Sleep Disorders - What Are They and What Can We Do About Them?

Could you have a sleep disorder?

Patients often come to me complaining of the following symptoms, periodic drowsiness, and sleepiness during the day, or falling asleep at inappropriate times. They insist that they spend plenty of time in bed, at least 8 hours a night, so why are they so tired?

After ruling out other medical causes for their fatigue I proceed to ask a few questions:

• Do you consistently take more than 30 minutes each night to fall asleep?
• Do you consistently awaken several times each night and then have trouble falling back to sleep, or you awaken too early in the morning?
• Are you told you snore loudly, snort, gasp, make choking sounds, or stop breathing for short periods?
• Do you have creeping, tingling, or crawling feelings in your legs or arms that are relieved by moving or massaging them, especially in the evening and when trying to fall asleep?
• Do you feel as though you cannot move when you first wake up?

If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, I explain that a sleep disorder might be the problem. It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder such as insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea (sleep-disordered breathing), restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy (uncontrollable drowsiness). Although sleep disorders can significantly affect your health, safety, and well-being, they can be treated.

Why is Sleep So Important?

At one time sleep was thought of as simply a period of time when you are not awake. But due to a great deal of research and scientific studies, it is now known that sleep has stages that cycle throughout the night. In essence vital tasks are carried out during this "down time" that help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best.

Performance

You need sleep to think clearly, react quickly, and create memories. The pathways in the brain that help us learn and remember are very active when we sleep. Cutting back by even 1 hour can make it tough to focus the next day and can slow down your response time. When you are sleep deprived, you are more likely to make bad decisions which lower your ability to perform well at your job and to carry out other daily activities.

Mood

Insufficient sleep can make you cranky and is linked to poor behavior and trouble with relationships, especially among children and teens. People who chronically lack sleep are also more likely to become depressed.

Health

Lack of sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

How much sleep is enough?
Does it really matter if you get enough sleep? Yes it does, without a doubt! Both the quantity and quality of your sleep is important. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Many people believe that this number changes as you age and older adults need less sleep. There is no real evidence to support this notion. However, we do know that as you age you are more likely to awaken easily and spend less time in the deep, restful stages of sleep.

What If You Discover You Have A Sleep Disorder?

I always assure my patients that having a sleep disorder is not life threatening. Most sleep disorders are treatable with changes in lifestyle routines combined with herbal sleep aids, or prescribed medications.

The first thing is to figure out why you are having trouble sleeping. It might be related to stress or illness. Sometimes patients drink too many caffeinated drinks or too much alcohol. Medications, diet, or daily living routines may affect the quality of sleep. After medical problems are ruled out I suggest trying a few self-care methods that I have found to be helpful.

Here are some recommendations by category of the most common sleep disorders:

Insomnia
• Stick to a regular bedtime schedule. Try to get out of bed at the same time each morning, even if it's a weekend or holiday.
• Avoid napping during the day.
• Avoid stressful activities and vigorous exercise for two hours before going to bed. Do exercise regularly, but earlier in the day.
• Before going to bed, try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use earplugs or eye shades if needed.
• Consider trying nutritional supplements such as: Melatonin or herbal remedies such as: Valerian, Corydalis, Lavender, Chamomile, Passion Flower and Hops

Sleep Apnea
• Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
• Consider an evaluation at a sleep laboratory for a device called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) that increases the air pressure inside your throat.

Narcolepsy
• Napping helps to relieve the sleepiness of narcolepsy.
• Some prescriptions such as Ritalin or dextroamphetamine help with alertness during the day.
• Provigil (modafinil) is a new, less powerful type of stimulant that has recently been found to be effective in maintaining wakefulness.

Restless Leg Syndrome
• Cut caffeine intake.
• Take a warm bath or do relaxation exercises before bed.
• Hot or cold packs on your legs may provide relief.

Getting a good night's sleep is right up there with a healthy diet and being physically active when it comes to overall well-being. Don't cut back on your sleep when you are in a rush to get things done. Make sure you get enough quality sleep to fully enjoy your life.

Tag : snoring,stop snoring,sleep snoring,sleep disorders

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rosenberg,_M.D.

Childhood Snoring - Does it Lead to Sleep Apnea?

You might be under a disillusion that snoring does not affect the family, but surprisingly there are numerous divorces that happen every month due to the irritating noises. If you have been snoring over a short period or have been suffering the snoring noises of your bed partner, there is hope. Most of the studies done on sleep and related disorders including snoring have shown that childhood snorer's are more likely to develop heavy snoring into adulthood. Snoring has been discovered to be genetic problem also. Kids whose one or both parents suffer from snoring are at a higher risk of developing childhood snoring that could lead to sleep apnea later.

So, what actually triggers snoring or episodes of snoring?

There are numerous causes of snoring, but the basic reasons vary per individual. The onset of snoring maybe due to particular allergies, obesity, side effects of the prescribed medicines, persistent cold, respiratory illnesses and physical abnormalities like misaligned jaw and palette defects. Other secondary and lifestyle factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and higher content of dairy product in the diet, obesity and sleep deprivation. Other reasons of snoring in children are caused by hereditary factors, respiratory issues, Atopy and obesity. The most common reason for snoring in kids is Atopy, which does cause more allergic sensitization, over a period of time.

If you or your kids are prone to frequent snoring episodes, allergies, respiratory blockages and weight gain. The biggest disadvantage is that these factors lead to sleep apnea over a period of time. In some recent studies and research, kids who suffer from snoring are often diagnosed with ADHD. The Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Syndrome has many symptoms that are similar to sleep deprivation effects. Most of these kids are diagnosed with behavioral and emotional problems with low concentration and over activity. Many kids who snore are often diagnosed with ADHD, but in reality all they need is a proper night's sleep to get back to normal.

According to Pediatric health bulletins, there is a requirement to check the breathing patterns of smaller kids so that parents can monitor the sleep patterns, reducing the chances of developing sleep apnea. It is due to these factors that you need to find a useful remedy that has no side effects. Snoring, for both children and adults is a major disorder that should not be ignored at any level. Most people are not aware that sleep disorders such as snoring can lead to fatalities due to sleep apnea.

There are many ways to stop snoring today, in order to eliminate the risks of future disease risks. A variety of over the counter remedies have helped millions of people get cured of snoring. From anti snoring nasal drops to mouth guards, you can pick up a remedy that suits your requirement. As no two individuals are equal, it is not necessary that what suits someone might be perfect for you. It is best to try out a few remedies and then zero in on the best remedy that suits you.

Tag : snoring,stop snoring,sleep snoring,snoring cure,sleep apnea

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Anita_Choudhary

Causes and Natural Remedies For Snoring Problems

There are many causes of snoring. Snoring is usually caused when the air flow is blocked from entering through the mouth or nose. There are many reasons why the air flow might be blocked. If you have seasonal allergies or a sinus infection, the air flow might be blocked due to a stuffy nose. Drinking alcoholic drinks, taking part in deep sleep, or using sleeping pills are other reasons why you may snore. The muscles in your tongue or throat become overly relaxed when you do the above, causing the muscles to cave into the airway.

However, sleeping in another room does not have to be a solution to your snoring problem. Snoring, like almost everything else, can be treated. By unearthing the cause of your snoring, you can improve your overall health, your daily lifestyle, your relationships, and, of course, your sleep.

There are many causes of snoring. Snoring is usually caused when the air flow is blocked from entering through the mouth or nose. There are many reasons why the air flow might be blocked. If you have seasonal allergies or a sinus infection, the air flow might be blocked due to a stuffy nose. Drinking alcoholic drinks, taking part in deep sleep, or using sleeping pills are other reasons why you may snore. The muscles in your tongue or throat become overly relaxed when you do the above, causing the muscles to cave into the airway. As you become older, muscles get more relaxed, increasing the risks of snoring. Overweight can cause snoring, since most people who suffer with obesity have thick throat tissue. Large tonsils and adenoids can also make children snore. If the opening of your throat or nose becomes narrow because of the palate or uvula in the back of your mouth, the tissue can vibrate against each other and cause you to snore.

Snoring also has a negative affect on health, which can become very serious over time. While there are many snoring problems, one serious health disorder that can develop is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause long breathing interruptions that last more than 10 seconds, as well as heart strain, constantly waking up, light sleeping, and poor sleeping. These symptoms, in turn, may cause stress for an individual. There are other negative health affects from snoring as well, which are usually related to someone having difficulty breathing. Some disorders that might make an appearance are insomnia (having trouble falling asleep), hypersomnia (sleeping at inappropriate times), parasomnia (doing certain activities while sleeping, like sleepwalking) and movement disorders that are related to sleeping (like restless leg syndrome).

Sleep can not only affect your body but it can affect those around you. Because lots of couples resort to sleeping in different bedrooms if a spouse snores and disrupts sleep, intimacy and communication may be affected negatively. Since snoring is often loud, it is not uncommon for a sleep partner to wake up twenty times or more per hour. This can create stress and have a negative impact socially and physically on relationships. Because the one snoring has to sleep in another room at night, it takes away from bedtime conversation and physical intimacy, resulting in a suffering relationship. The person sent into exile becomes frustrated as well, since he/she feels as though the snoring cannot be controlled.

There are some natural supplements however, that will offer snoring relief. Because some people don't like the idea of taking prescription medication to stop snoring, natural supplements are a wonderful alternative. Since snoring supplements are natural, you do not have to worry about taking medication. An example of a natural supplement that many people use is the spray. This spray is created with natural ingredients and is pretty easy to use, as the snorer just has to spray his/her throat every night before bed. Like a lubricant, the spray helps air flow blockages, which decreases snoring and helps couples sleep comfortably during the night. The person using the spray will also be able to breathe easier than he/she did before.

The tablet is another type of natural supplement that will silence loud snoring. The tablet is created with natural herbs and stops snoring by breaking up mucus, which usually narrows the airway, in the throat. Because mucus is reduced, snoring lessens and breathing is made easier.

There are also natural remedies for snoring that can be done on your own. Some remedies are more time consuming than others. One such remedy is to lose weight, even if the weight loss is not much. Snoring is more likely to develop in people with obesity because of the fatty tissue in the back of the throat, losing some weight will help to decrease the snoring mild to moderate. Another natural remedy is to sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back sometimes increases snoring, while sleeping on your side might cure it completely. Elevate your head four inches when you sleep in order to reduce snoring, so that you can breathe easier.

It is also beneficial to sleep with a specially designed pillow so that neck muscles are not too cramped. There are some foods and medications, also some drinks that should be avoided too, so that muscles are not able to relax and cause snoring. Alcohol, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers all cause muscle relaxation, while high-fat milk products and soy products cause mucus to build up. To stop snoring naturally, you should also clear nasal passages and wear nasal strips if you have a stuffy nose, since clogged nasal passages can make breathing difficult. Nasal decongestants work well also. Fun ways to lessen snoring would be to sing, since singing improves muscle control in the soft palate and throat, and start playing the didgeridoo, an instrument that will strengthen your soft palate and throat.

Among all the various natural supplements and remedies, there are also medications that can be taken to reduce snoring. Anti-snoring pills and corticosteroid sprays are used as medications. The pill, also known as BGC20-0166, combines two serotonin-modulating drugs that help cure the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disorder. Corticosteroid sprays are commonly used to ease nasal congestion, reducing inflammation as well to reduce snoring. There are also decongestants to stop snoring, which reduce nasal congestion and narrow blood vessels. Decongestants are often used in pill or spray form, and they last for about twelve hours.

Even though these medication methods do help to reduce snoring, they also have side effects. Corticosteroid sprays can cause dried mucus membranes, sores in the nose, nose bleeds, and perforated septum, which is the tissue that divides nostrils. Decongestants can cause hypertension, headaches, irritation, heart rate increase, sleeping difficulty, and urine difficulty in men who have large prostates. Even so, not everyone will have these side effects when taking medication.

Furthermore, there are medical cures and surgeries that can be taken to reduce snoring. However, you will need to contact a physician or an otolaryngologist (a nose, ear, and throat doctor) about possible medications that can be taken. You may also opt to give dental appliances a try if you consult a dentist who specializes in dental appliances. The surgeries that are usually taken to stop snoring will increase your airway size by removing tissues at the back of the throat or inside the nose so that air flows more easily through your throat. Surgery can also be taken to reconstruct your jaw to prevent snoring. Some common surgeries are Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty, tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy.

The Pillar procedure, also known as palatal implantation, is a pretty new surgery performed in a doctor's office that requires inserting plastic implants that are less than an inch long into your palate. Although this procedure can be a little painful and can have mild side effects. The surgery is also pretty expensive and many insurance plans will not cover it. However, your scar tissue will strengthen so that vibrations in the throat decrease and lessen snoring.

Overall, it is important that you get help immediately if you find yourself snoring. Snoring can take a tremendous toll over your life in a way that your whole lifestyle is affected. Relationships can also suffer as a result of snoring, and you are also at risk of numerous negative health affects. While you can stop snoring naturally and you can take medication, see your doctor if natural methods do not work in order to find out if you need to take surgery. You can get the best advice from your Doctor in terms of what to do in order to reduce snoring. Pretty soon you will be on your road to a happy, comfortable sleep with a thriving relationship!

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Snoring Problems From a Bedmate

There are millions of people all over the world that do not have the recommended amount of sleep every day. And what's worse is that when you do not get the right amount of sleep, your body begins to deteriorate starting with your brain. The common culprit as to why your body does not get the sleep it needs is right inside your bedroom. And it is your bedmate.

Snoring is an obvious problem especially if you have a partner who snores all night long. You are not able to get a good night's sleep with that. Snoring can easily be managed by repositioning the snorer to his side and the partner should try to wear ear plugs.

Other sleep disorders like periodic leg movement disorder is another cause of sleeplessness for people. Unpredictable leg and arm movements can cause disturbance to you while you are sleeping. The recommended solution? A larger bed to keep you away from the flailing arms and legs.

Sleepwalking is another problem when you have a partner who sleepwalks. You are always up and about trying to follow your bedmate to avoid hurting himself in the process. So, to find a solution to this problem, check out the doctor and see what you can do.

Insomnia is the main cause for sleeplessness. The constant tossing and turning can leave your partner exhausted and disturbed while he sleeps. The key to beating insomnia is to establish a regular time to sleep. Our body is used to routines that when you sneak in sleeping as part of your nightly routine, your body will begin to adapt.

Bad sleeping habits are also the culprit as to why you sleep less at night. Habits like eating in bed, watching TV in bed, or using the laptop while in bed can keep your partner awake. The best way to treat this is to banish all of these when you are in bed. Save the chips for tomorrow and get the job done when you have enough sleep.

Another problem that faces partners while they are inside the bedroom is that you are cold while he is sweating like a pig. All of us have different perceptions to temperature so, for you to be able to get a good night's sleep. Let the heat seeker have all the blankets and turn the air conditioning system on.

Tag : snoring,stop snoring,snoring remedies,snoring problems

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Roman

5 Ways to Deal With Sleeping Disorders During Pregnancy

Sleep disturbances are very common during pregnancy. It mainly happens because of physical discomfort, hormonal fluctuations, and stress & anxiety. During the later stages, in particular, when you have a much larger abdomen, you may find it very difficult to choose a comfortable sleeping position. Worse, your increasingly cramped bladder may require you to get up from the bed many times during the night hours to empty the same. However, you don't need to lose heart. If you follow the right strategy, you can easily fight with such disturbances effectively. Here is a brief rundown about the same.

Drinking Fluids
You are recommended to drink plenty of water and fruit juices during pregnancy. But, make sure that you drink a lot during the day time and very little a couple of hours before you are going to retire to bed. This way, you can easily avoid the need of frequent urination during the night hours.

Exercise
Following a proper exercise regimen regularly is also very important for healthy pregnancy. Exercise improves the circulation of blood, which eventually significantly reduces the leg cramps during nighttime. It is also important for you to keep in mind that your body releases adrenaline when you exercise. Therefore, if you want to ensure sound sleep at night, you should not exercise late in the day.

Dealing With Anxiety And Stress
The main reason of stress and anxiety during pregnancy is unawareness about various issues that a woman has to deal with during those special nine months. Therefore, an effective way to achieve a worry-free mind is to get answers for all your queries. The more you educate yourself, the less stress you will have. Always remember that worrying is the easiest thing to do when one gets into a problem, but just worrying is not going to find you any solution. So, don't hesitate in talking about your problems with your spouse, family, and your health care provider.

Make A Routine For Yourself
Another great way to deal effectively with sleeping disorders is to get into a daily routine. You can achieve a relaxed sleep at night by establishing and following a comforting, soothing, and consistent evening routine. A few soothing "rituals" that you may like to try just before bedtime include having your hair gently brushed, getting a shoulder massage, taking a warm shower, reading a chapter of your favorite book (a pleasant one), and drinking a cup of hot milk or caffeine-free tea.

The Right Sleeping Position
During pregnancy, your body has to go through various stages. You should change your sleeping position in accordance with the varying physical changes in your body during different stages. For example, sleeping on your left side is a good position during the third trimester because in this position, the blood flows the best possible way to your kidneys, uterus, and the fetus.

Rest is very important for both your body and mind during pregnancy. Therefore, make sure that you follow the above suggestions and get good sleep.

Getting good sleep is very important during pregnancy to ensure optimum health. Therefore, you must carefully watch your sleeping patterns during the different stages of pregnancy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Miller

Stop Child Snoring - End ADHD

There is ever increasing evidence that snoring in children is on the rise. This is mainly due to the sedentary lives led by children these days. Lack of exercise and bad food habits leads to obesity, which is a major cause of snoring. Other reasons could be the same as in adults: cold, allergy, over tiredness.

Sometimes, in children also, snoring can be caused by other respiratory disorders like asthma or can be because of serious problems like sleep apnea, which can be fatal, specially in case of small children and infants. Whatever the cause of snoring, snoring can lead to a disturbed sleeping pattern in the child. This results in the child not receiving adequate rest during the night. In general, children need at least eight hours of sleep. Inadequate sleep can make the child dull and unable to concentrate for even short periods. In this case, the child tends to mimic symptoms of ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

Children who have ADHD, a behavioral disorder cannot hold their attention on anything for a long time. They have short attention span and lose focus very easily. These children are extremely hyperactive and suffer from many behavioral and emotional issues. Such children were treated with prescription drug Ritalin, which is supposed to help improve their behavior in society as well as increase their attention span.

Research has proved that sleep deprivation in children caused due to chronic snoring or snoring because of cold, allergies can lead to behavioral patterns similar to ADHD. Such children are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are made to take prescription drugs. Such a treatment can cause various other health problems and long term changes in the child's physiology. It is very important that the child be properly diagnosed of the actual cause of dullness and lack of focus and be prevented from taking unnecessary prescription drugs.

Children should be made to maintain their sleep timings. They should go to bed at the same time each day so that they get adequate rest of eight hours of sleep every day. This is to ensure that their brains are rested and fresh for the new day. Care should be taken from the very beginning that their snoring reduces and if it is caused by illnesses like common cold, then they should be made to sleep such that their nasal passages are open during the night, like putting a high pillow under their head. Regular exercise is a must for a healthy body and also it helps reduce the fat around the throat area which again causes blockage of airflow.

Snoring in children should be taken in a serious light. Nightly monitoring should be performed to learn about their sleeping patterns and changes in it should be made accordingly so that children do not form the chronic habit of snoring and are not misdiagnosed with other serious behavioral problems. Children's habitual snoring problems should be resolved so that they have a better quality of life, which each child deserves.

Tag : snoring,stop snoring,snoring remedies,snoring aids

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Anita_Choudhary

Having Trouble Sleeping? Here's a Simple Remedy to End Sleep Disorders

If you're having trouble sleeping, you may know exactly what the problem is but just can't make it stop. It could be high anxiety, a new baby in the family, or jet-lag that knocks you off your schedule. Whatever the case, there are methods that will allow you to rest peacefully at night and get a healthy amount of rest your body needs.

When having trouble sleeping, a number of things can happen to your body. The first is your awareness. You might lose your ability to perform well at work, have poor decision making skills, and a very short temper. That's normal for anyone to experience when having trouble sleeping.

You may even notice some of your sense to start fading away. Your hearing and balance may be off, and you might have unusual headaches that don't really hurt but just put pressure on your forehead.

What you don't initially notice could be much worse. Not getting enough rest at night can cause weight gain, major health problems, high blood pressure and even increase the risk of heart attacks. Not getting enough sleep is even said to be as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

It's a pattern that your body may be so used to by now that you've just learned to live with being at 50 percent all of the time. But by getting your full nights rest without interruption, you'll have more energy, increase your metabolism, and be more alert. There are very simple and straightforwards methods and solutions to getting the full rest you need, and it's probably not what you think.

If you're having trouble sleeping, use this simple solution that will allow you to fall asleep within 15 minutes and wake up feeling well-rested.

=> Natural Sleep Solution

Get the rest you need^^

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