Stop Snoring Remedies

It can be embarrassing to discover that you are a snorer. Perhaps your new girlfriend has complained that she can’t sleep because of your nocturnal rumblings, or your friends grumbled about the noise you made the last time you went out camping. Fortunately there are many stop snoring remedies you can try that can help reduce your snoring, or even stop your snoring altogether naturally and some are even free!

Throat Sprays to Stop Snoring

Some people find that their snoring is caused by a dry throat at night. There is a range of stop-snoring throat sprays on the market that work to lubricate the throat as you sleep.

Anti Snoring Mouthwash

Like throat sprays, anti-snore mouthwashes work to reduce snoring by keeping your mouth and throat lubricated through the night. The essential oils also help to clear your airways from any congestion.

Snoring Aroma Therapy

Sometimes just having certain scents in the air can help clear your airways and reduce your snoring. Some of these treatments are applied directly to the skin, while others are introduced to the air through candles or humidifiers.

Snoring Mouth Exercises

One interesting snoring home remedy to consider is doing exercises. These exercises are aimed at developing the muscles in your mouth and throat, reducing the tendency to snore. Some exercise programs are combined with singing while others are purely based on working specific oral muscles.

Anti Snoring Nasal Strips

Surprisingly simple, nasal strips work by opening up the airways, allowing you to breathe more easily at night. This is great for those who tend to snore through their nose.

There are so many other ways to reduce snoring that you can try. Some are more effective than others, and some can be downright expensive. If your snoring continues to be a problem, or becomes worse, be sure to consult your doctor. There are many treatments that require a prescription, and some snoring-related conditions that need medical attention.

Snoring During Pregnancy & Why You Suffer From It

Snoring During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about many changes to your body some of which are back pain, nausea and feeling anxious along with the inevitable increase in your waistline. Another problem that frequently occurs is snoring.

Snoring during pregnancy can affect your energy level and generally lower your temperament. It can contribute to the tiredness already felt during pregnancy and it can cause difficulty in breathing and feelings of congestion. Studies show that approximately 25 to 30 percent of women develop snoring during pregnancy.

One of the factors that can cause snoring during pregnancy is the gaining of too much weight especially during the second or third trimester. Obesity is a major factor in snoring. During pregnancy fat can collect around the throat and neck area thus causing an obstruction in the airways that leads to snoring. Women with larger necks tend to snore but it can be reduced by keeping the neck stretched.

Also during pregnancy your blood flow increases to nourish your baby, but as your blood vessels expand the nose and throat also expand. In addition the mucous membranes in the area begin to swell. This extra mucous can cause difficulty breathing resulting in snoring.

Raising your head with pillows will help to pull the hyoid bone up and forward so that the neck is extended thus allowing better airflow. Sleeping on your side can also help to reduce the snoring. It is important to keep the respiratory tract clear so that the airways are free and breathing is easier thus minimizing snoring.

The degree of snoring differs with each woman but if you experience severe snoring you should contact your physician as it could lead to hypertension or other health issues like maternal asthma that might affect the oxygen flow to the baby. With some women the snoring stops after childbirth, but with many the snoring can continue afterward.

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.

How Does a Polysomnograph Test for Sleep Apnea?

A polysomnograph is used as a diagnostic test used on patients who suffers from obstructive sleep apnea to record various factors in determining the extent of sleep disorder. Sensors are placed strategically on the patient to test the following:

Airflow – this determines the amount of air moving into and out of the airways to determine the extent of sleep apnea occurrences.

Brain electrical activity (EEG or Electroencephalogram) – this determines what stage of sleep the patient is in at any time during the test.

EKG – this records the heart rate and rhythm during the test and determines if any of the sleep apnea is leading to heart arrhythmias.

Eye (EOG or Electroocculogram) - this records the movements of the eye during the test.

Jaw muscle movement (EMG or Electromyogram) – this records any waking periods or spastic movements or arousals during the test.

Leg muscle movement (EMG or Electromyogram) – this records muscle movements during sleep.

Oxygen saturation or Pulse Oximeter – this measures the oxygen saturation on fingers and ear lobes.

Respiratory effort or piezo crystal effort sensor in the chest and abdominal areas – this determines movements in the chest wall or abdominal areas during breathing.

Snoring Symptoms - How do you know if you Snore?

During your sleep while breathing you may make a noise. It is called snoring. The noise can be soft or harsh. Some make very loud noise and it is harsh. While others snore, it is raspy and hoarse. Yet some others snore is fluttering. Most often it is the bed partner that notices the snoring and brings it to the attention of the snorer.

Snoring symptoms also indicates other underlying medical conditions like sleep disorders. Sleep Apnea is one such sleep disorder. It is a life threatening sleep disorder.

When you stop breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time, during your sleep, it is called sleep apnea. Depending on the number of times you stop breathing during an hour, the condition may be termed as mild, moderate or severe.

Snoring causes marital disharmony. It impacts the sex life of the partners.

Subjects tend to nap during the day time. They fall asleep when they are inactive like during watching television or reading.

Falling asleep during driving is also one of the symptoms associated with this problem.

Lack of attention and inability to concentrate also is indicated.

Emotional stability is lost in the individual.

Snoring also causes social problems. In sufficient sleep due to snoring leads to headaches when you wake up. It could weaken the immune system, cause blurred vision and often nausea.

It is best that you consult either your doctor or a sleep specialist and take the best advantage of medical treatment. There are many remedies available to cure or stop snoring.

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.

What is Snoring and Why Do I Snore?

While this may seem obvious, snoring is the sound that a person makes when sleeping. It can be caused by a range of things, from short-term conditions such as congestion from a cold to serious conditions like sleep apnea.

The sound you make when snoring is caused when tissues in your nose or throat vibrate. This vibration happens when your airway is restricted by some kind of blockage. This can be from excessive phlegm or snot when you have a cold, a deviated septum in the nose, loose fatty tissue in the throat, swollen tonsils or adenoids, or even your tongue that has fallen backward into your throat.

Treatments for snoring are designed to remove or reduce the blockage so that you can breathe more easily. This could be done by using herbal remedies to clear blockages of phlegm, by surgically repairing or removing tissue that gets in the way, by opening airways to let in more air (repositioning the head and neck, or using nose strips to open the nostrils), by using a mouthpiece that holds your jaw forward, or even by doing exercises that improve the tone of the flesh in your mouth and throat.

Snoring is a problem all on its own. But, snoring can also be a sign of something more serious.

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.

Anti Snoring Pillows - Can they Help you Stop Snoring?

If you have troubles with snoring you have likely heard the well intentioned, yet equally irritating “roll over” command from your mate. Interestingly enough though, rolling over really does help reduce your snoring. In fact, sleeping on your side is one of the best ways to stop snoring.

The problem is that even the best intentioned sleepers will sometimes roll onto their backs. This is where the snoring pillow comes into play.

Snoring pillows are designed to encourage the sleeper to remain in a side-sleeping position. There are many different designs, each one working in a slightly different way.

Here are some of the snoring pillows that are currently on the market, and some information about how they work.

The Snore Pillow TM

http://www.snorepillow.com

This orthopedically designed pillow is wedge shaped with a reinforced head and neck roll that is designed to help open the airway as you sleep. The wedge shape acts to elevate you as you sleep, changing your center of gravity and reducing the pressure in your throat.

Head-To-Side-Roller Cushion

http://www.snoringcure.ca/anti_snoring_pillow.htm

With a specially integrated roller in the center of the pillow, the head-to-side-roller cushion forces you to turn your head one way or the other while sleeping. The roller can be adjusted by using the manual pump (which can also be activated using your mouth) so you can find the level that is most comfortable for your needs.

Snore No More Pillow

http://www.perfectfoampillows.com/product/SS62301

This pillow is designed to raise the chin off the chest to open the airway and prevent snoring. The unique groove for the shoulder makes it particularly comfortable for sleeping on the side.

Blackstone Anti-Snoring Pillow TM

https://blackstonepillow2.com

Another ergonomically designed pillow, the Blackstone PillowTM is shaped to position the jaw forward so that the airways remain clear and open throughout the night. The pillow is also designed to be more comfortable in a side-sleeping position, encouraging you to remain on your side throughout the night.

Pajama Pillow Tee Shirt

http://stopsnoringpillow.net/index.html

A truly unusual design, this pillow is sewn into the back of a pajama shirt. The roll-shaped pillow acts to block you from moving onto you back in a similar fashion to the tennis ball pouch that many people recommend. The benefit is that the pillow shirt is far more comfortable to sleep with, and blocks you from rolling onto your back without subjecting you to a rude awakening.

Obus Forme Anti Snore Pillow

http://www.amazon.com/Obus-Forme-pl-snr-01-Anti-Snore-Pillow/dp/B000LBIO5Q

Much like the Head-to-Side Roller Cushion, the Obus Forme Anti-Snore Pillow has an elevated panel that encourages you to roll to one side or the other. This is combined with an ergonomic design that promotes the opening of the airway as you sleep.

Sensor Anti-Snore Pillow like Tempur

http://www.japantrendshop.com/sensor-anti-snore-pillow-like-tempur-p-253.html

At first glance this ergonomically shaped pillow does not seem all that different from other anti-snore pillows. But it has two unusual features that might be particularly helpful to the incorrigible snorer. First, the pillow has a sound sensor that “hears” you when you snore. This triggers the pillow to vibrate lightly, waking you just enough to stop you from snoring. The second unusual feature is a microphone with the ability to record your snoring. With this you can keep track of how much you snore, and if any treatments you are trying are making a difference.

Does Snoring Cause Dry Mouth?

If you find that you are constantly waking up during the night and drinking water because you have a dry mouth there can be several reasons for that. Most people experience dry mouth when they are nervous or under stress, like when you have to give a speech, but if you are experiencing it often then you might have some serious health problems.

Saliva has enzymes that help you digest food and it prevents tooth decay from teeth and gums so it is essential to good oral health. If you have a need to frequently wake up during the night needing water then you should analyze why this is happening so frequently.

Some of the reasons for dry mouth are:

* Taking medications including antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, muscle relaxants, painkillers and others – with over 400 medications listing dry mouth as a possible reaction to the drug.

* Breathing through your mouth while sleeping can cause dry mouth because it usually causes snoring that tends to dry out your mouth and can even cause a sore throat.

* Emotional stress and treatments for diseases often result in dry mouth that is often exacerbated by snoring.

* Consuming too much caffeine and smoking can also contribute to dry mouth and snoring.

Dry mouth can result in symptoms such as:

* Difficulty swallowing, chewing or tasting and speaking.

* A dry sticky feeling in the throat resulting in frequent need to drink water.

* Sores in the mouth or split skin and cracked lips.

* A tingling and burning sensation in the mouth and tongue.

* Hoarse voice and dry nasal passages and sore throat.

* Bad breath and tooth decay.

If you are experiencing frequent symptoms of dry mouth you should consult a physician to ensure that you understand fully the reasons for the dry mouth condition.

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.

Sleep Apnea Treatments

Sleep apnea treatments are designed to help people suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder often caused by obstruction or closing of the soft tissue in the back part of the mouth and upper area of the throat. Sleep apnea is as common as adult Diabetes. There are many different therapies to treat obstructive sleep apnea from the invasive to the non-invasive to a new procedure called the Pillar Procedure which is mildly invasive. In most cases, patients who are overweight or smoking and suffering from sleep apnea are advised to stop smoking and lose weight in order to facilitate their treatment.

CPAP Treatments

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.

Other Machine Treatments

Like the CPAP, the BiPAP is a machine that applies air pressure while the patient is sleeping. The BiPAP, which stands for bi-level positive airway pressure, adjusts the amount of pressure during different phases of breathing. When a person inhales, the pressure increases and when a person exhales, the pressure decreases. This alleviates the discomfort some patients experience with CPAP when the pressure makes exhaling more difficult.

Oral mandibular appliance or mouth devices are another option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Snoring mouth pieces are not as effective as CPAP or BiPAP machines when treating severe cases of obstructive apnea, but they can be a more comfortable way of coping with the sleep disorder.

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.

What is a Polysomnograph?

What is a Polysomnograph?

A polysomnograph is used as a diagnostic test used on patients who suffers from obstructive sleep apnea to record various factors in determining the extent of sleep disorder. Sensors are placed strategically on the patient to test the following:

§ Airflow – this determines the amount of air moving into and out of the airways to determine the extent of sleep apnea occurrences.

§ Brain electrical activity (EEG or Electroencephalogram) – this determines what stage of sleep the patient is in at any time during the test.

§ EKG – this records the heart rate and rhythm during the test and determines if any of the sleep apnea is leading to heart arrhythmias.

§ Eye (EOG or Electroocculogram) - this records the movements of the eye during the test.

§ Jaw muscle movement (EMG or Electromyogram) – this records any waking periods or spastic movements or arousals during the test.

§ Leg muscle movement (EMG or Electromyogram) – this records muscle movements during sleep.

§ Oxygen saturation or Pulse oximeter – this measures the oxygen saturation on fingers and ear lobes.

§ Respiratory effort or piezo crystal effort sensor in the chest and abdominal areas – this determines movements in the chest wall or abdominal areas during breathing.

This sleep study determines if there are any abnormalities in any of the stages of sleep. The stages of sleep are:

§ Awake

§ Transition from wake to sleep

§ Light sleep

§ Transition into Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep

§ Deep sleep

§ REM sleep

With obstructive sleep apnea there is generally more than 50% decrease in airflow with some efforts to breathe lasting over ten seconds. Central sleep apnea is defined when there is no airflow along with the ten second effort to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea means you have both central sleep apnea as well as obstructive sleep apnea.

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.

Best Cures For Snoring - Anti Snoring Devices

A cure for snoring sounds wonderful especially to those who suffer from it or sleep with a partner who does. There are many reputed answers that are supposed to cure snoring but do they really work? It’s worthwhile to examine each to see if it will benefit you.

Here are some remedies that are helpful to many:

A throat spray can be used to lubricate the soft tissues of the throat and lessen the noisy vibrations and allowing the air to move more freely inside the throat. There are also some homeopathic sprays available that accomplish the same thing.

Plastic devices or nasal strips are often used to cause nasal dilation that allows clearance of the airways to prevent congestion thereby increasing air flow. This also enhances breathing through the nose instead of the mouth thereby reducing snoring.

Stiffening of the palate by having laser surgery or having chemical injections can lessen snoring because the soft tissue can’t move around as freely thus reducing snoring.

Use of a CPAP or Continuous Positive Airways Pressure machine is worn by some to reduce snoring and improve your breathing. However this can be an uncomfortable oxygen mask that is worn at night and some have difficulty wearing it.

Wristbands are sometimes worn that cause a vibration when the person starts snoring thereby awakening them and encouraging them to turn over and is sometimes helpful.

There are a variety of surgeries that can be performed that include removal of the excess tissue in the throat. There are laser or radio frequency options and there are also surgeries for removal of the tonsils or adenoids. Others are surgeries to the nasal passages for a deviated septum or repair to the tissues. These are obviously more painful and expensive.

New on the market it the FDA approved VitalSleep Anti Snoring Mouthguard. This stop snoring mouthpiece repositions the jaw and acts as a mandiular advacement device to help increase the opening of the airway and as a result stop snoring. It is a very inexpensive and effective snoring remedy.

Sleep Disorder Centers & Facilities

Sleep Disorder Centers are facilities that specialize in helping detect and treat sleep disorders. A sleep disorder may be defined as a condition that prevents a person from having a normal restful sleep. Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Sleep-walking, Restless leg syndrome are a few of such conditions.

A sleep disorder center may be organized in any of the following ways;

a) It could be based at a hospital.

b) It could be a part of a University.

c) It also could be a private organization.

There are two types of sleep disorder center. While a Sleep Disorder Center, provides testing and treatment for all sleep related conditions, the other sleep disorder centers are laboratories that focus their energies on sleep related breathing disorders.

The medical director of the sleep disorder center should have proven experience in treating sleep disorders with a good track record. This director would be in charge at the sleep disorder center.

A sleep specialist certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine must be available at the sleep disorder center.

The testing rooms at the the sleep disorder center should provide complete privacy, comfort and security. They should be equipped with all the necessary equipment in good working condition.

Billing and Fees

All billing and fees of the sleep disorder center should comply with the state and federal laws. The cost of the charges, fees and other billing details should be made available to you to help you make a decision.

Insurance

You should check to see that the treatment at the sleep disorder center is covered under your insurance program. Many of the insurance services would prefer to see if the sleep disorder center is accredited by them before they cover the costs of the treatment.

A few factors to consider to identify the best sleep disorder center that suits your requirements

1. Location

Identify a sleep disorder center that has a minimum impact on your daily life style in terms of travel and time.

2.Quality

Quality of the services provided by the sleep disorder center is extremely important.

3. Recommendations

Ask around to check if there are any persons who would vouch for the sleep disorder center that is on your list. Recommendations can tell you whether you can get along with sleep disorder center on a personal level. Your friends, family, and other associates who may have had experiences with the sleep disorder center will be able to help you with making a decision.

How a Sinus Affection Can Affect Snoring?

Often when we get a sinus infection it can increase the chances of snoring or make it worse if you are already a snorer. Because a sinus infection can be painful and interrupt your sleep it is important to get medical treatment from a physician to ensure that you get rid of the sinus infection quickly before it worsens.

Many times you can alleviate the effects of the sinus affection by simply doing what the doctor says – take your medications prescribed by the physician or use decongestants to combat the effects. Before bedtime, take a warm bath or shower so that the moisture of the hot water will help to drain the sinuses and get rid of the mucus buildup.

The use of nasal rinses that will flush out mucus, pollutants, and allergens and will help to clear the passages. Another recommendation is to use a nasal dilator strip that will open up the nostrils and ease the snoring. The strip is placed over the bridge of the nose and comes in a menthol formulation which will also aid in clearing the sinuses.

Sleep with your head raised at least 4 inches so that the drainage from your sinuses will not send mucus down your throat to block the air passages thereby contributing to snoring and restless sleep and discomfort. Sleeping on your side will help to align the muscles of your throat and neck which will ease the snoring as well.

The clearing or alleviation of clogging of your nasal passages will allow you to continue to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth which also contributes to snoring. When your nose is full of mucus it narrows the airways with resultant snoring. The more you can do to reduce the sinus infection and its symptoms the less chance you will have of snoring and having restless sleep.

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Bed Wetting in Children?

If your child is suffering from sleep apnea, it is not uncommon to have the child start having bedwetting episodes as a result of this sleep disorder. The degree of sleep apnea varies with the individual but most of them have a significant snoring problem.

Generally they stop breathing for more than ten seconds that is followed by a partial wakefulness or gasp and then begin snoring again. Many times the snoring is caused by breathing through the mouth due to a blockage in the air passages. Research has shown that more than half of those children who had more than one breathing pause per hour were likely to experience bedwetting.

Although it is not entirely clear why the chronic bedwetting occurs it is suggested that because they are not getting a restful night’s sleep their ability to arouse themselves when their bladders are full lessens because they are so tired. Another reason could be that the snoring puts increased pressure on the bladder and could even increase urine production.

Many times the child has enlarged adenoids or tonsils and surgery to remove them will alleviate the snoring or sleep apnea problem and at the same time lessen the occurrences of bedwetting.

Bedwetting is very common in preschool age children even without the sleep apnea problem but as they grow older the occurrences of bedwetting generally become fewer until the problem eventually goes away. However, some children do not outgrow it and these should be seen by a physician to determine the root cause of the bedwetting.

As a child gets older the bedwetting becomes more and more embarrassing so it is imperative that the child get help as the longer it goes on, the worse it can get making it more and more difficult to remedy the situation.

Insomnia and It's Relationship to Sleep Apnea

Insomnia is the inability to maintain or initiate sleep and can be attributed to not enough sleep or sleep that is of poor quality with constant interruptions - for instance someone who snores or has sleep apnea. Up to 50% of the population suffers from insomnia at some time or another, however about 10% are plagued with this malady most of the time making it a chronic problem for them.

Insomnia can affect people of all ages but generally it is usually adults and it tends to increase as people age with women more affected than men. Some people experience insomnia for medical reasons or because of stress so that it might be short-lived while others experience it often. Those who have insomnia for more than three weeks are considered chronic cases.

Situations that can bring on insomnia include working alternate shifts like a night shift when they have always worked during the day before. Others might be affected when they are exposed to hot or cold temperatures making their physical discomfort affect their sleep. Other triggers for insomnia could be jet lag or sleeping in an unfamiliar environment. Stress plays a big role if you are going through a divorce or have any life changing events.

Medical conditions, medications, hunger or eating a large meal or taking caffeine prior to bedtime can cause insomnia along with alcohol. Urinary problems that cause frequent urination or other physiological conditions can contribute to insomnia. Restless leg syndrome is another cause as it is difficult to lie still and maintain sleep.

Those who suffer sleep apnea or frequent snoring that causes interruptions throughout the night can cause insomnia because it might constantly wake you up and then prove difficult to return to sleep. It is important to understand the reasons for your insomnia so that you can consult a physician and determine the best solution to handle the problem.

Common Causes for Snoring and Possible Solutions

Snoring is a malady that afflicts most everyone at some time or other in their lifetime. Children can suffer from it – some chronically and adults certainly snore for a variety of reasons. Some snore for a short period of time such as a woman during pregnancy because of weight gain, while others are subjected to its disturbance of their sleep and others throughout their life.

Snoring in children often occurs when a tonsil or adenoids are enlarged thereby causing a blockage in their air passages. It is therefore quite common to have surgeries performed to remove the adenoids and/or the tonsils to alleviate the symptoms of snoring and very often it does remedy the situation.

The cause of snoring for most people is breathing through their mouth when they are sleeping. The muscles in your throat relax and often your tongue drops down into the air passage causing blockage. This can result in a noise because the narrower passages make it more difficult to breathe and the muscles begin to vibrate.

Each person’s snore is different in tone, pitch and loudness as it is all based on the size of the individual, their weight and medical or health factors that might affect their breathing. Other things that affect your breathing and cause snoring can be medications or a cold or allergy that causes you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose.

Cures for snoring can range from something as simple as changing to sleeping on your side instead of your back or raising your head with a pillow to more serious remedies that involve surgeries but there are many options in between with over the counter remedies and those that are not that costly. Snoring does not have to ruin your marriage but it takes time and effort to seek solutions.

UPPP to Treat Snoring and Sleep Apnea - Does Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty Work?

Some people seek treatment for sleep apnea or snoring with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgery or UPPP as it is often referred to. This hard to pronounce surgery entails the removal of the soft palate and the uvula. Often your tonsils are removed at the same time if you still have them.

The soft palate is in front of the uvula on the roof of the mouth and the uvula is the tissue that hangs down the back of the throat. This surgery, like any other, is not without its risks but it is quite a routine procedure today.

A general anesthesia is used – either a gas through a face mask or an endotracheal tube placed in your mouth and throat or a liquid IV. After the surgery a tracheostomy tube might be inserted through your nose or your mouth to keep the airway open. The tube would be removed once the swelling has subsided.

Recovery usually takes several days and you will do breathing exercises as deep breathing will open the tubes to your lungs. Coughing will bring up any sputum and keep your lungs clear although it will be painful at first to do these exercises. You might also need CPAP therapy which is a breathing device that you will wear at night to make your breathing easier and prevent your airways from closing up.

This surgery is usually recommended for those who have excess tissue in their nose or throat or mouth that contributes to blockage of the airways. Some people have already tried using the CPAP to assist in the sleep apnea while others want to try surgery to alleviate the snoring. It is suggested that 40-60% of people who have the UPPP surgery find some relief if not complete improvement of their symptoms. This is not usually done on children as removal of the tonsils or adenoids is usually the procedure used on them.

Effects of Not Getting Enough Sleep on You

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.

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.

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.

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.