What is Sleep Apnea and Night Calm

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

Have you been to see a doctor recently only to have him diagnose you with sleep apnea? If this is the case, you probably want to know what is sleep apnea? This is a very serious condition in which one stops and starts breathing on a repeated basis while sleeping. If you feel tired even after getting what appears to be a good night’s sleep or you snore, you may have this condition. There are three types of sleep apnea and you need to know which one you have been diagnosed with.

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the throat muscles relax This is the most commonly seen type of apnea. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a condition in which the brain does not send correct signals to the muscles of the body which control your breathing. Complex sleep apnea is the third type and is a combination of the above two.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include morning headaches, insomnia, loud snoring (more commonly seen with obstructive sleep apnea), or excessive sleepiness during the day. Others may actually notice that they stop breathing while they are asleep. Many complain of a sore throat or dry mouth in the morning also. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to make an appointment with a doctor to have them determine the cause.

What is sleep apnea and what causes it? It depends on which type it is. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your throat muscles relax. When they relax, the airways narrow or closing during inhalation. This leads to apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This is very common with those who have heart disease or have had a stroke.

When you are trying to determine what is sleep apnea and what to do about it, you may wish to try Night Calm. Night Calm helps you to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. This product helps to maintain serotonin levels in the brain and you will wake up feeling great and ready to face the day.

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How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

It’s estimated that 1 in 5 of us suffers from a lack of sleep and it’s one of the most common health complaints of the 21st century.  A study by the UK’s Sleep Council shows that two thirds of people find it harder to sleep now that they did a year ago because of the effects of the recession.

Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep is known to lead to many problems including difficulty with memory, concentration, learning and low mood.  All of these can cause stress at work or in family relationships and in turn cause problems with sleep themselves.

There is some debate on how much sleep is enough, but the general consensus is that it should be enough to leave us feeling revived in the morning and awake throughout the day.

Because our sleep patterns and requirements change through our lives, this sleep well program has produced some helpful tips for different groups – children , teenagers, shift workers and the over 50s – as well as videos offering bed buying tips and general sleep advice.  It’s all on their website: Click Here!

The Sleep Council’s advice includes:

Get up and go to bed at regular times and resisting the temptation to nap during the day. Regular daytime exercise can help lower stress, but just avoid it before bed. Check if any medications you’re taking might affect your sleep. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol close to bed time and have milky drinks or herbal teas instead of caffeinated drinks. If worries or anxieties are keeping you awake, try writing them down, keeping a diary or discussing them with a friend or counsellor. If a snoring or restless partner is the problem, then consider separate beds or bedroom – this doesn’t have to be the end of intimacy and might re-vitalise it.

Dr Chris Idzikowski is the Director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre.  His top sleep tips and tricks will help you get a better night’s sleep – starting tonight.

Make your bedroom a place for sleeping. So ditch the TV and any work-related clutter.  Have soft lighting, good ventilation and make it the right temperature.  Black out blinds or dark curtains will help too. Don’t snack or eat a heavy meal before bed. Have a routine and wind down before bed.  Have a relaxing warm bath with scented oils or do relaxation exercises. Don’t lie in bed if you can’t sleep.  Get up and do something, returning to bed when you feel sleepy. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and buy the best you can afford – after all, you spend 1/3 of your life on it.

By taking a close look at what might stop you getting a good night’s kip and using some of these expert tips, you’ll begin to feel refreshed in the morning and in control of every day life.

 

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Treatment Options for Snoring

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

Anyone who snores – or those who live with one – is likely to want to find the most effective means of treating the snoring to alleviate it or make it go away! Sometimes that is more easily said than done because everyone’s snoring is different and what might work for one might not necessarily work for another.

The first step before venturing into the myriad treatment options advertised is to seek expert advice on determining if the snoring is a more serious symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. That is because it might mean there are underlying health reasons that are causing the sleep apnea.

Here are some treatment options available that might be used whether or not you have a serious condition. And these can easily be done at home. They are as follows:

  • If you snore more frequently when you don’t have enough sleep, try going to bed at the same time every night.
  • Many people who sleep on their backs suffer from snoring so try sleeping on your side. To keep you on your side attach a tennis ball to the back of your pajamas to keep you from turning onto your back.
  • People who are overweight often have snoring problems because their airways have been narrowed by excess fat so losing weight could be an easy solution.
  • Nasal strips can be used to widen the nostrils thereby improving the airflow thus alleviating your snoring.
  • Limiting use of alcohol or heavy foods before bedtime because these can worsen snoring symptoms.
  • Use of decongestants to reduce the symptoms of a cold will also alleviate snoring during the night.
  • Use of a CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure device has helped many people to see improved sleep with less snoring. This can be obtained through a physician.

Snoring is no laughing matter as it can be a serious health risk. It is therefore extremely important to ensure that you take concrete steps to alleviate the problem before it progresses to something more serious. These treatment options vary in terms of cost and in terms of convenience – but all are worth a try.

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Some Common Sleep Disorders

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

Sleep disorders affect many New Zealanders every day. Researchers suggest every person will be affected by a sleep disorder at some point in their life. Here are some of the more common sleep disorders – do any of them sound familiar?

Insomnia: the most common sleep disorder, insomnia means you’re not getting a sufficient amount of sleep. You might struggle to fall asleep, or wake up frequently in the middle of the night and not be able to return to sleep.

Insomnia can have many causes – most commonly it’s caused by stress, a poor nightly routine or a painful medical condition. Most people will suffer from insomnia at some stage in their life.

Sleep Apnea: If you wake up gasping for breath or someone tells you that you regularly snore, you might have sleep apnea. During sleep apnea, you stop breathing for 10 seconds at regular intervals throughout the night. This is usually caused by pressure on the windpipe – perhaps from being overweight or a medical condition.

Sleep apnea can be dangerous and should be treated by a sleep professional.

Sleepwalking: part of a group of sleeping behaviors called parasomnias, which occur during REM sleep and involve involuntary actions. During sleepwalking, the “paralysis” function induced in REM sleep fails and a person will stand up and physically act out their dreams. Sleepwalking can be dangerous if the person has access to a balcony or stairwell where they could potentially fall and hurt themselves.

Restless Legs Syndrome: a neurological movement disorder, where you feel uncomfortable creeping and prickling sensations running up your legs. Moving your legs eases the sensation, so people with restless legs syndrome tend to toss and turn a lot at night.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: the change of seasons can affect your body. During the winter months, the lack of light causes many people to suffer depression and feel sleepy all the time.

If you suffer from one or more of these sleep disorders, you can do plenty to help yourself get a good night’s sleep. Many people find herbal sleep remedies useful in combating the affects of common sleep disorders.

For more information about insomnia and sleep remedies you can visit the Sleep and Insomnia Guide

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Some Sleep Issues That May Influence A Driver’s Capability and Make Them Unsafe

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

Truck driving is a grueling job which frequently entails long hours and requires the driver to remain alert and be able to react quickly. A driver could be on the highway for several days with their only rest being at a truck stop or on the side of the road. Lack of sleep could be a hazard to the driver and other people on the highway. Sleep disorders make driving more dangerous and should be treated immediately. A lot of companies are implementing programs that help detect and treat sleep disorders for that safety of their drivers and also to maintain good productivity. Sleep apnea is very widespread among truck drivers. This disorder is brought on by the airway between your nose and lungs partially closing or collapsing during sleep. When sleeping, the muscles that control the airway become relaxed allowing this to occur. A partially closed airway could cause very loud snoring and a closed airway may prevent the sufferer from breathing to have an extended time period. Symptoms include pauses in breathing, loud snoring, choking or gasping while sleeping, concentration issues, moodiness and irritability. This is often a really dangerous disorder and should be treated the moment it’s detected. A normal physician can determine if sleep apnea exists by looking at medical history and performing an examination. Insomnia is another disorder that can affect a truck driver and their performance. This disorder occurs when someone cannot get proper sleep over a long period of time. It may be brought on by fatigue, psychological, and physiological problems. Insomnia is much more common whenever a person is stressed, anxious, or depressed. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, daytime fatigue, depression, anxiety, and alterations in mood. To deal with this disorder, the cause must first be determined and then treated by medication or another method. Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is becoming a more common sleep problem also. RLS is normally inherited and is caused by lower levels of a chemical called dopamine which the brain uses to transmit messages with other parts of the body. A person who has RLS may have sleep problems due to discomfort and pain in the legs and arms. Sometimes their legs and arms will twitch involuntary and stop sleep as well. Symptoms include an overwhelming urge to move legs and discomfort in the legs and arms. The symptoms are worse through the night and may often be temporarily relieved with rubbing, massage, or movement. Normally medication is given for treatment. Other disorders for example narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, and snoring can cause sleep deprivation and other issues too. When not treated, these kinds of disorders can create unsafe conditions for the driver and everyone they share the street with. They can also cause other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, as well as possibly heart disease. It is crucial to identify sleep disorder types and symptoms. Any driver who thinks they have a sleeping problem should see their personal doctor or consult their employer for assistance. This way their life as well as others will not be affected due to something which might have been treated. Common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can greatly impair a truck driver’s capability to handle and maintain their vehicle properly and safely on the road. Many of these disorders have noticeable symptoms. If a driver believes they may be suffering from a sleeping disorder, they should consult their physician or employer to receive the necessary testing and treatment. Visit FusionSleep.com for more information on sleep issues.

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Only the Best: Mattress Tests

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

Mattress testing has many steps that start with manufacturing and ends when you take the mattress for a test-drive by laying down on it to check how comfortable it is for you.  Mattresses go through thorough testing in order to meet quality control and fire safety requirements before they are allowed to be sold to us, the consumer.  Rigorous quality control testing isn’t done on every mattress, just one out of each make and model.

These tests were created to test new mattress concepts to make sure they meet the standards in several different evaluations.  There are different test techniques that are outlined for use in evaluation of things such as the mattress components, the innersprings and boxsprings and they are done in both the mattresses and mattress sets (which included the boxspring).

When they test the different innersprings and boxsprings the test methods usually include measuring the firmness, how well the mattress retains the firmness, durability, and effect of how you get into bed.  By determining these different factors, they can grade each innerspring and boxspring.  These grades determine whether they are superior or inferior and whether or not they are fit for consumer purchasing.  And the mattress and mattress set tests gauge similar test as the innerspring and boxspring with an added test for height change.

The firmness test determines what rating the mattress set receives whether it is a soft, medium or firm mattress.  Firmness retention rates how long the mattress keeps its firmness under normal wear and tear situations.  Durability determines how long it will last before it needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear.  And believe it or not, how you get into bed helps find weaknesses in the mattresses structure as well.

Fire safety tests are performed as well.  These tests help find out how hot it has to be before the mattress will ignite and how it would burn if it did catch on fire.  These tests help with fire investigations especially those that involve the mattress as the ignition point of the fire.  These tests also tell fire professionals whether or not a simple lit cigarette can start a fire or if it has to be a flame source with or without help from accelerants.

Most mattresses has flame retardant in the material it is made with.  Knowing these test results can help the savvy consumer make an educated choice about what mattress they lay on for a great night’s sleep.

 

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2 Strange and Rare Sleep Disorders

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

Experts estimate every person will suffer from a sleep disorder at some point in their life. For most people, this will be insomnia brought on by stress or grief, or disorders associated with shift work. Most common sleep disorders can be cured by lifestyle changers or taking herbal sleeping pills.

However for some people, sleep disorders aren’t that simple. Two rare sleeping disorders – Kleine-Levin Syndrome, and Exploding Head Syndrome, baffle researches, who can’t figure out why these disorders occur, what triggers them, and can offer no cure.

Do you, or anyone you know, suffer from Kleine-Levin Syndrome or Exploding Head Syndrome?

Kleine-Levin Syndrome

People who suffer from Kleine Levin Syndrome (KLS) are often called lazy, but in reality, they suffer from uncontrollable sleeping. KLS sufferers might sleep for days, weeks, months or even years without waking. Very little is known about KLS and what causes it, but KLS normally appears during the teenage years, and most commonly affects males. As well as this excessive need to sleep, a KLS sufferer may become irritated and confused when woken, and during their waking hours may experience hyperphagia (excessive food cravings) and hypersexuality (preoccupation with engaging in sexual activities). Currently, there is no cure for KLS.

Exploding Head Syndrome

Exploding head syndrome is a funny name for a baffling sleep disorder. This unpleasant event occurs just as you’re falling asleep, or occasionally during sleep itself. A sudden loud noise that sounds like an explosion, a gunshot, TV static or cymbals crashing startles you, and the noise comes from inside your head.

The loud noise normally wakes the sufferer, and can result in sleeplessness, agitation, panic and confusion. The noise isn’t painful, but can be quite frightening.

Researchers are baffled by the cause of the noise, but it appears to occur during high periods of stress. Exploding Head Syndrome normally occurs in people over 50, but has been recorded across all ages, even in children as young as 10.

The only way to treat exploding head syndrome is to remove stress. Herbal sleeping pills that relax the body can also be beneficial.

If any of these symptoms sound like something you’ve experienced, see your doctor or sleep specialist immediately.

For more information about sleep problems and insomnia cures you can visit the Sleep and Insomnia Guide

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Sleep Apnea Treatments – Find Out Which Is Right For You!

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

Have you dreamed about effective sleep apnea treatments after yet another night of restless sleep? Apnea can turn a pleasant eight hours into a very draining experience. The next day you might find yourself drowsy or just generally cranky. Nobody wants that for themselves and you shouldn’t settle for it. With a variety of sleep apnea treatments and prevention methods, you can get your apnea under control and look forward to restful nights and productive days once again. For you, apnea can be a thing of the past! Keep reading if you want to find out how.

Apnea occurs when your breathing pattern during sleep is disrupted. Your breathing might simply be lowered in rhythm and intensity or it might be paused completely for a short time. There are two primary types of apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the tissue at the back of your throat collapses and blocks your breathing for a short period. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not signal your body to breathe as efficiently as it normally does. A third type, complex sleep apnea, is a mixture of the two cases. This all probably sounds somewhat alarming, doesn’t it? Fortunately, apnea can be effectively managed.

Sleep apnea symptoms include daytime fatigue, moodiness, dry mouth, morning headaches, and of course restless sleep. Also, you may have apnea if you are a loud snorer. However, you can’t determine if you have apnea just by these symptoms. Usually a spouse or someone who sleeps with you will be able to alert you to the fact that your breathing is actually stopping during sleep. You’ll need to have a sleep study done to tell conclusively. If you have any of these symptoms and suspect you may have apnea, whether you have been told or not, you should see your doctor. This advice should be followed especially if you live alone and have no one around to tell you of your breathing patterns while you’re asleep.

You may be at risk for apnea if you are overweight, over 65 years of age, or smoker. Men are at a higher risk for apnea than women. Also, if you have a family history of  apnea, you are more likely to develop the condition. There are steps you can take on your own to lessen your apnea problems. Losing weight if you’re overweight and quitting smoking are two great ways to reduce your issues. Sleeping on your side will help prevent your tongue from blocking your air passages. In addition, keeping a regular sleep schedule helps greatly as apnea occurrences tend to decline when you are well rested.

These self-help methods are definitely effective, but you may require some stronger sleep apnea treatments to get your problems under control. A common and effective treatment for advanced cases of apnea is CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure. CPAP is a device that continuously pumps air into your breathing passageways to keep them open while you sleep. You wear a CPAP device over your face like a mask. If you find it’s not very comfortable, don’t give up on it! With a little adjustment, your CPAP machine can quickly become a regular and beneficial part of your sleep routine. Other sleep apnea treatments include bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines and devices that keep your throat open during sleep.

Usually, treatments like CPAP are enough to deal with your problem. The discomfort of a CPAP machine may be too much for you to handle, however, or it may just be ineffective for you.  Another option for alleviating your problems is sleep apnea surgery. There are a variety of surgical methods available such as shifting your jaw forward, removing tonsils, or removing excess tissue. These are aimed at opening your throat wider in order to better the airflow. You should consult your doctor about the specifics of any invasive surgery.

You don’t have to suffer through apnea problems any more. There is a wide variety of sleep apnea treatments for you to explore! Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to combat your apnea so you can feel the benefits of good, restful sleep once again.

Why look for treatments when there are proven sleep apnea cures? Visit BestSleepApneaCures.info right now!

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3 Snoring Aids That Work to Prevent Snoring at Night

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

So you are looking for snoring aids that work? Well, there are a few, some working better than others, but the outcome really depends on the individual circumstances.

So here are 3 snoring aids that are very popular and effective in preventing snoring at night.

Snoring aids work on the premise that if you can prevent the soft tissue moving into your airways when you are asleep, you can prevent snoring.

It’s the soft tissue partially blocking your airways whilst you sleep that causes turbulent airflow when you breathe. This turbulent air then ‘vibrates’ the soft tissue causing your snoring.

There are quite a number of different stop snoring devices out there, and the choice of device depends to a large extent on the individual’s distinct circumstances.

But a common issue is the chin moving away from the upper jaw and putting pressure on the main airway. And the tongue is connected to the lower jaw, so this can partially block the airway.

Another issue is the alignment of the neck and head. If this is not ‘straight’ then the airway can become restricted.

And ‘back-sleepers’ can have problems because their chin can move down and away from the upper jaw, taking the tongue with it.

So here are 3 simple snoring aids that work to prevent snoring at night:-

Snoring Aid #1 – Snoring Mouthpiece

These are devices that are made from plastic-like material that are inserted into the mouth during sleep.

They are designed such that when in place they keep the lower jaw from moving back and maintain the tongue in the correct position. This allows free flow of air without vibrations.

Snoring Aid #2 – Snore Pillow

There are several types, but one popular type is to help position you on your side during sleep.

By doing this, it reduces the risk of your tongue moving into your airway which it often does when you sleep on your back.

At the same time it can help to position your neck and head in such a way that your airways have the maximum flow through.

Snoring Aid #3 – Snoring Chin Strap

These also help to maintain the lower jaw in the correct alignment to prevent slippage back and the snoring that results from this.

It’s a very simple device, usually made of neoprene or similar material that has adjustable straps that go round the top and the back of the head. These appear to be very popular among people with snoring problems.

Please take the time to seek out these types of aids, as they can be very effective.

But bear in mind that there are many more, and to give yourself the greatest possible chance of preventing snoring at night, you should check-out these too…

So, to get more details on snoring aids that work, plus, important info. on special exercises to prevent snoring, please go now to www.howtostopsnoringatnight.info.

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How To Stop Talking In Your Sleep Once And For All

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

You may or may not realize you’re sleep talking but anyone within earshot will have no doubt. Chances are that they’ll make their feelings known, which means you’ll need to be on the lookout for ideas on how to stop talking in your sleep. Here are some ideas to help you cut down your sleep talking.

Have a word with your doctor

There’s a chance that your sleep talking is a sign of something that needs dealing with by the medical profession. It makes sense to book an appointment with your doctor in case this is just the tip of the iceberg and something more serious is hiding beneath.

Cut down on your stress levels

Sleep talking is often associated with higher than usual stress levels in your life. Everyone reacts differently to stress and nattering away while you’re asleep is one of the ways that it shows up. Learn to take time out to relax every now and then. And consciously wind down as bed time approaches, rather than playing Call of Duty until seconds before you hit the sack. Maybe have a warm drink before going to sleep and do something relaxing that doesn’t tax your mind while you sit back and enjoy your drink.

Change your pillow

There are all sorts of different pillows available. If yours has long since lost it’s fluffiness then it could well be due for a change anyway. Take a look at some of the purpose designed herbal pillows which are made to help you to relax and sleep better.

Only use sleeping pills if really necessary

Sleeping pills may or may not help your sleep talking but, like any artificial medication, they’re not normally the final answer. They can work as a short term solution – maybe if you’re going through a high stress time at work, school or college – but it’s not good practice to use them on a longer term basis.

Keep a sleep diary

Jot down what you do in the hour or two before you go to sleep, how many times you wake up unexpectedly at night and how you feel in the morning. This may help you to spot a pattern that in turn can answer the question of how to stop talking in your sleep. It probably won’t take many nights to do this before something leaps out at you as the cause of your problem.

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