Short term effects of not getting enough sleep decreases daytime alertness. A study indicates that a loss of one and a half hours of sleep results in 32% reduction in daytime alertness.
Effects of not getting enough sleep influences your ability to concentrate and focus attention. It deprives you to think coherently. Logical thinking ability is lost. Sentence construction becomes difficult and memory loss sets in. Your memory is impaired along with your ability to think and process information. This could increase serious risk of occupational injury.
The long terms effects of not getting enough sleep increases your mortality risk, relationship problems with your bed partners. Increased obesity and related complications.
The other effects of not getting enough sleep is exposing people to increased risk of Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes.
A physiologic study of sleep deficit, suggests that the body is put into high alert. This action increases the production of various hormones including those that increase the stress, blood pressure. They could lead to heart attack and strokes. These individuals have substances that are more than normal in the blood and it also indicates a heightened state of inflammation in the body.
A significant observation is drawn to the fact that heart attacks occur in the early morning hours. This is because sleep influences the functioning of the lining inside blood vessels. There is a theory that proposes that exposure to light during the nights reduces the production of melatonin and that increases cancer risk.
Studies also show that sleep-deprived people find it difficult to regulate blood sugar, increasing their risk for diabetes.
There is a statistical data available that says "Drowsy driving" causes 100,000 automobile accidents resulting in 71,000 injuries and 1550 fatalities in one year alone in the Unites States of America.
Being a bed partner of a snorer you are likely to be affected with the effects of not getting enough sleep.
VitalSleep Anti Snoring Mouthguard
Stop Snoring Mouthguard by VitalSleep
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Treatments and Cures for Sleep Apnea
There is no cure for sleep apnea, but there are treatments available that reduce the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea. If the obstruction is structural it is possible to have surgery to remove or reduce the obstruction. Sometimes a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy will open up the airway enough to prevent episodes of apnea.
If the sleep apnea is caused by the tongue falling into the throat due to an overbite, a custom-fitted dental device designed to hold the lower jaw forward can be quite effective. These dental devices can be quite expensive, but there are several less expensive stop snoring mouthpiece such as VitaSleep available on the market. These “boil-and-bite” mouthpieces are less expensive then custom made devices from a dentist it is best to get a properly fitted mouthpiece from your dentist for long-term use.
Probably the most recommended is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask. By applying a continuous air pressure as you sleep, the CPAP keeps the airway open throughout the night, preventing episodes of sleep apnea. The only problem with CPAP systems is that they are large and noisy, and it can be quite uncomfortable to sleep with a mask.
In addition to treatment using one of the above methods, there are several things a person can do to reduce the risk of sleep apnea. Because excessive weight is one of the prime causes of sleep apnea, getting yourself fit and losing weight is key to reducing sleep apnea. Taking medications to help you sleep increases the risk of sleep apnea, as does drinking or taking drugs. Sleeping on your side or stomach helps to prevent the tongue from slipping back into the throat, reducing obstructive episodes. It is also helpful to make sure that your nasal passages are kept clear and open, perhaps by using a nasal strip or decongestant when you have a cold.
Having a diagnosis of sleep apnea is not reason to panic, but it is important to seek treatment. While central sleep apnea is more difficult to treat, there are additional therapies available that help keep the airway open and trigger the body to continue breathing without pause. If you have sleep apnea, or suspect that your partner may have sleep apnea, be sure to consult with your doctor and book a sleep test for evaluation. Thoroughly research all of the options and take the time to find out which treatment program best suits your needs and lifestyle. Sleep apnea need not control your life, but it must be taken seriously. With proper treatment you can sleep easy, and wake better rested.
If the sleep apnea is caused by the tongue falling into the throat due to an overbite, a custom-fitted dental device designed to hold the lower jaw forward can be quite effective. These dental devices can be quite expensive, but there are several less expensive stop snoring mouthpiece such as VitaSleep available on the market. These “boil-and-bite” mouthpieces are less expensive then custom made devices from a dentist it is best to get a properly fitted mouthpiece from your dentist for long-term use.
Probably the most recommended is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask. By applying a continuous air pressure as you sleep, the CPAP keeps the airway open throughout the night, preventing episodes of sleep apnea. The only problem with CPAP systems is that they are large and noisy, and it can be quite uncomfortable to sleep with a mask.
In addition to treatment using one of the above methods, there are several things a person can do to reduce the risk of sleep apnea. Because excessive weight is one of the prime causes of sleep apnea, getting yourself fit and losing weight is key to reducing sleep apnea. Taking medications to help you sleep increases the risk of sleep apnea, as does drinking or taking drugs. Sleeping on your side or stomach helps to prevent the tongue from slipping back into the throat, reducing obstructive episodes. It is also helpful to make sure that your nasal passages are kept clear and open, perhaps by using a nasal strip or decongestant when you have a cold.
Having a diagnosis of sleep apnea is not reason to panic, but it is important to seek treatment. While central sleep apnea is more difficult to treat, there are additional therapies available that help keep the airway open and trigger the body to continue breathing without pause. If you have sleep apnea, or suspect that your partner may have sleep apnea, be sure to consult with your doctor and book a sleep test for evaluation. Thoroughly research all of the options and take the time to find out which treatment program best suits your needs and lifestyle. Sleep apnea need not control your life, but it must be taken seriously. With proper treatment you can sleep easy, and wake better rested.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
What Happens During a Sleep Study?
So, you have troubles sleeping at night? Or perhaps you are excessively tired during the day? Did you doctor suggest getting a sleep study done?
While you might be concerned at the prospect of sleeping at a strange place with strangers watching over you, the actual process is quite simple. Let’s walk you step-by-step through what you can expect from a sleep study.
A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is the best way for doctors to discover just why you are not getting a good night’s sleep. If you have an issue with snoring, restless limbs, sleepwalking, bedwetting, night terrors, insomnia, or difficulty sleeping while on shift work, a polysomnogram will let the doctors see just why you are having difficulties, and make suggestions which can help relieve the problem.
There are five different types of sleep tests:
Diagnostic Overnight Polysomnogram Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Wake Test Two Night Polysomnogram with CPAP Titration Split Night Polysomnogram with CPAP Titration
The type of test you get will depend on the specific issues you are facing.
You will be given a set of instructions by your doctor before your sleep test. These instructions let you know how you should prepare yourself for your visit. Patients are asked to refrain from drinking or taking any medications before the test. If you have prescription medicine that you usually take at night, bring it with you and ask if it will interfere with the testing. Always let your doctors know exactly what medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamins.
Before heading to your sleep test, pack a small overnight bag. You will need your PJs, the clothing you plan to wear the following day, toiletries, shampoo and/or soap for a shower in the morning, and any books/magazines/music that you might want for entertainment before sleeping. If you are fussy about your pillow, it is a good idea to bring your own along for comfort. Be sure to avoid any caffeine or alcohol the day before your test, especially after noon. It is wise to take a shower before your appointment, but do not use any creams, moisturizers, perfumes, or other skin products. All make-up, nail polish, and fake nails should be removed as they can interfere with the testing equipment.
You may have already been asked to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment. If not, you will likely be asked to fill one out when you arrive. This will inform the doctors of your regular sleep habits and help them interpret your results.
At most sleep centers you will have a private suite which includes a bathroom with a shower, and, of course, the bedroom. There will be a central monitoring station which may monitor several rooms at once. When you arrive you will be given some time to get changed and become comfortable.
Once you are ready for bed the technicians will hook you up to a series of sensors. These electrodes read a variety of information which is later interpreted by your sleep doctor.
While you might be concerned at the prospect of sleeping at a strange place with strangers watching over you, the actual process is quite simple. Let’s walk you step-by-step through what you can expect from a sleep study.
A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is the best way for doctors to discover just why you are not getting a good night’s sleep. If you have an issue with snoring, restless limbs, sleepwalking, bedwetting, night terrors, insomnia, or difficulty sleeping while on shift work, a polysomnogram will let the doctors see just why you are having difficulties, and make suggestions which can help relieve the problem.
There are five different types of sleep tests:
Diagnostic Overnight Polysomnogram Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Wake Test Two Night Polysomnogram with CPAP Titration Split Night Polysomnogram with CPAP Titration
The type of test you get will depend on the specific issues you are facing.
You will be given a set of instructions by your doctor before your sleep test. These instructions let you know how you should prepare yourself for your visit. Patients are asked to refrain from drinking or taking any medications before the test. If you have prescription medicine that you usually take at night, bring it with you and ask if it will interfere with the testing. Always let your doctors know exactly what medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamins.
Before heading to your sleep test, pack a small overnight bag. You will need your PJs, the clothing you plan to wear the following day, toiletries, shampoo and/or soap for a shower in the morning, and any books/magazines/music that you might want for entertainment before sleeping. If you are fussy about your pillow, it is a good idea to bring your own along for comfort. Be sure to avoid any caffeine or alcohol the day before your test, especially after noon. It is wise to take a shower before your appointment, but do not use any creams, moisturizers, perfumes, or other skin products. All make-up, nail polish, and fake nails should be removed as they can interfere with the testing equipment.
You may have already been asked to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment. If not, you will likely be asked to fill one out when you arrive. This will inform the doctors of your regular sleep habits and help them interpret your results.
At most sleep centers you will have a private suite which includes a bathroom with a shower, and, of course, the bedroom. There will be a central monitoring station which may monitor several rooms at once. When you arrive you will be given some time to get changed and become comfortable.
Once you are ready for bed the technicians will hook you up to a series of sensors. These electrodes read a variety of information which is later interpreted by your sleep doctor.
Friday, July 2, 2010
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes daytime sleepiness, hallucinations, sleep paralysis and episodes of suddenly falling asleep. Narcolepsy is not completely understood, but researchers continue to look for the cause (or causes) in order to better understand the condition.
Theories about Narcolepsy While no root cause of narcolepsy is known, evidence suggests that narcolepsy could be genetic in origin. Physicians studying the disorder believe that genes in affected individuals involve the chemicals produced by the brain to control the waking and sleeping cycles. Theoretically, if the brain becomes confused or produces the chemicals that tell the brain to sleep during waking hours, it could cause the sudden paralysis and falling asleep even as the body is doing other things such as driving a car or cooking a meal.
Other scientists believe that a lack of hypocretin production in the body could lead to a disruption in sleep patterns such as those seen in narcoleptics. Brain abnormalities are also being explored as a cause of narcolepsy, particularly abnormalities in the brain structures that regulate different portions of the sleep cycle. Researchers agree that narcolepsy is a neurological problem and relates to a problem in the brain chemistry of affected individuals; however they have yet to pinpoint a verifiable cause.
Theories about Narcolepsy While no root cause of narcolepsy is known, evidence suggests that narcolepsy could be genetic in origin. Physicians studying the disorder believe that genes in affected individuals involve the chemicals produced by the brain to control the waking and sleeping cycles. Theoretically, if the brain becomes confused or produces the chemicals that tell the brain to sleep during waking hours, it could cause the sudden paralysis and falling asleep even as the body is doing other things such as driving a car or cooking a meal.
Other scientists believe that a lack of hypocretin production in the body could lead to a disruption in sleep patterns such as those seen in narcoleptics. Brain abnormalities are also being explored as a cause of narcolepsy, particularly abnormalities in the brain structures that regulate different portions of the sleep cycle. Researchers agree that narcolepsy is a neurological problem and relates to a problem in the brain chemistry of affected individuals; however they have yet to pinpoint a verifiable cause.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Different Types of Anti Snoring Devices and Products
Anti Snoring Pillows
They are generically known as anti snoring pillows. They are designed to give to comfort to those that sleep either on their stomach or side.
These pillows offer comfort to the the chin, neck and throat area. They help retain the sleeping posture and help a free airflow through the nose, mouth and the throat area. These are ergonamically designed and are user-friendly.
Another kind of anti snoring device is the side sleep pillows. They are designed to be positioned between the thighs. They claim to restrain you from rolling onto your back during sleep.
Sprays and Gels
Spray and gels are also used as anti snoring devices. The sprays decongest the nose. They lubricate the nose and the nostrils thus help you breathe easy and avoid snoring.
There are also gels that when applied on the nose, back of one's throat, the neck and the chest area emit certain vapors that ease the breathing process and aid in smooth air flow through the air passages.
Both the sprays and gels are most often made with natural herbs and or mixtures of aromatic oils drawn from them. You are supposed to apply them just before retiring to the bed.
Nasal Strips
Nasal strips are two types. A type of these anti snoring devices are applied on the nose and others are placed within the nostrils. The good quality nasal strips are made out of superior quality of plastic. They are soft and elastic. When placed over the nostrils they hold them in position and stop them from collapsing thus reducing the dependence of breathing through the mouth.
Nasal Cones
Nasal Cones are also anti snoring devices and work similar in nature but they need to be placed within the nostrils. They support the soft tissue of the nostrils and help in the easy flow of air into the mouth and the throat.
CPAP Machines
CPAP pronounced as see pap, is a sophisticated anti snoring device. CPAP is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. A CPAP machine is a face mask. The face mask is fitted with a flexible hose. The other end of the hose is connected to a source of pressurized air. The face mask seals the surroundings of the nose and the mouth area with a certain positive air pressure. This constant positive pressure keeps the air passage open and eliminates snoring. This snoring device is designed to help the sleep apnea patients.
CHIN Straps
This is an other anti snoring device. This device holds the lower jaw in position and stops it from opening while you are sleeping. Thus it stops breathing through the mouth and the resultant snoring condition.
Sleep Positioning Devices
They help you sleep in a preferred position that eliminates snoring and other sleep disorder conditions. One example of this anti snoring device is a back positioner that stops you from rolling over during your sleep.
Pressure Devices
These are essentially devices that are designed on based on some occidental and oriental alternative medicine therapies like Acupressure and Reflexive Therapy. There are also other anti snoring devices that claim to operate on Magnetic Therapy too.
Biofeedback Devices
Biofeedback devices are worn on the body and are actively in touch with it. These anti snoring devices are claimed to sense the body conditions like temperature, heart beat and 'alert' the user to his/her sleep conditions so that a remedial actions may be taken.
Stop Snoring Moutpieces
A anti snoring mouth piece such as the new FDA cleared device called VitalSleep acts as a mandibular advancement device to help you stop snoring by opening your airway while you sleep. With greater airflow into your lungs you will sleep better and snoring will be eliminated.
They are generically known as anti snoring pillows. They are designed to give to comfort to those that sleep either on their stomach or side.
These pillows offer comfort to the the chin, neck and throat area. They help retain the sleeping posture and help a free airflow through the nose, mouth and the throat area. These are ergonamically designed and are user-friendly.
Another kind of anti snoring device is the side sleep pillows. They are designed to be positioned between the thighs. They claim to restrain you from rolling onto your back during sleep.
Sprays and Gels
Spray and gels are also used as anti snoring devices. The sprays decongest the nose. They lubricate the nose and the nostrils thus help you breathe easy and avoid snoring.
There are also gels that when applied on the nose, back of one's throat, the neck and the chest area emit certain vapors that ease the breathing process and aid in smooth air flow through the air passages.
Both the sprays and gels are most often made with natural herbs and or mixtures of aromatic oils drawn from them. You are supposed to apply them just before retiring to the bed.
Nasal Strips
Nasal strips are two types. A type of these anti snoring devices are applied on the nose and others are placed within the nostrils. The good quality nasal strips are made out of superior quality of plastic. They are soft and elastic. When placed over the nostrils they hold them in position and stop them from collapsing thus reducing the dependence of breathing through the mouth.
Nasal Cones
Nasal Cones are also anti snoring devices and work similar in nature but they need to be placed within the nostrils. They support the soft tissue of the nostrils and help in the easy flow of air into the mouth and the throat.
CPAP Machines
CPAP pronounced as see pap, is a sophisticated anti snoring device. CPAP is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. A CPAP machine is a face mask. The face mask is fitted with a flexible hose. The other end of the hose is connected to a source of pressurized air. The face mask seals the surroundings of the nose and the mouth area with a certain positive air pressure. This constant positive pressure keeps the air passage open and eliminates snoring. This snoring device is designed to help the sleep apnea patients.
CHIN Straps
This is an other anti snoring device. This device holds the lower jaw in position and stops it from opening while you are sleeping. Thus it stops breathing through the mouth and the resultant snoring condition.
Sleep Positioning Devices
They help you sleep in a preferred position that eliminates snoring and other sleep disorder conditions. One example of this anti snoring device is a back positioner that stops you from rolling over during your sleep.
Pressure Devices
These are essentially devices that are designed on based on some occidental and oriental alternative medicine therapies like Acupressure and Reflexive Therapy. There are also other anti snoring devices that claim to operate on Magnetic Therapy too.
Biofeedback Devices
Biofeedback devices are worn on the body and are actively in touch with it. These anti snoring devices are claimed to sense the body conditions like temperature, heart beat and 'alert' the user to his/her sleep conditions so that a remedial actions may be taken.
Stop Snoring Moutpieces
A anti snoring mouth piece such as the new FDA cleared device called VitalSleep acts as a mandibular advancement device to help you stop snoring by opening your airway while you sleep. With greater airflow into your lungs you will sleep better and snoring will be eliminated.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Tips to Sleep Better because of Snoring
Here are a few tips to help you over come the difficulties with your dear one who is snoring.
·You will do well to use soft ear plugs.
·Keep the bed room as dark as possible. This will help your circadian rhythms of the body and help you sleep well.
·Keep the pets away.
·It is advisable to have a light protein rich snack.
·Do some physical exercise especially if you have a desk job and move less.
·Avoid naps during the day.
·Try to reduce consuming liquids before bed time. This would help you avoid to get up to relieve yourself in the night.
·Have periodic checkups with your doctor to ensure that your health is normal with all the necessary hormones and minerals are present in adequate quantities.
·You will do well to use soft ear plugs.
·Keep the bed room as dark as possible. This will help your circadian rhythms of the body and help you sleep well.
·Keep the pets away.
·It is advisable to have a light protein rich snack.
·Do some physical exercise especially if you have a desk job and move less.
·Avoid naps during the day.
·Try to reduce consuming liquids before bed time. This would help you avoid to get up to relieve yourself in the night.
·Have periodic checkups with your doctor to ensure that your health is normal with all the necessary hormones and minerals are present in adequate quantities.
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