

Treatment Approaches for Bruxism in Children

2007-04-10T12:31:00.001-07:00

Sleep problems are frequent among healthy school going children seen at general pediatric practice. Sleep related problems were reported in 42.7% children that included nocturnal enuresis (18.4%), sleep talking (14.6%), bruxism (11.6%) nightmares (6.8%), night terrors (2.9%) snoring (5.8%) and sleepwalking (1.9%). Bruxism is a destructive habit. It is defined as the nonproductive diurnal or nocturnal clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Bruxism happens in about 15 percent of youngsters and in as many as 96 percent of grown-ups. The etiology of bruxism is unclear. It has been linked with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies and sleep positioning. In addition, type A personality behavior combined with stress is more predictive of bruxism. Because of its nonspecific pathology, bruxism may be difficult to diagnose.

Beside complaints from sleep partners, clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. The main clinical signs of bruxism comprise tooth wear, tooth mobility, hypertrophy masticatory muscles, and tender joints. Other symptoms of bruxism are multiple and diverse. They include temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of and damage to supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity muscle pain and spasm, disturbance of aesthetics, and interference and oral discomfort.

Treatment for bruxism may be simple or complex, depending on the nature of the disorder. Severe bruxism disorders are difficult to treat and their prognoses also may be questionable. Children with bruxism are generally managed with observation and reassurance. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. Correction of the malocclusion with orthodontic procedures, restorative procedures, or occlusal adjustment by selective grinding will not control the bruxism habit.

What about prevention? Researchers have found only a weak correlation between different types of morphologic malocclusion such as Class II and III molar relationship, deep bite, overjet, and dental wear or grinding. Moreover, there is no correlation between periodontal disease and bruxism in children. Because the malocclusions' status in children does not increase the probability of bruxism, early orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism is not scientifically justified.

Bruxism is a destructive habit that may result in severe dental deterioration. Bruxism in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. If your child has significant tooth attrition, dental mobility or tooth fracture may happen. Therefore, it is mandatory to take your child to your dentist for evaluation.

Gritting of Teeth (bruxism)

2007-04-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

The first sign of your child’s gritting of teeth can be sounds you may hear in the night. If you hear a mysterious sound, resembling some creak, coming from a child’s room, come to him and learn.

Bruxism (greeting of teeth) occurs as a result of rhythmic clonus of masticatory muscles, accompanied by low sound, resembling gritting or clicking. During bruxism, a change of pulse, arterial pressure, breath etc. takes place. This phenomenon during sleep is met rather often. Mechanisms of bruxism origin are still not clear.

No personal changes, typical for those who suffer from bruxism were found. It is considered that bruxism can be one of displays of defects of sleep regulation, like somnambulism, night enuresis and nightmares. It was discovered that these phenomena are displayed more often under epilepsy.

Bruxism is found in 5-15% cases in population, and in about 50% of children. There’re facts about inherited predisposition to bruxism. Bruxism causes no problems for majority of children, and many of them get out of this habit with time. During sleep, you may notice several episodes of bruxism, lasting up to 10 seconds. If bruxism’s episodes last longer and are extremely intensive, then this may lead to damage of teeth and surrounding soft parts.

During severe fits of bruxism a child may wake up in the morning with headache, toothache and even painful feelings in his face. This may turn out to be very serious. If gritting of teeth lasts for more than months and years, teeth can undergo significant wear. Moreover, this may damage the joint that helps lower jaw to join a side of head.

If your child is gritting his teeth all the time, you should consult a dentist, which can make a special tire for your child, which won’t allow teeth to adjoin. If your child is gritting his teeth only sometimes, then you can try to use methods, recommended by experts, or you may also use them together with a tire in his mouth.

Give rest to jaws. If your child doesn’t chew, swallow or talk, his upper and lower teeth shouldn’t adjoin. If teeth adjoin, there’s only one step to gritting left. Explain to a child and ask him to try keeping his teeth slightly pulled out, when his jaws are relaxed.

Encourage exercising. Regular exercises can help your child to relieve stress and muscle tension, which lead to a night gritting of teeth.

Calm occupations before going to bed. A child shouldn’t take part in some struggle, drawing and other impetuous games before going to bed. Strained muscles need time to relax, before a child falls asleep. Create a calm atmosphere for your child 1 hour before he goes to bed. You can read a book or give him a possibility to read or look through pictures by himself during this period.

Try to put your child to bed earlier. Probably, your child is just too tired, and this may lead to gritting of teeth in the night. In this case, earlier going to bed may help him. If your child usually went to bed at 9 pm, try to put him to bed at 8 pm.

Avoid eating before going to bed. If digestive juices are working in the night, this may lead to excess tension of a baby during sleep. Don’t give anything to your child, except water, an hour before he goes to bed.

Speak with a child about his problems. If your child is worried with some difficult home task or a coming school performance, this may serve as a reason that makes him gritting his teeth in the night. If something worries a child, don’t let him go to bed with this anxiety in his head. Talk to him before he goes to bed, so that all troubles would leave him, this often helps to relieve tension. Make a 5 or 10 minutes conversation a daily sedative procedure before your child falls asleep.

Apply warm, wet compresses. If your child’s jaw aches in the morning, moisten a terry-cloth tissue in warm water, squeeze it and apply to an aching jaw till your child feels better. This will help to calm down pain.

Adult Bed Wetting – What Is The Solution?

2007-04-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Adult bed wetting is a common problem as you can see from all the TV ads about bedwetting disposable diapers available for adults. The first thing for adults to do when they have a bed-wetting problem is to consult with a doctor to make sure that there is nothing medically wrong to cause this problem to develop. Bedwetting in the adult years can be a symptom of diabetes, kidney or bladder problems or something as simple as a urinary tract infection, for which there are antibiotics. Even though disposable diapers do help adults feel more comfortable, adult bed wetting does need to be checked out.

Allergies, cell anemia, and sleep disorders are also causes for adult bed wetting. Researchers dealing with this problem have also found psychological factors to be involved, such as stress and trauma. In some cases, age is the culprit as the muscles of the bladder start to lose their elasticity causing adult bed-wetting. Enuresis alarms work just as well for adults as they do for children and teenagers. These alarms wake you up out of your sleep at the first sign of moisture so that you do have time to get to the bathroom instead of wetting the bed.

There are medications that have proven effective in controlling adult bed wetting. One of these is DDAVP, which helps to reduce the amount of urine that the body makes at night. Adults who drink a lot of liquids may have to use the bathroom more at night and if they take medication for insomnia, then they might find it hard to wake up when they need to. This medication helps to treat the symptoms of adult bed-wetting, which means that you will not urinate as often during the night. However, this is not a cure for adult bedwetting. It is mainly a measure to control it. Once you stop taking the medication, bedwetting will start again.

You do not necessarily need to take DDAVP every day in order for it to control adult bed wetting. You can either take this as pill or a spray, but a cold or a stuffy nose is likely to interfere with the action of the medication taken in spray form. You do have to take the medication at night and it does have side effects, which some adults are unable to handle. The common side effects of this adult bedwetting medication include headache, nausea, sinus problems and nosebleeds. When you are taking this medication you are not allowed to drink any water after taking it.

For adults, Imipramine is an anti-depressant drug that has been found effective in treating adult bed wetting. Like DDAVP, this reduces the amount of urine the body produces during the night. However, most doctors do not like to prescribe this medication because of its many side effects. In fact prescribing medication for adult bedwetting is usually the last resort. Doctors prefer to try methods of behavior modification first and if the adult is comfortable, disposable diapers keep the bed sheets dry at night. Adult bed wetting is a problem that doctors are well used to dealing with, so there is no need for embarrassment when deciding to talk to a doctor about your problem.

A Bedwetting Teen Back In Diapers – Could Be A Serious Medical Problem

2007-04-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

A bedwetting teen back in diapers is a stressful situation both for the teen and the parents. Even if you are concerned, you should never let your fears transfer to the child. However, you should try to be as sensitive as possible because any teen that has to wear diapers for a bedwetting problem does not feel very good about the situation. He/She knows there is a problem and the stress of worrying about the possibility of bedwetting could actually make the situation worse. When you have a bedwetting teen back in diapers, you need to look very carefully at the diet, the amount of liquids consumed, any stressful triggers and any medication that he/she might be taking.

One thing that you should do with a bedwetting teen back in diapers is to take the teen for a full check up by the doctor. This will help to rule out any medical problems, which could be causing the bedwetting, especially if this is something new that has developed. Once the doctor has done necessary tests to rule out diabetes, problems with the excretory system, then he/she will help you look for solutions to help the bed wetting teen back in diapers. While disposable diapers and pull ups do help the teen in situations where others might find out about the bedwetting, bedwetting diapers are not a cure for the problem.

A bed wetting teen back in diapers will probably try to hide that fact that he/she is wetting the bed. This is easy to do by changing the bed early each morning while you may be wondering where all the laundry is coming from. If you try to be sensitive, you can have a stack of bed sheets handy so the young person can do this without being conspicuous to others in the house. You do have to be careful you don’t let the teen know that you are worried because a bedwetting teen back in diapers can pick up these vibes quite easily. Point out that it is not his/her fault, but that you need to consult with a doctor just to make sure there is nothing wrong.

With bedwetting teens in diapers, if you make cleaning up a form of punishment, this will make the teen more uncomfortable. He/She will dread waking up in the morning just in case they find that the bed is wet. If you discuss the problem and discuss possible solutions along with bedwetting diapers, chances are the teen will be very receptive to various bedwetting solutions. Behavior modification may be one method you can use with the many models of bed wetting alarms that are on the market. These will help a bedwetting teen back in diapers to wake up at the first sign of moisture so that he/she can get to the bathroom in time.

There are also medications to help a bedwetting teen back in diapers. One of these is DDAVP, a medication that works by reducing the amount of urine that the body produces during the night. According to the research results of this medication, bed wetting teens back in diapers relish the thought of something to help ensure they do not wet the bed. They may use bedwetting diapers when they first start taking this medication because they are not sure if it will work or not. However, a bedwetting teen back in diapers usually has low levels of the hormone that regulates the amount of urine their bodies produce and the DDAVP helps to bring this into the normal range.

Knowing the Symptoms of Narcolepsy and Your Options for Treatment

2007-04-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Narcolepsy is no joke. Excessive sleepiness during the day is often shunned and left undiagnosed for years, often resulting in more grave problems like depression and death. Physicians don't always pinpoint narcolepsy as there are many factors that might be triggering the sleepiness. Sufferers often feel a lack of energy and extremely tired.

There are times when the severe sleepiness is suddenly felt that it is usually called an “attack.” These attacks commonly run for no more than thirty minutes, but in severe cases the sufferer can be knocked out for hours. If you have watched the mocie Deuce Bigalow and watched that girl who always falls asleep in the middle of an activity for no apparent reason, that’s an example of severe narcolepsy. Narcoleptics even have really weak memory and incorrect vision.

Most situations of narcolepsy are genetic. The hypothalamus is attacked by bad genes, stopping it from sending appropriate signals to the rest of the body. The hereditary nature of narcolepsy is compared to heart ailments only that the former happens even when not triggered.

Another potential reason for narcolepsy is a drop in cerebral proteins in the amygdala, which are accountable for keeping the hypothalamus active. The lack of the protein called hypocretin has been discovered to be very palpable in narcoleptics.

There is no identified cure for narcolepsy, but there are medications and methods that may be applied to treat some of its symptoms. The kind of treatments a narcoleptic is given depends on the severity of his or her problem; and because it is a disorder that is a challenge to address, it could take some time before the most appropriate regimen is determined.

Some of the most popular narcolepsy drugs are dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), Modafinil, and methylphenidate (Ritalin). But the medical community still recommend that they be taken along with better lifestyle habits. Caffeine is not suggested as it has not really manifested any remedying potential in the previous studies.

You will definitely need your doctor's advice if you want to use drugs. Narcolepsy is something that we must take seriously because, if left as it is, it could be morbid. Some patients have even died due to narcolepsy as they had attacks while in an activity.

How to Get Rid of Tiredness and Sleepiness

2007-04-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Feeling tired and sleepy? How many times you feel you didn't have enough energy to do something you want to do? You are not alone; every 1 out of 4 persons suffers from tiredness in United States and Europe. According to NSF study, 25% of all women suffer from clinically significant daytime sleepiness. In this modern time, tiredness and sleepiness has become a plague.

Tiredness and sleepiness is common to most people but to some it can be a more serious problem interfering with their daily lives. Common causes are boredom, infections or virus like fever and colds; emotional disorders like stress, depression and anxiety; sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea and even sleeping too much can cause tiredness and sleepiness.

Weight problem can also result to tiredness and sleepiness, either you are too thin that you don't have enough strength and muscles to do a certain task or over weight that you need to work harder to be able to move or do your daily task. Whatever the reason to your excessive tiredness and sleepiness, there's nothing more frustrating than having things in your mind that you want to do and yet you don't have enough energy to do it.

Tiredness and sleepiness can be very disabling and a very serious problem. What if your work requires extra awareness and alertness like a bus driver? Feeling tired and sleepy during driving is very dangerous, there are reports that a big percentage of bus driver accidents are due to tiredness and sleepiness problem. Long term or chronic tiredness and sleepiness can affect your immune system and makes you prone to illnesses like heart disease, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pains and for women complicated pregnancy.

What you need to do to get rid of tiredness and sleepiness? There are things you can do like:

Get enough sleep, have at least 8 hours sleep. Improve your sleep by having a sleeping pattern. Go to bed and wake up on the same time everyday.
Have a regular exercise but do not exercise 4 hours before bedtime.
Coffee and caffeine is a stimulant and can boost energy if you need alertness but do not take too much coffee or avoid it before bed time to prevent sleeplessness at night.
Energy drink is helpful and effective to some people to regain their energy.
Healthy diet will give you the energy you need. Eat your breakfast and do not go to bed with an empty stomach but avoid eating too much before bedtime.
Keep your body well hydrated and drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause tiredness.
Don't be a worrier. Its better if you can take things lightly and avoid stress. If something is bothering you, get a piece of paper and write it down or talk to a friend.

While there are things that you can do to avoid tiredness and sleepiness there are still people who get excessive tiredness and sleepiness without apparent reasons. Some have complete sleep and good diet and yet still feel tired. There are also people who only sleep for a couple of hours and yet claim they have no problem with tiredness and sleepiness. Why some people are always so full of energy? You tried everything and yet you still feel tired all the time. You are probably doing something wrong.

The importance of having enough quality sleep

2007-04-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

Sleep has an important effect in our daily life and functioning, it also affects our physical and mental health in many ways. This can be proved easily, when we do not sleep well or have problem sleeping we wake up tired, without energy and sometimes angry, and as a result of this, we are not able to do all the things that we normally do as working or studying, also it is very difficult to concentrate on anything and we usually are not in the mood to talk with anybody or get very angry for things without importance. On the other hand, none or almost none of these things happen when we have a good night's sleep.

So, how much sleep is actually necessary? It varies for each person, and it depends on several factors like age. For example, infants require around 16 hours of bedtime, teenagers need about 9 hours and most adults need 8 hours on average. Pregnancy is another factor, women in their first trimester usually need to sleep more hours than they normally do. Also, if a person has been deprived of sleep in past days, the amount of sleep that person needs will increase.

And what does a good night's sleep do for our health? Sleep seems to be important so that our nervous systems can work correctly. If we do not sleep enough we feel drowsy and can not concentrate on what we do, we also experience impaired memory and physical performance and we are less able to carry out math calculations. If sleep deprivation is prolonged, we experiment hallucinations and mood swings. Doctors and scientist say that, with enough sleep, used neurons have an opportunity to repair themselves, so if we don't sleep properly these neurones become so depleted in energy that they can malfunction.

So here are the most important questions so far, what can we do to assure that we'll get the amount of sleep we need? What can we do to treat any sleep disorder that doesn't allow us to get that good night's sleep we require? Doctors have many recommendations for their patients, but the most important of them is to use natural sleep aids and products like Sleepatil that help us to achieve their objective.

Sleepatil is a completely natural herbal supplement that helps you maintain your normal sleep cycle by allowing your body to enter a state of relaxation, which makes falling asleep and staying asleep much easier, so you will have a solid night's sleep increasing you overall health. Sleepatil help soothe your mind and body relieving you of stress and tension, these incredible natural sleeping pills have also proven to be able to cure or treat many types of common sleep disorders like insomnia, making you being able to fall into a deep and restful sleep.

Cure Insomnia With Natural Soporific Agents

2007-04-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Sleeping for eight hours each night is only part of getting a good night's sleep. Just as important is the type of sleep you get. Getting sufficient qualities of dream sleep and sleep are vital if we are to wake up refreshed in the morning.

Sleep disrupters are a class of disorders that prevent us from achieving this vital dream and deep sleep. Often the person with a sleep-disrupting condition will sleep eight hours a night or more. But they still wake up tired and often experience sleepiness throughout the day.

Sleep disrupters also cause other problems. Researchers have recently discovered that lack of sleep, particularly lack of dream sleep, can impair the ability to lay down new memory. It is not surprising that people suffering from sleep disrupting disorders often complain of difficulty in remembering things.

The primary symptom of sleep disrupter is excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep may also occur. Sleep disrupters act in a variety of ways, in different parts of the body.

Alcohol is a sedative hypnotic, just like prescription sleeping pills. It is medication that can sleep. If too much is consumed, it can cause coma and even death. Alcohol's effect on sleep changes with increasing consumption. Over time the chronic alcohol abuser will totally disrupt their sleep wake cycle and may never be able to sleep normally again. Hopefully, an alcohol abuser will realize this serious complication and stop drinking.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. As all of us "coffee achievers" know, caffeine can wake up in the morning and keep us alert during the day. One of the most interesting aspects of caffeine is the body's changing ability to metabolize it as we age. Many individuals are able to tolerate large amount of caffeine when we are young. But as we age, our ability to metabolize caffeine slows and it's wise to limit consumption too early in the day. Senior citizens should even consider eliminating caffeine altogether.

My own favorite recipe for the ideal bedtime snack consists of half or quarter sandwich of turkey, cheese, and lettuce on white bread, with a little cranberry sauce. Wild lettuce is a natural soporific, but you can use any common lettuce and still have a great sleep-promoting snack. The cranberry sauce in addition to tasting great and adds extra carbohydrates to help transport the tryptophan into the brain.

If the restless leg syndrome you want to treat, the Leg Wedge Pillow is what you need

2007-04-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

Can't sleep because you need to move your legs? Then it is possible that you may be suffering from restless leg syndrome.

Restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder in which people feel an intense need to move the legs that is hard to resist, but they also feel tingling or pain in their legs at the same time. This sensation is usually caused by lying down in bed or by sitting for too long, like when you are travelling in a car or bus for several hours or when you are reading in your bed for a long time. This sleep disorder usually manifests in the evening, which may cause people some problems to fall asleep, so what they usually do is to walk around and shake their legs so they can find relief for this discomfort.

The causes of restless leg syndrome are not clear, but it looks like stress may make this condition worse. Some studies have shown that RLS can be a genetic syndrome in some cases, so children may inherit from their parents. Other causes that can contribute to the manifestation of RLS are some medical problems or even certain medications. There is not a test a doctor can use to diagnose RLS so what they do is diagnose it by listening their patients describing their symptoms like when they feel the desire to move their legs accompanied by unpleasant sensations like tingling or pain, or when these uncomfortable sensations begin or became worse when they are not moving (resting, sitting watching TV or travelling), also they may feel some relief for restless leg syndrome when walk or exercise the affected muscles, and finally when this problem is worse or happens only in the evening or at night.

Treating the restless leg syndrome

There can be several restless leg syndrome treatments, depending on the symptoms. When it is a temporary disorder it resolves when other conditions are treated. But, when RLS is genetic-based or is caused by medical disorders, it is necessary to follow a treatment. Iron deficiency is a reversible cause of RLS so doctors recommend iron tablets or iron therapy. When RLS symptoms manifest often or in a severe way, doctors prescribe restless leg syndrome medications.

To control or decrease RLS symptoms doctors recommend reducing stress and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products. Also placing the calves and legs in a proper and comfortable position is of great help to reduce the pain and discomfort, so they strongly advice to use a leg pillow like the Leg Wedge Pillow.

This is an orthopedic pillow that has been designed to fit the natural curves of a person's body, providing the necessary comfort. It can be used in a close position between the legs, or in an open position as an ankle support which is very useful when treating restless leg syndrome because it elevates, cradles and relaxes the legs and feet, relieving the user from any pain or discomfort related to this sleep disorder.

To control your circadian rhythm everyday, Sleepatil is the only way

2007-04-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Can't sleep normally or at the right time? Have sleep and work problems when travelling to a distant country or changing your working schedule? Then you are probably suffering from circadian rhythm disorders. This article has information on sleep disorder that you will find very useful.

The circadian rhythm is the internal body clock that controls the 24-hour cycle of biological processes in a person. Circadian rhythm disorders manifest more clearly as a continuous or occasional disruption of sleep patterns so that people can't get enough sleep. There are two causes: a malfunction in this internal body clock or a mismatch between this clock and the external world which affects the duration of sleep. Because of this mismatch, people often suffer from insomnia during some days and too much sleepiness during some other days, causing them problems at work, school or socially. We'll talk about the main circadian rhythm disorders.

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder that usually affects teenagers and young adults which delay sleep onset until 2 a.m. or even after that. If they sleep in as late as 3 p.m. for example, problem sleeping does not happen; but if they wake up before that they can experience daytime sleepiness and have problems while working or studying, but they usually are most alert and can work better late at night.

Jet Lag manifests when the pattern of sleep and wakefulness is affected because of a new time zone, so it is hard for people to adjust and have a good performance in the new time zone. Shift work disorder is a common problem in people who rotate shifts or work at night. Work schedules affect the body's circadian rhythm and some people find it difficult to adjust to the change. This causes interruptions in the pattern of sleep like insomnia or excessive sleepiness, so they can't get a good night's sleep.

How to treat Circadian Rhythm Disorders

There are several treatment options available but the most common and recommended are: a behavior therapy which includes maintaining regular sleep-wake times, exercises and avoiding substances like caffeine; and medications including melatonin to help adjust and maintain the sleep-wake cycle to the schedule the person wants. And when recommending medications, doctors usually think of Sleepatil because it is a natural herbal supplement which contains melatonin and has proven to be of great help to treat and cure most sleep disorders like those which affect the circadian rhythm.

Sleepatil will help you maintain your normal sleep cycle by allowing your body to relax making falling and staying asleep much easier without any side effect. These all natural sleeping pills ensure a solid night's sleep because it relieves you of all the stress and tension so you can fall into a deep and restful sleep.

Why Quinine Sulfate is a Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome

2007-03-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

Quinine sulfate is a known muscle relaxant that has been used for many years to help relax tense muscles and relieve muscle cramps. It also helps people who are suffering from involuntary muscle contractions. These attributes make it the perfect choice for treating the muscle cramps that affect many sufferers of restless leg syndrome.

There are a variety of symptoms that can occur with restless leg syndrome, but leg cramps can be the most annoying and painful. Waking up in the middle of the night with leg cramps is not anyone's idea of fun. The pain of leg cramps can range from mild to excruciating and one of the most effective ways to deal with leg cramps is by taking quinine sulfate.

While full strength quinine sulfate must be prescribed by a licensed physician there are over the counter medications that have trace amounts quinine sulfate in them. These trace amounts of quinine sulfate are combined with vitamin to produce an over the counter supplement that can be used as a treatment for restless leg syndrome. The vitamin E is used to help promote oxygen flow to the leg muscles which also helps relieve muscle cramps and when combined with the quinine sulfate is quite effective at leg cramp relief and also helping to prevent future occurrences.

Another nice thing about using quinine sulfate as a treatment for restless leg syndrome is that it has few side affects. There are other drugs available that help relieve leg cramps but many of them have the side affect of loss of muscle control. While getting relief from muscle cramps is always welcome not being able to get up and move around because of loss of muscle control can be about as annoying as the cramps themselves. Quinine sulfate does not have this side affect and allows people who suffer from restless leg syndrome to retain their mobility and go about their daily lives.

If you or someone you know thinks they may suffer from restless leg syndrome it is important to visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. If you attempt to treat your symptoms without knowing what it is that is causing it you can end up doing more harm then good. This is particularly important when taking over the counter medications because while they may help relieve the symptoms, the symptoms may be a sign of any number of other conditions that may or may not be related to restless leg syndrome. A correct diagnosis will not only make sure that the treatment you are receiving is proper it will also allow your doctor to counter any adverse side affects you may have taking your medications.

If you think you have or currently suffer from restless leg syndrome and the leg cramps that can come with it see your doctor. They can provide a prescription for quinine sulfate and help effectively treat your restless leg syndrome.

Can You Recognize The Signs Of Restless Leg Syndrome

2007-03-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Some researchers estimate that Restless leg syndrome affects as many as 12 million Americans.

RLS was once thought to be due to disease in the blood vessels of the legs or in the nerves in the legs that control leg movement and sensation. Both of those suggestions have been rejected. RLS occurs in both genders, although the incidence may be slightly higher in women. Symptoms may begin at any stage of life, although the disorder is more common with increasing age.

Restless leg syndrome usually begins slowly. Over time, the legs become more affected. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. When RLS is advanced, a person may feel these symptoms in the hands and arms.

Certain medications-such as anti nausea drugs (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), anti seizure drugs (phenytoin or droperidol), anti psychotic drugs (haloperidol or phenothiazine derivatives), and some cold and allergy medications-may aggravate symptoms. Other triggering situations are periods of inactivity such as long car trips, sitting in a movie theater, long-distance flights, immobilization in a cast, or relaxation exercises.

Because moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed. Exercise and relaxation techniques may be helpful to relieve the discomfort. People combat the sensation of restless legs in a number of ways -- by stretching, jiggling their legs, pacing the floor, exercising or walking.

There are herbal supplements such as LegCalm that will help to eliminate the crawling and uncomfortable sensations experienced in RLS. This particular herbal supplement will also aid absorption of minerals from the diet, preventing deficiencies and anemia. as well as improve circulation.

RLS is often unrecognized or mis diagnosed. In many people the condition is not diagnosed until 10-20 years after symptoms begin. Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully.

Restless Leg Syndrome

2007-03-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

Restless Leg Syndrome is an affliction that manifests itself as an uncomfortable feeling your legs.

Lying down and sitting has the tendency to aggravate these feelings. The only form of relief for the individual to relieve these uncomfortable feelings in their legs is by getting up and moving around. Most commonly these feelings occur during sleep and when they do; the person must wake up and move around. This is why this syndrome is categorized as a sleeping disorder - it is the constant disruption of sleep that the affected person must deal with.

A hard to describe uncomfortable feeling in the person's legs (and even arms) is the most common symptom of restless leg syndrome. The feelings themselves are difficult to describe or to put into words... but suffers of Restless Leg Syndrome know these aren't feelings of typical cramps or muscle soreness. Restless leg syndrome results in anything from a tingling to a burning type of sensation. These feelings are most prominent during the nighttime or periods of inactivity i.e. trying to sleep. The onset of restless leg syndrome can vary both in frequency and in intensity.

An off chute of Restless Leg Syndrome is involuntary leg flexing and extension; otherwise known as Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS). The difference is that PLMS occurs during periods of sleep and most people who exhibit this aren't aware that it is happening... except for anyone who may be in the same bed.

A bodily chemical called dopamine (which controls muscle movement) appears to be the common denominator with restless leg syndrome. The conventional thinking is that RLS may be somewhat hereditary since it occurs in families of 50% of those who suffer.

There are other contributing factors as well such as pregnancy and stress; as either of these can seem to aggravate the symptoms.

Restless leg syndrome can be difficult to diagnose for a number of reasons. First of all, the actual cause can be attributed to a number of reasons or circumstance. Secondly, the vast majority of sufferers don't seek medical attention for their condition.

In order to accurately evaluate and diagnose, doctors need to ask a variety of questions including the type of pain, when the pain occurs, the frequency of the occurrences, and what seems to make the symptoms go away. Certainly a visit to a sleep clinic can go a long way toward the diagnosis because you can be monitored as you sleep.

Moving about is the preferred method by most people when it comes to seeking relief. Walking stretching and flexing exercises help when no other diagnosis has been arrived at. However, if it is determined that the cause is related to something such as an iron deficiency, treating that specific element can many time alleviate the symptoms and pain.

Many times simple lifestyle changes are prescribed to eliminate the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Occasionally Restless Leg Syndrome will be treated by stronger prescription type of medications but to date this type of treatment has had only mixed results.

Non-prescription treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cool packs, massage, yoga, exercise and development of a sleep routine that encourages better sleep.

Sleep Apnea Facts And Information

2007-03-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sleep apnea is a condition that can be caused by a medical condition, by your tonsils, or from an accident. Sleep apnea is a problem that affects thousands, possibly even millions, but there are methods of treatment to put a stop to those problems. If you have been in an accident and you have a problem with your nasal passage or your throat when sleeping, this could cause you to breath differently and interrupt your sleeping habits, as you are unable to breath when you sleep. If you have nasal problems, of you have an enlarged tonsil or gland, or you have excessive tissue in your air passages, you could be suffering from sleep apnea as well.

If you have not done so already, talking with your doctor about your sleep problems is going to be the first step in treatment. If someone in your home says that you are not breathing right when you are sleeping, this is a sign of sleep apnea. If you wake up with a headache every day, this is another sign of sleep apnea. If you have a dry mouth, if you are always tired, and if you just want to get a good nights rest for once, these are also signs of sleep apnea. Your doctor can arrange a sleep test, to test your breathing, your heart rate, and to monitor your body while you are sleeping. This is going to give the physician a good idea about what is really going on, and then how to proceed with treatment. The sleep test that is going to aid the doctor in determining if you are suffering from sleep apnea is also known as polysomnography.

Those who are suffering from sleep apnea because of deformities in the nasal passage or in the throat can have surgical treatments to lessen the sleep apnea or to dissolve the sleep apnea problem. Facial deformities, genetic or that are caused by an accident can cause sleep apnea. This situation can be surgically repaired but you have to tell or talk to your doctor so he or she is first aware you are having sleeping problems. Those how are suffering with sleep apnea, could have their tonsils or adenoids removed to solve the problem of obstructive sleep apnea. This easy procedure with little complications will ease how you sleep and how well you sleep. Parents who often notice their child is not breathing when they are sleeping have their child's tonsils removed to aid in the stabilizing and normalizing of the sleeping patterns.

Sleep apnea can be caused by accidents or by birth, involving deformities of the jaw. If the jaw is smaller in bone structure than it should be, it can actually cause breathing problems while you sleep. Other issues such as with the tongue can cause sleep apnea problems as well. If you find that you are not sleeping well, that others tell you that you snore al the time, and you are always tired, you should talk to your doctor about sleep apnea, and what you can do to solve your sleeping problems.

What Are The Health Effects Of Sleep Apnea?

2007-03-25T06:48:00.001-07:00

There are many problems that can be the result of having sleep apnea. There are many people that have to deal with the fact that they are going to have a hard time dealing with the day ahead of them. They may feel tired and restless because they did not get enough sleep the night before. However, there are other problems that can happen because of lack of sleep.

There are health problems that many people will face because they are having difficulty sleeping. When a person is suffering from sleep apnea, they are going to have pauses in their breathing. During these pauses in breathing, the oxygen level in the blood drops. The brain will react to the drop in oxygen by waking up the person for long enough to resume breathing again.

For some, snoring is often the result of having sleep apnea. The cycle of snoring and not breathing will mean that you do not get enough of the quality sleep that is so necessary for a person to function properly. If a person does not get the quality sleep that they need each night, it will in turn take a toll on their body and their performance during the next day.

The effects of sleep apnea range from annoying to life threatening. Some of the problems that can persist because of sleep apnea are depression, high blood pressure, irritability, learning and memory problems to sexual problems. Many people will find that they are loosing relationships because of their inability to perform due to the lack of sleep that they are getting each night.

People with sleep apnea are more often likely to fall asleep at work or worse; they are falling asleep at the wheel of a car. There are more car crashes each year due to the fact that they driver does not get enough sleep at night. Many of these people are also more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke. This is due to the result of high blood pressure from the lack of sleep that a person is getting.

These are just a few of the reasons why sleep apnea can be dangerous to ones health. There are so many things that we rely on sleep for and it is important to get the right amount each night. This is important not only to stay safe, but to also keep the health that we need to live a happy and healthy life.

Who Is More Likely To Have Sleep Apnea?

2007-03-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

Sleep apnea can affect just about anyone at anytime in his or her life. This is not a problem that only happens to certain people. There are over 15 million people that are dealing with some form of sleep apnea and would like to have help with their problem. This is some thing that is affecting a lot of people and their daily lives.

There are some facts that have been proven about sleeping apnea and who is more likely to have it. Studies have shown that the numbers are higher in men to have the sleep apnea problems. There are women who also have to deal with the problem but it seems to go undiagnosed more in women than in men.

Sleep apnea has also been linked to running in families. There are many families that have more than one person dealing with some form of sleep apnea. This is a reason why researchers are thinking that this problem is genetic and can be found in different family members. This is one thing to think about if you are finding it hard to sleep. You may be having trouble because of this genetic problem that exists in your family tree.

There are many people that are dealing with sleep apnea because they have a snoring problem. Some of these people may also have a problem with their nose, throat, or other parts of their airway. This is a problem that may require some form of treatment as time goes on and the problem with sleep apnea persists.

Some researchers say that sleep apnea may be a result of being overweight. This is factor that is still being studied and there are many that are not sure if this is cause or not. There are more people that are overweight and have the sleep apnea problem and this is the reason why the studies are being done.

Some people things that people that smoke are also more likely to have sleep apnea. This is another reason why many people think that smoking is bad for the health. It is said that smoking effects the airways and this is the cause of the sleeping disorder for many. For this cause, quitting smoking is the best way to take care of the problem. Excessive use of alcohol and sleep medications is also another stimulant that is blamed for the sleep apnea problems.

Getting the help that is needed for the sleep apnea is very important. There are many doctors that have found ways of making it easier for man to sleep better at night. They will improve the patients diet, way of living and health habits to make them get a better nights rest.

Why is Sleep Apnea A Concern?

2007-03-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why people need to find help for sleep apnea. It is a terrible problem that will only continue to get worse and eventually make your life even harder than it has to be. Many people think that having a sleeping disorder is no big deal, however it really is. There are many disadvantages to having a sleep apnea problem.

One big consequence of having sleep apnea is that the person will be suffering throughout the day. They are going to have an awful time getting through a day at school or work. The person is going to be tired and have great fatigue during the day when they need to be alert and awake. This could affect the job or school performance and eventually lead to bad grades or termination.

Driving for people that deal with sleep apnea is going to be a problem as well. This is another reason why sleep apnea is a concern for many. The reflexes of drivers that do not get enough sleep are similar to those that are drunk. They are going to have a hard time concentrating and keeping the car under control. This is a very dangerous situation that should not happen.

A big concern with sleep apnea is that the person that suffers from it is going to have impaired daytime functions. It is going to be hard for them to keep their attention on certain things including work and school for instance. This is when sleep apnea begins to affect their work and even relationships with their friends and family members.

Sleep apnea is also a danger to a person's health. It is necessary to get good nights sleep in order to be healthy. High blood pressure can be a definite problem for anyone that has sleep apnea. Having high blood pressure from the stress of having no sleep can also lead to more problems. These people are more likely to have a heart attack or possible stroke when they are not getting enough sleep for their body.

Sleep apnea is going to cause stress on the body and that will lead into more health problems that are going to be bad for the person. This is some thing that needs to be addressed for anyone that has sleep apnea. It is important for the person to get help so that they can be back on track to a healthy and normal lifestyle once again.

How to Get Rid of Snoring

2007-03-25T06:42:00.001-07:00

Snoring is the sound produced when the air cannot pass through your air passages easily during breathing while you sleep due to obstruction at the back of your mouth and nose. Snoring brings a lot of problems to you and your bedmate. Loud snoring is a constant nuisance to your bedmate and could rob your partner of a good sleep every night. There are also cases that you stop breathing in a few seconds while snoring and you have to wake up to catch your breath. Snoring is not only annoying to you and your partner it could also be an indication of a serious health problem and you need to find out how to get rid of snoring.

About one third of the population is habitual snorers and most common on males and overweight people. Snoring is a serious problem; this will deprive you of a good sleep at night causing drowsiness, irritability and reduced alertness during the day. You have to find out how to get rid of snoring before it becomes chronic and may result to other illnesses. Snoring may cause high blood pressure, heart problems and weight gain. This can also affect your relationship with your family members who get irritated with your constant snoring every night. It will bring you social embarrassment if you will sleep outside of your home and you'll probably be ridiculed by people shocked and surprised by your loud snoring. Before it could affect your life and your health you should find out how to get rid of snoring.

How to get rid of snoring

One way on how to get rid of snoring is sleep on your side or stomach rather than on your back. Sleeping on your back will promote snoring as your tongue will fall backwards causing obstruction on the free flow of air during breathing.
Tilt or raising the head of the bed a few inches can help stop snoring.
Avoid alcohol before bedtime. This relaxes the throat muscles causing tongue to fall backwards obstructing air passages.
Lose weight. Excess fat on your neck cause your throat and air passages to become smaller.
Avoid using too much pillows or overly soft pillows. This could bend your airway passages and will result to more breathing problems while sleeping.
There are also devices available without prescription like nasal strips that keeps your air passages open while you sleep to prevent snoring. This is effective to some people but very expensive way on how to get rid of snoring as you need to use new strip every night.
There are also surgeries offered by otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons like Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to stop snoring. But of course this could be the last option considering the side effects and the cost involved.

There are a lot of ways on how to get rid of snoring and these are effective to some people but there are also snorers who haven't found the right treatment for their snoring problems. Snoring is a very serious problem not only to you but to your family members. It can be a symptom of sleep apnea which is a very serious and life-threatening health condition and you have to know how to get rid of snoring before it becomes chronic.

Did you know that your snoring can be stopped more easily than you think? Tonight might be the first time in a long time that your whole family will get a good night sleep all the way through the night. Find out how to get rid of snoring permanently visit Stop Snoring Secrets.

Stop Snoring and Apnea Remedy

2007-03-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

Plus: A Likely Cause for High Blood Pressure

I understand from reading a great book, "The Promise of Sleep" by Dr William Dement that ALL snoring is a form of sleep disorder. There are two main kinds of snoring. One is not only annoying to other people. It means your throat is collapsed and your body is having to work harder to suck in air - and is suffering to some extent or other from lack of oxygen.

The worst kind of snoring is life-threatening. It is called "apnea". Fifty million people in the USA suffer from it and most of them don't know it. About 38,000 fatal heart attacks and strokes each year are from apnea. Dr Dement says that apnea sufferers often have super loud snoring and high blood pressure. They are often subject to extreme fatigue. A person with apnea literally stops breathing while asleep, because their throat collapses. They then 'wake-up' but don't remember that they did, then start breathing again and then go back to sleep. This can happen hundreds of times in a night. And yet a full night's undisturbed sleep is crucial to good health. No wonder they are exhausted!

In addition, people with apnea always have their heart beat slow in a way that would disturb cardiologists if they saw it during the day time. They may even have their heart actually stop for a number of seconds before starting again. Dement was studying one person's sleep when their heart stopped for 11 seconds. He was told by a cardiologist that if the heart stops for about 20 seconds, that is the end for that person.

Apnea sufferers can fall asleep at any time, for a second or for longer. One study showed they have TEN TIMES the chance of being in a car accident as other people.

Dr Dement says that this is a failure of evolution. However, he also adds something interesting - that the width and shape of one's jaws is related to whether or not one has apnea. In the brilliant book "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" the author Weston Price, a dentist, records through photographs of people from many different areas of the world, including Eskimos, Tribal Africans, Pacific Islanders, Swiss and Scotsmen, how the introduction of processed foods, especially sugar and white flour, to these people caused their jaws to get narrower. (This is in addition to an increase in health problems). See http://ecomvault.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=12&products_id=44

So apnea may be a result of our poor modern, processed diets, not a result of evolution.

Obviously, if you suspect you have apnea or any other serious sleep disorder or sleepiness, you should see a sleep specialist. Dement also recommends that you see a sleep specialist if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease, as people with these problems nearly always suffer from apnea, and healing the apnea can make a big difference. I also recommend you read "The Promise of Sleep". See http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0440509017/ref=nosim/healtwealthappi

Unfortunately, according to Dement, most doctors do not take sleep problems any where nearly as seriously as they should, or even know much about them.

My mother saw a sleep specialist after reading Dement's book and it was confirmed she had Apnea. But their remedies did not work for her. Eventually she discovered the work of Dr Butago who started a breathing technique for asthmatics. He recommends that an Apnea sufferer tapes their mouth shut before going to sleep. This forces them to breath through their nose, not their throat. This works for her.

As for the less threatening kinds of snoring, I believe from my own experience with my clients that two main contributions to this are:

Alcohol

Milk and cheese, especially yellow cheeses. The worst seems to be "American" or processed cheeses which have little or no cheese in them, but an unnatural mix of ingredients instead. Milk and cheese causes the production of mucus. See http://www.notmilk.com/mucus.html

Give these up for 3 weeks and see if that doesn't make a difference.

Also, you probably already know: If the person who is snoring is lying on their back, just turn them onto their side. A great way to do this is to have them wear a knapsack full of things like towels and tennis balls. Have them wear it for 3 weeks and/or until they stop lying on their back.

Various anti-snoring pillows on the market can also help, by changing the shape of how they hold their head.

If they are on their side, just say "(name) stop snoring". That may help too.

Kinesiology may also help. In particular, if you have an electrical system in your body that kinesiologists call the "cloacals" you may find that having that corrected may improve your sleep.

Sleep Apnea Surgical Procedures Explained

2007-03-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lower airway surgery is normally done for two reasons - to increase the size of the airway to improve breathing and to prevent the airway from collapsing. It also helps to minimize or prevent snoring for sleep apnea sufferers.

There are several types of lower airway surgery:

Genioglossus Advancement

The muscle called the genioglossus connects the back of the tongue to a spot on the rear of the chin. Genioglossus advancement moves the tongue forward to leave more space for air to circulate. This surgery is done via an incision inside the patient's lower lip.

Hyoid Advancement

Slightly above the Adam's apple is a C-shaped bone called the hyoid bone. This bone connects the muscles at the edge of the lower throat to the back of the tongue.

Hyoid advancement surgery is done to increase the space behind the tongue, allowing air to flow more freely. In this procedure, an incision is made in the hyoid bone which is then brought forward and attached to either the jawbone or the Adam's apple.

Lingualplasty

In some cases, the reason air is obstructed is because the tongue is too big. In a surgical procedure called a midline glossectomy, a small part of the center of the tongue is removed to make it smaller.

Lingualplasty is a similar procedure, with even more of the tongue being removed. In some cases, a temporary tracheostomy may be performed to ease breathing during recovery because of the swelling that takes place.

Bimaxillary Advancement

In some cases, the doctor will move both the upper and lower jawbones forward, including the patient's teeth. This increases the space for the tongue to rest and improves airflow. This procedure is called bimaxillary advancement and is usually either performed when the patient has a small jaw or when they have not had any improvement from other soft tissue surgeries.

Realignment of the teeth is sometimes necessary after this surgery, which requires orthodontic work. It can also affect the facial appearance, but to what degree will depend on how severe the work was.

Sleep Apnea Related Heart Complications

2007-03-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

If it's left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to other serious heart-related health problems such as hypertension, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, hypercapnia, stroke and heart disease. The link between heart disease and sleep apnea is still not fully understood, however.

People who are suffering from heart problems tend to have a high number of occurrences of sleep apnea. However, it isn't fully clear if the sleep apnea is the direct cause of the heart disease.

One thing that is clear is that someone who is suffering from sleep apnea has a much greater chance of developing hypertension. It has been shown that people who are suffering from both sleep apnea and high blood pressure show considerable improvement when treated for both. The same goes for sleep apnea and heart disease.

When a sleep apnea episode happens at night, the blood pressure increases because of a drop in the oxygen levels in the body. When this occurs, the brain tells the blood vessels to "tighten up" in order to get more oxygen to the brain and the heart, followed by the rest of the body.

The stoppages of breathing at night can last between 1 and 4 minutes, causing a large amount of stress to the heart. This also tends to carry forward into the daytime while awake. The mechanisms triggered by low oxygen levels in the body continue to operate during the day.

Sleep apnea sufferers have a 2.3 times greater chance of developing congestive heart failure than those who aren't dealing with it. Those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a 1.5 times greater chance of having a stroke.

Sleep apnea can also contribute to more complications for anyone suffering from atrial fibrillation, a condition where the upper part of the heart (the atrium) is beating out of sync with the lower part (the ventricle).

To treat atrial fibrillation, the heart is cardioverted, meaning the atrium is reset to make it beat in sync with the ventricle. Over 50% of the people who have this procedure done suffer a relapse of the atrial fibrillation. In sleep apnea sufferers, that number has been shown to increase to 80%.

Regular doctor visits and following their treatment recommendations are critical to anyone suffering from both these health problems.

The Stop Snoring Exercise Program: 7 Tips To Buying The Perfect Stop Snoring Program

2007-03-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

If you have tried to stop snoring and nothing has worked so far what do you do next. Before you meet with a surgeon let's analyze some tips you can follow to buy the perfect stop snoring system, The Stop Snoring Exercise Program.

The Stop Snoring Exercise Program was created by a chronic snorer named Christian Goodman. As with many ingenious ideas this came to him almost by luck. He had snored for over 20 years and was embarrassed as a kid and then when he was married. He tired creams, sprays, pills and even devices in his mouth. Nothing worked. His wife and him were even sleeping apart so they could get some sleep.

His wife was a classical singing teacher and they figured out that a singer had to have clear breathing passages to sing well and so did a person who snores. Over the following months they created exercises that now make up the Stop Snoring Exercise Program. This has become the perfect stop snoring system for the following reasons.

1. Anyone can do this. It takes no special equipment. If you can breathe you can exercise your breathing passages to help you stop snoring. Stopping snoring starts with clearing your airways.

2. Anyone can afford this. Priced at $49 with a 2 month guarantee you have nothing to lose. You should not spend a lot of money to stop snoring if you do not have to.

3. Anyone has time to do this. If you can come up with at least 3 minute a day there are 7 exercises that can give you almost immediate results

4. The Stop Snoring Exercise Program works on various levels of snoring. Whether you suffer from mild snoring, chronic snoring, or even sleep apnea you can quit snoring,

5. There is no health risk. Unlike surgery or some of the crazy and uncomfortable breathing devices all you have to do is exercise your breathing passages.

6. The proof is in the pudding. Thousands of people have written in to claim they have quit smoking because of this system from all over the world.

7. It diagnoses your problem and then helps you treat it. Not all snoring problems are caused from the same thing. To be able to cure it you have to know what is causing it.

Buying the right stop snoring program is more than how much it costs. It really comes down to finding what works for you. With it's high success rate The Stop Snoring System meets these 7 criteria and these tips should help you make the right choice to stop snoring today.

How Your Life Will Be Better If You Do Not Snore

2007-03-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

Snoring affects more than the person sleeping next to you. It affects your health in ways you may not even realize. The Stop Snoring Exercise Program is an easy way to stop snoring. Here are some of the benefits you will experience when you stop snoring with The Stop Snoring Exercise Program.

1. Do you wake up tired no matter how many hours of sleep you get. If you snore you are probably not getting quality sleep. Lack of sleep can cause depression. Insomnia and sleep apnea cause you to feel tired all of the time. Lacking energy can affect pretty much everything you do. Certainly one of the biggest benefits of stopping snoring is how much better you will sleep and how your whole life will improve from it.

2. If your spouse wakes up tired and angry at you because you kept her up all night you have another reason to check out The Stop Snoring Exercise Program. Couples that fight can trace many of their arguments back to silly things caused because they are tired and irritable. By stopping snoring and both of you getting a good night's sleep your relationship will improve. If you have kids everyone will be happier.

3. Snoring can lead to sleep apnea which if not treated can be life threatening. Sleep apnea is characterized by temporary breathing interruptions during sleep. The pauses in breathing can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. Symptoms include loud snoring and a gasping or snorting sound when the sleeping individual starts to breathe again.

Although the individual may not be aware of having sleep apnea, the condition can disrupt the quality of sleep and result in daytime fatigue.

The Stop Snoring Exercise Program contains many testimonials form people who no longer have sleep apnea after doing the exercises. Although the founder does done claim to sure sleep apnea at the very least it will make it milder.

4. If you suffer from heart problems and you snore you are putting yourself at risk every night. The heart is a muscle that needs blood and oxygen flowing to it to keep beating. When you snore you may not be getting enough oxygen into your lungs and then throughout your body including your heart. Many of the benefits of stop smoking directly affect your health.

To stop snoring with The Stop Snoring Exercise Program you have to be will to do 7 exercises for 3 minute a day. If you feel the benefits we have listed would be worth 3 minutes a day give it a try today.

About the Author :
Van Whitsett has published a number of articles in the health care field. He has heard nothing but good things about The Stop Snoring Exercise Program. All it takes is 3 minutes a day, using a program tailor-fitted to your specific snoring problem. http://stop-snoring-review.com

Sleep Walking

2007-03-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

What is Sleepwalking? Sleepwalking occurs when an individual is walking or performing otherwise normal actions while they are completely asleep and unaware. Sleepwalking occurs during slow wave sleep and for some reason a variety of behaviours are initiated resulting in the individual walking in their sleep. During REM, Rapid Eye Movement, sleep the sleep walking behaviour is exhibited. The lack of a chemical in the dream phase of sleep initiates this behaviour in affected individuals.

Generally, when individuals are in REM sleep the body produces a body paralysing chemical. So, no matter how crazy your dreams you won't be moving around and harmed in any way because the body is paralysed. However, individuals who sleepwalk lack this paralysing chemical and as a result walk around or perform other actions in their sleep.

Children between the ages of six and 12 have the most likelihood to sleep walk at least once. Most children will outgrow this disorder. Although sleepwalking may occur in adults and the elderly as well.

Parasomnia - Sleep Disorders Sleepwalking is classified under parasomnia. The other three types of parasomnia include sleeptalking, REM movement disorder, and sleep terrors. It is believed that at least half of the world's population suffers from one of these types of parasomnia at some point during their lives. However, many times individuals simply grow out of the disorder or can find relief through stress reduction, drugs, or even hypnosis.

Symptoms - Typical symptoms include walking or performing other actions while asleep. Amnesia typically follows these episodes and sleepwalkers rarely if ever remember their sleepwalking adventures. Stress, anxiety and fatigue are also symptoms of sleepwalking. When individuals are sleepwalking it is incredibly difficult to arouse them from this state. Generally, sleepwalking occurs during stages three or four of normal sleep. Different individuals experience different symptoms. However, the above stated symptoms are some of the most common sleepwalkers experience.

Treatments - Two successful treatments for sleepwalking include drugs and hypnosis. Both of these options have proven successful in both children and adults. If you suffer from sleepwalking, or someone you know does, then it is important to make an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes sleep tests are in order. After doctors have diagnosed sleepwalking and ruled out any psychological disorders then a treatment can be recommended to the sufferer. Many times treatment can eliminate sleepwalking episodes or reduce them significantly. The best thing to do is visit the doctor as soon as sleepwalking is suspected because just "letting it go" could result in injury or other problems for the affected individual.

REM sleep behavior disorder and Chronic Tiredness

2007-03-17T02:08:00.000-07:00

Not many people know the connection between Tiredness and REM sleep behavior disorder - RBD.

Lately scientific researches show clearly that:

* Better sleep, better health
* Good sleep even helps to preserve health

Good Night's Sleep absence affects our health and causes chronic Tiredness, irreversible damage to the human's immune system and even develops neurological disorders.

Sleep is a much more complicated process than most people realize. It gives the human brain some resting time to complete a number of complex tasks. It is accomplished through 5 different sleep stages, most commonly known are REM and NREM - Rapid and Non-rapid Eye Movement.

NREM is divided into 4 different stages. During NREM the brain and the body organs are more relaxed and the tonus is significantly lowered.

REM occurs during 20-25% of sleep period and is associated with Dreaming. During REM the brain and the organs become completely active in an almost similar way to wakefulness: the eye movement and the blood pressure rises, breathing becomes irregular and there is even a lose of muscle tone (paralysis). When Paralysis during REM is absent or incomplete the person suffers from REM sleep Behavior Disorder - RBD.
The Person suffering RBD usually awakes with a feeling of tiredness (fatigue), loss of energy, no mood, and difficulty to concentrate and finish common daily tasks. All of the above affect the relationships with the family members, and with friends.

Some of the people suffering from RBD developed serious neurodegenerative diseases during several years. One of them is Parkinson's disease.

However, not all the persons with RBD developed that disease and it is a complex task to find relationship between RBD and Parkinson's disease.

The main symptom for REM sleep behavior disorder is dream enacting behaviors, sometime violent, causing self injury or injury of bad partner. Because of that, people with RBD need careful follow-up.

The symptoms of RBD can be successfully controlled with medications. The treatment should be continued indefinitely because with discontinuation of it, violent behavior and nightmares promptly recur.

According to all of the above, it is very important to diagnose and treat all sleep disorders right on time, before they become chronic and are the reason to appearance of complications.

There is a lot of valuable information on the net related to the issue above. One can find answers to all possible questions and even the latest updates.

Some studies are giving very helpful info and Natural Methods of treatment for REM Sleep Disorder and Chronic Tiredness too.

One of them is Tina Hagen's book "End Tiredness Program".
The program is taking care of the human body condition instead of the symptoms. The efficiency of the program is proven by practice on volunteers and on enthusiastic readers that successfully tried methods described in the book. Since published more and more people choose "End Tiredness Program".

Tina Hagen is a counselor and tiredness expert which focuses on working with police officers and fire fighters. There are different reasons why people feel tired but Tina believes that whatever the cause is - tiredness must be treated. The treatment is always the same - You have first to determine why you feel tired and then do something about it.

Sleep Meditation

2007-03-04T00:10:00.000-08:00

Many people suffer with insomnia, or have a hard time sleeping at night. They feel that their mind is just too active to fall asleep, and when they do sleep, it seems to be restless sleep. There are various opinions and theories about how much sleep a person needs to function properly, however, it can vary depending on factors such as:

* health
* physical activity
* other circumstances

One thing everyone can agree on in regards to sleep. The more peaceful the sleep, the better and more rested we feel in the morning.

Sleep meditation is a form of regular meditation that can help relax the mind before sleeping, as well as relieve stress. This can result in more peaceful and deep sleep. There are many forms of sleep meditation. No matter which type you choose, there are some steps you should take before you begin the meditation process. This will help prepare your body for deeper, more restful sleep.

Before you begin sleep meditation, it is important for you to slow down your activities. Do not engage in heavy mental activity, and do not plan for the next day. If you wish, you can write down a to-do list before sleep meditation, but leave it in the other room. You should try to feel good about the day that is ending. It is best to acknowledge all that has been accomplished, and all the lessons that have been learned. Also, learn to forgive yourself for anything that may not have gotten done, or anything else that may be bothering you. In doing so, you are preparing your body for sleep meditation, and are giving yourself a better chance for restful sleep.

Next, before you begin sleep meditation, examine your eating habits. If you tend to eat shortly before you go to bed, you may be hindering restful sleep without even knowing it. When you eat directly before bedtime, your body will be busy with digestion, thus, it can be hard to sleep deeply. If you feel you need to eat close to bedtime, try to eat foods that are easily digested. This will help prepare your body for sleep meditation, as well as help promote deep, restful sleep.

Finally, before you start sleep meditation, you should practice left nostril breathing. Our two nostrils are often associated with two different types of energy. It is said that when we breathe through our right nostrils, we are energized and stimulated. When we breathe through our left nostrils, we are relaxed and calm.

During most hours of the day, approximately every two ours our dominant nostril changes. After we eat, our dominant nostril will most often change to the left one, in order to give our bodies the energy needed to digest food. This is why we commonly feel sleepy after we eat. To practice left nostril dominance before bed, we can sit quietly, blocking off the right nostril, while breathing long and deep through our left nostril. Doing this can actually help facilitate sleep.

Melatonin, Sleep Enhancement, And ADHD

2007-03-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

Melatonin is a natural hormone, which is produced and secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of many hormones in the body. Among its key roles, melatonin controls the body's circadian rhythm, an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that controls when we fall asleep and when we wake up.

Melatonin is also a very powerful antioxidant. In one study, melatonin was 60 times more effective than Vitamin C or water-soluble Vitamin E in protecting DNA from damage. Preliminary evidence suggests that it may help strengthen the immune system.

There are numerous claims and theories concerning all the things that melatonin may do and as a result it has become one of the popular life extension and life enhancing supplements that are currently available on the market today.

Uses
The most accepted function of Melatonin is it role in sleep regulation. Melatonin supplements help induce sleep in people with disrupted circadian rhythms. Melatonin is significantly more effective in decreasing the amount of time required to fall asleep, increasing the number of sleeping hours, and boosting daytime alertness.

Melatonin is purported to be one of those miracle substances that has a hand in everything. This may be due to the fact that during the height of the antioxidant craze, Melatonin was found to be a more powerful and more universal antioxidant than both vitamin C and vitamin E. Whatever the reason, Melatonin ostensibly plays a role in numerous health conditions.

Here is a partial list:

Insomnia
Osteoporosis
Menopause
Depression
Eating Disorders
Breast Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Cancer-related Weight Loss
Sarcoidosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Epilepsy
Sunburn
Viral Encephalitis
Heart Disease

Since a lot of evidence for many of these claims is rather light and since I am not trying to sell you melatonin supplements, I am going to focus only on its role in sleep enhancement.

Insomnia
As many parents realize, drugs like Ritalin are not without side effects. One of the major complaints that parents have is that their children who take Ritalin can't fall asleep at night. Many parents report that their children, who may be only five or six years old, are wide awake until 11 pm or later.

Melatonin may be able to help these children. Since it is the primary chemical in the body that helps to induce sleep, children who suffer from insomnia often find that Melatonin restores their normal sleep cycle and helps them to be more awake and alert during the day.

How to Take It
There are currently no guidelines as to how to take Melatonin. Sensitivity to Melatonin is an individual thing and doses that are ineffective in one person may be too much for someone else.

The best approach for any condition is to begin with very low doses and slowly add more until you get the effect that you are seeking.

In children, it is best to start with a dose of about 0.3 mg/day or less. Although current research suggests that even doses as high as 10 mg are perfectly safe, it is best to proceed with caution.

In adults, 3 mg is usually a safe starting dose and you can increase it or decrease it as you see fit.

Availability
Melatonin is readily available in most health food stores in the United States and it is very cheap. In Europe it is a controlled substance. Most Europeans who wish to use Melatonin find it cheaper and easier to have it shipped from the US.

Adverse Effects
Melatonin is one of the least toxic substances known. In one extensive clinical trial, a high dose of 75 milligrams of melatonin per day was given to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years with no ill effects.

The only consistent side effect of high doses has been drowsiness and a slower reaction time.

Other common complaints include:

Vivid dreams or nightmares
Stomach cramps
Dizziness
Headache
Irritability
Decreased libido
Breast enlargement in men
Decreased sperm count.

These side effects were in healthy people. We also don't know how melatonin may affect people suffering from disease.

Possible Drug Interactions
Melatonin may interact or interfere with other drugs.

These include:

Antidepressant Medications
Antipsychotic Medications: many of these medications are now being used in treating children with ADHD and Bipolar disorder
Benzodiazepines
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood-thinning Medications, Anticoagulants
Interleukin-2
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Steroids and Immunosuppressant Medications
Tamoxifen

If your child is taking any of these things, you should consult with his doctor before giving Melatonin.

Also, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can all diminish levels of melatonin in the body while cocaine and amphetamines may increase melatonin production.

Conclusion:

Often children with ADHD have a great deal of difficulty falling asleep. This can be due to the medications that they are taking or just be one component in the spectrum of their problems. When used properly, melatonin may be a safe and effective way to handle sleep problems in ADHD children.

Disorders in the Night

2007-03-03T23:08:00.000-08:00

There a few different types of Sleep Disorders that affect millions around the globe. Sleepwalking, Nightmares, Insomnia, and Sleep-Wake disorders can bring forth misery if not treated. All of us have endured nightmares or sleepless nights, but when the symptoms are continuing it is most likely the person has a disorder.

The symptoms that come alone with most sleep disorders include stress since inability to sleep, or sleeping too much, as well as nightmares cause grievance. Most sleeping disorders are linked to physical ailments, psychological stressors, other diagnosis, alcohol, drugs, as well as a few other factors. Insomnia includes unhealthy symptoms that make a person have difficulty while trying to sleep, and often the person may wake up during sleep hours.

This often leads to complications during the waking hours since the person is irritated. The patients often suffer with the inability to focus, depression, anxiety attacks, and no energy. Some patients may even suffer from bipolar, anxiety disorders, or other types of disorders. I endured Insomnia for the most part of my life because of other disorders, but first hand, I can tell you medicines may work for some people, but for others it may not.

The solution I found that works best for me, is eating healthy, force the mind out of thought process when you lay down to sleep, and keep in mind "One day at a time." Insomnia patients often suffer apprehension, a sense of loss, and trauma as well as a few other symptoms. Most Insomnia Disorders means that somewhere down the line the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep mode was confused. The trick then is getting the REM scheduler back on track. During the REM sleep hours, the mind often dreams, and the body functions often shift. For example, your heart rate may increase of decrease in REM sleep mode.

Since REM is often affected by sleeping hour schedules, it is sometimes possible to endure a sleeping disorder. For example, if you have a night shift job and later switched to day shift, it is obvious the REM mode is imbalanced. Once you find a way to get the mind on track again, it is possible to reinstate your mental health. However, if you have underlying disorders, including posttraumatic stress, bipolar, multiple personality disorder, and other disorders, these diagnoses must be dealt with first before resolve comes for the sleeping disorder. Sleep-Wake Disorders or Circadian Rhythm disorder often creating sleeping inefficiencies, including sleepless nights, stress, anxiety, jet lag and so forth.

This disorder is often caused by changes in the schedule. If the person does not see the sun when he or she wakes simply because they sleep all day from working all night, this could cause Sleep-Wake disorders to develop. Sleep Walking Disorders can become deadly. Recent studies have shown that sleepwalkers are capable of murder and will never know they killed. In my experiences, I do recall brief details of my sleep walking nights, only because others that witnessed the action gave me vivid details. In one instant, I sat in a chair rocking back and forth and humming, and in another incident, I walked to the front of the house and peered out the door, and turned and went back to bed while walking past members of the household and never acknowledging them.

I believe sleeping disorders is related to high levels of stress, diagnosis such as Posttraumatic Stress, Multiple Personality Disorder, and other disorders were trauma exists. At the time I underwent sleepwalking, I was under a high-level of stress, and suffered both Multiple Personality and Posttraumatic Stress. Most people that sleepwalk appear as though they are in a Zombie land.

For example if you notice a person walking past you at bedtime, and his or her face seems to have a blank stare or else a look of unemotional status, then the person is probably walking in his or her sleep. Finally, nightmare disorders are often linked to Posttraumatic Stress Disorders, as well as other disorders, while there is not enough evidence available to support the claims. Trauma patients are often the people that suffer with nightmares throughout the night. The person will see a real-life scene that depicts horror, fright, and so forth and sometimes will wake up screaming, and most all the time endure night sweats.

Sometimes the dreams are reoccurring and sometimes the dreams change during the night. Studies has recently shown that sleep disorder patients may have physical disabilities that are linked to the sleeping problems, however almost all patients diagnosed with sleeping disorders have additional disorders, suffered trauma, drugs or drinks excessively, and so forth. Regardless of the problems, you must find the source before you can treat individuals with sleeping disorders.

Stop Mouth Grinding At Night

2007-02-22T01:18:00.000-08:00

Just because you go to sleep, it doesn’t mean you leave the stress of the day behind. You could be grinding your jaw all night. To stop it, you need to know the following.

The medical term for grinding your jaw at night is bruxism. Bruxism can occur during the day or at night, but mostly at night. In both cases, people are generally not aware that they are grinding. They might catch themselves doing it during the day or they might be told by someone that they do it at night.

No one is quite sure what causes individuals to grind away. In some instances, teeth are not aligned properly and this can cause them to grind together. In most cases, however, doctors believe that the cause of bruxism is psychological. People who have anxiety or high levels of stress tend to grind their teeth more. Anger or frustration can cause bruxism. There is also some evidence to suggest that people who have “Type A” personalities are more prone to grinding their teeth. People with Type A personalities are usually aggressive, competitive and can sometimes be hyperactive. Bruxism can always be a symptom of another disorder. People with Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy or mental retardation will sometimes grind their teeth as a side effect of their disorder. Some antidepressants and other medications can cause teeth grinding as well. In children, bruxism is often related to normal growth and usually will stop as the child matures.

People typically find out that they are grinding their teeth because someone tells them that they are doing it. Sometimes it is loud enough to wake up the person they are sleeping next to. A dentist might notice that teeth have become worn down or chipped. There might be pain in the jaw, teeth, face or ears. The inside of the cheeks might be irritated or swollen.

Children with bruxism are usually not treated. The expectation is that they will grow out of it as they age. In adults, bruxism is treated if it is severe or is causing pain or damage to the teeth. Dentists often treat bruxism through the use of a mouth guard. A mouth guard is fitted for the individual’s mouth and worn while they sleep. This will not stop the person from grinding their teeth, but it will help prevent further damage.

There are a few things that can help prevent bruxism. First, stress should be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. If the bruxism typically occurs at night, an evening routine of a warm bath, a cup of decaf tea and some relaxing music can help. Counseling and exercise are good for reducing the overall stress level. It also is helpful to reduce the amount of tobacco, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol consumed as they tend to increase occurrences of bruxism. Once someone is aware that they grind their teeth, they can try to relax their jaw during the day. People who suffer from bruxism should be monitored by their dentist to ensure that they are not damaging their teeth.

The Cause and Symptoms of Narcolepsy

2007-02-21T01:21:00.000-08:00

The main characteristic of narcolepsy is overwhelming excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), even after adequate nighttime sleep. A person with narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep, often at inappropriate times and places. Daytime naps may occur with or without warning and may be irresistible. These naps can occur several times a day. They are typically refreshing, but only for up to a couple hours. Drowsiness may persist for prolonged periods of time. In addition, night-time sleep may be fragmented with frequent wakenings.

Daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations also occur in people who do not have narcolepsy, more frequently in people who are suffering from extreme lack of sleep. Cataplexy is generally considered to be unique to narcolepsy.

In most cases, the first symptom of narcolepsy to appear is excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness. The other symptoms may begin alone or in combination months or years after the onset of the daytime naps. There are wide variations in the development, severity, and order of appearance of cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations in individuals. Only about 20 to 25 percent of people with narcolepsy experience all four symptoms. The excessive daytime sleepiness generally persists throughout life, but sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations may not.

The symptoms of narcolepsy, especially the excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, often become severe enough to cause serious problems in a person's social, personal, and professional lives and severely limit activities.

While the cause of narcolepsy has not yet been determined, scientists have discovered conditions that may increase an individual's risk of having the disorder. Specifically, there appears to be a strong link between narcoleptic individuals and certain genetic conditions. One factor that may predispose an individual to narcolepsy involves an area of Chromosome 6 known as the HLA complex. There appears to be a correlation between narcoleptic individuals and certain variations in HLA genes, although it is not required for the condition to occur.

Learning as much about narcolepsy as possible and finding a support system can help patients and families deal with the practical and emotional effects of the disease, possible occupational limitations, and situations that might cause injury. A variety of educational and other materials are available from sleep medicine or narcolepsy organizations. Support groups exist to help persons with narcolepsy and their families.

Infant Sleep Safety - Lessening the Dangers of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

2007-02-21T01:18:00.000-08:00

SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is the greatest recognized cause of death in infants under twelve months of age. This frightening condition happens while the baby is asleep. Unfortunately, so far there unfortunately is not a known cure, or even a known reason in fact, as to why some infants are affected by the syndrome while others aren't. The fact is though that over 2,500 infants die in America yearly from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Even though the number of infant deaths have been cut by approximately forty percent by the instigation of preventative measures and following baby sleep safety techniques to protect infants from SIDS, there unfortunately is not a known way at present to fully evade the occurrence of cot death.

Tips for Baby Sleep Safety

*Make sure your baby sleeps on his or her back. Cot death has been closely linked to children sleeping on their tummies.

*Ensure your baby sleeps on a firm mattress. Avoid certain fluffy toys or baby pillows that could cause suffocation.

*Don't let your child overheat in the night. Infants have a body temperature that is higher than an adult and do not need so many blankets - do not let infant be cold either though!

*Don't take drugs, drink alcohol or smoke either before or after your baby's birth. Smoke from cigarettes is known to be a contributing factor to SIDS.

*Join in with early and parental care clinics, specifically if you are a parent for the first time.

*Breast feed your infant if it is at all possible. Breast fed babies are statistically much less likely to be affected by SIDS.

*Consider giving your child a pacifier throughout the first 12 months of life. It is not known why but infants that are given a pacifier during this time are much less likely to be claimed by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

*Do not sleep with your infant in the same bed or let him or her sleep in a normal adult bed. A baby has a higher chance of suffocation when in a bed that has been designed for adults. It is fine to comfort and feed an infant in bed as long as he or she is taken back to his or her proper cot afterwards.

SIDS is not the same as any other disease or syndrome. Most conditions surrounding the death of a baby are diagnosed by symptoms associated with the death. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome however is only normally diagnosed once other possibilities are dismissed.

Risk Factors

There are a few specific trends or notable risk factors that can be observed in data regarding SIDS. The risks should be considered by mothers and fathers that have infants in a high-risk category.

*Boys are more likely than girls to die from SIDS. There is little that can be done about this fact, it is simply included here as a notation.

*Drinking alcohol, drug use and smoking are thought to be some of the main contributory factors to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In simple terms, if you value the health of your infant, do not use destructive drugs like these!

*Poor parental care. First-time or young parents are at the greatest risk. However, if a parent ensures that they get early and frequent parental care checks and also have the backing of their family and friends, there is much less chance of this happening.

*Babies born prematurely are at an increased Dangers of SIDS. Premature babies at birth have a disadvantage initially and can often be quite fragile and under developed. This is once again more of a note than a specific prevention.

*Mothers who are less than 20 years of age are at danger of having a child die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This can be for a diversification of reasons such as simple inexperience or accidental neglect.

By using the tips above and ensuring that you are aware of the dangers and also implementing the infant sleep safety precautions you can lower the likelihood of losing a infant to SIDS. For parents who have sadly lost a infant to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome there are numerous excellent support groups available to assist in going through the process of grieving.

Fibromyalgia Often Unspotted during Pregnancy

2007-02-21T01:16:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia is a serious disorder of suspected neurological origin manifested by intense, recidivating muscular pain, joint stiffness, pronounced sate of generalized fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, increased sensitivity to external stimuli and depression. At present, the exact causes and risk factors of the disease are unknown, fibromyalgia still being regarded as an enigma among the medical community.

There is no specific cure for fibromyalgia and the treatments available today are only partially efficient in slowing down the progression of the disease and alleviating its generated symptoms. In addition, due to the lack of conclusive medical data on fibromyalgia and the deceiving character of the symptoms it produces (the symptoms of fibromyalgia have an unspecific, general character, being also produced by a variety of other diseases that aren’t related to fibromyalgia), the disease can be very difficult to diagnose properly. In persons with special conditions (existing or past neuropsychological diseases, pregnant women, etc.), fibromyalgia is even more difficult to diagnose accurately and more important, timely.

Recent medical investigations have revealed the fact that fibromyalgia is often overlooked during pregnancy. According to the results of elaborate medical research conducted by a team of medical scientists from Temple University, the symptoms of fibromyalgia experienced by pregnant women are very often misdiagnosed as regular clinical manifestations of pregnancy. While symptoms such as intense pain, generalized fatigue and pronounced psychological stress generally point to fibromyalgia, their occurrence in pregnant women determine most doctors to think that they are a normal part of pregnancy, not indicators of disease.

In order to accurately distinguish between the early signs of fibromyalgia and the normal clinical manifestations of pregnancy in future mothers, doctors are currently focusing on establishing more reliable criteria of diagnosis, which would completely eliminate the existing confusion between normal indicators of pregnancy and the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Once they will discover efficient methods of identifying the symptoms of fibromyalgia in pregnant women, doctors will focus on reducing the impact of the disease in future mothers.

A very recent medical study has clearly revealed that the symptoms of fibromyalgia are very difficult to detect during pregnancy. However, the same study has concluded that there are ways to detect the presence of fibromyalgia in pregnant women by comparing their symptoms to those of pregnant women in good health. In addition, the researchers claimed that the presence of fibromyalgia in such categories of patients can also be spotted by verifying the patients’ medical history.

The study involved the participation of pregnant women with and without fibromyalgia. The volunteers were between the ages of 29 and 31, pregnant in the third trimester and had no history of premature, complicated birth or abortion. All the subjects who participated in the study had no chronic illnesses other than fibromyalgia and most of them were actually in perfect health. By the end of the study, the conclusions were that the signs of fibromyalgia can be distinguished from the clinical manifestations of pregnancy with already existing methods of diagnosis.

For instance, compared with the group of pregnant women without fibromyalgia, the group with the disease experienced exacerbated pain (perceived through the entire body), states of exhaustion and even states of mental confusion. Although it is extremely difficult to timely and accurately detect the presence of fibromyalgia in pregnant women, the researchers have demonstrated that this task is not impossible. Medical scientists have recently initiated a new series of studies, aiming to discover more effective, reliable methods of diagnosing fibromyalgia during pregnancy.

General symptoms of fibromyalgia

2007-02-21T01:14:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia is a disease which manifests very much alike with flu. It gives muscular pains and tiredness, and can disturb the sleep. It can also be characterized by tender spots which are felt mostly in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. The attachments of muscles to bones are also affected by this disease. Joints seem to be left unaffected by it. Besides muscles, pain in tendons and ligaments appear also.

Some of the patients can feel depressed and develop mood changes, other patients complain about anxiety and difficulty in concentration along with sensitivity to light and temperature.

Fibromyalgia can be easily mistaken with other diseases. The fatigue most people feel is quite alike with that encountered in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Those who suffer of CFS can also have symptoms of fibromyalgia like the tender spots.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is made after eliminating other diseases that can manifest alike and after inquiring about the tender spots and their location. There are known 18 tender spots that can be painful in fibromyalgia and most are situated around the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, lower back, elbows and knees.

When talking about fibromyalgia, tender spots are usually situated in both sides of the body and at least 11 spots must be painful otherwise some doctors will not be sure that fibromyalgia is present.

These symptoms can last a few days or months and even years and the symptoms can sometimes get worse or sometimes disappear for a while.

If you have these symptoms is best to call your doctor and let him decide whether you have fibromyalgia or not. Also, if you are already diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome periodically go for check-ups because a new drug might have been discovered since your last medical visit. If you feel you can not control the pain with the regular treatment, ask you doctor for a new one, with more powerful painkillers.

A cure for fibromyalgia has not been discovered yet but at least treatment is available.

At home in order to relieve muscle pain, patients are advised to swim, practice aerobic and different sorts or exercises. Massage is also recommended.

The doctor will prescribe you some helpful drugs: painkillers and muscle relaxants, in order to reduce the pain in your muscles, antidepressant drugs if you feel you have mood changes and depressions lately, tender point injections with steroids which can relief you for a while. Also, acupuncture is recommended along with massage therapy because it helps relax and soothe painful muscles.

How can I know if I have fibromyalgia?

2007-02-21T01:11:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia syndrome gives a lot of neuromuscular symptoms. Muscle pain is present is all the cases but it differs in intensity and localization. Some might feel this pain as a burning or as a radiating, others gnawing, sore, stiff, and aching. Also the activity a person performs, the stress level, the weather condition and sleep patterns might modify the intensity of the pain.

Some patients complain about the fact that they are tired even after sleeping for the whole night. Others say that they wake up during the night more frequent than they did before the disease had installed. Doctors say that an interruption during the deep sleep can cause the tiredness patients complain of.

General symptoms of fibromyalgia are: muscle pain that lasts more than three months, tenderness in the 18 points, sleeping problems, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain associated with diarrhea or constipation and bloating. Also, paresthesia or tingling in hands, arms, feet, legs or face can be present.

Fibromyalgia can often be mistaken with flu because muscle pains, tenderness fatigue are present in flu too. Fatigue can give problems in concentrating and patients complain that they can not perform simple mental tasks any more. Some of the patients can feel depressed and develop mood changes, other patients complain about anxiety along with sensitivity to light and temperature.

These symptoms can last a few days or months and even years and the symptoms can sometimes get worse or sometimes disappear for a while. Doctors do not know exactly what causes fibromyalgia but they suspect special events like the flu or a trauma to be the trigger of this disease. Also, a diminished blood flow to certain parts of the brain can lead to fibromyalgia too. Other affections like: immune or endocrine system dysfunctions, upper spinal cord injuries, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction are possible causes of the disease.

This disease gives symptoms which resemble to those in chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Treating fibromyalgia syndrome can be made at home too by performing exercises. The pain, sleep problems and depression can be controlled very well with medication.

It seems that some people are more exposed than others to this affection. Those who are young, are female, have a family history of the disease and complain of having sleeping problems can develop this affection at any moment.

Having fibromyalgia syndrome does not mean you can not perform your usual activities, you just have to adjust them fit you and your needs. Many people suffer of this affection but they still go to work and live a normal live.

How does fibromyalgia manifest?

2007-02-21T01:07:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia is known as a disease which mostly manifests with widespread muscle pains and tender spots. People describe the muscle pain in different ways: some can feel burnings, radiating, others gnawing, sore, stiff, and aching. Patients say that the pain is always present but with different intensities depending on the activity they perform or on the weather, the stress level and the sleep patterns. Fibromyalgia pains can even be resembled with the muscle pains from flu. Also the tiredness and fatigue present in flu are met in fibromyalgia too.

Some patients complain about the fact that they are tired even after sleeping for the whole night. Others say that they wake up during the night more frequent than they did before the disease had installed. Doctors say that an interruption during the deep sleep can cause the tiredness patients complain of.

The fatigue most people feel quite alike with that encountered in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Those who suffer of CFS can also have symptoms of fibromyalgia like the tender spots.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is made after eliminating other diseases that can manifest alike and after inquiring about the tender spots and their location. There are known 18 tender spots that can be painful in fibromyalgia and most are situated around the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, lower back, elbows and knees.

Some of the patients can feel depressed and develop mood changes, other patients complain about anxiety and difficulty in concentration along with sensitivity to light and temperature.

It seems that these people have been suffering before of depression or anxiety and some of them have been also been abused or neglected during their life. It is important to discuss about these things with the doctor because an improvement in the symptoms might be registered after and the patient will cope with the illness much easier after having such a discussion.

Another problem that appears once fibromyalgia installed is that patients complain that they can not perform simple mental tasks any more. Some say that they can not concentrate as well as before. The doctors say that all these matters are as a result of sleeping disturbances given by fibromyalgia.

General symptoms of fibromyalgia are: muscle pain that lasts more than three months, tenderness in the 18 points, sleeping problems, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain associated with diarrhea or constipation and bloating. Also, paresthesia or tingling in hands, arms, feet, legs or face can be present. Because these symptoms are found in other neuromuscular diseases, like carpal tunnel syndrome, neuritis, or even multiple sclerosis, tests for fibromyalgia can be ordered.

Some things about the fibromyalgia syndrome

2007-02-16T00:28:00.000-08:00

There are a few events that can determine the apparition of the fibromyalgia syndrome. For example, an automobile accident, a viral or bacterial infection, or a disorder like lupus, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is not sure if these factors really lead to fibromyalgia syndrome, but there is a great chance that they will awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that already exists.

In order to find out what exactly this abnormality is, there are being made investigations that concern the hormonal irregularities, immune system function, the pain-related chemical transmitters, especially some alterations are searched.

There are modern brain imaging techniques that explore various aspects of brain function. Also, it is being evaluated the body’s response to stress and exercise, and alterations in the operation of the autonomic nervous system.

It was discovered that in the spinal fluid of people having fibromyalgia syndrome, substance P is increased threefold, and nerve growth factor is increased fourfold, and the scientists are working to find out why this situation exists.

It is known that deep level sleep is important for many body functions, for example for antibody production, tissue repair, the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals.

Sleep disorders are a fact that often appears in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. It is very important that the sleep disorders to be treated first, because they can contribute to the symptoms of the fibromyalgia syndrome. There can be prescribed medications that increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine. Usually, these medications are prescribed in low doses, and we can mention here cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline and Cymbalta.

Medications that are used to aid sleep are: clonazepam, trazodone, Ambien, and Lunesta.
Other medications, such as Ultram are being used to treat the pain, and in moderate and severe cases, stronger opioids may be needed.There can be also prescribed muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics like Lyrica and Neurotin, and other drugs categories too.

Also, many patients will have to follow other treatment methods too, like acupuncture, acupressure, trigger point injections with lidocaine, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a gentle exercise program.

There were made long-term studies, that followed the fibromyalgia syndrome evolution. It was revealed that this disease is chronic, but its symptoms may vary, they may sometimes rise, and sometimes decrease. The fibromyalgia syndrome has different impact among patients, it affects them differently. This syndrome can affect the daily living activities, and here we must also mention that it can affect ability to work a full-time job.

In conclusion, we may say that fibromyalgia syndrome can produce harm just as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect patients differently, and first, it is necessary a treatment to improve the quality of sleep and to release the pain.

The Connection between Deep Sleep and Bed-wetting

2007-02-16T00:26:00.000-08:00

The medical community has long considered children aged five or six who are continual bed-wetters also suffer from a sleep disorder. New studies seem to show that this is not the case and that these children typically are deep sleepers who do not wake up when the message is sent from the brain that the bladder needs to be emptied.

Controlled laboratory studies indicate that deep sleeping plays a role in bed-wetting, but is not the chief cause.

A study at Albert Einstein College of Medicine recorded the electroencephalography (EEG) of the children participating. The EEG monitors the brain’s electrical activity throughout sleep. Children suffering from various sleep disorders were recorded by the EEG as having abnormal electrical patterns.

Children who suffered from enuresis, but no known sleep disorder, exhibited regular brain activity throughout sleep. These results support the idea that sleep disorders and bed-wetting are not linked.

Doctors do not know just what causes enuresis, though complete bladder control is a slow process that takes time, with no definitive age of mastery for all children. Some children develop nighttime mastery at a very early age while others take significantly longer. Daytime bladder control is normally achieved first while children are awake and alert, able to immediately respond to a full bladder.

Many parts of the body must work together in controlling bladder function and urine control including the nerves, muscles, brain and spinal chord.

The bladder sends a message to the brain to wake up when the bladder is full. A deep sleeper does not respond to the brain's message and the body attempts to hold the urine until the sleeper awakes. Typically, where enuresis is concerned, the body is not working well enough yet to control the urine.

Some children have a smaller than normal bladder, or one that is not yet matured enough to make nighttime bladder control happen regularly. Still other children create more urine in which case the bladder is unable to contain it throughout the night. Physical troubles such as diabetes and urinary tract infections can also factor in bed-wetting.

Studies have shown there may be a genetic connection to bed-wetting. The National Kidney Foundation reports that a child with one parent who experienced bed-wetting has a 4 in 10 chance of also being a bed-wetter. If both parents were bed wetters raises it to a 7 in 10 chance.

CPAP For Better Sleep

2007-02-16T00:17:00.000-08:00

Habitual snoring and sleep apnea are two of the most common sleeping problems encountered by Americans today. People with sleep apnea often snore but not all snorers are suffering from apnea. Either way, they have one thing in common. The CPAP.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common mode of treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. This is also used to help neonates and critically ill patients who are suffering from respiratory failure. This is a more convenient alternative to tracheostomy, a surgical procedure done to apnea patients before the advent of CPAP.

A CPAP machine delivers air with a predetermined amount of pressure to your airway through a nasal mask keeping the airway open and free of obstructions while you sleep which allows sufficient amount of air to enter the lungs and preventing apnea episodes and constant wakefulness. A hose connects the mask to the blower or the machine that delivers the pressurized air.

Common features found in today’s CPAP machines, which are purchased separately and may not be covered by insurance, are: air humidifier, ramp (pressure adjuster), exhalation pressure relief (makes it easier for the user to breathe), and data logging (records pertinent data for later evaluation). These additional features help increase treatment compliance among patients. You can either rent or purchase a CPAP machine from a durable medical equipment (DME) company.

Other positive air pressure devices are the BiPAP and autoPAP. A bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) provides two air pressure levels, one for inhalation and a lower pressure level for exhalation. That way, breathing out would be more comfortable than when using a CPAP without an exhalation pressure relief. An automatic positive airway pressure (AutoPAP) automatically regulates the amount of pressure on a breath-by-breath basis.

Choosing the right machine for you comes after you have been evaluated. Your medical history, current medications and your lifestyle will be thoroughly evaluated by your doctor. He will also have you go though an EENT examination and a polysomnography or sleep study to evaluate your apnea and to determine the appropriate CPAP pressure for you. If it is apparent that you need to be on CPAP treatment, choosing a mask with the right fit, the right machine and the optional features follows.

Since the main consequence of sleep apnea is sleep disruption, a CPAP machine is used mainly at home to help with the breathing problems at night. It is also important that you know the proper maintenance your machine requires. The company where you got it from always gives out a detailed instruction manual for a specific unit. It is important that you keep the machine and its parts clean, and always have them checked for wear and tear to ensure optimal functioning.

A CPAP machine is undoubtedly an effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea, but we cannot always rely on machines to do the job for us. CPAP is not as effective as when coupled with significant lifestyle changes like regular exercise, weight loss, and alcohol and smoking cessation. A positive attitude and a responsible mind will help us achieve wellness in no time.