There are two types of Snoring Chin Straps. In one model there is a small strip with an adhesive that attaches it self to the cheeks of the subject wrapping around the chin. The Snoring Chin Strap is attached to the cheeks in a closed mouth position. The Snoring Chin Strap then holds the subjects lower jaw in place and keeps the mouth closed. The Snoring Chin Strap thus forces the snorer to breathe through the nasal passages.
In the other model there is a strap that goes around the head and the chin of the individual. It keeps the mouth shut while holding the lower jaw in it's place. This positioning of the Snoring Chin Strap eliminates snoring while aiding the snorer to breathe through the nose.
Quite often the Snoring Chin Straps are used along with other anti snoring devices like Nasal Strips to help the individual with stuffy nose. While the Snoring Chin Strip keeps the lower jaw in position and keeps the mouth closed, the Nasal Strips keep the nasal airway passages clear aiding in breathing.
The straps are made of breathable soft cotton and are very comfortable to wear. Most of the subjects who use the Snoring Chin Strap get used it over a period of time and sleep comfortably. They lead very healthy and productive life.
The Snoring Chin Strap can provide almost instant relief from snoring for some people as long as the person can breathe easily through their nose.
VitalSleep Anti Snoring Mouthguard
Stop Snoring Mouthguard by VitalSleep
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Do Supportive Chin Straps Stop Snoring?
A Snoring Chin Strap is one of those anti snoring devices that help you sleep peacefully. This anti snoring device could be the ideal solution to your snoring bed partner.
The Snoring Chin Strap is worn across the chin to help those who sleep with their mouth open for various reasons apart from a blocked nostrils or congested nose.
When the snorer wears this anti snoring device, the snoring chin strap it holds the lower jaw in place and keeps the mouth shut. Thus the Snoring Chin Strap helps breath through the nose and eliminates breathing through mouth. The user must be able to breathe clearly through their nose. If a person suffers from a stuffy nose or congested nasal passages a snoring chin strap will not work.
Eliminates Open Mouth Snoring
The Snoring Chin Strap is effective and is recommended by doctors, sleep specialists and health care providers where the subjects are known to be breathing through their mouths. A study informs that as much as 85% of all snoring is reported to be the cause of open mouth snoring. The subjects keeps the mouth open during sleeping.
Using a VitalSleep Stop Snoring Mouthpiece Device may be an effective method to treat your snoring. Learn more about how to stop snoring at http://www.vitalsleep.com.
The Snoring Chin Strap is worn across the chin to help those who sleep with their mouth open for various reasons apart from a blocked nostrils or congested nose.
When the snorer wears this anti snoring device, the snoring chin strap it holds the lower jaw in place and keeps the mouth shut. Thus the Snoring Chin Strap helps breath through the nose and eliminates breathing through mouth. The user must be able to breathe clearly through their nose. If a person suffers from a stuffy nose or congested nasal passages a snoring chin strap will not work.
Eliminates Open Mouth Snoring
The Snoring Chin Strap is effective and is recommended by doctors, sleep specialists and health care providers where the subjects are known to be breathing through their mouths. A study informs that as much as 85% of all snoring is reported to be the cause of open mouth snoring. The subjects keeps the mouth open during sleeping.
Using a VitalSleep Stop Snoring Mouthpiece Device may be an effective method to treat your snoring. Learn more about how to stop snoring at http://www.vitalsleep.com.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
CPAP Treatment for Snoring
CPAP is one of the more common methods recommended for patients suffering from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The device uses a mask that fits over the face either the nose or nose and mouth and applies continues air pressure that will keep the tissue pushed open. While CPAP does not cure sleep apnea, it greatly reduces if not eliminates the episodes.
Some patients report difficulty with the types of masks and may go through several to find one that fits comfortably and allows for sleep. It takes practice to adjust the straps in order to find a fit that is both secure (no leaks) and comfortable (not too much pressure on the face). A chin strap may be required for those who wear only a nasal mask to train the mouth to stay closed during sleep. Many CPAP machines also feature a humidifier function to prevent drying out and damage to the nasal and throat passages.
CPAP machines are not 100% successful and may require some adjustment over time. Significant changes to lifestyle and weight may also require a modification of the pressure on the CPAP machine.
Some patients report difficulty with the types of masks and may go through several to find one that fits comfortably and allows for sleep. It takes practice to adjust the straps in order to find a fit that is both secure (no leaks) and comfortable (not too much pressure on the face). A chin strap may be required for those who wear only a nasal mask to train the mouth to stay closed during sleep. Many CPAP machines also feature a humidifier function to prevent drying out and damage to the nasal and throat passages.
CPAP machines are not 100% successful and may require some adjustment over time. Significant changes to lifestyle and weight may also require a modification of the pressure on the CPAP machine.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Diagnosing sleep apnea requires a sleep study performed at a licensed facility. A patient will be admitted for an overnight stay. Trained sleep specialists will attach leads to the temple, chest, legs and feet. A heart rate and oxygen monitor will be attached to the finger. The patient will then sleep in a comfortably darkened room, cooled to the temperature requested and a humidifier will be used to keep the air moistened.
While the patient sleeps, the specialist will observe via camera and monitors for episodes of gasping, choking and sleep wave patterns. The leg leads will indicate the amount of leg movement. Blood oxygen levels will be monitored in order to determine if O2 saturation is dropping due to the episodes. At the end of the night, the sleep specialists will be able to offer the diagnosis of sleep apnea and typically the type. Further testing and recommendations will provide the patient with a course of treatment.
While the patient sleeps, the specialist will observe via camera and monitors for episodes of gasping, choking and sleep wave patterns. The leg leads will indicate the amount of leg movement. Blood oxygen levels will be monitored in order to determine if O2 saturation is dropping due to the episodes. At the end of the night, the sleep specialists will be able to offer the diagnosis of sleep apnea and typically the type. Further testing and recommendations will provide the patient with a course of treatment.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Who Invented the CPAP Machine?
Dr. Colin Sullivan, an Australian Pulmonologist invented the CPAP machine, in 1981. CPAP is an acronym for Continuous Positive Air Pressure. It is pronounced as see pap. A CPAP machine also indicates other PAP machine models; bi-level PAP (with independent pressure for inhalation and exhalation) and auto-adjusting PAP ( a machine with self-adjusting pressure unique to the patient)
This wonderful invention, a PAP machine is a less invasive, safe and aids in inexpensive treatment of snoring. CPAP machine does not breathe for you. Through a n mask that is especially designed for the purpose it air under pressure into your airway. This air flow under pressure, keeps the airway open when you are asleep.
This wonderful invention, a PAP machine is a less invasive, safe and aids in inexpensive treatment of snoring. CPAP machine does not breathe for you. Through a n mask that is especially designed for the purpose it air under pressure into your airway. This air flow under pressure, keeps the airway open when you are asleep.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sleep Apnea - You Stop Breathing at Night While Sleeping
The first time that a doctor tells you about sleep apnea can be a very scary moment. The thought that you actually stop breathing several times a night is quite worrisome, and many people will jump at the first cure offered without knowing all of the facts. Before you panic, it is important to understand exactly what sleep apnea is and what you can do about it.
There are in fact three kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something physically blocks the airway, preventing you from breathing for short periods of time as you sleep. Central sleep apnea, which is far less common, is caused by a malfunction of the brain where it “forgets” to tell you body to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
As each episode of apnea occurs the brain briefly wakes the body in order to restart breathing. This means that a person with sleep apnea is constantly waking up throughout the night, resulting in a fragmented sleep cycle and a feeling of having a poor night’s sleep in the morning.
Sleep apnea is actually quite common, indeed just as common as better known issues such as diabetes. It often goes undiagnosed, for unless a partner notices it, most people are not aware of the breaks in their sleep. Often it is not discovered until a person seeks help for excessive snoring, which goes hand-in-hand with obstructive sleep apnea.
While it is more common for older men with weight issues to have sleep apnea, it can affect any age or gender. Telltales include heavy snoring, periods of quiet broken by loud snorts as the sleeper starts to breathe again, and a sense of not having gotten enough sleep even after a normal amount of sleep-time. Sometimes those affected have difficulties remaining awake during the day, are unusually irritable, or experience headaches.
As can be expected, sleep apnea can be quite serious. While you are unlikely to completely stop breathing at night, the long-term issues can be life-threatening. Because a person with sleep apnea does not get adequate sleep at night, there is a high risk of that person becoming over-tired during the day. This greatly increases the risk of making poor decisions when working or driving, causing an accident. Some people even fall asleep at inappropriate times such as when behind the wheel on a long drive. Some doctors will prescribe a stop snoring mouthpiece as a treatment
Other health risks associated with sleep apnea include an increased risk of strokes or mini-strokes (known as transient ischemic attacks or TIAs). The heart is also affected and there is the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia. With increased blood pressure numerous other health issues become a concern.
There are in fact three kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something physically blocks the airway, preventing you from breathing for short periods of time as you sleep. Central sleep apnea, which is far less common, is caused by a malfunction of the brain where it “forgets” to tell you body to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
As each episode of apnea occurs the brain briefly wakes the body in order to restart breathing. This means that a person with sleep apnea is constantly waking up throughout the night, resulting in a fragmented sleep cycle and a feeling of having a poor night’s sleep in the morning.
Sleep apnea is actually quite common, indeed just as common as better known issues such as diabetes. It often goes undiagnosed, for unless a partner notices it, most people are not aware of the breaks in their sleep. Often it is not discovered until a person seeks help for excessive snoring, which goes hand-in-hand with obstructive sleep apnea.
While it is more common for older men with weight issues to have sleep apnea, it can affect any age or gender. Telltales include heavy snoring, periods of quiet broken by loud snorts as the sleeper starts to breathe again, and a sense of not having gotten enough sleep even after a normal amount of sleep-time. Sometimes those affected have difficulties remaining awake during the day, are unusually irritable, or experience headaches.
As can be expected, sleep apnea can be quite serious. While you are unlikely to completely stop breathing at night, the long-term issues can be life-threatening. Because a person with sleep apnea does not get adequate sleep at night, there is a high risk of that person becoming over-tired during the day. This greatly increases the risk of making poor decisions when working or driving, causing an accident. Some people even fall asleep at inappropriate times such as when behind the wheel on a long drive. Some doctors will prescribe a stop snoring mouthpiece as a treatment
Other health risks associated with sleep apnea include an increased risk of strokes or mini-strokes (known as transient ischemic attacks or TIAs). The heart is also affected and there is the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia. With increased blood pressure numerous other health issues become a concern.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Causes of Sleep Apnea
In central sleep apnea, it is the brain that fails to send the signal to the muscles to breathe whereas in obstructive sleep apnea, the tissue at the rear of the throat falls closed, preventing breathing from occurring. In cases where a person suffers from mixed sleep apnea they experience a mixture of the two different types.
Overweight men, over the age of 40 are at the highest risk for sleep apnea, but it can affect anyone including children. In children, the condition may be treated by removing the tonsils and adenoids. Many who suffer from sleep apnea go undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness by many healthcare professionals and general knowledge with regard to the sleep disorder.
Obstructive sleep apnea is related to enlarged tissue in the throat area. The enlarged area of soft tissue collapses, blocking the passage of air through the throat. Some physicians suggest that losing weight may alleviate some of the issues associated with too much tissue and that surgery to remove excess tissue may be an option if more non-invasive methods are unsuccessful in treating sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea is distinct because it is neurologically based. The brain is failing to send the correct messages to the muscles that control a person’s breathing. CSA may be related to stroke, brain injury, encephalitis, neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), cervical spine damage or complications from surgery.
Untreated sleep apnea leads to a series of health issues including (but not limited to) high blood pressure, memory problems, impotency, headaches and weight gain. Headaches associated with apnea typically occur upon waking and are associated with the oxygen deprivation suffered during sleep.
Overweight men, over the age of 40 are at the highest risk for sleep apnea, but it can affect anyone including children. In children, the condition may be treated by removing the tonsils and adenoids. Many who suffer from sleep apnea go undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness by many healthcare professionals and general knowledge with regard to the sleep disorder.
Obstructive sleep apnea is related to enlarged tissue in the throat area. The enlarged area of soft tissue collapses, blocking the passage of air through the throat. Some physicians suggest that losing weight may alleviate some of the issues associated with too much tissue and that surgery to remove excess tissue may be an option if more non-invasive methods are unsuccessful in treating sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea is distinct because it is neurologically based. The brain is failing to send the correct messages to the muscles that control a person’s breathing. CSA may be related to stroke, brain injury, encephalitis, neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), cervical spine damage or complications from surgery.
Untreated sleep apnea leads to a series of health issues including (but not limited to) high blood pressure, memory problems, impotency, headaches and weight gain. Headaches associated with apnea typically occur upon waking and are associated with the oxygen deprivation suffered during sleep.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Why Do People Sleep Walk?
Often dramatized in cartoons with comic characters narrowly avoiding numerous dangers in their sleep, sleepwalking is a very real and sometimes frightening condition. Affected sleepers can perform activities as complicated as preparing food, changing clothes, and even taking the car out for a spin.
Sleepwalking occurs during the non-REM, or non-dreaming part of sleep. This is usually when sleepers get their deepest sleep and happens during the first third of the night sleep cycle. Sleepwalking doesn’t occur during naps because the body never enters the state of deep sleep required for it.
When sleepwalking, a person will get up and perform anything from basic to complex tasks as though in a daze. The eyes are usually open, but tend to stare blankly without focusing on any one thing. While sleepwalkers sometimes talk in their sleep, the words are usually nonsensical or difficult to understand.
Sleepwalking is most common in children, with a peak incidence around 11-12 years of age. Most children grow out of their sleepwalking around puberty, but sometimes the condition persists into adulthood.
It can be difficult to determine what causes sleepwalking. There is a clear genetic predisposition, meaning that if a parent or sibling sleepwalks there is a higher chance that a person will also develop the sleep disorder. Often the cause is related to an emotional issue such as stress or anxiety. Children who sleepwalk are more likely to have incidents if they are behind in their sleep or are ill.
In adults sleepwalking is usually attributed to high levels of stress, sleep deprivation, irregular sleep cycles, or intoxication. If the patient is ill or has a fever the incidence of sleepwalking tends to increase. Some drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, neuroleptics, stimulants, and antihistamines can cause sleepwalking.
Sometimes sleepwalking can be attributed to other medical conditions such as sleep apnea, cardiac arrhythmias, nighttime asthma or seizures, reflux disorders or psychiatric disorders. In and of themselves these conditions do not cause sleepwalking, but if a person is predisposed to sleepwalking they may begin to have incidents. Often sleepwalking related to a medical disorder will go away as the medical condition improves.
Sleepwalking occurs during the non-REM, or non-dreaming part of sleep. This is usually when sleepers get their deepest sleep and happens during the first third of the night sleep cycle. Sleepwalking doesn’t occur during naps because the body never enters the state of deep sleep required for it.
When sleepwalking, a person will get up and perform anything from basic to complex tasks as though in a daze. The eyes are usually open, but tend to stare blankly without focusing on any one thing. While sleepwalkers sometimes talk in their sleep, the words are usually nonsensical or difficult to understand.
Sleepwalking is most common in children, with a peak incidence around 11-12 years of age. Most children grow out of their sleepwalking around puberty, but sometimes the condition persists into adulthood.
It can be difficult to determine what causes sleepwalking. There is a clear genetic predisposition, meaning that if a parent or sibling sleepwalks there is a higher chance that a person will also develop the sleep disorder. Often the cause is related to an emotional issue such as stress or anxiety. Children who sleepwalk are more likely to have incidents if they are behind in their sleep or are ill.
In adults sleepwalking is usually attributed to high levels of stress, sleep deprivation, irregular sleep cycles, or intoxication. If the patient is ill or has a fever the incidence of sleepwalking tends to increase. Some drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, neuroleptics, stimulants, and antihistamines can cause sleepwalking.
Sometimes sleepwalking can be attributed to other medical conditions such as sleep apnea, cardiac arrhythmias, nighttime asthma or seizures, reflux disorders or psychiatric disorders. In and of themselves these conditions do not cause sleepwalking, but if a person is predisposed to sleepwalking they may begin to have incidents. Often sleepwalking related to a medical disorder will go away as the medical condition improves.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Parents and partners are often the ones who notice the dramatic symptoms associated with sleep apnea first. The most obnoxious symptom associated with the sleep disorder is loud, pronounced snoring interspersed with gasping for air. When the throat collapses during an episode, the body will go without air for a second or two until it rouses and forces the throat open to breath. This gasping sound increases the level of snoring. Illness, such as a head cold or flu, can increase the frequency of episodes. A person may suffer from dozens of episodes a night, but only remember waking once or twice, even though their natural sleep patterns and rhythms are disturbed.
Upon waking in the morning, a person with sleep apnea will often feel tired and disoriented. They will have a headache and a sore throat. It may take them longer than usual to get started on their day and the feeling of drowsiness will persist through the daylight hours. This happens because the body goes through five stages of sleep. The body needs those five different stages, but sleep apnea episodes will reduce their duration, preventing the deeper stages of sleep because of constant arousal to breathe.
A person with sleep apnea never gets a solid night’s rest and will begin to show symptoms of sleep deprivation. In some cases, where the apnea goes untreated for years at a time, the constant sleep deprivation can impair job performance, social interactions, weight loss efforts and more. While sleep apnea can be treated, knowing whether the problem is physical (obstructive) or neurological (central) or a combination (mixed) can help a physician diagnose and treat the root causes as well as the actual apnea.
If you or someone you care about suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, you should see your physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Upon waking in the morning, a person with sleep apnea will often feel tired and disoriented. They will have a headache and a sore throat. It may take them longer than usual to get started on their day and the feeling of drowsiness will persist through the daylight hours. This happens because the body goes through five stages of sleep. The body needs those five different stages, but sleep apnea episodes will reduce their duration, preventing the deeper stages of sleep because of constant arousal to breathe.
A person with sleep apnea never gets a solid night’s rest and will begin to show symptoms of sleep deprivation. In some cases, where the apnea goes untreated for years at a time, the constant sleep deprivation can impair job performance, social interactions, weight loss efforts and more. While sleep apnea can be treated, knowing whether the problem is physical (obstructive) or neurological (central) or a combination (mixed) can help a physician diagnose and treat the root causes as well as the actual apnea.
If you or someone you care about suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, you should see your physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Ten Tips to Sleeping Better at Night
Sleep is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle, but an incredible number of people suffer from lack of sleep. While this is sometimes caused by a sleep disorder, most of the time we create our own sleep problem through bad sleep habits.
Before running off to the drug store to pick up sleeping pills, or racing to the doctor’s office for a sleep test, consider these ten tips for a better night’s sleep.
1. Go to bed at the same time each night.
Life can get complicated, and it’s not uncommon for sleep to take a back seat to everything else that must be done in the day. You need to make sleep a priority. By setting up a regular bedtime and sticking to it, you can train your body and mind to shut down, allowing you to easily drift into a peaceful night’s sleep.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
By following the same basic routine each night before bed, you can sleep-train your mind to settle down for bed each night. Whether it is having a shower, reading a book, or writing in your diary, keeping a regular routine is the key to getting yourself into bed, relaxed and ready to sleep.
3. Make sure your sleep environment is sleep-friendly.
While this may seem obvious, it is surprising just how many people have bedrooms that are poorly designed for sleep. Be sure to have a comfortable mattress, a properly stuffed pillow, adequate bedding, and enough space to sleep comfortably. The temperature in the room should be adjusted to suit your personal sleep preference. Also, be sure the room can be darkened enough to make it easy to sleep, even if you need to go to bed when it is still light outside.
4. Keep the bed and bedroom for sleeping.
It is far too easy to bring work or other stressors of the day into your bed if you have them in the room with you. Establish a sanctum in your bedroom where you can leave the rest of life behind at the door. The only activities permitted in your bed are sleeping and lovemaking. Anything else can be done elsewhere.
5. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed.
Caffeine is a stimulant and nicotine and alcohol can suppress deep sleep. You will likely have a hard time falling asleep, and will not fall into as deep a sleep if you drink coffee or alcohol, or smoke with 3-4 hours of your bedtime.
6. Avoid eating before bed.
It is best to avoid eating within 2 hours of your bedtime. Your body is too busy digesting the food and often has a burst of energy from the calories you just took in. If you must have a snack before bed, eat it at least 30 minutes before bed, and keep it under 300 calories. Try something like some yogurt sprinkled with granola, or apple slices with peanut butter, or even some healthy cereal with milk.
7. Get enough exercise.
While exercise just before bed is a usually bad idea, getting enough exercise through the day helps you get a good night’s sleep. Your body will function more efficiently through exercise, and will have a stronger need for sleep when you are ready for bed.
8. Try using sound and scent to promote sleep.
It has been shown that listening to soothing music or smelling aroma-therapeutic scents such as lavender helps prepare the mind for sleep. Try listening to music half an hour or so before bedtime. Try burning aromatherapy candles or having a scented bath.
9. Have a warm drink.
Taking a warm drink before bed can help raise your body temperature and prepare you for sleep. Try warming up a mug of milk with a touch of sugar to sweeten it, or perhaps a cup of chamomile tea.
10. Don’t overstress about getting to sleep.
If you find that you can’t get to sleep, try getting up and reading a relaxing book or listening to music for a while. Avoid fretting about the lack of sleep, instead taking advantage of the time to rest and relax even while awake. Try going to sleep again after half an hour. Be sure to avoid anything physically active or stressful during this time – relaxation is the priority.
Before running off to the drug store to pick up sleeping pills, or racing to the doctor’s office for a sleep test, consider these ten tips for a better night’s sleep.
1. Go to bed at the same time each night.
Life can get complicated, and it’s not uncommon for sleep to take a back seat to everything else that must be done in the day. You need to make sleep a priority. By setting up a regular bedtime and sticking to it, you can train your body and mind to shut down, allowing you to easily drift into a peaceful night’s sleep.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
By following the same basic routine each night before bed, you can sleep-train your mind to settle down for bed each night. Whether it is having a shower, reading a book, or writing in your diary, keeping a regular routine is the key to getting yourself into bed, relaxed and ready to sleep.
3. Make sure your sleep environment is sleep-friendly.
While this may seem obvious, it is surprising just how many people have bedrooms that are poorly designed for sleep. Be sure to have a comfortable mattress, a properly stuffed pillow, adequate bedding, and enough space to sleep comfortably. The temperature in the room should be adjusted to suit your personal sleep preference. Also, be sure the room can be darkened enough to make it easy to sleep, even if you need to go to bed when it is still light outside.
4. Keep the bed and bedroom for sleeping.
It is far too easy to bring work or other stressors of the day into your bed if you have them in the room with you. Establish a sanctum in your bedroom where you can leave the rest of life behind at the door. The only activities permitted in your bed are sleeping and lovemaking. Anything else can be done elsewhere.
5. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed.
Caffeine is a stimulant and nicotine and alcohol can suppress deep sleep. You will likely have a hard time falling asleep, and will not fall into as deep a sleep if you drink coffee or alcohol, or smoke with 3-4 hours of your bedtime.
6. Avoid eating before bed.
It is best to avoid eating within 2 hours of your bedtime. Your body is too busy digesting the food and often has a burst of energy from the calories you just took in. If you must have a snack before bed, eat it at least 30 minutes before bed, and keep it under 300 calories. Try something like some yogurt sprinkled with granola, or apple slices with peanut butter, or even some healthy cereal with milk.
7. Get enough exercise.
While exercise just before bed is a usually bad idea, getting enough exercise through the day helps you get a good night’s sleep. Your body will function more efficiently through exercise, and will have a stronger need for sleep when you are ready for bed.
8. Try using sound and scent to promote sleep.
It has been shown that listening to soothing music or smelling aroma-therapeutic scents such as lavender helps prepare the mind for sleep. Try listening to music half an hour or so before bedtime. Try burning aromatherapy candles or having a scented bath.
9. Have a warm drink.
Taking a warm drink before bed can help raise your body temperature and prepare you for sleep. Try warming up a mug of milk with a touch of sugar to sweeten it, or perhaps a cup of chamomile tea.
10. Don’t overstress about getting to sleep.
If you find that you can’t get to sleep, try getting up and reading a relaxing book or listening to music for a while. Avoid fretting about the lack of sleep, instead taking advantage of the time to rest and relax even while awake. Try going to sleep again after half an hour. Be sure to avoid anything physically active or stressful during this time – relaxation is the priority.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Falling Asleep While Driving - A Danger to All
How often have you driven your car or truck when you were tired or drowsy? Most of you will probably admit that you have done it before – and will probably do it again. It is a serious problem and one that could be caused by sleep apnea.
It is unknown how many accidents are actually caused by people who have fallen asleep at the wheel, but it is likely that many are the result of someone getting in the car and driving when they were too tired to do so. If you fall asleep even for two seconds you can travel a considerable distance and cause irreparable damage to your life and the lives of others.
Sleep apnea can cause you to fall asleep literally at the drop of a hat and be asleep for mere seconds - that can mean the difference between life and death. It doesn’t take long to drive into another lane into the path of another car or to go off the side of the road into a ditch or down a mountainside – just split seconds that can make your life literally spin out of control.
If you are feeling too tired to drive, the best thing to do is to stay where you are or get someone else to drive you. There are also many “stay awake” tips that can be used to combat drowsiness and help you keep alert.
They include opening the windows wide or turning on the air conditioner. Turn up the radio full blast or put on a CD that will keep you awake and not put you to sleep. Stopping at a diner or somewhere to get coffee or caffeine or something to eat is also an option. Any of these actions will help to minimize your sleepiness but if they don’t work, you should stop and not drive.
Read this response left on Yahoo Answers
"I suffered somewhat the same thing. In my case I had sleep apenea, a condition that closed my throat at night, causing me to choke. So, the effect was I was spending many hours in bed but was so sleepy when I was up that I had trouble driving. It kept getting worse until a Dr. spotted the problem. Using a "cpap" machine cured me right away... I mean cured from one day to the next. If the question above is all true you might need to have a sleep study session done."
It is unknown how many accidents are actually caused by people who have fallen asleep at the wheel, but it is likely that many are the result of someone getting in the car and driving when they were too tired to do so. If you fall asleep even for two seconds you can travel a considerable distance and cause irreparable damage to your life and the lives of others.
Sleep apnea can cause you to fall asleep literally at the drop of a hat and be asleep for mere seconds - that can mean the difference between life and death. It doesn’t take long to drive into another lane into the path of another car or to go off the side of the road into a ditch or down a mountainside – just split seconds that can make your life literally spin out of control.
If you are feeling too tired to drive, the best thing to do is to stay where you are or get someone else to drive you. There are also many “stay awake” tips that can be used to combat drowsiness and help you keep alert.
They include opening the windows wide or turning on the air conditioner. Turn up the radio full blast or put on a CD that will keep you awake and not put you to sleep. Stopping at a diner or somewhere to get coffee or caffeine or something to eat is also an option. Any of these actions will help to minimize your sleepiness but if they don’t work, you should stop and not drive.
Read this response left on Yahoo Answers
"I suffered somewhat the same thing. In my case I had sleep apenea, a condition that closed my throat at night, causing me to choke. So, the effect was I was spending many hours in bed but was so sleepy when I was up that I had trouble driving. It kept getting worse until a Dr. spotted the problem. Using a "cpap" machine cured me right away... I mean cured from one day to the next. If the question above is all true you might need to have a sleep study session done."
Pregnancy Increases Chance of Snoring
Unbeknownst to many people the incidence of snoring increases dramatically during pregnancy. The further along the woman is in her pregnancy the chances of snoring increases – particularly during the last trimester.
With the advance in pregnancy a woman’s weight increases thereby increasing the chances of snoring or sleep apnea. If a woman already snores, then it is likely that she will continue to do so; however someone who never snored prior to becoming pregnant might do so.
The question is why? Studies have shown that during pregnancy the woman’s upper air passages become narrower because of her increased weight and the natural protuberance of the abdomen, causing these same passages to narrow even further during rest or sleep – thereby increasing the chances of snoring.
The increased weight can add fat to the soft muscles around the neck area so that the air passages are narrowed due to the increased size of the neck. This in turn leads to increased instances of snoring and unrest during the night. In addition, there is a chance of possible hypertension and higher blood pressure.
With the nighttime disrupted by snoring or sleep apnea the woman is generally tired during the day which can prove to be a problem. Sleeping on your side is usually helpful to minimize snoring but if you suffer from sleep apnea that can lead to further health problems so your physician should be notified to ensure that the condition is monitored and not cause complications for the mother or the child.
Most often those who suffer from snoring or sleep disorders during their pregnancy only are subjected to it during the last trimester and it generally dissipates after the child is born once the body returns to its natural weight. Those who continue to have any problems should seek treatment to ensure that there is not a health problem.
With the advance in pregnancy a woman’s weight increases thereby increasing the chances of snoring or sleep apnea. If a woman already snores, then it is likely that she will continue to do so; however someone who never snored prior to becoming pregnant might do so.
The question is why? Studies have shown that during pregnancy the woman’s upper air passages become narrower because of her increased weight and the natural protuberance of the abdomen, causing these same passages to narrow even further during rest or sleep – thereby increasing the chances of snoring.
The increased weight can add fat to the soft muscles around the neck area so that the air passages are narrowed due to the increased size of the neck. This in turn leads to increased instances of snoring and unrest during the night. In addition, there is a chance of possible hypertension and higher blood pressure.
With the nighttime disrupted by snoring or sleep apnea the woman is generally tired during the day which can prove to be a problem. Sleeping on your side is usually helpful to minimize snoring but if you suffer from sleep apnea that can lead to further health problems so your physician should be notified to ensure that the condition is monitored and not cause complications for the mother or the child.
Most often those who suffer from snoring or sleep disorders during their pregnancy only are subjected to it during the last trimester and it generally dissipates after the child is born once the body returns to its natural weight. Those who continue to have any problems should seek treatment to ensure that there is not a health problem.
Does Snoring Cause Sleep Apnea?
Many people snore while sleeping and still others suffer from a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Both can be annoying for their partner and both can lead to health issues if they are not diagnosed and dealt with as soon as possible.
Snoring is usually caused by a blockage in the air passages or other congestion, but it can also be the result of having tonsils or adenoids that have become enlarged. If these enlarged organs aren’t treated the condition can develop into sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your back can also contribute to snoring as your tongue often falls backward thereby increasing the chances of blocking your air passages. Sometimes just turning on one’s side will alleviate the problem or minimize it but it can be annoying for those who are subjected to it. Snoring can range from very gentle shallow breaths that are not very loud to very noisy and disruptive sounds that will likely keep your partner awake and others in the household.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that should be addressed as soon as it has been identified. Doctors might recommend treatments that can alleviate it before it gets worse because obstructive sleep apnea can be a serious problem - as the person often stops breathing for a few seconds and this frequently happens many times during a night.
People who suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea often are overly tired during the day because they are awakened often during the night – along with others! Some people may not even be aware that they have a problem with either snoring or sleep apnea if they don’t wake up during the night. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and following an exercise routine will help to alleviate sleep disorders and reduce the risk of heart disease as well.
Perhaps VitalSleep's Stop Snoring Mouthpiece can help you stop snoring.
Snoring is usually caused by a blockage in the air passages or other congestion, but it can also be the result of having tonsils or adenoids that have become enlarged. If these enlarged organs aren’t treated the condition can develop into sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your back can also contribute to snoring as your tongue often falls backward thereby increasing the chances of blocking your air passages. Sometimes just turning on one’s side will alleviate the problem or minimize it but it can be annoying for those who are subjected to it. Snoring can range from very gentle shallow breaths that are not very loud to very noisy and disruptive sounds that will likely keep your partner awake and others in the household.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that should be addressed as soon as it has been identified. Doctors might recommend treatments that can alleviate it before it gets worse because obstructive sleep apnea can be a serious problem - as the person often stops breathing for a few seconds and this frequently happens many times during a night.
People who suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea often are overly tired during the day because they are awakened often during the night – along with others! Some people may not even be aware that they have a problem with either snoring or sleep apnea if they don’t wake up during the night. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and following an exercise routine will help to alleviate sleep disorders and reduce the risk of heart disease as well.
Perhaps VitalSleep's Stop Snoring Mouthpiece can help you stop snoring.
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