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.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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.
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.
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