Sleep Problems

Children With the Sleep Disorder of Sleepwalking

2009-08-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

The sleep disorder of sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, affects approximately 14% of school-age children between five and twelve years old at least once. Approximately one quarter of the children with this sleep disorder have more frequent episodes. Sleepwalking is more common in boys then it is in girls. Most children that sleepwalk outgrow the symptoms of this sleep disorder by adolescence as their nervous systems develop.

In children this sleep disorder is thought to be the result of the immaturity of the brain's sleep / wake cycle. Normally the entire brain wakes up at the same time. However, in the case of a sleepwalker, the entire brain does not wake up together. The portion that is responsible for mobility wakes up while the portion responsible for cognition and awareness stays asleep. The child is actually in a deep state of sleep.

With this sleep disorder the brain remains partially asleep but the body is able to move. It is common for the sleepwalker to get out of bed and walk around. Sometimes they get dressed or go outside. Even though the sleepwalker's eyes are open and they see what they are doing, their expression remains blank. They do not respond to conversation or their name being called. A sleepwalker's movements usually appear clumsy. It is not uncommon for them to trip over furniture or knock over things as they move around. A sleepwalking episode usually happens one to two hours after the child goes to sleep. Most of these episodes last for fifteen minutes or less, but some can last for an hour or more.

This sleep disorder in children is usually outgrown and treatment is not generally necessary. In most cases, a parent gently guiding the child back to bed is all that is needed. There is not any need to wake the child.

However, there is about 1% of the population that sleepwalk as adults. Adults that have this sleep disorder did not necessarily have it as a child. In adults a sleepwalking episode can be triggered by stress, anxiety, sleep fragmentation, sleep deprivation, or certain medical conditions such as epilepsy.

Treatment for adults with this sleep disorder is often dependent upon the amount of danger they are in during an episode. For example, a sleepwalker who opens doors and goes outside onto a busy city street is in danger. A sleepwalker that gets up and goes into the living room and sits down on a chair most likely is not in danger. Treatments can include behavioral therapies, self hypnosis, or prescription medication.

A sleepwalker, whether adult or child, needs to have a safe area so that they do not get hurt during an episode. Precautions can be taken to eliminate some dangers. Parents should make sure the child's bedroom does not have any sharp or breakable objects. Doors should be locked at night to keep the sleepwalker from going outside. Sometimes it is necessary to put bells on doors to alert the sleeping parent that their child is sleepwalking. Large glass windows and doors should be covered with heavy drapery to lessen the chance of having the sleepwalker walk through it while it is closed.

A child with the sleep disorder of somnambulism needs to be protected and kept safe during an episode. It is the environment they are in that is the danger more then the sleep disorder itself.

How to Tell If You Have a Sleep Disorder

2009-08-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

There are many people that have an undiagnosed sleep disorder. They may feel very sleepy during the day. They may have trouble falling to sleep or staying asleep. Friends or relatives may tell them they look very tired. They may experience mood changes, irritability or become overly emotional. Often they have difficulty paying attention, concentrating, or remembering things that are important. These are all symptoms of sleep deprivation, and possibly of a sleep disorder.

A person that has an undiagnosed sleep disorder will usually answer the question, "What is the problem with your sleep," with one of five answers. Those answers will be; "I have trouble falling asleep," " I have trouble staying awake," "I can't get up in the morning," "I seem to do strange things in my sleep" or "I can't sleep because of my partner." The particular answer chosen helps to narrow down the possibility of a specific type of sleep disorder.

When someone says "I can't fall asleep" it can mean several things. There could be a problem when first going to bed, after waking up in the middle of the night, or in the early morning hours.
Many people have the problem of not being able to fall asleep when they go to bed. This is called sleep latency. Sleep latency can be a very serious symptom of certain sleep disorders, including sleep onset insomnia, delayed sleep phase disorder, shift work, restless leg syndrome or paradoxical insomnia. Many times the problem is not being able to stay asleep, which is sleep fragmentation. Often a person with this complaint can fall to sleep easily when they go to bed, but wake up often throughout the night. Sleep disorders may include sleep maintenance insomnia, shift work. If a person wakes up very early in the morning and cannot get back to sleep, it could be a sign of advanced sleep phase disorder or sleep maintenance insomnia.

If the answer to the question is "I can't stay awake" and the person is falling asleep at inappropriate times there may be a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy , obstructive or central sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, restless leg syndrome, shift work or advanced sleep phase disorder.

Those that say "I can't get up in the morning" and take an hour or more to fully wake from their sleep may suffer from excessive sleep inertia. They are having difficulty making the transition from sleep to being awake. Sleep disorders that could be responsible for excessive sleep inertia are sleep apnea and delayed sleep phase disorder.

A person that answers the question with "I do strange things in my sleep" may find that their sleep is full of surprises. Sleepwalking, Sleep terrors, confusional arousals, REM sleep behavior disorder, nightmares, sleep-related eating disorder and bruxism are all types of sleep disorders known as parasomnias.

If a person answers "I can't sleep because of my partner" snoring, sleep apnea, bruxism, restless leg syndrome, or periodic limb movement disorder may be the sleep disorder to blame.

How would you answer the question of "What is the problem with your sleep?"

Fatal Familial Insomnia

2009-08-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is probably by far one of the rarest forms of sleeping disorders around. This is an inherited disorder that has only been found in 28 families in the world that have the dominant gene for it. The offspring of a parent(s) of developing the disorder is about 50% and there is no cure for this. The age of onset is around the ages between 30 and 60 and the disorder's time frame runs between 7 to 18 months. This disease has 4 stages that it goes through and 1st stage of the disease starts off with the sufferer dealing with increased insomnia leading to severe panic attacks, and various kinds of phobias, this stage lasts about 4 months, 2nd stage sufferer deals with hallucinations and panic attacks become more obvious and lasts about 5 months, 3rd stage Complete and total inability to sleep. And follows with drastic weight loss and lasts about 3 months, 4th stage Dementia sets in and progressively becoming irresponsive and mute over a course of 6 months and this is the final progression of the disease.

This sounds a lot like Alzheimer's because if you notice the time frame it's a lot less shorter than the actual time span of someone who deals with Alzheimer's because the sufferer is dealing with it for several years instead of a year where the disease progressively degenerates the mental capacity to such a degree that the sufferer has a hard time with memory.

As far as treatment is concerned sleeping pills don't have any effect for people suffering from Fatal Familial Insomnia and not even non-medicinal therapy doesn't work either. Medical science has no idea why it's a fatal disease and how they can create effective treatment options to combat this problem. And more effective genetic testing for diseases that are inherited to find out what can be done medicinally and therapeutically to deal with this sleeping disorder.

It's a matter of how much attention the medical world takes note of this and pushes the funding to finding a cure and effective genetic testing of families and tracking diseases through the generations to be able to have some kind of record of the disease passing down through generations or skipping generations which is what some diseases have done in some families for those who have a disposition for certain things.

This doesn't get nearly as much attention as all the other sleeping disorders because of it being rare, and only turning up in so many people and births making it not rare enough for it to get the recognition as regular insomnia and to qualify for the treatments. That are currently out there to help those 60 million people who are dealing with some kind of sleeping disorder(s).

With the way medical science is going it will be a matter of time before medical science catches up and helps the many people who are looking for a cure of being deprived of a restful night's sleep. The moment a cure is found is one more person who will be helped to have a good night's rest.

Narcolepsy: The sleeping disease

2009-07-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

There are over 3 million cases of narcolepsy and is estimated by medical reports that 200,000 Americans, but just under 50,000 are actually officially diagnosed by a doctor. It has been said that it's widespread like the neurological disease Parkinson's disorder. This condition is usually recognized in both men and women at any age, yet the symptoms are usually first noticed in teenagers and younger age adults usually in their 20s and early 30s.

It's been noted that there is a 15-year between the onset and actual diagnosis of the problem, which has contributed to the debilitating features of this particular disorder. Those who deal with narcolepsy have a plethora of cognitive, educational, occupational, and psychological issues that can arise from this problem. The presence of narcolepsy is 1 in 2000 people and is also found in people with diagnosed learning disabilities and currently the treatment options are very limited.

The studies that were conducted for this concluded that this problem is constantly under diagnosed in the general population in society. Some narcoleptics don't show any signs visibly and the severity of the condition varies from person to person.

This is where medical science has its blunders because of the fact that this condition is so under diagnosed that it's hard to really get a grasp of the severity of this problem, because it varies in levels from noticeable to barely obvious.

Polysonogram and Multiple Sleep Latency exams are the two tests that are done to give a formal and correct diagnostic approach to the condition and usually this is where the diagnosis presents the level of severity so that it's properly noted by a specialist to ensure a proper treatment plan for that person. Tests are conducted in two-hour increments to allow the person to sleep and usually the polysonogram test does a continuous test of brain activity when it's in REM sleep mode when sleep happens at night.

Usually most narcoleptics fall asleep in nighttime sleep mode fairly quickly. There are several methods of treatments for people with narcolepsy and usually it consists of anti-depressants and planned short-timed naps have also been helpful to lower the dependence on medicinal treatments and allowing the body to do what it should be doing naturally. Retraining the body to sleep at a reasonable time has helped those with narcolepsy to recognize sleeping at night and taking short naps during the day so that their body stays alert because a lot of narcoleptics have been putting themselves and others at risk when they fall asleep during their normal work day or even driving or operating machinery.

With the new wave of holistic medicine being readily available to help people with conditions from skin to psychological issues. Narcoleptics can also work with a treatment plan that includes a change in diet and incorporating exercise and taking nutritional supplements and formulas to give someone added nutrition if they're not getting enough from the food they eat.

Narcolepsy is manageable if you follow the doctor's instructions and taking medications when you're supposed to and following therapy plans that are designed for that person to follow to the last detail.

Exercise And Sleeping Better

2009-06-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

The amount of physical exercise that you exert during
the day is one of the key ingredients to helping you
get a good sleep at night. The more active your
body is during the day, the more likely you are to
relax at night and fall asleep faster.

With regular exercise you'll notice that your quality
of sleep is improved and the transition between the
cycles and phases of sleep will become smoother and
more regular. By keeping up your physical activity
during the day, you may find it easier to deal with
the stress and worries of your life.

Research and studies indicate that there is a direct
correlation between how much we exercise and how
we feel afterwards.

You should try and increase your physical activity
during the day. The goal here is to give your body
enough stimulation during the day so that you aren't
full of energy at night.

Your body requires a certain amount of physical
activity in order to keep functioning in a healthy
manner. It is also important to note that you should
not be exercising three or four hours before you go
to bed.

The ideal exercise time is in the late afternoon or
early evening. You want to make sure you expend
your physical energy long before it is time for
your body to rest and ready itself for sleep.

You should attempt to exercise at least three or
four times a week for a period of 30 minutes or so.
You can include walking or something simple. If
you prefer, you can include strenuous activities
such as running as well.

The goal here is to increase your heart rate and
strengthen the capacity of your lungs. By adding
a regular exercise activity to your daily schedule
will help you to improve your overall health and
help you emotionally as well.

Along with running and walking there are several
other physical activities that you can add to your
daily life to increase your level of physical
activity. If you are battling not sleeping, you'll
find aerobic exercise to be the best.

Your goal with exercise is to increase the amount
of oxygen that reaches your blood stream. Overall,
there are many types of aerobic exercise for you
to choose from. The activities include running,
biking, using a treadmill, dancing, and jumping
rope.

There are some non aerobic exercises that you may
find beneficial to help you solve your amnesia
problem.

Yoga
Yoga is an exercise that has a stimulatory effect
on your nervous system, especially the brain. Yoga
utilizes breathing techniques and yoga postures to
increase the blood circulation to the brain, promoting
regular and restful sleeping patterns. The regular
practice of yoga will help you to relax as well
as relieve tension and stress.

Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient art of breathing and movement
that was developed by the Chinese monks. The
movements involved are slow and precise, which is
ideal if you have joint pains or you are unable
to participate in high aerobic exercises. Research
has shown that Tai Chi can help with insomnia by
promoting relaxation.

If you discover that you don't have any time to
exercise on a regular basis, you should try to
sneak moments of activity into your schedule.
Whenever possible, you should take the stairs instead
of the elevator, as little things like that will
do wonders for your body.

You should also park your car around the corner and
walk that extra block or two to get to your
destination. As you may know, there are many small
things you can add to increase the activity in
your life. Your overall goal here is to have a
healthy and well balanced life - with plenty of
sleep.

Sleep Disorder and Teenagers

2009-06-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

There is a sleep disorder that affects between seven to ten percent of teenagers called Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, also known as DNS. Most teenagers outgrow this disorder by the time they reach young adulthood. Less then one percent of adults are believed to have DSP. Often people mistake this sleep disorder for insomnia.

Left on their own, people with delayed sleep phase disorder would stay up until very late, sometimes until 4 or 5 a.m. They like to get up very late in the morning or early afternoon. Often they are referred to as night owls.

Many teenagers like to stay up late and sleep late in the morning. Sometimes this is because they want to socialize at that time of the day. However, it can also be due to the natural delay in the circadian sleep / wake rhythm at their age of development.

Teenagers with this sleep disorder often have a very hard time getting up in the morning for school. Even if they go to sleep at a regular time, such as 11 p.m., they toss and turn for hours like someone with insomnia. They difference is, unlike an insomniac, people with delayed sleep phase disorder have no difficulty staying asleep. They do have a very difficult time getting up early in the morning. Teenagers with this sleep disorder are very tired during the day and may even fall asleep in the classroom. The exact cause of this sleep disorder is not known. It is known for certain that it is a circadian rhythm problem.

Treatment for this sleep disorder is available for people that need to get onto a more traditional sleep / wake schedule. The types of treatment include, bright light, chronotherapy, melatonin and over- the-counter prescribed sleeping pills.

Bright light treatment for delayed sleep phase disorder uses bright light to trick the brain's circadian clock . Exposure to bright light shifts the circadian rhythm if it is administered within a few hours of the body's lowest temperature at night.

Using chronotherapy as a treatment for someone with delayed sleep phase disorder requires a block of time one week long. Each day bedtime is delayed by three hours successively. For example, for someone that falls asleep at 2 a.m. but wants to fall asleep at 11. p.m., their bedtime would move to 5 a.m. on the first day. The next day it would move to 8 a.m. and continue this cycle for a week. A teenager suffering with delayed sleep phase disorder would need a week off from school in order to complete this therapy. Once the desired bed time is reached it is very important to keep a consistent wake up time.

There are several treatments involving various drugs that are used to treat delayed sleep phase disorder. Melatonin has been successful in changing the sleep cycle of people with this sleep disorder. Prescription medication such as Ramelteon, and other sleeping pills, have been successful in treating teenagers and adults with delayed sleep phase disorder.

If your teenager has trouble falling asleep and always wants to stay up late, be aware of the possibility that a sleep disorder may be present.

An Alternative Approach for Overcoming a Sleep Disorder

2009-06-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Having a sleep disorder can be very disruptive to everyday life. Sleep deprived people are usually excessively tired and sleepy. They tend to become irritable and very emotional. At times they become a danger, not only to themselves, but also to those around them.

Some people use alternative, natural ways to lessen the effects of their sleep disorder. Many people focus on diet and nutrition, while others use herbs and supplements. Still others believe in the positive effect of exercise, relaxation and sensory techniques, meditation or behavioral and cognitive strategies. Often people use a combination of these approaches to help alleviate the symptoms of their sleep disorder.

A healthy diet is essential for optimal energy and a restful sleep. Avoiding certain foods is as important as including others in your daily diet. Eating a wide variety of foods and drinking plenty of water will keep your body well- balanced and provide a more stable energy level. Avoiding food that is grown, treated or processed with chemicals, and limiting the amount of sugar and caffeine will also help your overall physical condition. Many foods promote a restful sleep and are helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of certain sleep disorders. Eating the proper snack before bedtime can increase natural serotonin levels. Serotonin acts as a natural sedative and is made in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Foods that a re rich in tryptophan include chicken, turkey, cheese, cottage cheese, fish, milk, nuts, avocados and bananas.

Many people use herbs and natural supplements as an alternative approach to treating their sleep disorder. There are many nutritional supplements and herbal products on the market. It is important to know how a specific product acts on the body as well as on the specific sleep disorder.. For example many people with restless leg syndrome have an iron or folic acid deficiency. Taking an iron supplement may alleviate some of the symptoms of RLS. Many herbs are well known for promoting a natural sleep. A clamming tea of chamomile or lemon balm can be very relaxing to many people that suffer from a sleep disorder.

Exercise and relaxation techniques, whether used alone or together, can reduce stress and muscle tension. Many people that use these techniques to lessen the symptoms of a sleep disorder do these before going to bed. They not only ease physical tension but they calm the mind and prepare the body to sleep. These techniques include mindful exercise, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises and yoga.

Meditation and visualization are also used by some sufferers of sleep disorders to calm the body before sleep. Two common forms of mediation are meditation on the breath and mantra meditation. Both of these types can have a positive effect on relieving stress and calming the body. Many people focus their energy on a healing visualization as a method of alternative therapy for their sleep disorder.

Sensory techniques that people use to lessen the symptoms of their sleep disorder are hydrotherapy, and aroma therapy. The two main techniques included in hydrotherapy, which means water therapy, are relaxing in an Epsom salt bath and a lymph stimulating footbath. Aroma therapy includes the use of therapeutic essential oils in baths, massage oils, room sprays, and simple inhalants.

Alternative behavioral and cognitive strategies used to combat the symptoms of a sleep disorder include improving a person's sleep hygiene, stimulus control therapy and journal writing.

Alternative practices and techniques can help many types of sleep disorders. Often they are used in conjunction with traditional medication and practices.

Ways to Have a Good Night's Sleep Using Memory Foam Mattress

2009-05-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

You know you want it. You want to have and invest on the craze in the market right now. People are all talking about memory foam mattress. You'll see it in hotels, and used in seats on cinemas. You'll find one or two on prominent people's houses.

Just because it is popular doesn't mean that you cannot afford it. There are many ways in which you can seek out an affordable bed of this type. All you've got to do is intensify your hunt. You can search the web, look at discount stores and sale items on events. If you want to own one, you've got to save up for it and continue on your search in finding better deals.

How can you achieve a good night's sleep using this product? There are actually many ways. And it is the main reason why this is famous. People are becoming more and more curious as to how they can achieve the perfect hours deep into a night slumber. This product can certainly help you out with this dilemma.

The memory foam is ideal on places that are cold. It can also be used on houses that are well air conditioned. Why, you may ask? This is because it warms the body. So if you need something warm to envelope you at night, this bed can substitute for the real hug that may originally want to envelope you at night.

This bed is also free from the bed bugs. It naturally resists those pests. So you are assured that you are well guarded when you are not looking because you are actually on a far, far away land of dreams. Just this idea could pacify you enough to restrain yourself from tossing and turning at night because you are comfortable and well rested.

Instead of you adjusting to your bed, the memory foams adjusts on the contours of your body. This will make you really want to sleep more. As a result, you will be resting quite happily all through the night.

And because you no longer have to worry about the discomfort that some beds give you, you may then focus on dozing off. Actually, you won't feel it until it is time to wake up that you've had the best night spent sleeping your entire life.

What more if you will own one? You will be treated like a royalty each night that you use it. It will definitely be something that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

And treasure you will surely do because this bed will last longer than you ever imagined. Just keep it maintained and properly cleaned regularly and your money that you spent to buy one will all be worth it.

And even if you are allergic to certain things, this kind of bed will still work for you the way it does for other people. This is hypo-allergenic. For this reason, even babies who have the most sensitive skin will have a place on this type of bed.

Memory foam mattress will give you more than enough fond memories with it. With this is use, you will have the good night's sleep that have been dreaming about. So prepare to snooze for this product has finally arrived.

A Sleep Disorder That Affects the Legs - Restless Sleep Syndrome

2009-05-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Restless leg syndrome, known as RLS, is a sleep disorder that afflicts more than 15 percent of adults.
It affects more women than men and the incidence of restless leg syndrome increases with age. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and varicose veins, also increase the risk of developing restless leg syndrome.

This sleep disorder is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the lower legs, knees and occasionally the arms. Sometimes painful sensations accompany the urge to move. People that suffer from this sleep disorder describe the feelings and sensations in different ways. Many describe a tingling, itching or pulling sensation. Still others say it feels prickly or burns. Some feel as if they have worms crawling under their skin.

The sensations which are typical of this sleep disorder can occur anytime during the day or night.
Restless leg syndrome occurring at night has a devastating effect on sleep. The symptoms can cause the sufferer to get in and out of bed repeatedly which can delay or disrupt sleep. Since sleep in repeatedly interrupted, extreme daytime sleepiness is common.

The combination of always feeling tired and the symptoms themselves can cause a person with restless leg syndrome to alter their lifestyle. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants are some of the activities they usually avoid. Attending a long meeting at work can become very painful and uncomfortable. People that have this sleep disorder often suffer from depression.

Researchers believe that restless leg syndrome may be caused by malfunctions of the pathways in the brain that controls movement reflexes and sensations. Often this sleep disorder has a genetic base.

Restless leg syndrome cannot be diagnosed by one single test. Often standard neurological examinations show no signs of an abnormality. In many cases, a doctor makes the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome based on the description of the symptoms. They also take into account family history, and the results of a routine medical examination and blood tests.

Many times the treatment for restless leg syndrome is aimed at controlling the debilitating sensations that accompany this sleep disorder. Often iron supplements are prescribed because severe anemia has been linked to this disorder. Relaxation techniques, diet changes and the elimination of caffeine and alcohol help some sufferers of restless leg syndrome.

In most cases, this sleep disorder is treated with drugs. These drugs could include dopamine agents, benzodiazepines, opioids or anticonvulsants. Medications do not cure restless leg syndrome, but they manage the symptoms. People that suffer from this sleep disorder usually have to stay on their medications for the rest of their lives.

Another sleep disorder similar to restless leg syndrome is periodic limb movement disorder known as PLMD. There are two main differences between restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. Restless leg syndrome occurs when the sufferer is awake or asleep; periodic limb movement disorder only occurs when the sufferer is asleep. Restless leg syndrome movements are voluntary responses to very unpleasant sensations; the movements of periodic limb movement disorder are involuntary and are not consciously controlled. Both of these sleep disorders can be effectively controlled with medical treatment.

Sleep and Mood

2009-05-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Drugs, stressful situations, and even excessive noise can affect daily body rhythms and moods. An irregular living schedule can aggravate mood disorders. The old-fashioned sanitarium rest cure was effective with the "nervous" because it put the patient on a regular schedule of sleep, activity, and meals. Below are some kinds of sleep disturbances that can make mood disorder worse.

Insomnia

A person suffering from insomnia has difficulty initiating or maintaining normal sleep, which can result in non-restorative sleep and impairment of daytime functioning. Insomnia includes sleeping too little, difficulty falling asleep, awakening frequently during the night, or waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep. It is characteristic of many mental and physical disorders. Those with depression, for example, may experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt, all of which can interrupt sleep. Hypomanics, on the other hand, can be so aroused that getting quality sleep is virtually impossible without medication.

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

This is the most common circadian-rhythm sleep disorder that results in insomnia and daytime sleepiness, or somnolence. A short circuit between a person's biological clock and the 24-hour day causes this sleep disorder. It is commonly found in those with mild or major depression. In addition, certain medications used to treat bipolar disorder may disrupt the sleep-wake cycle.

REM Sleep Abnormalities

REM sleep abnormalities have been implicated by doctors in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, some forms of schizophrenia, and other disorders in which psychosis occurs.

Irregular Sleep-Wake Schedule

This sleep disorder is yet another problem that many with Bipolar II experience and in large part results from a lack of lifestyle scheduling. Bipolar drug abusers and/or alcoholics who stay awake all night searching for similar addicts and engaging in drug-seeking behavior, which results in sleeping the next day, usually experience the reverse sleep-wake cycle.

Melatonin Helps Autistic Children Sleep

2009-05-05T20:05:00.001-07:00

Our bodies naturally produce Melatonin. In Autistic children the amount of Melatonin produced is not enough. They have problems falling asleep at night. Night after night of too little sleep can really take a toll on an Autistic child. They can have more unwanted behaviors. If a child is not sleeping, most of the time the parent is not sleeping either. This can make for a terribly grouchy child and parent. Starting out the day tired can ruin the entire day. The child will not want to cooperate with you or anyone else. This can make therapy or doctors appointments very unpleasant.

If your Autistic child is having problems sleeping you might want to try giving them Melatonin supplements. They can be found at most pharmacies, or health food stores. Melatonin is a safer approach than using prescription medication. Prescription medications can make the child dependant on them to sleep. The Melatonin is naturally produced in our bodies. The supplement just helps to make sure the body has enough to allow the child to fall asleep.

Melatonin should be given to the child about thirty minutes before their bed time. The dosage should be the lowest that still is effective. Most Autistic children do well on a dose of one to three milligrams. Always start with the lowest dose. Too high of a dose can make waking the child hard. It can also give the child nightmares. If too high a dose is given the child can still be tired and groggy the next day. This is not the desired effect. You want the child to feel rested and energized.

Melatonin usually does not lose it's effectiveness. The Melatonin should not stop working with continuous use. If by some slight chance it does stop taking it for a few days, or a week. Then when you restart the Melatonin it should work fine. Melatonin taken in Autistic kids is found to have other benefits as well. The children who take Melatonin are found to be more alert the next day. Melatonin has also been found to help with some anxiety and depression. This can be a way to avoid medications that sometimes have harmful side effects.

If your Autistic child is having problem sleeping Melatonin might be the answer. Your child needs a good nights rest. If they are on any medications to help them sleep consult the doctor before trying Melatonin. Melatonin should only be given to the child once a day before bed time. If given in the middle of the night it could interrupt the child's internal clock. This could cause more problems than the lack of sleep.

If your doctor suggest a sleeping medication be used for your Autistic child consider using Melatonin. It does not have any side effects. The child will not become dependant on the Melatonin to help them sleep. It is all natural, and our bodies produce the Melatonin. Some times our bodies just do not produce enough. The Melatonin supplement adds the extra amount needed to fall asleep, and stay asleep for a good nights rest.

Snoring problem cure.

2009-02-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

Does anyone in your family have a snoring problem?

I have finally found a cure. About two years ago I started to snore. It got to the point that my soul mate, wife and lover of over 36 years had to leave the room and sleep on the couch. I also had sleep apnea. I would stop breathing and my wife stayed awake to make sure I would start breathing again. In summary she wasn’t getting much sleep at night, and I wasn’t getting much quality sleep either. Either Gila (my wife) was shaking me to get me to breath or I was waking myself up with the noise.

Finally about a year ago I went to the local sleep clinic. Their conclusion was I was a borderline candidate for the positive air pressure masks one wears at night to cure the condition. My wife said “NO” to that idea, as the noise from the machine would be as bad as my snoring. About a year after my visit to the sleep clinic I saw an ad on the internet by accident. It talked about a devise called a “Snore Guard”. I called the doctor at the sleep clinic and asked why he never mentioned this possible solution last year. He said he didn’t bring it up because most dental insurance plans don’t pay for it. It was apparent form his answer that he was purely profit motivated. He would only profit it I purchased the noisy air pressure devise and was not about to talk about something that he wouldn’t profit from.

To make a long story short, I went to my dentist and got the snore guard. It worked! And to top it off, my dental insurance covered all but about $125. I don’t snore and I don’t stop breathing in my sleep. I feel rested in the morning and best of all, my wife is able to sleep all night for the first time in two years. The dentist said they have about a 80% success rate with this appliance. I was real surprised that I didn’t know about this device sine I was a dental technician in the Army and my wife was a dental technician in the past and her sister is currently a dental technician. I wish I had known about this sooner. The brand name of the appliance that I use is “Silent Nite”. Ask your dentist about it or just the generic term "snore guard" to see what he or she might recommend. Just so you know, I have no affiliation with the maker of the product. There are other similar products on the market and if any of you have experience with those let me know and I will pass on the information. Just one more side note, it was not hard to get used to wearing the appliance at night. It is very comfortable, and easy to put on and take off.

Treatments To Stop Snoring Now

2009-02-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Even though a bad snorer may sound like a motorboat speeding over the waves, the truth is that snoring is caused by obstructed breathing, and obstruction can lead to serious problems. Snoring disturbs sleeping patterns and deprives the snorer of much needed rest. When snoring is severe, it can cause serious, long-term health problems, including obstructive sleep apnea not to mention disturbing the peace and quiet in the bedroom.

Simple changes, such as losing weight or sleeping on your side, can help as well as more drastic measures such as surgery. The following is a list of some of the best treatments to help with snoring problems.

Surgery is often used for treating snoring caused by obstructive sleep apnea. Different types of TAP (Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty) include bipolar cautery, laser, and radiofrequency.

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) tightens flabby tissues in the throat and palate, and widens air passages.

• Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty (LAUP) treats snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea by removing the obstruction in the airway. A laser is used to vaporize the uvula and a specified portion of the palate. Removing excess tissue enlarges your airway and reduces vibration.

• Radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatoplasty or RAUP. Instead of a laser, thermal energy is used under local anesthesia to scar and shrink the soft tissue in the back of the throat

• Genioglossus and hyod advancement is a surgical procedure that prevents collapse of the lower throat and pulls the tongue muscles forward, thereby opening the obstructed airway.

• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy treats snoring caused by problems with tonsils and adenoids. Often found in children.

If surgery is too risky or unwanted here are some non surgical ways to treat snoring:

• Use a nasal mask that delivers air pressure into the throat called a continuous positive airway pressure or "CPAP". The mask is attached to a small pump that forces air through your airway to keep it from collapsing. CPAP eliminates snoring but many people find it cumbersome and uncomfortable.

• Change your sleep posture. Snoring is especially loud when you sleep on your back. Various pillows and strap-on devices will force you to sleep in the right position.

•Throat sprays coat the soft tissues of the throat with lubricating oils, allowing the air to move more freely and lessening the noisy vibration.

• Open up nasal passages with the following items including adhesive strips which hold open the airways of your nose, plastic devices to hold open your nostrils, and nasal sprays which reduce congestion or the swelling of nasal tissues. These methods will enhance your breathing.

• Mouthpiece devices are available often custom-fitted by your dentist which pulls the lower jaw and tongue forward, making more room at the back of the throat.

Oftentimes snoring can be helped with lifestyle changes but if you have concerns about snoring you should contact your doctor or dentist for a complete evaluation to discuss the snoring treatments available and to decide which might be the best help to stop your snoring now.

Help Stop Snoring, Limiting Eating Before Bedtime

2009-02-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

It’s getting to close to bedtime and your stomach is looking for a late night snack. You go to the kitchen and decide on a nice thick slice of chocolate cake. After brushing your teeth you tuck yourself into bed and within hours you feel the familiar hand of your spouse trying to wake you up so you’ll stop snoring.

Snoring is a problem that almost everyone has had to deal with at some point. Whether it was a parent who snored, a partner or their own snoring problem, it changed not only their sleep patterns but their stress level as well. If we don’t get a good night’s rest we can end up irritated, frustrated and angry with the person who snores, even if logically it seems that there is nothing they can do about it.

There might be something that can easily change the situation and help them to stop snoring. The solution might be found in their menu. The foods we eat can have a direct impact on whether or not we snore.

Eating right before you retire for the night gives your body less of a chance to digest the food. This can result in the food sitting within your stomach and depending on the size of the snack or the meal it can also cause you to feel pressure on your diaphragm. It is that pressure that can result in snoring.

Adjusting your meal time might help improve the snoring. If you are accustomed to eating dinner later in the evening at eight or nine o’clock, it might be wise to move that ahead several hours so that by the time you do hit the hay, the food will have been digested and it won’t result in a restless sleep that is filled with the sounds of snoring.

Experimenting a bit with eating times is wise in this case. It might be as simple as an hour difference in time that results in you snoring or not. That is a small change that can have a big result in not only your sleep but in the sleep of those who have listened to you snore night after night.

Snacks are often a regular routine of night time television viewing. Eating potato chips, popcorn or pretzels is a great way to add flavor to an evening of sports or movies. Choosing a different snack might help you to have a sounder sleep though. Some research suggests that honey has a positive effect on the airways and can help stop snoring. Eating an apple dipped in honey or having a cup of warm tea with honey will not only help with stopping the snoring but it won’t place such a heavy burden on your digestive system at the end of the day.

Overall the main points to remember when eating to avoid snoring are:

* Avoid eating late in the day.
* Avoid eating snacks that contain too many calories
* Avoid snacks that take a long time to digest.

Looking carefully at your diet and your dietary habits might result in not only a healthier eating pattern but also may help with a snoring problem. Simply adjusting what you eat and when you eat it could stop your snoring completely.

Frequently Asked Questions about Snoring

2009-01-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

What is snoring?

In short, snoring occurs when a person breathes through their mouth and causes vibrations in the soft palate and uvula. Generally occurring during sleep, snoring comes in many different sounds that occur in men and women, the young and the old and even animals. Snoring in one person can be very slight and soft, while in another the snoring can be loud. The loudness of the sound usually depends upon the person and why they are snoring.

What causes snoring?

When a person sleeps, the muscles not in use begin to relax and the airways will narrow. Snoring occurs when the air is being pushed through a person’s airway. Depending on how forceful the air is being pushed, the loudness of the snore will vary. Men are often louder than women because their necks are generally larger. It is also believed that a hormone produced by women, known as progesterone, works to prevent or significantly reduce instances of snoring. There are many different causes that could lead to snoring. For example, if a person suffers from allergies that could clog the airways or takes medications that dry up the nasal cavities, they may suffer from snoring.

Anything that will clog, irritate, or otherwise block the airway can be a cause for snoring, such as a common cold, the flu, thick nasal tissues, nasal sprays, swollen thyroid gland, tonsillitis, swollen adenoids, large tongue, obesity, alcohol, aging, and smoking cigarettes. All of these can lead to the occurrence of snoring in any person.

Does snoring affect anyone other than the snorer?

In one word, YES! Snoring can affect everyone in the household. When snoring occurs, usually the person doing the snoring has no idea they are doing so. Everyone around them will likely be perfectly aware of it. There are a variety of things that can occur with those who have to live with a snorer. They will likely lose sleep and this can lead to many other emotional disturbances.

Is there a cure for snoring?

There are many different actions a snorer can take to cure snoring. There is surgery available, however, there are a few things to consider before undergoing surgery. For one, the cost of surgery is high and your insurance may not provide coverage for surgery to stop snorong. Another is that some people are more vulnerable to having complications following surgery. There could also be side effects, medication needed, or even the possibility that surgery was pointless and the snoring continued (due to other underlying causes for the snoring).

Some people look towards alternative methods for treating snoring such as medications, devices, exercise, diet, and changing sleep position.

Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.

Excessive Snoring & What It Could Mean To You

2009-01-25T23:30:00.000-08:00

It may be difficult to know whether you suffer from typical or excessive snoring. A large part of the problem comes from the fact that it can be difficult to diagnose your own snoring habits while you are asleep. Perhaps the most useful information would come from a spouse, who may be awoken through the night as a result of the snoring. He/she will be more familiar with your snoring and may be able to offer an opinion as to whether they notice excessive snoring.

So, just what is excessive snoring? Perhaps it could best be defined as repetitive, loud, disruptive and continual. Regular snoring is often the result of the airway passages becoming restricted through the night. This is generally caused by the fatty tissues relaxing in the back of the throat and causing a vibration, which is snoring. Excessive snoring, however, may be a sign of something much more serious. In fact, excessive snoring is a direct symptom of sleep apnea. Sufferers of this disorder actually stop breathing on more than one occasion during the night. This results from the airways becoming completely blocked and, if left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to heart disease, a stroke or other serious medical problem.

If you suffer from excessive snoring, it may be time to consider visiting the doctor for a proper diagnosis. If it is determined that you have sleep apnea, you may need treatment to prevent the disorder from causing further problems. If you simply suffer from excessive snoring, there may be various snoring remedies that can curb your nighttime nuisance. Among them, sleeping on your side instead of your back, ridding your home of allergens, losing weight if previously diagnosed with obesity, giving up cigarettes and alcohol, etc. In addition, some anti-snoring devices may be able to stop snoring immediately. One such device, known as the Sleep Genie, is doctor approved and comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed during sleep. It is virtually impossible to snore with your mouth closed, which is why the Sleep Genie is popular among snoring sufferers. It is important to remember that the Sleep Genie is not intended to cure sleep apnea, but rather help to eliminate snoring and add better quality sleep.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

One of the most effective ways to cure sleep apnea is through weight loss. Obesity is one of the leading causes of sleep apnea and, therefore, is a large part of it’s cure. By beginning a well-balanced program consisting of diet and exercise, you will not only be helping to cure sleep apnea, but also taking a big step toward warding off future illnesses associated with obesity.

It is important to remember that only a physician can properly diagnose sleep apnea. This is confirmed through a series of questions and possibly a sleep study, which is when the patient spends the night at a sleep center where there breathing patterns are monitored. After every possible attempt to cure sleep apnea has proven unsuccessful, a physician may recommend surgery. Before electing for surgery, the patient should be aware of all risks associated with the procedure. At the same time, it is very important to cure sleep apnea or suffer the increased risks of heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. Many physicians will recommend use of a device called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which provides continual air pressure for the sufferer throughout the night. Some users of the CPAP machine find additional comfort with the Sleep Genie, which helps the mouth to remain closed and prevents the escape of the CPAP air treatments. While not intended as a cure for sleep apnea, the Sleep Genie often provides for better quality sleep to sufferers.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Sleeping Times During Infancy And Childhood

2009-01-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

For three or four weeks after birth the infant sleeps more or less, day and night, only waking to satisfy the demands of hunger; at the expiration of this time, however, each interval of wakefulness grows longer, so that it sleeps less frequently, but for longer periods at a time.

This disposition to repose in the early weeks of the infant's life must not be interfered with; but this period having expired, great care is necessary to induce regularity in its hours of sleep, otherwise too much will be taken in the day-time, and restless and disturbed nights will follow. The child should be brought into the habit of sleeping in the middle of the day, before its dinner, and for about two hours, more or less. If put to rest at a later period of the day, it will invariably cause a bad night.

At first the infant should sleep with its parent. The low temperature of its body, and its small power of generating heat, render this necessary. If it should happen, however, that the child has disturbed and restless nights, it must immediately be removed to the bed and care of another female, to be brought to its mother at an early hour in the morning, for the purpose of being nursed. This is necessary for the preservation of the mother's health, which through sleepless nights would of course be soon deranged, and the infant would also suffer from the influence which such deranged health would have upon the milk.

When a month or six weeks has elapsed, the child, if healthy, may sleep alone in a cradle or cot, care being taken that it has a sufficiency of clothing, that the room in which it is placed is sufficiently warm, viz. 60 degrees, and the position of the cot itself is not such as to be exposed to currents of cold air. It is essentially necessary to attend to these points, since the faculty of producing heat, and consequently the power of maintaining the temperature, is less during sleep than at any other time, and therefore exposure to cold is especially injurious. It is but too frequently the case that inflammation of some internal organ will occur under such circumstances, without the true source of the disease ever being suspected. Here, however, a frequent error must be guarded against, that of covering up the infant in its cot with too much clothing throwing over its face the muslin handkerchief and, last of all, drawing the drapery of the bed closely together. The object is to keep the infant sufficiently warm with pure air; it therefore ought to have free access to its mouth, and the atmosphere of the whole room should be kept sufficiently warm to allow the child to breathe it freely: in winter, therefore, there must always be a fire in the nursery.

The child up to two years old, at least, should sleep upon a feather bed, for the reasons referred to above. The pillow, however, after the sixth month, should be made of horsehair; for at this time teething commences, and it is highly important that the head should be kept cool.

During Childhood
----------------

Up to the third or fourth year the child should be permitted to sleep for an hour or so before its dinner. After this time it may gradually be discontinued; but it must be recollected, that during the whole period of childhood more sleep is required than in adult age. The child, therefore, should be put to rest every evening between seven and eight; and if it be in health it will sleep soundly until the following morning. No definite rule, however, can be laid down in reference to the number of hours of sleep to be allowed; for one will require more or less than another.Regularity as to the time of going to rest is the chief point to attend to; permit nothing to interfere with it, and then only let the child sleep without disturbance, until it awakes of its own accord on the following morning, and it will have had sufficient rest.

The amount of sleep necessary to preserve health varies according to the state of the body, and the habits of the individual. Infants pass much the greater portion of their time in sleep. Children sleep twelve or fourteen hours. The schoolboy generally ten. In youth, a third part of the twenty-four hours is spent in sleep. Whilst, in advanced age, many do not spend more than four, five, or six hours in sleep.

It is a cruel thing for a mother to sacrifice her child's health that she may indulge her own vanity, and yet how often is this done in reference to sleep. An evening party is to assemble, and the little child is kept up for hours beyond its stated time for retiring to rest, that it may be exhibited, fondled, and admired. Its usual portion of sleep is thus abridged, and, from the previous excitement, what little he does obtain, is broken and unrefreshing, and he rises on the morrow wearied and exhausted.

Once awake, it should not be permitted to lie longer in bed, but should be encouraged to arise immediately. This is the way to bring about the habit of early rising, which prevents many serious evils to which parents are not sufficiently alive, promotes both mental and corporeal health, and of all habits is said to be the most conducive to longevity.

A child should never be suddenly aroused from sleep; it excites the brain, quickens the action of the heart, and, if often repeated, serious consequences would result. The change of sleeping to waking should always be gradual.

The bed on which the child now sleeps should be a mattress: at this age a feather bed is always injurious to children; for the body, sinking deep into the bed, is completely buried in feathers, and the unnatural degree of warmth thus produced relaxes and weakens the system, particularly the skin, and renders the child unusually susceptible to the impressions of cold. Then, instead of the bed being made up in the morning as soon as vacated, and while still saturated with the nocturnal exhalations from the body, the bed-clothes should be thrown over the backs of chairs, the mattress shaken well up, and the window thrown open for several hours, so that the apartment shall be thoroughly ventilated.

It is also indispensably requisite not to allow the child to sleep with persons in bad health, or who are far advanced in life; if and where possible, it should always sleep alone.

Treating Sleep Apnea

2009-01-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

Stopping breathing or shortness of breath causes sleep apnea. It is a very risky syndrome and if you feel you are suffering from this disorder you should immediately seek medical attention. It can be dangerous to not get proper attention for sleep apnea. If the problem persists and you are not getting any treatment, it could result in serious health hazards like heart attack, stroke, an irregular heart beat, impotency, high blood pressure and other heart related diseases.

When a person is suffering from sleep apnea, the upper airways become obstructed. They can be blocked by tissues, large tonsils, or a large tongue. The most common factor behind sleep apnea is the structure of jaw and airway.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea are extreme daytime sleepiness and recurring periods of interrupted breathing. There may be other symptoms of sleep apnea like loud snoring, headaches, being overweight, having high blood pressure and suffering from irritability or a change in personality.

Sleep apnea is dangerous, and it can be fatal in many cases. You should not ignore sleep apnea and get treatment immediately. Weight loss, surgery, dental appliances, and breathing assistance devices are various ways you can treat sleep apnea. The use of a breath assistance device is the most popular and most effective treatment of sleep apnea. These breathing assistance devices help in increasing the air pressure in the airways, which prevents the airways from collapsing. You have to wear this device in the form of a mask that has a small air blower connected through a pipe to the nose, and you must wear this mask when you go to sleep. There is also another type of device which will be useful for those whose tongue is the main source of obstruction. This device is a suction cup that is used to assist the teeth and tongue from closing the airway.

There are different types of surgeries available as treatment for sleep apnea. With surgery, the uvula, the dangling flesh at the back of your mouth, is eliminated and soft palate and pharynx are made tighter. There are also nasal surgeries which are used to improve sleep apnea. There are several jaw surgeries that can treat sleep apnea as they can help in reducing airway blockages.

It is definitely advisable that you seek professional treatment if you are suffering from sleep apnea. There are also several ways in which you can help yourself. If you are overweight, work towards losing some weight. Quitting smoking can help reduce instances of sleep apnea. You should eliminate all alcohol if possible since alcohol worsens sleep apnea. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle you can make living with “sleep apnea” easier.

Sleeping Problems in the Elderly

2009-01-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

Sleeping problems in the elderly are more than likely to manifest in a particular pattern, depending on the health of the person, and the prescription drugs they may be taking for their health problems.The quality of their sleep may change considerably, either because of less demands on their energy as a result of retirement, or through illness.

Illness disrupts sleep patters in the elderly, and may result in increased awakenings due to physical discomfort.Urinary urgency, cramps, angina,chronic obstructive airways disease,and left ventricular failure may be some of the many illnesses which cause sleep problems in the elderly.

An elderly person may become very anxious about a change in their sleep pattern, however, it will be necessary to thoroughly investigate the problem in order to ascertain if this perceived sleeping problem, causes dysfunction in their waking activities.If the elderly person has a carer, or lives with family then the problem may be easier to assess, for what appears to be a problem may only be a normal change in sleep pattern for the age.

The most frequently occurring sleep problem in the elderly appears to be sleep latency, the person may spend some hours in bed before sleep occurs. This may be perceived by the elderly person to be a problem, and sleeping pills may be sought.Sleep latency is more common in females, and this appears to apply in all age groups, not just to elderly persons,however, it does occur more often in elderly females.

Possibly reduced daytime activity,combined with daytime naps may contribute to reduced quality of sleep in the elderly. The pressure of a normal working day has been taken away, so the energy output is considerably less, while this may be offered as a possible reason for sleep latency, many others factors may be involved.

There may be much confusion about sleep latency, the difficulty may be exaggerated because the person who experiences it may be convinced that unless they have 8 hours of quality sleep, they will become ill.Sometimes it is difficult to convince an elderly person that they no longer require 8 hours of unbroken sleep, but may be better served by a shorter night time sleep supplemented with day time naps.

Re the old remedy of a glass of milk before bed:
According to Jean Carper, The Food Pharmacy, milk for insomniacs,never!
Milk, particularly low fat milk wakes you up. " Milk deliver tyrosine to the brain, which in turn triggers production of dopamine and norepinephrine, stimulating you to think more quickly, and accurately".

So how can sleep problems in the elderly be resolved? Firstly, a warm comfortable noise free environment, regular exercise, good diet, no heavy meals at night, no eating late at night, relaxation therapies, aromatherapy, herbs like valerian may be taken as a tea, provided that your doctor has been consulted. Homeopathy is the cheapest, the least invasive, the most gentle, with no side effects, and no interactions with any drugs you may be taking. No homeopathic remedies are recommended here for it is important to consult a qualified homeopath in order to achieve the best outcome for the patient.

Sleep problems in the elderly should be thoroughly investigated before any medications are prescribed. Unfortunately this is not always the procedure that is adopted, for often a script is written for what has been described as insomnia by the elderly person, however, such is mostly not the case, but rather it's a normal progression of a resetting of the circadian rhythms which requires education, not medication.

Provided that there is no evidence of disease of the central nervous system, such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic brain damage , and chronic pain, then sleep problems in the elderly are far better managed conservatively.

Memory Foam Mattress - Get A Good Night's Sleep

2009-01-25T18:32:00.001-08:00

Memory Foam Mattresses are being used all over the world, not only for their comfort but also for all the health benefits they provide. The first memory foam was developed for NASA around the 70's for their space program, though it was never used. Memory foam is pressure sensitive, or temperature sensitive polyurethane foam which has the ability to compress, but then gradually return to its original shape. Therefore memory foam does not place nearly the same resistance on the joints as springs, air, and other materials that bounce back more rapidly. This invention has created a real hit among young and old alike. The Memory Foam Mattress has become the fastest growing segment in the mattress industry.

Memory Foam Mattresses have the ability to spread pressure over a greater surface area. These mattresses are now prescribed by doctors as well, for people having difficulty sleeping and other health problems like backache, as they can help to reduce pressure points.

There are many different companies now that make these mattresses, though not all memory foams are created equal. So don't try to compromise on the price; instead of getting those really inexpensive ones and regretting later, it's better to pay a little more and be assured of the quality you are getting. The cheap memory foam mattresses are generally made of either low density memory foam or layered with other cheaper foam products. They may not give the same comfort as higher density mattresses and will wear out relatively fast.

Memory Foam Mattresses come in different types. 4 lb density ones are the most popular as they are very high quality products and can last for a good amount of time - about 3 - 5 years. 3 - 3.5 lb density memory foam mattresses are cheaper than the 4 lb ones. If you are willing to pay more, you can also get 5.3 lb density, which are of very high quality. This density mattress is heavier, more temperature sensitive, usually stiffer, and bounces back more slowly. No matter which one you buy, you need to be careful about what foam it has in it. See that the cheap fillers are not used for your mattress. You should thoroughly research the company you are planning to get your Memory Foam Mattress from.

You should also check about the durability. Some may feel great in the beginning but may break down quickly. You should try and be safe by sticking to formulations that have been time tested, and not blindly rely on any new formulations.

A good Memory Foam Mattress is something you can invest in and you will definitely not regret it. You have to use it to believe it. So drive away those sleepless and uncomfortable nights, and get yourself one today!

How To Fulfill Orders In Your Sleep

2009-01-25T18:31:00.002-08:00

So you have a digital product to sell, but how do you make it automatically downloadable so you don't have to be sending out emails at all hours of the day (and night)? The solution is really very simple. Just use your autoresponder and the good news is most web hosting accounts already come with a basic autoresponder system.

The general idea is to create a special dedicated email address where payment notifications will be sent to. Once the autoresponder detects email being sent to this address, it will immediately kick back a reply email that you pre-programmed with download information and that is it. You're in business.

Easy as it is, this system does have a few flaws. For one, any email sent to that special address will return a reply with your product download information. Secondly, some payment processor's notification emails come from the payment processor themselves and it is only within the body of the notice will you find the customer's email. This is a problem because autoresponders that come with your web hosting account are not very sophisticated and can only reply to the originating email address. In plain English, this means all your order thank you emails will go to your payment processor, your customer receives nothing. And that is not good.

Thankfully, there are autoresponder systems that are much more robust and truly intelligent. They can literally scan the payment notification email, extract your customer's information, add them to the database so you can follow up with them later and send out a reply immediately to the customer using the information it gathered. All of this is done immediately behind the scenes in a matter of minutes (and even seconds); all your customer sees and experiences is one seamless process. These intelligent autoresponders come in the form of monthly services or scripts.

But what about securing the download? That is easy too. In many web host control panels, you will find a 'Protect Folder' or 'Password Protection' feature. By putting your downloads in a special folder and password protecting that folder, you will now keep spiders, robots and people who do not have access to the password out of your downloads.

What if you want a stronger protection system? In that case, you can use a membership manager where people can create their own logins. You can also get scripts or hosted shopping carts that will generate unique download links that expire after a certain time. These systems can set you back from $50 to $200 or more.

Up till now, all the options discussed only protect the download, not the product itself. If you're really concerned about piracy or if piracy is getting out of hand for you, the best way is to protect each download with its own unique key code. Fortunately there are services who can do that and integrate seamlessly into your existing checkout system. They cost $9.95 to $24.95 a month. If you are losing a big amount to piracy, the price may be small to pay.

Some food for thought, there will always be a small percentage of customers who will try to do what they know is wrong. The more control you exert, the more resentful customers will feel. Regardless of copyright, people do not like to be limited over something they already paid for. You just have to weigh it out what matters to you, keeping the majority of good customers happy or you want to spend time on a few rotten apples and of course don't forget to spell out your copyright and terms of use clearly. That's about the best you can do.

How Exercise Can Help You Sleep Better...

2009-01-25T18:31:00.001-08:00

The amount of physical activity that you expend during the day is a key ingredient to helping you sleep restfully at night.

The more active your body is during the day, the more likely you are able to relax fully at night and fall asleep easily.

With regular exercise your sleep quality is improved and the transition between the cycles and phases of sleep becomes smoother and more regular.

Keeping up your physical activity during the day may also be help you deal with the stress and worry in your life.

Studies indicate that there is a direct correlation between how much we exercise and how we feel both emotionally and physically by changes in our brain chemistry that occur from regular exercise.

Try to increase your physical daily activity during the day. The goal here is to give your body enough stimulation during the day so that you are not restless at night.

Our bodies require a certain amount of physical activity in order to function in a healthy manner.

It is important to note that you should not be exercising three to four hours before bed.

The ideal time for you to exercise is in the late afternoon or early evening. You want to expend your physical energy long before it is time for your body to rest and ready itself for sleep.

Attempt to exercise at least three to four times a week for a continuous period of 20 to 30 minutes. This can include something as simple as walking or something as strenuous as running.

The goal is to increase your heart rate and strengthen your lung capacity. Adding a regular exercise activity to your daily schedule will improve your overall health and benefit you emotionally. This is can help promote a natural remedy for your sleeplessness.

Besides walking and running there are many physical activities that you can add to your life to increase your activity level. Aerobic exercises seem to work best to battle sleeplessness.

Your goal is to increase the amount of oxygen that reaches your blood. There are many types of aerobic activities to choose from. These include running, biking, using a treadmill, jumping rope, and dancing.

Some non-aerobic activities may be beneficial to you as you attempt to solve your insomnia problem. The following activities are relaxing and have other healing properties:

- Yoga has a stimulatory effect on your nervous system, particularly the brain. Yoga uses breathing techniques and yoga postures to increase blood circulation to the brain centre, promoting regular and restful sleeping patterns. Regular practice of yoga will relax you as well as relieve stress and tension.

- Tai Chi is a form of breathing and movement that was developed by ancient Chinese monks. The movements involved in Tai Chi are precise and slow, which is ideal if you have joint pain or are unable to participate in high impact aerobic exercises. Studies have shown that Tai Chi may help people with insomnia by promoting relaxation.

If you find that you have no time to exercise on a regular basis try sneaking extra moments of activity into your daily schedule. Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.

Try parking your car around the corner and walking that extra block to your appointment. There are many small ways that you can incorporate some added activity into your life. Your goal is to have a healthy, well balanced life...

Effective Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatments

2009-01-25T18:30:00.003-08:00

There is a substantial difference in snoring and sleep apnea but, ironically, the treatments are much the same. It is first important to differentiate the two terms.

Snoring is nothing more than a vibration caused from fatty tissue rubbing against the back of the throat during sleep. It is often the cause of sleep loss, aggravation and inconvenience. Snoring alone, however, is not as dangerous as sleep apnea, which occurs when an individual stops breathing completely throughout the night. This is usually caused by a complete airway blockage resulting from tissue in the throat relaxing and cutting off the air supply. The sleep apnea sufferer awakens quickly due to their loss of air, but they may not realize what has happened. Frequent awakening, difficulty breathing or gasping for air and heavy snoring are all common signs of sleep apnea and may require an immediate need for effective snoring and sleep apnea treatments.

There are a variety of snoring and sleep apnea treatments, including changing to sleeping on your side instead of your back, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program, ridding your home of allergens to help you breathe easier during the night, elevating your head with an extra pillow at night or the use of doctor recommended apnea treatment devices. Once a patient has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a more aggressive series of snoring and sleep apnea treatments may be required. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, a stroke or other serious medical condition. Many apnea sufferers use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help them receive a continual amount of air during the night, which helps to prevent the tissues in their throat from collapsing and blocking their airway causing them to stop breathing completely.

During snoring and sleep apnea treatments, sleepers need to sleep with their mouth closed or they risk losing the effects of the CPAP treatment. The Sleep Genie is a product that is designed to help improve sleep quality and allow the sleeper to rest comfortably with their mouth closed. While not intended to be used as a cure for sleep apnea, it may help to keep the sufferers mouth closed so that they can continue to receive the benefits of the CPAP machine. If the patient suffers from snoring, and not sleep apnea, the Sleep Genie is beneficial in helping to prevent snoring altogether because it is virtually impossible to snore with your mouth closed.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Baby Sleep Tips - The Ferber Method

2009-01-25T18:30:00.001-08:00

One of the most important things in getting you baby to sleep properly is for your baby to learn to sleep on his or her own. The reason it is so difficult for many parents - why parents of a newborn suffer from so many sleepless nights - is because your baby, at first, isn't used to sleeping on his own, and when he wakes up in the night he cries for his mother: being in the presence of his mother is only way he knows how to get to sleep. It is natural that this transition from sleeping with the mother, to sleeping on his own, will take some time for your baby. Many baby sleep tips involve setting up a strict nighttime routine, and introducing objects - such as stuffed animals - into the bed that your baby can associate with sleep. If you find after some months that your baby is still not able to sleep on his own, you can try what is known as the Ferber method.

Invented by Dr. Richard Ferber, the Ferber method is the most common way of weaning your child away from the mother, in terms of his sleep habits. It is usually successful within a couple of weeks. Nevertheless, it is important that you choose a week where you can afford to lose some sleep to begin the Ferber method. Especially at the beginning of the process, the Ferber method does require that you spend a lot of time listening to your baby crying, and if you attempt it at a time when you are desperate to sleep, you run the risk of breaking down and allowing your child to sleep with you, or sleeping in the room with him. If you do so you risk undoing a lot of work that you will have put into the method.

The first night you attempt the Ferber method, put your child to bed as you normally do. Your baby should be tired but still awake when you put him to bed, so that he is left to fall asleep on his own. After you leave the room, the baby will inevitably start crying. Allow him to cry for about 5 minutes, then re-enter the room to console him. It's important that you stay in the room for only a short time - even if he is still crying - and that you don't pick him up or rock him. This second time you leave the room, wait 10 minutes before returning in the same manner. The third time wait 15 minutes, and set this as a maximum wait time for the rest of the night.

Every time thereafter, enter the room briefly and then allow your child to cry for 15 minutes. Eventually, he will fall asleep on his own during one of the 15 minute intervals in which you are out of the room. The second night, you should begin with a 10 minute wait before re-entering the room, followed by 15 and then 20 minutes. In a similar fashion, increase your initial and subsequent wait times by 5 minutes each night.

Using this method your child will soon learn to go to sleep on his own. Although it can be difficult to listen to your baby cry, understand that the Ferber method is a safe and effective way of getting your baby to learn to sleep on his own.

Baby Sleep Tips - Develop A Reasonable Attitude

2009-01-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

It's impossible to list all the different skills you need, and decisions that you have to make, as a new parent. Although you should try to educate yourself and talk to other parents, in most cases the best solution for any questions you may have is to follow your instincts. Parenting is, after all, one of the most natural things in the world. One of the most common and difficult things you'll deal with as the parent of a newborn is in getting your child to sleep well and throughout the night. Often, the process of achieving this seems to be a combination of science, art, and just plain luck. There are many baby sleep tips out there, and many of them are useful, but before you begin researching and applying them, you should develop a realistic and healthy attitude towards sleep. If you don't do this, you risk applying tips in a rigid and scattershot manner, which isn't likely to work.

One of the keys to this is understanding that you should be developing a long term goal, in terms of your baby's sleep habits. As much as any parent's short term goal is simply to get their child to go to sleep, so that she can get some sleep herself, you should be thinking of the long term goal of instilling healthy sleep habits in your child. A successful way to implement this goal is to be realistic and flexible. Your child is not going to sleep the same way or in the same manner every night. What you should be trying to do, therefore, is creating an environment that is conducive to sleep, so that your child can slowly learn to fall asleep on his own.

The best thing you can do is help your child develop an attitude in which sleep is both an enjoyable and secure state. Your child should think of sleep as a comforting thing that comes naturally. One way you can help foster this idea is by avoiding too much interference with your child's sleeping habits. Although it can be tempting to follow guides and implement rigid rules regarding your child's sleep, in many cases this can cause problems down the road.

If you rouse or put your child to bed at set hours, you may achieve a short term goal of getting some rest, but you may also be altering your child's attitudes towards sleep. Instead of thinking of sleep as an enjoyable activity, he will begin to think of it as something he "has to do" like eating his dinner. By altering your child's attitude towards sleep in this way - by making him think of it as a task rather than an enjoyable activity - you risk problems developing later.

In older children and adults who have sleeping problems, doctors can often trace the source of the problem back to sleeping habits enforced at an extremely young age. If as a baby the subject was put to bed at a set hour, for example, regardless of weather he was tired or not. By trying to stay more in tune with how your baby is feeling and what he wants, you will encourage a healthier attitude towards sleep, which will benefit both you and your child in the future.

Assessing Your Health: Sleep May Be More Important Than You Think

2009-01-25T18:20:00.000-08:00

If counting sheep is not working for you, here are some facts you may want to sleep on-chronic sleep deprivation can do more than make you tired. It can significantly affect your health, safety, performance, and lifestyle.

Most people are surprised to learn that sleeping less than six or seven hours a night can increase their mortality risk more than smoking, high blood pressure or heart disease.

Losing as little as one and a half hours of sleep for just one night could result in a reduction of daytime alertness by as much as 32 percent. This loss can impair memory and the ability to think and process information effectively.

Decreased alertness can also affect your life by limiting your participation in activities that require sustained attention, such as reading a book or watching your favorite TV show. And the risk of receiving an occupational injury more than doubles when a person is sleepy.

Car accidents are another problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates conservatively that each year drowsy driving is responsible for at least 100,000 automobiles crashed, 71,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities.

As many as 70 million Americans have sleep disturbances-which include taking a long time to get to sleep, sleeping less and waking up frequently.

Sleep disturbances may in fact be a symptom of a much larger problem, especially if they are associated with irritability and mood swings. Emotional stress, racing thoughts and restlessness can be signs of something more serious, such as bipolar disorder.

"If someone is experiencing restlessness and irritability, along with sadness or emotional ups and downs for more than two weeks," said Dr. Ellen Frank, professor of psychiatry and psychology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, "they should seek medical attention from a specialist who is trained to diagnose or perhaps just rule out depression or bipolar disorder."

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has launched a new Web site, www. sleeplessinamerica.org, which offers educational resources that provide screening for sleeplessness, information on when to see a doctor and a questionnaire to determine when sleeplessness might be symptomatic of a more serious illness. The Web site is also available in Spanish.

Are You Having Sleepless Nights Because Of Your Finances?

2009-01-25T18:19:00.002-08:00

You’ve worked hard all day and come home at night, only to discover that you can’t get comfortable in your own bed. You toss and you turn for well over three hours. As 3a.m. approaches, you finally go to sleep but the alarm sounds all too quickly at 6 a.m. It’s time for you to go to work. Day two comes and you’re off again to the usual rat race. You repeat the same pattern once you get home. Later that night you lay in bed, thinking how you’re going to pay all of these bills. Despite your best efforts on the job, including overtime, it doesn’t seem to be enough. What can you do? Who can you to turn to?

Does this sound like you? Are you a Christian having sleepless nights because of your finances? Here are the top five reasons I have found why people get into debt:

1) Try to live beyond their means. Keep up with the Joneses.
2) Lost job and bills pile up
3) Have never been taught money management
4) Divorcing and the other party charged up cards in the process splitting up
5) Impulse Shopping

I too was a victim. Not from just one, but two of these debt catalysts. My husband equally had financial woes, his was still on this list. Being in debt has a way of having a hold on you and causes you not to think clearly. People in debt tend to operate out of fear - for example they ignore phone calls because it might be a collection agency on the other end. How many calls have they missed? Or perhaps, they write a check in the hopes that it will clear the bank; knowing full well they spent the money on luxuries and other needless excesses that have caused the bank account to have insufficient funds.

If any of this sounds like you or someone you know, assure them they can get out of debt without filing bankruptcy. They have to want help and not let pride or embarrassment get in their way of being helped.

At Journey To Wholeness, we work with people who want help getting their finances in order. There is no charge for our help. Why would you pay someone to help you get out of debt?

A Child Sleep Disorder Can Cause Educational Interference

2009-01-25T18:19:00.001-08:00

Many children have sleep disorders that interrupt their lives, and those of their parents and siblings as well. A child sleep disorder can make life very difficult and interfere with the necessities of life. Parents who worry about the child sleep disorders in their family might rest assured that they are not alone. Many parents face similar problems. One of the main child sleep disorders that parents face is a child cannot sleep through the night. Most parents do not want their child to be awake in the middle of the night by themselves so this problem can affect their sleep as well.

The problems with some children are just part of their makeup because they do not sleep well through the night. Adults and children have sleep cycles that go between deep sleep and light sleep. The deep sleep cycle is when a person dreams. During the light sleep cycle, the child is more likely to wake up. Since each person goes through several of these cycles during the night, there are several times during the night when the child sleep disorder might occur. Infants do not usually sleep through the night for some time. These small babies have a light sleep cycle every fifty minutes. Parents of infants all know that this is the case, and they work to get their child on the proper sleep cycle.

A Child Sleep Disorder Can Interrupt the Necessary Amount of Sleep

Children need much more sleep than their parents although sometimes they want to stay up as long as their parents stay awake. A child in school needs between nine and twelve hours of sleep every night. They need at least nine hours to be ready to participate properly in school activities. There are many children who do not get this amount of sleep, and many of these do not do as well in school because of this. Children who are getting enough sleep will wake up easily. All parents who have trouble getting their children to wake up should know that their children need more sleep.

Children should also be able to fall asleep quickly. If they toss and turn for more than thirty minutes before they fall asleep, there is some kind of a problem. Children should be able to stay awake throughout the day if they are getting enough, proper sleep at night. There is information that a substantial number of children are not alert at school and that their drowsiness interferes with their education to some extent.

20 Tips For A Great Night's Sleep

2009-01-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

Getting a good night's sleep helps us to be happier, more productive people, so here's some tips to help you get a good night's sleep:

1. Avoid drinking tea or coffee late at night

2. Stop smoking – nicotine is a stimulant and so can make it difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep

3. Go to bed at the same time each night so that you set a routine

4. Only use the bed for sleeping and sex

5. Use dimmers on your light switches, and dim the lights in the hours before you go to bed to mimic the change from daylight to night time

6. Avoid taking exercise in the evening – exercise early in the day to promote restful sleep

7. Try using affirmations, such as: “I let go of the day, and enjoy restful, peaceful sleep” repeated several times while you prepare for sleep

8. If you can’t get to sleep after a while, get up keeping the lights low and do something boring until you feel sleepy

9. Alcohol may help you get to sleep, but you are more likely to wake during the night feeling thirsty and needing to go to the bathroom

10. Try relaxed breathing: breathe slowly and deeply concentrating on your abdomen rather than your chest

11. Get your allergies checked out, particularly if you wake craving particular food in the middle of the night

12. Avoid paying bills and similar jobs just before sleep

13. Try a herbal tea - chamomile, passion flower, lavender flowers or valerian are good, or take a herbal supplement such as scullcap or valerian

14. Put the essential oils lavender and clary sage on your pillow and inhale their soothing vapours as you sleep

15. Try some flower remedies - there are lots of different types. In the Bach flower remedies you might like to try ‘vervain’ if you find it difficult to switch off from the
day; ‘holly’ if anger and resentment keep you awake; ‘white chestnut’ for persistent unwanted thoughts; ‘aspen’ if you wake because of nightmares

16. Try holding your frontal eminences (the bumps on your forehead, about half way between your eyebrows and hairline) if you are awake because of stress

17. Try taking supplements – magnesium and calcium can work well

18. If you suffer with hot flushes/flashes, try some natural support for your endocrine system at this time. I personally recommend Neways wild yam and chaste berry cream

19. Many alternative and complementary therapists have success with people with sleep problems. Find a local therapist and ask them if they have experience in this field

20. Sleep problems can be a sign of an underlying medical condition (e.g. thyroid problems or depression), so get this checked out with a suitably qualified health professional

Put Snoring to Rest

2009-01-22T20:44:00.001-08:00

Almost everyone can tell at least one joke about people who snore. But snoring's no laughing matter. According to The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, severe snoring not only interrupts sleep, it can cause serious, long-term health problems, including obstructive sleep apnea.

For chronic snorers, the good news is that they're not alone. AAO-HNS says 45 percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are habitual snorers. Problem snoring is more frequent in males and people who are overweight, and it usually grows worse with age.

The noisy sounds of snoring occur when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose where the tongue and upper throat meet the soft palate and uvula. These structures striking each other and vibrating during breathing cause the sounds that keeps millions of people awake at night.

AAO-HNS attributes snoring to a variety of reasons, including excessive bulkiness of throat tissue (children with large tonsils and adenoids often snore), inflammation and obstructed nasal airways.

So what's a sleep-deprived person to do? Many doctors recommend products that relieve congestion or inflammation. For example, Z-Snore, from the "Spray" line of sublingual sprays, can help with inflammation in the nose and respiratory tract, swollen tonsils, a stuffy nose and more.

Developed by doctors, Z-Snore is a combination of homeopathic remedies that act gently and cause no side effects. It can be sprayed directly under the tongue or mixed with water or juice. The product meets all FDA guidelines for good manufacturing practices.

Snorers and their spouses report dramatic results.

"The Spray is amazing," says Melanie Doyal, 39, of Gardnerville, Nev. "My husband snores, and I can't remember the last time I had a full night's sleep without having to jab him in the side to get him to turn over and quit snoring.

"The first time he tried Z-Snore, it worked! In fact, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and checked to make sure he was still breathing."

Too Loud and Clear: How to Stop Snoring

2009-01-22T20:39:00.001-08:00

Just about anyone who knows they snore has probably tried to stop snoring before. Not only for themselves, but for other people who wake up and lose valuable rest because of the noise. The problem is, snoring is not voluntary, it is an involuntary action—so it is not as easy as just saying “I’m going to stop snoring tonight.” If only it was. That being said, there are still different ways to treat snoring. This does not mean that everyone can stop snoring, but there are ways to treat many different of the causes that make many people snore.

The main medical cause of snoring (at least the majority of the time) is that the airway in your throat constricts (shrinks) and so your body is not getting enough air when you sleep. The snoring is your body’s way of trying to naturally compensate. There are all kinds of machines, gadgets, gimmicks, medicines, and combination of all of the above that have been touting their ability to prevent a person from snoring, with mixed results. There are some people who have touted various methods to stop snoring without the use of any other assistance. According to these people, the problem is that your tongue gets in the way of the airway, and training the tongue to stay out of the way will eliminate the snoring. There are websites and even entire books touting this method.

Another thought is that literally 99% of people who snore breathe through their mouths at night. This has led to a relatively new idea, a chin strap. The idea behind this is that if your mouth is held closed when you sleep, you will have to breathe through your nose and therefore will stop snoring. Some people say that after a certain amount of time this will train you to naturally breathe with your nose at night, others do not make any type of similar claim. The obvious problem to this is how uncomfortable it can be.

There are various more conventional methods of dealing with snoring, which include various nasal strips (to open the breathing passages) and nasal sprays. There is also a specialized pillow, designed to relax and support the neck muscles in such a way that it is also supposed to keep the airway open and therefore reduce snoring. Some studies have also found that smokers who quit sometimes top snoring as their lungs recover. There are many different options and directions, but there is probably an option out there for anyone who wants to look.

Snoring Problem: Physical & Emotional Symptoms

2009-01-20T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Physical Symptoms:

One of the very strange challenges that the entire topic of snoring faces, is that, well, most people don’t think it’s all that big of a problem. As a result, many people are quite skeptical when told that snoring is a severe physical and emotional health problem.

It only takes a minute, or a cursory glance, at the list of physical symptoms associated with a snoring problem to quickly embrace this funny sounding noun/verb into the class of serious health problems.

Here is just an opening list of the health concerns that could occur from snoring problems (and remember, please, that we’re just looking at physical snoring problems right now; emotional problems come later!).

• sleep apnea (described on the following page)
• heart disease
• stroke
• headaches throughout the day (due to poor quality sleep and poor airflow through trachea)
• night sweats
• heartburn
• swollen legs and arms (due to lack of oxygen flow)
• an overall weakened immune system
• hearing loss (if the snoring problem is very loud; remember, snoring can be as loud as a passing jet!)
• And more…

In addition, most of us assume that snoring problems are associated with adulthood; and, as such, that the physical ailments noted above are limited to adults. This is not the case at all, since many children and adolescents snore (particularly those with related airflow inhibiting conditions, such as asthma).

If you, the reader are not a snorer, but have lived with (or currently live with) a first class snorer, you might find yourself shedding a tear or two as you read this section. That’s because often overlooked in the whole snoring discussion are those people who don’t snore.

These are the husbands, the wives, the kids, the nanny, the siblings, the in-laws, and even the neighbors who have found themselves on the receiving end of a chain saw, or a lawn mower (the sounds of a snorer), that tended to start at around 10:00 pm, and continued – unabated! – Until about 7:00 am the following morning.

For such people, trying to fall and stay asleep was not merely an exercise in stress coping; it was an exercise in crisis management!

The Emotional Symptoms:

It’s not at all overly dramatic to suggest that the emotional costs of living with someone with a snoring problem are as severe, or possibly even more severe, as the physical toll associated with snoring problems. This is because snoring can lead to a disturbing array of emotional problems, including:

• lack of sleep, leading to depression and anxiety
• marital breakdown and divorce, due to lack of sleep and lack of empathy (remember, the partner with the snoring problem doesn’t often know the pain that they are unwittingly causing!)
• eviction by a landlord and the resulting humiliation (this may sound funny, but some people have literally been kicked out of their homes because of their snoring problem!)
• warring roommates and neighbors
• job loss, due to inability to concentrate and focus (because of sleeplessness)
• memory and retention problems due to sleeplessness

And within these problems (and this just a simple list, an entire book can be filled to document the real life emotional damage caused by snoring) are a host of painful mental states that infect both the guilty snorer, and the enraged non snorer.

These unproductive emotional states include:

• frustration
• anger
• feelings of violence
• helplessness
• desperation
• frustration
• exhaustion
• growing resentment
• lack of confidence and self-esteem

And let’s not forget the millions of non snorers who drive cars or operate heavy machinery; without a solid night of sleep, some of them can (and regrettably do) put both themselves and others at risk.

Indeed, the emotional problems associated with snoring are, unfortunately, less discussed; especially since the snorer himself or herself isn’t aware that he/she is causing so much unintentional emotional damage! Yet, as you can easily see (perhaps even in reflecting upon your own life), the emotional costs of being a snorer or living with someone who has a snoring problem can be severe and incalculable.

Snoring- Causes and Cures

2009-01-15T23:29:00.000-08:00

If you sleep next to someone who snores, you know what it is like. Constantly being awakened in the middle of the night, shoving them over on their side only to waken again when they roll back. The snoring does not seem to bother the sleeper, but can bother their partner so much that there are several attacks a year on snoring sleepers by their sleep mates. Before you decide to hit your snoring partner with large, heavy objects, there are some medical reasons for snoring that you should know about.

Relaxed muscles in the throat caused by alcohol or over the counter sleep medication can cause snoring, large tonsils or adenoids can cause snoring as well. Obstructed nasal passages such as a stuffy nose can cause snoring, so if your snoring sleeper is sensitive during hay fever season, that could be the reason. If the snoring is very loud, raspy, and constant, there are medical doctors and sleep clinics specially designed to help with sleep disturbances, and surgery may be needed.

Snoring followed by the sleeper appearing to stop breathing altogether is called sleep apnea and is a very serious condition. Sleep apnea can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, impotency, weight gain, and headaches. Therefore, you should seek medical advice and attention.

If the snoring is light, you can take some preventative measures. Regular exercise and losing weight can help. In addition, avoid taking medication that makes you sleepy, and try to sleep on your side rather than your back. Propping a pillow behind you can help keep you from rolling over on to your back during the night thus disturbing your sleep mate again.

Information On Snoring

2009-01-10T23:29:00.000-08:00

It’s causes are various as are it’s effects. Sleepless nights, personality changes, lack of concentration and exhaustion are just a few of the results of snoring. Information on snoring is widely publicized, but it can be difficult to find all of the needed information in one article. This article is geared toward every aspect of information on snoring, including it’s causes, remedies and potential problems.

There are several factors that are believed to contribute to snoring. For example, obesity is one of the leading causes and is, therefore, one of the cures. If you are overweight, or have recently been diagnosed with obesity, a well-balanced diet and exercise program may help you to stop snoring.

Many studies and information on snoring also suggest that individuals who regularly sleep on their back are more likely to snore than those who do not. By sleeping on your side, you will lessen the chances of having the muscles and tissues relax to the back of your throat and restrict air passages. This often leads to snoring, which is why sleeping on your side may help to correct the problem. If side sleeping just isn’t possible, information on snoring also suggests that sleeping on two pillows instead of one may help to keep airways unrestricted and eliminate snoring.

The use of alcohol and cigarettes are also thought to increase the likelihood of snoring, which is one of the many reasons that snoring sufferers are urged to discontinue their use of these products. Cigarette smoke is just one of the allergens that may cause breathing problems. Information on snoring suggests that allergies may contribute to snoring, as well. When breathing becomes restricted, which is very often the case with allergies, sinuses or a cold, snoring may result. In an effort to avoid this, information on snoring suggests that ridding your home of allergens is a good idea. The use of air filtration units in every room, along with regular cleaning will help to eliminate pet hair, dust, cigarette smoke and other airborne allergens.

If you have tried every remedy possible, but you still require more information on snoring due to lack of results, consult a physician for the potential presence of sleep apnea. This disorder occurs when air passages are completely blocked and the sufferer actually stops breathing on multiple occasions during the night. Information on snoring suggests that pauses in breathing, excessive snoring and ineffective remedies are all symptoms of sleep apnea. This disorder must be treated effectively in order to avoid further complications, such as heart disease, a stroke or other serious medical condition.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

A Look at Snoring Treatments

2009-01-05T23:26:00.000-08:00

If your own efforts to stop snoring do not help, consult your physician or an otolaryngologist -- or a doctor for the ear, nose, and throat. If you choose to try a dental appliance as a snoring treatment, you will need to see a dentist specializing in these devices. Some medical snoring treatments are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral devices (including dental appliances and lower jaw positioners), and surgery.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure consists of sleeping with an air mask to maintain continuous air pressure in the throat. CPAP is a treatment for sleep apnea, as well as for snoring.

A wide range of dental appliances, oral devices, and lower jaw adjusters are available to alleviate snoring. Some people experience significant improvement with these oral appliances, which bring the lower jaw forward during sleep. Most of the products fit inside the mouth, but some products on the market are worn around the head and chin to adjust the position of the lower jaw.

As far as surgery goes, Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP) treats snoring and various types of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The types of TAP include: laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty (LAUP) and radiofrequency ablation (or “somnoplasty”). Laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty (LAUP) vaporizes the uvula and a portion of the palate with a laser in the doctor's office under local anesthesia. LAUP effectively removes obstructions to the airway, which may be causing snoring or sleep apnea.

Laser-Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty has a higher success rate than Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for sleep apnea (UPPP), but it requires a surgeon with expertise in laser procedures. Radiofrequency ablation, or somnoplasty, shrinks excess tissue in the upper airway with a needle electrode. For snoring, the soft palate and uvula are reduced. For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the base of the tongue is reduced. For chronic nasal obstruction, nasal turbinates are reduced. Somnoplasty does not require general anesthesia.

According to many experts, while other snoring treatments may help in cases of milder snoring problems, for heavy snoring, surgically correcting obstructive conditions in the nose, pharynx, or uvula may be the only solution.

Sleep and Insomia

2009-01-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

There are times that you can't get yourself to sleep because you are worried or bothered by a particular problem. But there are also times when you can't get yourself to sleep and you don't know the reason why. Still, there are times that you feel so sleepy and your eyes are really tired and sore and, yet, you just can't seem to get yourself to sleep. You keep tossing in bed, ruffling your pillows but sleep remains elusive and you wonder what is really happening to you. And just as when the sun is already shining and you're supposed to be getting up to start your day, suddenly, you doze off.

Insomia. It is the inability to fall asleep, or the disturbance of sleep patterns, such as waking up after a few hours of sleep.

Many people have the wrong notion that our mind and body is in a passive state when we are asleep. On the contrary, it is a state of consciousness or dynamic activity which gives our body time to rest and build up strength while the brains continue to work.

Sleep has five phases. During the first stage, sleep is light and can be easily awakened. At this stage, the eyes move very slow as well as muscle activity. Oftentimes, when a person is awakened, sudden muscle contractions occur as if you are falling off. At stage 2, eye movements stop and brain waves turn slower with intermittent burst of rapid waves known as “sleep spindles”. In stage 3, delta waves start to appear. These are extremely slow brain waves interspersed with smaller, faster waves. During stage 4, only delta waves are being produced by the brain. You will have a hard time waking up someone whose sleep is already at stages 3 or 4 or in deep sleep where there is no more eye movement or muscle activity. People who are awakened during deep sleep experience temporary disorientation. It is also during deep sleep stage that children experience bedwetting, night terrors, or sleepwalking.

REM sleep is the last stage where breathing becomes faster, shallow and irregular. The eyes jerk rapidly in different directions with the limb muscles getting paralyzed for a short period of time. During this stage, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and penile erections occur among men. Dreams are experienced during REM sleep stage.

These stages repeat in a cycle. A complete sleep cycle takes about 90 to 110 minutes on average. The first sleep cycle each night is characterized by short REM periods and long periods of deep sleep. But as the night goes by, REM sleep periods become longer while deep sleep periods get shorter. In the morning, people spend their sleep time in stages 1,2, and REM sleep stages. According to research, we spend 50% of our sleep time in stage 2 sleep, about 20% in REM sleep, and 30% in other sleep stages. In comparison, infants spend half of their sleep time in REM sleep.

Sleep and being awake are affected by different neurotransmitter signals in the brain. When food and medicine change the balance of these signals, we begin to feel alert or sluggish. It also affects the way we sleep. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks as well as weight loss diet pills can cause insomia by stimulating some parts of the brain. A lot of people suffering from insomia try to induce sleep by taking over the counter sleeping pills. Others resort to alcohol which only leads to light sleep, but deprives them of REM and deeper, more restorative stages of sleep.

When Getting a Good Night's Sleep Remains a Dream

2009-01-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Getting a good night's sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and alert during the day. When we sleep, our body rests and restores energy levels. However, sleep is an active state that affects both our physical and mental well-being. A good night's sleep is often the best way to help a person cope with stress, solve problems and get a full recovery from illness. But, with all the stresses of everyday life, not everyone can now afford to have the needed eight hours sleep. Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is what an average adult needs to maintain an optimal mental and physical health.

Sleep is prompted by natural cycles of activity in the brain and consists of two basic states: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which consists of Stages 1 through 4. During sleep, the body cycles between non-REM and REM sleep. Typically, people begin the sleep cycle with a period of non-REM sleep followed by a very short period of REM sleep. Dreams generally occur in the REM stage of sleep.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, over 40 million Americans a year will suffer from some sort of sleep disorder. Many of them will go undiagnosed, or turn to over-the-counter sleeping aids for relief. While insomnia is the best-known sleep disorder, over 100 types of sleep disorders actually exist. In order to get a proper diagnosis, it’s important to understand the symptoms and causes of the most common forms of each sleep problems which also include sleep apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), and narcolepsy.

Insomnia is itself often a symptom of other problems. Typical patterns of insomnia include the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, waking up earlier than usual, and daytime fatigue. Most people with insomnia even fall asleep in inappropriate situations, like when they are driving. If this does occur, it may signal that a medical disorder (such as sleep apnea) is the cause of insomnia.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is the primary symptom of sleep apnea. Some people will deny sleepiness but still, they feel fatigued throughout the day. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, snorting, and gasping sounds when one sleeps. More often, it is first noticed by a sleeping partner. Restless sleep is also typical, as are headaches in the morning.

The primary warning sign of Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is the irresistible urge to move the legs shortly after getting into bed, in the middle of the night after awakening, or even when wide awake during the day. The sensations of discomfort can be quite varied. Kicking or twitching leg movements during sleep, and sometimes while awake, may be warning signs.

Excessive sleepiness during the day, alleviated by naps, is a symptom of narcolepsy. Dreaming during naps and experiencing dream-like hallucinations while asleep are also warning signs. Loss of muscle control called cataplexy that occurs with emotion, such as laughing or anger, and the inability to move during sleep or when one has already awakened (called sleep paralysis) are also symptoms.

To determine if someone has a sleep disorder, first pay attention to a person's sleep habits and lifestyle or daily routine. If a person with sleep disorders is planning to visit a doctor, it is helpful to record sleep habits. Sleep history will help the patient and the doctor find the cause of the sleep problems. A person with a sleeping disorder can address most common sleep problems through lifestyle changes and improved sleep hygiene, but it is important to see a doctor or a sleep specialist for a diagnosis if sleep does not improve.

Sleep Your Way To Better Health

2008-12-30T23:24:00.000-08:00

There is much evidence to support the fact that the amount of time you sleep could be the most
important predictor of how long you will live!

As a person who has been deep into nutrition for many years, the above statement was pretty
shocking to me. My own knowledge and sharing of nutrition do’s and don’t’s with others has
focused primarily on eating your fruits and veggies, taking some good nutritional supplements,
getting adequate exercise, and not being subjected to too much stress. But the right amount of
sleep as a predictor of longevity??? Well, here’s some things I have learned, much of this
acquired from a book, SUPER FOODS HEALTHSTYLE, written by Steven G. Pratt, M.D., and
Kathy Matthews.

A poll taken in the year 2000 by the National Sleep Foundation found that sleep debt is a
problem for more than half of America’s workforce. Their data suggests that in the last century
we’ve reduced the average amount of time we sleep by 20 percent.

Of course, I suppose that most of us recognize that if we don’t get adequate sleep for a night or
two, we may not function as well the next day. If we work a job where accuracy is super
important, or if we are driving a long distance, we sure don’t want to be sleepy. And we may
even realize that adequate sleep affects our immune system. With a lack of sleep, we may be
more likely to get sick. But tying the optimum amount of sleep into various diseases and even
our longevity...well, maybe that’s another food for thought!

In reality, sleep deprivation is taking a serious toll on our overall health! A sleep debt of merely
3 or 4 hours in a week may have a direct bearing on the following:

• Obesity
• Coronary heart disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Immune function
• Cognitive performance
• Longevity

You do not have to lose huge amounts of sleep before it takes a toll. One study found that
sleeping less than 4 hours per night was associated with a 2.8 times higher rate of mortality for
men and a 1.5 times higher rate for women. “The author of this study also found that length of
sleep time was a better predictor of mortality than smoking, cardiac disease, or hypertension.”
Another study found that people who slept six hours or less a night had a 70 per cent higher
mortality rate over a nine-year period than those who slept seven to eight hours a night!

How much sleep do we need?

• A six to twelve year old will need between 10 and a half and 11 and a half hours
of sleep a night.

• A teen-ager will require a little less sleep, probably around 9 or 10 hours a night.

• An adult should be getting 7 to 8 hours sleep each night.

In addition, it is better for you to sleep at night than during the daytime. In fact, sleeping between
the hours of 10 P.M. and 6 A.M. is considered to be optimal. This allows for your body to
restore its needed melatonin levels in a natural way.

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your body’s pineal gland. During the day the pineal is
inactive, but when darkness comes, the pineal is “turned on” and begins to actively produce
melatonin. This writer believes that allowing your body to produce melatonin in a natural way,
by sleeping at night, is much wiser for most people, than purchasing melatonin as a supplement.

So, close your eyes at night to avoid diabetes, to lose weight, to strengthen your immune system,
to feel better, and to live longer!

Sleep Studies: Helping Out Determine Sleep Problems

2008-12-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

All night long, you have been tossing and turning on your bed, but still you can't fall asleep. No need to fret about your night time struggles. You are not alone in your battle with insomnia. Sleep problems affects millions of Americans and the numbers seem to rise with each new year. While some people suffer from mild sleeping problems, such as having occasional nightmares, others have extremely severe sleep disorders that can negatively affect their health, if left untreated. This astonishing number means that a huge number of people aren't getting the treatment they need, putting them in danger of permanently damaging their health.

Sleep disorders involve any difficulties related to sleeping, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep. There are more than 100 different disorders of sleeping and waking that have been identified. They can be grouped in four main categories such as:

Problems with falling and staying asleep

Problems with staying awake

Problems with adhering to a regular sleep schedule

Sleep-disruptive behaviors

But there are certain types of diagnostic sleep studies that are given by physicians to determine the causes of sleep problems. Sleep studies are tests that watch what happens to the body during sleep. The most common sleep studies or diagnostic procedures include the Polysomnogram, Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and Multiple Wake Test (MWT).

Doctors may request a patient take polysomnograms to determine what is going on during sleep during the course of the night. The tests are done in a sleep laboratory. Patients are advised to avoid naps, caffeine, and alcohol on the day of their polysomnogram. This test records several body functions during sleep. Once in the sleeping room, monitoring devices are applied to the body of the patient or volunteer as a means to collect information. Sensors monitor the brain waves (EEG activity), heart rate (EKG), eye movements, leg muscle activity, and chest and stomach movement. Air flow from nose and mouth are also recorded. A sensor that clips onto a finger monitors the amount of oxygen in the blood.

If the doctor has specific questions, other monitors might be applied. Information is gathered from all leads and fed into a computer and outputted as a series of wavefront tracings which enable the technician to visualize the various waveforms, assign a score for the test, and assist in the diagnostic process. Usually, a polysomnogram ends around six o'clock in the morning and the patients can return to their usual daytime routine.

An MSLT test is a series of recordings to monitor a person's sleep patterns. This test measures how long it takes for a person to fall asleep during naps taken over the course of a day. Electrodes are placed on the face and head to record eye movement, muscle tone, and brain waves. The tests usually held from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. A technologist will glue “recording electrodes” on the patient's scalp and face and a special jelly is applied to each electrode. The patient is taken into a “sleeping” room with lights turned off and the patient is asked to sleep for 15 to 30 minutes. Recordings are taken while the patient is asleep, even if the patient cannot sleep during the test, the information taken will still be useful.

The Multiple Wake Test is also called maintenance of wakefulness test, and is intended to measure the ability to stay awake during a designated wakeful time. This test is given during the daytime. MWT usually follows an all-night sleep study. It consists of a series of 40-minute trials, during which the patient tries ti stay awake. The test is given every two hours throughout the day, with each trial lasting about 40 minutes, During each trial, sensors and electrodes record data on body functions such as heartbeat, breathing, etc. Sleeping problems are very common among us but there are different resources one can get answers for all their sleeping woes, and the tossing and turning can be just a thing of the past.

Pampering Natural Sleeping Aids For Your Body

2008-12-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

Sleeping is one of the body's most essential needs, hence, much fuss is raised when it comes to the subject of lost sleep. Today's fast and hectic lifestyle contributes to the increasing incidence of lost sleep among most people. Increasing work demands together social pressures are enough reasons for a person to lose sleep.

Most often than not, people who experience bouts of lost sleep try all sorts of medicines and treatments that promise sufficient shut-eye. However, most people do not realize that what they need is to slow down, take a break, and just pamper themselves to recover lost sleep. The following are some natural sleeping aids that can help one get some well-deserved shut-eye sans the drugs:

- Soothing music

Listening to soothing music before going to bed can calm the senses and provide a sense of peace and well-being. Since being calm and relaxed is important for quality sleep, soothing music prepares the body and mind for sleep. Aside from these benefits, soothing music can also block obtrusive background noises that can disturb sleep.

- Quality bed linens

People often settle for what is practical when shopping for bed linens and sheets. Most think that spending for 500-thread count sheets is impractical when in fact, spending a bit more can help them save a lot. Lost sleep can trigger sub-par work performance, decreased productivity, and deteriorating health. These can cost more than some great sheets. Sheets with 500-thread count are more comfortable and relaxing than regular sheets and can help induce stress-free sleep.

- Great feather pillows

Pillows are essential for having a good night's sleep. They provide additional comfort as well as neck and head support during sleep. Regular feather pillows are great for sleeping but they can get flat over the years. Ideally, feather pillows must be replaced or, at least, refilled every one or two years to enjoy maximum comfort and support.

- Memory foam pillows and mattresses

Some people experience allergic reactions to down and feathers. In this case, using pillows made of memory foam are more beneficial for restful sleep. Memory foam is called as such since it follows the contours of your head and body which enables it to provide sufficient support for a comfortable sleep.

- Warm bubble baths

Soaking in a warm bath can induce sleepiness and promote restful sleep. The warmth of the water and its gentle movement calm the nerves and relieve stress. In addition, the gradual lessening of body temperature after a soak can help a person fall asleep easily.

- Aromatherapy

It is common knowledge that certain scents are capable of relaxing the body and promoting peaceful sleep. Lavender and chamomile oils are two popular items that are often used in aromatherapy for sleeplessness. Lighting chamomile-scented candles, slathering on lotions scented with lavender, or putting aromatic pouches inside pillows can help a lot in inducing sleep.

- Sleep-friendly diet

Foods rich in tryptophan – an essential amino acid with sedative properties – can help promote better sleep. Turkey is one of the known sources of tryptophan so having a light turkey dinner before bedtime can help prime the body for sleeping. In addition, milk and herbal teas are also great in inducing sleep.

Infant Sleep Aids to Benefit Mom and Her Baby Naturally

2008-12-22T23:21:00.001-08:00

Lack of sleep are some of the most common problems parents face with their kids. Getting and keeping a child asleep at night is a major concern. Not only is the little one uncomfortable, but so are their mothers. Anyone who has ever had a young child or baby in the house is well aware of the misery that follows a sleepless night. Infants under a month old and some older babies often appreciate being swaddled. They should be snugly wrapped in a blanket for warmth and security. It can help calm a baby down and may keep her from being awakened by her own “startle reflex” at night. Establishing a predictable bedtime routine is one of the best ways to ensure that everyone in the house will get a good night's rest. With very young infants, the process will take time and they still need middle of the night feedings. It is very helpful that young babies establish a feeding schedule in the night. Once the nighttime feedings become a thing of the past, a great baby sleep aid is to warm a bottle or breastfeed right before the baby is laid down. Being fed and comforted with the warmth of a mother, a baby usually will help them settle in for the night. Children at such a young age need their sleep in order to grow healthy and have the energy their little bodies need.

Warm milk is naturally the most famous of the home remedies designed to help an infant go to sleep. The babies will benefit from a comforting drink. Giving them a warm bath is also recommendable. This will also help the baby sleep and get healthy rest.

Some children may have chronic sleep difficulties. Other children are actually going through their days deprived of sleep. But of course, an infant does not need to be given formulas and other potentially harmful preparations just to induce sleep. Little ones' bodies are definitely not ready to tolerate over the counter infant sleep aids and they shouldn't have to. Many medicines for children contain additives, artificial color and preservatives. Some are addictive and others may cause side effects which end up being worse than the condition that they are supposed to treat. The best alternative, barring that the bedtime routine didn't work, is to use a natural infant sleep aids. Carefully check the label of any product and make sure that it doesn't contain anything that could be potentially harmful. Infant sleep aids should be safe and gentle.
Most infants go through one or more periods when they have great deal of difficulty sleeping. Often the sleeplessness is linked to sickness or rapid physical or emotional development. These days, infants sleep aids can be used to help them fall asleep or sleep longer. But drugs do not help children deal with the underlying reason for the difficulties sleeping. It is usually best to try to determine the reason for the sleeping problems and work with the infant to improve his or her sleep in natural ways.
Of course, we don't want to give harsh chemicals to a child simply to encourage sleep. However, looking for a natural infant sleeping aids and some well-timed schedules may help both the mother and the infant get the rest they need.

A Sleep Aid to Dream About

2008-12-17T20:36:00.001-08:00

Just when one thinks that there is just one too many sleep aids available in the market, think again. A new sleep aid that can promote dreaming has been formulated by drug researchers and pharmacologists. The said is also said to be effective in improving one's memory. This medication specifically targets the orexin system, which is also associated with the urges connected with feeding and addiction. Orexin is a type of hormone that was discovered in 1998 and is known to control or induce a number of physiological reactions and conditions such as narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder where people can fall asleep several times a day and experience paralyzing musculo-skeletal contractions.

A Swiss drug company named Actelion has also unveiled a new candidate drug known as orexin-RA-1 that can block the orexin system. Laboratory rats slept soundly and performed better in maze tests the following day than rats given with only conventional sleep aids, suggesting that the drug improves memory capacity. Measurements of muscle tone and brain activity revealed an increase in the dream phase of sleep. According to Actelion CEO Jean Paul Clozel, the dream phase is when memory is hardwired in the brain. According to Clozel, older medications reduce REM sleep. Lack of REM sleep makes people still feel tired even after they just woke up.

Shahrad Taheri, a doctor from the University of Bristol, said that orexin has great potential for promoting sleep and regulating appetite. Taheri said that orexin can be used to reduce cravings for food.

The new sleep aid drug is now undergoing stage trials. Clozel says that the drug could be available in the market by 2012. He admitted that there are plans to extend its application beyond insomnia. Unlike older generations of sleep medications, orexin-RA-1 showed no signs of being addictive or of losing its effects over time. However, this type of medication should have a thorough inspection for possible unwanted side effects. Existing sleep aids being sold in the market are known to have a number of side effects. Tests should be done in order to fully analze a new drug's effects in the brain, and how it can provide other beneficial effects without harming other human internal systems.

Aside from using medications, people with insomnia should continue receiving non-medical help to overcome sleeplessness. Among the most common advice given to insomniacs by doctors and behavioral therapists include:

Cutting down on caffeinated drinks especially during hours that are too near sleeping time
Avoiding stimulating activities such as games, exercise, and watching action movies when on is about to sleep
Keeping the bedroom as a private place for sleeping. An insomniac should not do work inside the sleeping quarters.
The room must be kept dark, free from noise, and comfortable enough to induce relaxation and drowsiness.

In very severe cases of sleep deprivation, the help of medical and psychiatric professionals should be sought. Insomniacs, however, must make sure to consul these professionals first before using any sleep aid. Using sleep aids without proper consultation could lead to substance abuse and, worse, to accidental death. Sleep aid overdose is a very serious risk faced by insomniacs who use medications without the proper prescription.

Soon, however, new drugs such as orexin may help people with severe sleep deprivation gain back the ability to sleep, rest, and dream about better days and nights ahead.

Sleep is the Best Therapy

2008-12-17T20:35:00.002-08:00

There is a good question everybody asks: how many hours of sleep are required to feel well? The answers may alter. According to the statistics people require from seven to nine hours to be in shape. However there are people that state that they feel exhausted and worn out even after a nine-hour sleep. On the contrary we have individuals who may be quite content with a three-hour sleep. These variations are explained as difference in the genetic codes. To prove that the older the nation gets the less it sleeps, scientists held a simple test. They compared the average length of sleep in the nineteenth century with the length in twentieth. The result showed that the duration of sleep has been 20% reduced. Modern society now sleeps half an hour less than it used to do two hundred years ago. Technical innovations that are destined to make our lives easier make us stressed out and take time from us. There is no living human that does not like sleeping. Sleep is extremely good for the immune system and for the state of the body in general. There was a good rule in my family when I was a little kid. When someone was sound asleep, nobody had a right to wake him/her up, unless there was a fair reason to do so.

Seems quite possible to plan rest and work, but daily problems surround us every minute. Parents and children wake up early to get to the kindergarten, to school to work and million other places. There are some professions that require their holders to be at work late at night and those poor people go there every day. Students usually sit up late with their current tasks assignments and prepare for future tests. For some people life starts after dark when clubs, pubs, casinos, cafes attract people that enjoy such an atmosphere. Sometimes they start their new day after having only a two-hour sleep or even having no sleep at all. Such mornings do not bring anything pleasant but headaches, exhaustion and aggression. This rhythm of life does more harm than brings pleasure. Lack of sleep also causes obesity, says Canadian scientist. If the body demands rest, let the brain rest also. Sound sleep is a gift. Nightmares are even worse than being awake. If a person remembers dreams after the night, this means that your brain was not resting and what you have as a result is constant headache and broken nerves. Live a healthy life and take care of yourself and others around you and youThere is a good question everybody asks: how many hours of sleep are required to feel well? The answers may alter. According to the statistics people require from seven to nine hours to be in shape. However there are people that state that they feel exhausted and worn out even after a nine-hour sleep. On the contrary we have individuals who may be quite content with a three-hour sleep. These variations are explained as difference in the genetic codes. To prove that the older the nation gets the less it sleeps, scientists held a simple test. They compared the average length of sleep in the nineteenth century with the length in twentieth. The result showed that the duration of sleep has been 20% reduced. Modern society now sleeps half an hour less than it used to do two hundred years ago. Technical innovations that are destined to make our lives easier make us stressed out and take time from us. There is no living human that does not like sleeping. Sleep is extremely good for the immune system and for the state of the body in general. There was a good rule in my family when I was a little kid. When someone was sound asleep, nobody had a right to wake him/her up, unless there was a fair reason to do so.

Seems quite possible to plan rest and work, but daily problems surround us every minute. Parents and children wake up early to get to the kindergarten, to school to work and million other places. There are some professions that require their holders to be at work late at night and those poor people go there every day. Students usually sit up late with their current tasks assignments and prepare for future tests. For some people life starts after dark when clubs, pubs, casinos, cafes attract people that enjoy such an atmosphere. Sometimes they start their new day after having only a two-hour sleep or even having no sleep at all. Such mornings do not bring anything pleasant but headaches, exhaustion and aggression. This rhythm of life does more harm than brings pleasure. Lack of sleep also causes obesity, says Canadian scientist. If the body demands rest, let the brain rest also. Sound sleep is a gift. Nightmares are even worse than being awake. If a person remembers dreams after the night, this means that your brain was not resting and what you have as a result is constant headache and broken nerves. Live a healthy life and take care of yourself and others around you and your life will start to seem easier.r life will start to seem easier.

Sleep Disorders - Sleep Apnea

2008-12-17T20:35:00.001-08:00

All over the world in millions of homes, each night people are having a lousy nights sleep caused by our infamous dreaded enemy. Every night we all look forward to a peaceful night’s sleep and every night like clockwork we get a call from that dreaded enemy in the form of our partner or spouse. You no sooner start to fall asleep than your partner or spouse starts to snore. This results in sleep deprivation. Snoring can be more far-reaching than the cause of frustration and sleep disturbance. Snoring could possibly be a symptom of a more serious sleep disorder known as Sleep Apnea.

If you stop breathing for 10 or more seconds at a time and more than ten times an hour during sleep, and if you snore, you may have what has been widely diagnosed as Sleep Apnea. Many people, who are overweight fight an endless battle with restless sleep at night and find themselves nodding off during the day. If you stop breathing during sleep, your brain receives a signal telling you to wake up. The more times you wake from a deep sleep, the more restless you become. In the morning you awaken only to find that you feel like you never slept at all. If you suspect that you have Sleep Apnea, consult your health care provider who will send you to a specialist who can make the diagnosis.

Sleep Apnea is a rather serious problem as it blocks the throat and causes the sleeper to stop breathing for several seconds. As a result you awaken several times a night trying to catch your breath. Such breaks in your sleep pattern can result in significant health issues. Over time snoring could lead to other problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke and in some severe cases even death. Other symptoms of the sleep disorder Sleep Apnea include choking/gasping while sleeping, morning headaches, and tiredness during the day, personality changes, memory impairment, poor concentration, poor judgment, mood swings, recent weight gain, polyurea, and impotence. The signs to look out for are obesity, senility, stress (including anxiety and depression), hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, hypothyroidism, and acromegaly, dislocated temporomandibular joint and neuromuscular disease. Tonsillar Hypertrophy is the most common cause of Sleep Apnea in children.

The idea behind treatment of Sleep Apnea is to keep the airway open and prevent stoppages in breathing during sleep. Various methods used to alleviate Sleep Apnea include:

Behavioral Therapy, which should include avoiding alcohol and CNS depressants close to bedtime, weight reduction and sleep posture modification.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which is an effective noninvasive medical treatment to eliminate snoring and prevent Sleep Apnea. The machine gently blows pressurized air through the nasal passage at a pressure high enough to prevent collapsing of the throat during sleep.

Oral appliances may be used to reposition the lower jaw and tongue, thus opening the throat to allow air to flow freely, while helping treat Sleep Apnea. There are various devices used to prevent the tongue from falling back over the airway.

Surgery such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
UPPP is the most common type of surgery used to treat Sleep Apnea. It removes all the redundant tissue from the pharynx.

Laser-assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a procedure which is performed by a specialist in his/her office. It involves the use of a laser to remove a part of the soft palate, shorten the Uvula (the soft tissue that hangs from the roof of your mouth at the entrance to your throat) and remove excess tissue from the Pharynx.

Tracheostomy, in which a small hole is made in the Trachea or windpipe below the point of obstruction and a small tube is inserted. This tube is only opened during sleeping hours, so that air is able to flow freely and directly into the lungs, by bypassing the blockage that occurs in the throat during sleep.

Another relatively new procedure in the treatment of the sleep disorder Sleep Apnea is radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which makes use of radiofrequency energy to remove tissue from the Uvula, soft palate and tongue thereby helping treat Sleep Apnea. The removal of enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids is the most viable option in the treatment of Sleep Apnea in children and adolescents.

A Sleepless Nation 70 Million Strong

2008-12-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

A new report by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine shows that between 50 and 70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep problems, and according to the United States Surgeon General, sleep deprivation and disorders cost the nation $15 billion in health care expenses and $50 billion in lost productivity each year.

A lack of sleep can take a toll both psychologically and physically, from daytime sleepiness to weakened immune systems. Long-term sleep deprivation leads to problems that can include memory lapses, depression, irritability and impaired work performance.

To win the battle over sleepless nights, many Americans are turning to medication. In 2005, 42 million prescriptions for sleeping pills were filled. An analysis by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. found that the number of adults ages 20 to 44 using sleeping medications rose 128 percent between 2000 and 2005, and was up 114 percent among 10 to 19-year-olds in that same time period.

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting between 30 and 40 percent of adults within a given year. Other sleep disorders include sleep apnea-a temporary suspension of breathing that occurs throughout the night-and restless leg syndrome, which is characterized by intense discomfort, mostly felt in the legs when at rest. One of the first steps to relieving sleep problems is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it.

Here are some tips for insomniacs:

• Keep to a regular sleep schedule: Go to sleep and wake up at about the same time each day, even on weekends.

• Exercise regularly: Exercise done early in the day can reduce stress and help put you to sleep at night.

• Watch what you eat and drink: Avoid alcohol, caffeine and meals close to bedtime, but a cup of warm milk can help make you sleepy.

• Unplug: This is particularly important for teens with sleep problems-make sure the bedroom is free of computers, video games, TVs and phones.

Sleep troubles can be a symptom of a physical or psychological condition that requires treatment, so it's important to see your doctor if your sleep problem persists. Depending on the diagnosis, your physician may recommend a behavioral therapy and possibly drug treatments for serious sleep disorders. Medications include both over-the-counter and prescription drugs called hypnotics. Drug therapy is usually only recommended for short-term use. A combination of medication and behavioral interventions is often more effective than either approach alone for those with chronic insomnia.

As many as one in four Americans report trouble sleeping.

Sleep Apnea And Snoring

2008-12-17T20:27:00.002-08:00

Of all the snoring related physical ailments, arguably the most severe and ironically least understood is a condition called Sleep Apnea. These two words should be emblazoned in the minds of every snorer, and anyone who lives with or cares about the safety and well being of a snorer.

The word apnea in the term sleep apnea derives from the Greek term for absence of breathing. That, in a nutshell, gives a sense of how dangerous sleep apnea can be; it literally refers to a condition where breathing stops during sleep.

There are two types of sleep apnea:

1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - This most common form of apnea occurs when throat muscles relax.

2) Central Sleep Apnea - This form of apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Sleep apnea and snoring are directly linked because during snoring the airway of the trachea is constantly subjected to repetitive collapse and obstruction; in fact, it is that collapse and obstruction that leads to the vibration that, ultimately, manifests itself as audible snoring. Obstructive Sleep Apnea thus occurs when, due to that continuous collapse of the airway, breathing actually stops.

Although Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs two to three times as often in older male adults, it can affect young or old, male or female. Even children can have sleep apnea, a problem more common than once thought.

Certain factors can put you more at risk of getting sleep apnea:

Obesity & excess weight (leading to an enlarged neck and excess soft tissue in the trachea)

Enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils (airway can become blocked when tonsils or adenoids are too large)

Sex and age (older men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women are)

Drinking alcohol (sedates the throat muscles and causes them to collapse)

Cigarette smoking (which inflames the upper airway)

While death is obviously possible due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (and subsequent lack of breathing), there are many very serious effects that, while not fatal, are most certainly severe.

Even when it is not fatal, Sleep apnea deprives the body of essential oxygen; and hence, overall blood oxygen levels are reduced and concurrently, carbon dioxide levels rise. This can lead to toxic buildup that can cause heart disease, stroke, and brain damage.

Sleep Deprived? There Is Life Beyond Sleeping Pills!

2008-12-17T20:27:00.001-08:00

Every progress made by mankind in terms of technology and development is hailed as another step towards making life on earth comfortable. However, the irony is all these advances have only served to take away sleep from a huge proportion of the earth’s population.

An increasing number of men and women are spending the time between getting up from bed and crashing back into it in a whir. And those intervals between getting up and going to sleep are growing longer and longer. Everywhere there is a mad rush to avoid being left out. From reaching your office, dropping kids at school, shopping at the local grocery store, every simple task leaves us stressed out and tired.

A recent study shows that most adults compromise on their sleep time. This may be due to hectic work schedules or simply because sleep eludes them. A poll held recently showed that only 50 per cent of Americans were getting the sleep they needed.

Many people take the easy way out -- pop a sleeping pill. Sleeping pills are okay if you are unwell and your doctor has advised them. Taking them is also okay if they help you through a traumatic period in your life, like the loss of a loved one. But if your sleep is totally depended on sleeping pills and sleeping disorders are constantly troubling you, alarm bells should start ringing.

It is indisputable that the modern way of life leads to sleep loss. Never-ending deadlines, the stresses of a competitive life, long-distance travel and jet lag, almost everything that we are forced to do by circumstances in the modern life lead to sleep loss and sleep disorders.

Add to that the environmental factors – the rising noise levels, the rising toxicity, the rising background radiation... We don’t give our bodies any reason not to be stressed!

The fact is a healthy body with no stress will have no problem relaxing and falling asleep. Since we cannot avoid the sleep-depriving factors around us, all we can do is learn to combat them.

That is where a group of wonder sugars that have only recently come to scientists’ attention can help. These wonder sugars, called glyconutrients, are a group of plant sugars. Glyconutrients are essential for the cell-to-cell communication. And they play an important role in modulating our response to stress.

Glyconutrients attach themselves to the proteins and the lipids on the cell walls in a process is called glycosylation. This process is seen to be drastically altered under different types of stress, such as illness, accidents, and other mental trauma. In times of stress the level of glycoforms increased significantly to help in the restoration of normal cell function and help manage stress. The correlation between glyconutrients and stress is very clear here.

The problem is stress also makes the complex process for synthesizing glyconutrients in the human body to go awry. Simply put, the stressed out body cannot get the requisite quantity of glyconutrients. Which is why taking glyconutritionals or glyconutrient supplements regularly is necessary to combat stress and sleep loss.

Sleep Apnea: A Sleeping Disorder

2008-12-17T20:26:00.004-08:00

In the middle of every night, do you suddenly wake up choking and gasping for air? It can not be due to a nightmare every night. You definitely need to look into the matter as you might be suffering from a sleep disorder known as Sleep Apnea.

In the night, does your snoring often make your partner wake up? And in the mornings, are headaches and a dry mouth regular occurrences? As soon as you experience these symptoms, its time to see a doctor, you may be suffering from Sleep Apnea!

Sleep Apnea is a type of sleeping disorder. The word “apnea” is a Greek word, it’s meaning, “want of breath”. Sleep Apnea is a disorder that causes disruption of breathing during sleep. Your breathing either becomes slow or stops completely during sleep. The frequency of disruption can range up to 20 times in an hour. The duration of disruption can last up to 20 seconds, bringing you close to death.

Sleep Apnea devastates your sleeping routine. It also affects your body. There are three categories of sleep apnea. All three are equally lethal.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a widely prevalent type of sleep apnea. It’s caused when your airway gets obstructed due to relaxation of the muscles of the soft palate around the base of tongue. When the airway gets obstructed, it lowers the level of oxygen in the blood and leads to a condition known as hypoxia. It also elevates the blood pressure and increases stress on your heart. These conditions prevent the patient from entering into sound sleep. This makes a person suffer from lack of quality sleep. A person suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea snores in the night and wakes up choking several times and tries desperately to sleep again.

Central Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea is not common. It is marked by a brain signal flaw. In Central Sleep Apnea, the brain’s signals instructing the body to breathe get flawed. As a result of this delayed signal to breathe, throat breathing, abdominal breathing and oral breathing cease simultaneously. Though the duration of interruption lasts a few seconds, it lowers the oxygen supply to blood and tissues significantly. A person suffering from central sleep apnea experiences high blood pressure, irregular heart beat and even heart stroke.

Mixed Sleep Apnea
Mixed Sleep Apnea is a condition characterized by a person experiencing the combination of symptoms of the two Sleep Apnea conditions— Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is highly prevalent and common in people suffering from Sleep Apnea disorder. Let’s look deep into the symptoms, causes and treatments required for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Causes
There can be several causes that lead to the obstruction of your airway passage during sleep, leading to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. One of the major reasons is that your throat muscles and tongue relax and shrink excessively than normal.

If you are overweight, the soft tissue in your throat can become stiff and enlarged and causes obstruction in the airway passage. The other reasons could be increased size of your adenoids and tonsils, which further contribute in the disruption of flow of air.

Symptoms
The common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea are choking and gasping for air several times in the night. Snoring loudly is also among a number of symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you would experience sleepiness during the daytime as well. You would not be able to concentrate and would suffer from dry throat and headache in the mornings. Among other symptoms are rapid weight gain, lethargy, high blood pressure, and lack of concentration and even depression.

Treatments
There are many treatments available for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The common ones are losing weight, avoiding alcohol consumption during the evening and sleeping on your side. Medical treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Oxygen Administration. Surgeries are also performed and tracheostomy is a surgery used in treatment of severe Sleep Apnea conditions.

If you feel you are displaying symptoms of sleep apnea you should visit your doctor immediately for formal diagnosis.

Melatonin: All-Natural Alternative Sleep Inducer

2008-12-17T20:26:00.003-08:00

When you find it hard to fall asleep; wake up too often in the middle of the night; and still feel tired after you wake up in the morning ---- chances are, you are suffering from a sleeping disorder. In many cases, all that a sleepless person needs to do to solve his nite woes is to take a natural sleep aid. This type of sleep aids help induce sleep due to the bio-chemical effects brought about by herbs and other natural ingredients.
Studies suggest that melatonin supplements help induce sleep in people with disrupted circadian rhythms such as those suffering from jet lag or poor vision or those who work the night shift. Those with low melatonin levels, usually the elderly and individuals with schizophrenia, have benefited from the use of melatonin. In fact, a recent review of scientific studies found that melatonin supplements help prevent jet lag, particularly in people who cross five or more time zones.
A few studies suggest that when taken for short periods of time, melatonin is significantly more effective than a placebo in decreasing the amount of time required to fall asleep; in increasing the number of sleeping hours; and for boosting daytime alertness. Another study indicates that melatonin may improve the quality of life in people who suffer from insomnia and some experts suggest that melatonin may be helpful for insomniac children who also suffer from learning disabilities.
There are now a number of products that serve as all-natural alternatives prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills. Aside from treating insomnia and combat jet lag, melatonin has been shown to be effective for the:
Prevention of pregnancy;
Protection from free-radicals;
Boosting the immune system; and
Preventing cancer.
But what is melatonin in the first place? Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body's circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that plays a critical role in determining when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin while light suppresses its activity. Exposure to excessive light in the evening or too little light during the day can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles. For example, jet lag, shift work, and poor vision can disrupt melatonin cycles. In addition, some experts claim that exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (common in household appliances) may disrupt normal cycles and production of melatonin.
The proper dosage varies greatly from person to person. Pills are available in a range of doses (commonly from 1mg to 3mg). It is typically suggested to begin with a small dose (around 1milligram) and work way up to larger doses if necessary. Melatonin should only be taken at nighttime. It is usually most effective when taken about thirty minutes prior to going to sleep.
If a person is traveling across multiple time zones and wishes to use melatonin to counteract the effects of jet lag, he or she may want to take a dosage prior to getting on the flight and a higher dosage prior to going to bed. If a person commonly sleeps during the night, melatonin should not normally be taken during the day, and vice versa because melatonin can influence the body's internal clock.
When thinking about using melatonin as a sleep aid there are some issues that everyone should be aware of. First, there has been no long-term research on the safety and effectiveness of melatonin as a sleep inducer. There is also a lack of information regarding melatonin’s interaction with other medications.
Melatonin is only for adult use. It should not be used by children, teenagers, pregnant or lactating women. If a person has diabetes, epilepsy, leukemia or taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, consult a physician before taking them.

Oversleeping- the opposite of Insomnia?

2008-12-17T20:26:00.001-08:00

When it comes to sleep disorders, the more common complaints are from people who are having trouble falling asleep and getting "quality" sleep.

Not much have been said about those on the others side of the coin. Some people have the opposite problem. They sleep too much…

I personally used to sleep up to 14 hours a "night". Sometimes I'd hit the snooze button for HOURS.

Improving the quality of my sleep was absolutely necessary in order to reduce the amount of sleep I get. After replacing a few bad habits, I now sleep less and feel much more lively and energetic throughout the day, then when I had slept longer.

However, improving the quality of my sleep was only one part of the process.

If you're sleeping too much and having trouble getting yourself out of bed, it's not only because of some bad sleeping habits.

As you know, when you wake up you're not completely in control of your thoughts and your actions. At this stage your subconscious is more dominant.

You may have to admit having some kind of emotional issues, which are suppressed deeply in your subconscious.

Oversleeping can obviously CAUSE problems. The embarrassment when you fail to wake up on time, being late to work or loss of what could be your "free time", and the tiredness that usually comes after an excessive sleep episode, all of those aren't going to do you any good.

You should start putting your sleep system back to order, by going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, no matter when you've gone to sleep, no matter what time you go to work, and even if you have a day off.

Practice it for at least 3 weeks (they say it takes 21 days to establish a new habit).

However, if you fail to wake up on time, you should focus on self-discipline first.

You see, most people wake up on time every morning, no matter how much or how well they had slept.

Don't beat yourself up when you fail. Instead, try to think what went wrong. Try to remember your actions and your thoughts at that morning. Then come up with a plan for tomorrow.

If you can’t even remember what went through your head when the alarm went off, try going to sleep earlier or setting the alarm to a later time.

Most importantly, dig inside yourself to find the reason you oversleep. Ask yourself a simple, yet hard question: "What are you running away from"?

On Matters of Sleep and the Body

2008-12-17T20:25:00.003-08:00

The human body is often cited to be a complex machine, with several subsections that are working in conjunction with one another. As such, it can be seen that there is some truth to the traditional Chinese medicine concept of treating overall balance, rather than individual symptoms. Since all the systems are inevitably interconnected, then what affects one aspect of a person's physical or mental health can also have an effect other aspects. While everyone and their grandmother knows that disrupting one's sleep patterns or a lack of sleep can have an effect on the body, new research is revealing that there may be more side effects than conventional knowledge is aware of.

Most people are already aware of the more immediate effects of sleep problems, such as insomnia. There is a noticeable drop in alertness and cognitive ability, which can sometimes appear to be cumulative if the lack of sleep is prolonged. Sensory information can sometimes be processed slower than normal. There are also some studies that point to partial temporary memory loss as an effect. The ability to control body temperature is also disrupted, with some people losing the ability to regulate body heat altogether after prolonged periods with disrupted or broken sleep cycles. Significant lack of sleep has also been known to speed up the aging process of the skin, making a person seem older than they actually are.

However, there are even more problems for those with chronic lack of sleep or broken sleep cycles. According to research recently completed by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the metabolism of a person may also be subject to side effects of sleep deprivation. There were profound differences in the metabolic rates of the people who were subjected to controlled levels of sleep deprivation. The results showed that glucose tolerance, one of the key indicators used to determine whether someone has diabetes, changed. Rather than showing a normal glucose tolerance for their age, the sleep deprived test subjects exhibited the tolerance of someone in the early stages of diabetes. The results seem to indicate that the body's ability to metabolize glucose is hampered by sleep debt.

The results suggest that sleep deprivation may play a role in the onset of diabetes, as well as being considered as a possible factor in the statistic rise of people with diabetes in developed countries. Other effects that the study noted included hypertension, more rapid aging of skin cells, a decreased metabolic rate (which may lead to obesity), and various memory-related issues. The study was conducted only on a short-term basis (for this type of research), lasting only 16 days. It is speculated that the recorded effects can only get worse if the sleep deprivation period was prolonged.

It is notable that, unlike studies that have come before it, this research team was not interested in the cognitive effects. There has always been speculation on the concrete physical effects of a lack of sleep on the body, but there has never been a study dedicated solely to pursuing what those effects are. The study is actually considered rather timely, mainly because most of the working population spends less than the recommended eight hours of sleep. While the difference of eight hours to the average sleep time of five hours may not seem that significant, the results emerged from test subjects who were subjected to just five hours of sleep per 24-hour period.

Melatonin: Another Natural Sleep Aid Out in Focus

2008-12-17T20:25:00.001-08:00

Too much noise and light keeps even a tired man awake. Too many distractions and disturbing thoughts in our minds are also factors that can keep a person's eyes open when they should be tightly shut at night. Although the body may be ready or more than ready for sleep, the mind will not turn off. Thoughts and worries continue to keep our minds active, which keeps us awake or following us into sleep causing restless sleep, nightmares and disorders.
Not getting enough sleep can make a person feel out of sorts and unfocused. It is almost like a person is one step behind the usual self. It can even make a person feel out of sync with situations and people around them. Every person's sleep requirements are different, most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep at night, while others can function on as little as 5 hours of sleep.
The amount of sleep a person needs decreases with age. A newborn baby might sleep 20 hours a day. By age four, the average is 12 hours a day. By age 10, the average falls to 10 hours a day. Senior citizens can often get by with six or seven hours a day. A study conducted at the University of Chicago Medical Center suggests that people not only sleep less than they should, but less than they think they do.
If you are not getting enough sleep, there are a lot of over-the-counter medications are available in the market today, however, it is best to take a natural solution first. Those in tune with nature and the human body will say that humans are born equipped with all of the healing properties we will need in life. What isn't produced within our bodies can be supplemented through natural, safe means. Whether or not you agree with this philosophy, there is no doubt about the incredibly beneficial features of a natural sleep aid called melatonin. To better understand why this substance, already produced in the body, is so helpful for eliminating insomnia and other sleep problems, there is no harm to know a little about it and where to get it.
One of the major reasons melatonin is considered an all natural sleep aid is because this substance is produced in the pineal gland located in the brain. The pineal gland release melatonin when our eyes send messages to the brain that darkness is falling. It is responsible for regulating our wake and sleep cycles. No one is sure why, but studies suggest that older people may not produce as much melatonin as they did when they were younger and this may be the leading cause of insomnia in older adults. That definitely doesn't mean that younger people can't be affected as well. Using a product containing melatonin is a great way to aid natural sleep.
Aside from being a non-addictive and an all natural sleep aid, melatonin may have other healthy benefits as well. Recent studies have suggested that people who used this type of product find beneficial results in an overall feeling of wellness and it is thought that it might strengthen the immune system and reduce the number of free radicals hanging out in the body.

Some Pricking to Make You Fall Asleep

2008-12-17T20:24:00.005-08:00

Ever been pricked by this tiny metallic thing called needles? They are the ones used by our grandmothers for stitching or sewing. But more often than not, this pointed little thing is usually used in hospitals in almost everything; such as getting blood samples, injecting liquid medications and so on. It is that thing that most of us are so afraid to even look at. Although, a lot of people fear them, needles should be considered beneficial --- but only if used for the right manner and purpose.
A lot of people have tried this ancient medication using hair like thin needles, and research have shown that its popularity is continually increasing. Acupuncture is a safe and effective natural therapy that is used to heal illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Tiny, hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points in the body, where they are gently stimulated to trigger the body's natural healing response.
Acupuncture can be traced back as far as the Stone Age in China. It was during the time when stone knives and pointed rocks were used to relieve pain and diseases. Later these stones were replaced by needles made of bamboo and slivers of animal bone. During the Shang Dynasty, bronze casting techniques made metal needles possible, which conducted electricity (which were thought by the Chinese to be the ‘qi’ or internal energy) and later led to the mapping of the meridian system or “channels” of energy within the body. It harmonizes the body's energy to influence the health of both body and mind.
Acupuncture has become an increasingly popular alternative therapy for a wide variety of ills in the United States and other Western nations over the last 25 years. It can relieve a person from illnesses and discomforts such as headaches, neck pains, allergies, arthritis, digestive problems, painful menstruation and, according to some reports, can even treat some causes of infertility and sleep disorders.
Over 50 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders including insomnia, excessive drowsiness, sleep apnea, and restless movement during sleep. To get enough rest, many of these people rely on sleep aid pills. However, medication often hides the root cause of a sleep disorder and leads to even more dangerous health risks and possibly, even drug dependencies.
Problems with the sleep cycle can result in various other signs of discomfort. Some people will find that they have problems falling asleep, and this can involve several mechanisms. Sometimes internal imbalances of the internal organs, known as the zhang-fu, can lead to sleep disorders. One result is a mind which never shuts down and is still active when the patient lies down in bed. Another disorder results in a quiet mind, but the patient remains awake and unable to fall asleep. Disorders of the zhang fu or the channels can lead to awakening after falling asleep, sometimes at the same time every night. Taking a good history and performing a thorough evaluation of the channels, the abdomen, the pulse and the tongue can help an Oriental physician determine the mechanism of disease and to formulate an appropriate treatment using acupuncture.
Although modern physicians are rarely taught much about dealing with sleep disorders other than to prescribe sleep aid pills, even the type and imagery of dreams might be helpful to diagnose the particular sleep disorder. Unfortunately, most sleep aid pills popular with physicians do not assist in obtaining physiologically normal sleep,
Tapping into acupuncture for sleep problem cures means opting for safe alternatives to conventional insomnia treatment. Someone who chooses this avenue can look forward to effective and long-lasting sleep problem solutions. With the use of acupuncture for sleep problems, stress hormones are successfully reduced and a deep calm is achieved. Plus, opting for acupuncture brings balance or homeostasis to the nervous system.
Acupuncture is considered an ancient wonder treatment or therapy for almost two thousand years and this phenomenon is still evident even in the modern world where technology seems to never stop exploring and inventing cures for illnesses.

Sleeping Pill Suicide Information

2008-12-17T20:24:00.003-08:00

Statistically speaking, a sleeping pill overdose is among the most common ways used by women to attempt or to commit suicide. Sleeping pills act by slowing down the body functions, by relaxing the muscles, and chemically lulling a person to sleep. In theory, a sleeping pill overdose would pretty much shut down the entire body, including the nervous system, respiratory system, and the cardiovascular systems --- all of which would eventually lead to death. A sleeping pill overdose, thanks to the tranquilizing and anesthetic qualities of those medications, can kill a person without pain or agony, which is also the reason why it is very common in suicide cases --- one of which is the death of Marilyn Monroe. However, as police investigators and those who actually survived a suicide attempt can attest, a sleeping pill overdose does not always work.

The fact is, most of the sleeping pills that are potent enough to be used as a means to commit suicide are no longer being prescribed by doctors. Some relatively high dosage pills might still be available in hospitals but these are only used for anesthetic purposed during major surgery. Sleeping pills that are still sold in the market have milder formulas and are no longer as potentially lethal as the sleep-inducing medications available some years back. In other words, the current generation of pills are now chemically and purposefully designed to be safer. One of the main goals is to make sleeping pills less potent and make sleeping pill overdose lose its “appeal” as a painless means of committing suicide. However, that doesn't mean that there won't be significant damage to the body or mind, as those factors are still present despite the lower risks of modern pills.

One more factor to consider would be the specifics involved in the overdose. Some people might have a tolerance for the components of the sleeping pills, thus increasing the chances of survival. Other factors including blood chemistry and the possibility of intervention during the attempted suicide can reduce the probabilities of death. In many cases, alcohol was used supposedly to speed up the effects of the pills. since a sleeping pill overdose does requires time to fully work and deliver its fatal effects.

Modern sleeping pill overdose situations can still cause considerable damage since present-day drugs almost always produces an effect on the central nervous system. Normal doses only pose very minimal risks but side-effects can still be expected after using large quantities of the drug. The most serious side effect would be the complete shutdown of the neural pathways and receptors that control some of the body's systems. Someone who survives a sleeping pill overdose might find himself completely paralyzed, with little or no control over his bodily functions --- left only to live life as a “vegetable.”

Sleeping pill overdose is also a very significant issue in the realm of psychology. Most people would assume that a person who chooses to end life via a sleeping pill overdose has a very serious psychological problem. In most cases, physical stress or a mental illness can be associated to suicides. Mentally-ill individuals who survived their own suicide attempt using sleeping pills are in danger of suffering memory loss, which can occur due to the lack of oxygen in the brain. Other suicide survivors have exhibited paranoid delusional tendencies or were found to have psychological disorders prior to the suicide attempt.

When Did You Last Have A Good Sleep

2008-12-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

Tempurpedic Mattresses, generically known as Memory Foam, are becoming more popular every day. However, with all the different choices and prices of foam on the market, the consumer should know about the major differences between these products before paying a major amount of money for a bed they will be sleeping on for many years. It adapts to the contours of the body much better than an innerspring mattress. Each person has different preferences due to weight and sleeping habits. The best thing to do is to visit your local bed store and try laying down on a few different models. (When the sales staff have to wake you up, you know you've found the right brand.)

The importance of a good night's sleep can't be overstated. No-one functions well on lack of sleep. The majority of people in the western world are sleep-deprived, and sleep deprivation is a significant cause of accidents. Remember the Exxon Valdez? That accident took place in the early hours of the morning, and industrial accidents peak on the midnight shift. Students who are sleep-deprived learn poorly. Chronic sleep deprivation affects the appetite centers of the brain, causing overeating and subsequent obesity. Any bed system conducive to a deeper, more restful sleep improves your quality of life.

There are several advantages to memory foam over a conventional mattress: it's hypoallergenic, molds to fit anyone's body, and provides some insulation on cold nights so you need fewer heavy, dusty blankets and comforters. All the pressure points that cause discomfort, and subsequent tossing and turning, are eliminated.

Tempurpedic is the brand name of the pioneer of memory foam, a company in Sweden. It's the top-of-the-line product, but expensive, and there are dozens of cheaper competing brands, some made in America, some in China or other countries. HOWEVER, be warned: not all memory foam products are alike, as with any merchandise, you tend to get what you pay for, both in quality and longevity.

Memory foam is visco-elastic, and it responds to temperature changes much as bubble gum does. Good quality memory foam has a wide range of temperature responsiveness, but some of the cheaper brands can become as hard as wood if you let the bedroom go below 60 degrees. Eventually, as you change position the foam warms up and responds to your body shape, but this can take a few minutes, during which time you will be uncomfortable and may wake up. And cheaper brands may become too soft on hot summer nights, offering no support. Better brands of memory foam, such as Sensus and Temperpedic, specifically state their consistent performance through a wide temperature range.

Another issue is the longevity of the memory foam before it finally breaks down and loses its springiness. Better memory foams offer longer guarantees, 20 years, whereas the cheaper brands offer 10 years.

So, in summary, you don't have to buy the most expensive product, but don't buy the cheapest either. You'll spend many nights regretting your decision. A few hundred dollars extra isn't really a lot when spread out over decades of memory foam mattress use.

As well as differences in quality, there are also differences in memory foam mattress construction. Mattresses can have either 3 or 4 inches of memory foam over a denser supportive core, and more is not always better, because if the top layer of memory foam is too thick, you'll sink in quite far before hitting the supporting layer underneath. Stomach sleepers should buy 2 inch foam, side sleepers and medium sized people should purchase mattresses with 3 inch memory foam, very large people or back sleepers should buy the 4 inch.

The base of the bed can vary as well. Some models feature loose sheets of foam of different firmness levels that can be arranged to the sleeper's personal taste, others are laminated together. Also, man-made (petrochemical foam products) are about 1/3 the cost of natural latex. People who are sensitive to out-gassing of man-made products should consider a natural product.

Thirteen Tips For Sound Sleep

2008-12-17T20:23:00.004-08:00

Sleep is essential to ensure our health and fitness. However, thousands if not millions of people struggle with sleeplessness every single day or, more appropriately, every night. Due to sleep deprivation, these people develop a number of illnesses that, in turn, adversely affect their work, business, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Insomniacs and other people with milder sleeping problems usually, almost by instinct, would consider using sleep medications. But before purchasing sleeping pills, people should first try making certain lifestyle adjustments. The suggested lifestyle changes shown below would perhaps save you the effort and cost of buying a sleep aid product:

1. Drink a cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile is an herb that people have been using for centuries. It is known to promote sleep and treat other ailments like upset stomach.

2. Avoid any strenuous exercise three hours before bed. Exercising and engaging in intense physical activities a couple of hours before going to sleep may increase the adrenaline levels in the body and cause sleep disruptions.

3. Eat potatoes, whether still warm or at room temperature, before going to bed. Potatoes are complex carbohydrates that are recommended to be consumed just before going to bed for natural, restful sleep.

4. Drink a mug of hot milk with honey. Milk contains high levels of melatonin while honey is said to have sleep-inducing properties and may act as a sedative.

5. Minimize naps. Naps are usually recommended to be not over one hour because napping too much may disrupt sleep during the night.

6. Doze, rest and meditate. Meditation is a practice where one focuses on a certain sound, object, or thought. Visualization, breathing, and controlled body movements all make up the health-giving practice of meditation. Many clinical studies suggest that this activity actually relieves stress and promotes relaxation.

7. Avoid stimulants such as tea and coffee in the evening – These drinks are high in caffeine, a substance that is known to decrease ability to sleep. For some, caffeine may also increase anxiety and nervousness at high doses.

8. Take magnesium supplements. Doses of about 250 milligrams may induce sleep. Consuming magnesium-rich foods like kelp, wheat bran, almonds, and cashew nuts may help promote sound sleep.

9. Maintain evening rituals. Reading, sewing, playing card games, and other activities one likes to do should be done before going to bed. Health experts suggest that any activity that is ritually done before going to bed helps signal the body that sleeping time is coming up.

10. Find out if you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep condition in which breathing stops for a few seconds during sleep. This condition is one of the causes of daytime sleepiness.

11. Take the amino acid supplements called Gaba. This kind of amino acid induces relaxation and promotes sound sleep.

12. Use white noise. Boxes are available that produce what is called `White Noise'. It is that this kind of noise may aid individuals who are having difficulty in their sleep.

13. Take the dietary supplement melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain that is responsible for sleep regulation and wake cycles. Medical studies show that high levels of this hormone may promote sleep. Melatonin supplements are widely considered as a safe and effective sleep aid.

With some lifestyle changes, sound and quality sleep can be achieved. If these lifestyle changes fail, ask your health practitioner about sleep aid medications that can be used to treat your condition. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions to avoid side effects and drug interactions.

To Sleep Or Not To Sleep

2008-12-17T20:23:00.003-08:00

A teacher wrote this note in one of her students' records; “Always late in class. Seems inattentive during discussions. To inquire regarding his situation.” One day after class, the teacher met with this student to ask regarding his condition. She was expecting that her student might relate some problems with his family or financially that interferes with his academic performance. She was surprised, however, to learn that the reason for her student's constant tardiness and poor performance in school is lack of sleep and difficulty in sleeping. She thought that her student was just making up a lame excuse and reprimanded him severely. Later that week, when she casually related this to her friend who happens to be a doctor, he told her that her student may actually have a serious medical problem called insomnia.

Insomnia is defined as a sleeping disorder where a person has difficulty sleeping or remaining asleep, thus, lacking a high-quality of sleep. The length of time that this condition persists may vary; from a single night to possibly a week or more. This condition may be caused by different factors such as physical illness or psychological problems. Moreover, its effects may largely impair a person's life which is why this condition must be regarded seriously. However, like most health problems, insomnia is manageable or cured given proper treatment.

The length of time that the sleep problem is experienced serves as basis for classification of the different types of insomnia. The first type which is called transient insomnia or short-term insomnia may last one night, a few nights or a few weeks. Another type of insomnia which persists for a longer period of time, a few months or even years, is termed as chronic insomnia or long-term insomnia. Another classification of the condition depends on the factors or causes related to it. If the problem exists without any underlying condition and is mainly caused by harmful sleeping habits, it is considered as primary insomnia. On the other hand, when sleeping disorders arise as a symptom of another preexisting condition it is then classified as secondary insomnia. The latter method of classification helps a lot in determining what form of management or treatment should be applied to cure the problem.

As mentioned earlier, insomnia may be brought about by different factors or causes. It can be triggered by mental conditions, food or drugs, sleeping behaviors or habits, sleeping environment and medical or health condition. When a person is under stress, anxiety or fear, this may have an effect in his or her quality of sleep. Some medications, caffeine, nicotine and some herbal supplements may also affect sleep. Sleeping can be hindered or interfered by events such as a change in time zone or work shifts and by activities such as napping during the day, exercising before bedtime and eating or drinking too much before sleeping. A noisy environment, disruptive sleep partner, uncomfortable type of bed and unwanted room temperature can also make it difficult for a person to fall asleep. Lastly, trouble in sleeping may also be experienced when a person has any illness or pain, undergoes hormonal changes or has medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Having this condition can greatly disturb or trouble a person's sleeping and waking hours. Usually, people with insomnia will undergo undesirable changes in their mood and daily activities. They may feel irritable and impatient most of the time and experience difficulty in concentrating and focusing on tasks. This condition may also lead them to often feel depressed and anxious. As a result, they exhibit poor performance in school and at work, and somehow become more accident-prone.

Those who are diagnosed to have insomnia, however, should not panic or feel hopeless because of their condition. Fortunately, various treatments or solutions are already available to address this problem. Medications such as hypnotics and sedatives such as benzodiazepines, ramelteon and anti-depressants can be prescribed by sleep doctors to help decrease or eliminate difficulty in sleeping. Another therapy available is called cognitive-behavior therapy where a person is advised to modify his or her daily activities towards having better sleeping habits. Alternative and traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as other substances like herbal supplements can also be used to treat sleeping disorders. These treatments, however, should not be taken or undergone without proper prescription or advice from medical professionals. Inappropriate use or application of these may cause untoward reactions and side effects such as nausea, dizziness and diarrhea, cognitive and memory disturbance, substance abuse and even death. It is therefore necessary to always seek professional advice regarding matters of treatment.

Insomnia is probably one of those unfamiliar or misunderstood health problems. This does not mean, however, that the condition is uncommon. Everyone probably has experienced or knows someone who had experienced one or more causes of insomnia. Everyone is also vulnerable to having it. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable of this condition to be able to address it properly. Had the teacher in the situation stated earlier known what insomnia is, what causes it, how it affects one's life and what treatments or solutions are available, she may have appropriately done something to make her student's life better.

Stop Snoring And Get A Good Night's Sleep

2008-12-17T20:23:00.001-08:00

When most people think of snoring, they think of it as an almost humorous nuisance. But snoring can have very serious effects on the quality of your life and your health.

Snoring has several causes. A cold or other infection can make breathing difficult and cause the sound of snoring as the sleeping person struggles to draw air through blocked nasal passages and throat.

Sometimes snoring is the result of a medical condition, such as swollen tonsils and adenoids (lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat).

Snoring can also be caused by a misshapen wall separating the nasal cavity, called a deviated nasal septum, or a growth in the cavity, called a nasal polyp, both of which cause nasal blockages.

Snoring can also occur when flabby throat muscles are drawn into the airway, particularly when muscular control is overly relaxed by alcohol, drugs, or deep sleep.

The larger the tissues in your soft palate, the more likely you are to snore while sleeping. Alcohol or sedatives taken shortly before sleep also promote snoring. These drugs cause greater relaxation of the tissues in your throat and mouth.

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but people who have sleep apnea typically do snore loudly and frequently. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder, and its hallmark is loud, frequent snoring linked to intermittent brief pauses in breathing while sleeping.

Even if you don’t experience these breathing pauses, snoring can still be a problem for you as well as for your bed partner. The increased breathing effort associated with snoring can impair your sleep quality and lead to many of the same health consequences as sleep apnea.

Treating chronic congestion and refraining from alcohol or sedatives before sleeping can also stop snoring. In some adults, snoring can be relieved by dental appliances that reposition the soft tissues in the mouth.

Although numerous over-the-counter nasal strips and sprays claim to relieve snoring, no scientific evidence supports those claims.

Tips for a sound night’s sleep: relax before bed and try not to worry about whether or not you will be able to sleep, avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before bedtime as caffeine can keep you awake and alcohol can cause you to wake up during the night (try a hot milky drink instead).

Try not to nap in the afternoon or early evening, try to take some exercise in the late afternoon or early evening , but make sure you are finished at least three hours before bedtime.

Try to avoid disrupting your regular sleeping pattern (this will help your body clock to know when it’s time to sleep)

Try wearing an eyemask or earplugs to help block out noise and light which can may be affecting your sleep.

Stop Insomnia And End Your Sleepless Nights

2008-12-17T20:22:00.002-08:00

Insomnia is a common sleep sickness that has bothered many people around the world. But the consequences brought about by this disorder may not be as ordinary as it may seem. It can be downright punishing.

You know the frustration of looking repeatedly at your clock while endlessly moving around in your bed. It's mental and emotional agony to say the least. The tension builds up to its peak when you see the sunrise, and you have to go to the office lacking so much energy
after spending a sleepless night.

You don't have to suffer anymore. Here are some tips to help you snooze faster than you could ever expect.

1) Wake up and go to bed at the same time everyday, even during the weekends. Some insomniacs tend to sleep at any time of the day to catch up on some sleep they lose during the night. Now this is the biggest mistake you can make. It ruins your body clock and will only worsen your insomnia. If you can't sleep one night, get up the usual time the next morning. You'll be sleeping soundly like a baby the next night.

2) Don't eat within 4 hours before you go to bed. If in case you went hungry, try some crackers or light snack. But don't indulge in an "eat-all-you-can" feast right before bedtime. Your food won't be digested well, resulting in poor and uncomfortable sleep.

3) Don't drink caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine can obstruct your ability to sleep. Alcohol can make you drowsy, but it can wake you up in the middle of the night and bring you side effects that will hinder a continuous sleep process.

4) Relax and stay fit. Avoid having a stressful lifestyle. Exercise daily to release tension. Engage in breathing exercises to relax your body. Most important of all, don't carry your problems or emotional baggage to sleep with you. Forget about it for the mean time. You can go back and solve your dilemma better the next day after a restful sleep.

5) Never force yourself to sleep. Trying your best to sleep requires some work. You don't want to work when you want to doze off. Sleep comes best if you are in a relaxed and comfortable state. Just
lie down, relax, and let the sleeping fairy cast its spell upon you.

Proper Consultation and Dosage: Making Sleeping Pills Safe

2008-12-17T20:22:00.001-08:00

Burt Reynolds, the star of Smokey and the Bandit, and many other movies, once went into a coma while trying to kick his sleeping pill addiction. He went into a coma for about eight or nine hours. At one point, the doctors already told his wife Loni to say her goodbyes. Reynolds said that at one point during his coma, he had what was called an “out-of-body experience.” He said that, in the operating room, he even heard the doctor say, “We're losing him.” That experience helped Reynolds get rid of his drug addiction.

Robbie Williams was another celebrity who battled with addiction. According to reports, he has checked himself into rehab to escape a spiral of caffeine and sleeping pill overdose, in addition to an addiction to antidepressant medications. News reports also revealed that the pop star is addicted to an antidepressant called Seroxat on top of his compulsive consumption of caffeinated drinks. It is said that Williams can consume over 50 highly caffeinated drinks a day in the form of double espressos or cans of Red Bull tonic. In a newspaper interview, Williams said: “I can’t honestly say that I don’t take too many prescription drugs. How many is too many? I don’t know. If you drink as much coffee as I do, you can easily get into the too-many-sleeping-tablets thing.”

In Robbie William's case, his caffeine addiction led him to an addiction to sleeping pills. But for millions of other people, the addiction to sleeping pills began due to the classic difficulty of sleeplessness. Having difficulty sleeping is a common problem shared by many. This is why sleeping pills are one of the most common medications in the market. Chronic insomnia can lead to an overall inability to cope and function in the world. Sleeping pills offer the promise of an improved night's sleep and an overall improved capacity to cope with worries and anxieties that usually keep an insomniac wide awake till the wee hours of the morning. Sleeplessness leads to a kind of desperation that makes sleeping pills like Ambien, Sonata, Restoril and Dalmane seem positively irresistible. But are they all they're made out to be? Do they in fact improve sleep and overall daytime functioning? The case against sleeping pills is compelling.

The following information points out some important reasons why the use of sleeping pills should be regulated and allowed only with doctor's approval.

ท Those who use sleeping pills have significantly higher mortality rates than those who do not.
ท Sleeping pills do little or nothing to improve chronic insomnia and cause long-term chemical dependency.
ท Sleeping pills reduce brain cell activity during the day, affecting short-term memory as well as causing a hangover effect.
ท Sleeping pills accentuate the GABA neurotransmitter, which keeps the nerve cells in the lung tissue from firing. This is why an overdose of sleeping pills will cause asphyxiation and over 1000 overdose related deaths each year.
ท GABA actuation is also responsible for impaired physical ability. Each year, thousands of traffic deaths, car accidents and falls (especially in the elderly) are attributed to sleeping pills.
ท Sleep Apnea Patients should never take sleeping pills. Sleeping pills increase the pauses and length of pause in breathing. Someone with sleep apnea could suffer brain or ocular damage from the lack of oxygen or even death.
ท Anyone over the age of 40 should be cautioned against the use of sleeping pills, and anyone over the age of 65 should never take sleeping pills. Studies show that almost all people over 40 have some symptoms of sleep apnea, and anyone over 65 would be clinically diagnosed with sleep apnea.
ท Sleeping pills create a hypnotic dependency similar to alcohol and lower inhibitions and fear of pain or consequences. This is one reason why sleeping pills contribute to accidents and why chronic sleeping pill users are less likely to worry or take care of themselves.
ท Sleeping pills are highly addictive. Sleeping pills are similar to barbiturates and are extremely difficult to stop using.
ท Although sleeping pills do not improve daytime functioning, people still prefer taking them because of the barbiturate feel-good effect they produce. As with many addictive drugs, they may not be helpful, but we feel good when we take them.

Long-term studies on the effects of sleeping pills surely point out the need for regulation and education about its uses and effects. But with proper consultation and dosage, people who need medical aids for sleeping be assured of greater safety in the use of these medications.

Over the Holidays, Give Yourself the Gift of Sleep

2008-12-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

During this busy holiday season, as you nestle snug in your bed, forget the presents yet to be wrapped and settle your brain for a long winter's nap.

Sleep specialists say the best gift you can give yourself this year is the gift of sleep. According to a study published in the September 2005 issue of the journal Sleep, the average sleep duration among U.S. adults is only 6.9 hours per night, and 39 percent get less than the 7 to 9 hours recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

Add to that the extra demands of the holiday season - shopping for gifts after work, party preparation, waiting until the kids are asleep to wrap the gifts -and it's easy to see why many people are more sleep-deprived than ever this time of year.

"We see more people in sleep centers after the holidays because the hectic season took a toll on their sleep," said Dr. Donna Arand, sleep specialist for the AASM. "You also will not enjoy the holidays as much if you are getting up early, going to bed late and are stressed out. You can't be your best holiday self if you are fighting sleep deprivation."

The AASM offers these suggestions for better sleep during the holiday season:

* Take time to relax. Even if you have a lot to do, allow yourself to stop at a certain point in the evening. Giving your brain time to wind down before bed will help you sleep better.

* Keep your sleep pattern on schedule. Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Other regular rituals, such as a warm bath, a light snack or a few minutes of reading, also may help.

* Plan ahead for holiday chores. Set aside time earlier in the day to wrap gifts, decorate the house, plan your holiday menu and similar tasks. To stay on track, write these "appointments" in your daily planner.

* Love eggnog? Avoid too much alcoholic eggnog or coffee at evening holiday parties. Alcohol and caffeine can inhibit your normal sleep pattern.

Teens Just Can't Get Enough Sleep!

2008-12-16T00:19:00.002-08:00

Some people just can't get themselves to sleep even if they want to. Teen-agers are not exempted from getting sleep problems not only because they are usually overloaded with school projects which take most of their sleeping time. Even with all the hustle and bustle that comes with school, teenagers' normally have enough adrenalin to last them till the wee hours of the morning.
Still, frequent sleep deprivation can cause problems even for the most healthy and vibrant youngster. Young people who experience sleep deficit have difficulty concentrating, studying, and working effectively. Long-term sleep deprivation can actually lead to emotional problems like depression.
According to recent studies, teenagers need 8ฝ to more than 9 hours of sleep every night. However, during the stage of adolescence, the body's internal biological clock, also known as circadian rhythm, is reset. The changes in the circadian rhythm makes them fall asleep later at night and wake up later in the morning. Experts attribute this change in the circadian rhythm to the fact that the brain hormone called melatonin is produced later at night in teens. Melatonin is released earlier in the night among kids and adults. Also, the delay in the sleep–wake cycle can worsen and possibly affect a person's daily performance at school or at work. This is called the delayed sleep phase syndrome.
Aside from changes in their body clocks, young people may also lose sleep due to insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep or staying asleep, which is commonly caused by stress. But there are other factors which may cause insomnia. These include physical discomfort such as stuffy nose due to colds or headaches; emotional problems like family issues or relationship troubles; and uncomfortable sleeping conditions, such as lying in a room that is too hot, cold, or noisy. Trying to sleep in a cramped bed or using pillows that are too soft or too firm also contributes to sleep deprivation.
Insomnia is also one of the most common problems associated with sleep deprivation. This sleeping problem lasts for a long period of time without relief. Chronic insomnia can be caused by a number of different problems, including medical conditions, mental health problems, medication side effects, or substance abuse. In extreme cases, chronic insomnia may lead to psychophysiologic insomnia --- a condition where a person's mind and body are severely affected by sleep deprivation. Sufferers of chronic insomnia are advised to seek help the help of physicians, therapists, or counselors for their condition.
A nightmare is a common experience among teens which can disrupt sleep patterns. Certain medications can trigger nightmares. Drugs and alcohol can also cause sleep altering patterns. However, stress and anxiety can also trigger nightmares. If nightmares interfere with sleep, it's time to talk to medical health professionals. Other conditions that can affect sleep in young people include Periodic Limb Disorder, Restless Legs Syndrome, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Reflux, Narcolepsy, and Sleepwalking.
When there's a feeling of fatigue even after getting enough rest, a consultation with your doctor is advised. Excessive fatigue can be due to a number of health reasons, not just a sleep disorder. Doctors can do a physical examination and may review a person's medical history when they suspect the presence of other conditions that interfere with sleep.
Some sleep disorders can be treated with over-the-counter sleeping pills while others can be addressed through special therapy meant to reset a person's body clock. Teens are encouraged to make lifestyle changes that promote good sleeping habits such as avoiding playing video games or watching TV before sleeping, as well as drinking too much coffee at nighttime.

The Benefits of Using Natural Sleeping Aids

2008-12-16T00:19:00.001-08:00

Sleep is an integral component of human existence, such that without sleep, you eventually die. There isn't a whole lot that people understand about how sleep works, or how it manages to do what it does for the body. Humans simply have an instinctive understanding that sleep is an important part of their lives and it just isn't a good idea to cut down on it so much. However, trouble getting enough sleep is a problem that is becoming increasingly common in the modern world, as shown by the statistics of how many people are buying sleeping pills. This is, of course, far from being a recent problem. On the contrary, people have been using natural sleeping aids for centuries, because getting enough sleep has apparently been a problem for people for just as long.

Most natural sleeping aids, of course, are of the herbal variety. This is understandable, as they are likely to be more easily available and the source is unlikely to bite back while someone is trying to harvest the necessary ingredient. There are modern drugs that can do the job just as well as their ancient, herbal counterparts, but they have been known to cause some side effects. Besides, with going “all-natural” being such a popular thing nowadays, is it any wonder just how many people are experimenting with natural sleeping aids? In a manner similar to modern drugs and the industry they are in, there are a couple of herbs and tinctures that are proving more popular than others.

Among the most commonly used is chamomile, which is an herb that is often used as a tea. It is easily the most popular among the natural sleeping aids available in the market, largely because it has been in use for centuries. Science is not entirely sure how chamomile works, but some theorize that it has connections to a component of the tea known as apipogen. However, this is only speculation and other components of the tea may be responsible for the sleep-inducing effects. However, as effective as it is, there are a few problems with using this. While it is not narcotic and not habit-forming (as much as any type of tea is, at least, it may cause allergic effects on people who are sensitive to daisies.

Another popular option is Valerian, which also enjoys a history of being used as a potent sleep aid. This plant has a distinct smell that has been compared to that of old socks, caused by some of the acidic components of the herb. It can help if used as a short-term solution, but has better, more pronounced effects if employed as a long-term natural sleeping aid. Patients who have made use of this herb have reported having less trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. However, while Valerian is effective and does not cause the side effects that modern sleep medication does, it can sometimes cause effects such as dizziness and nausea if given in large doses.

There are a multitude of options aside from the ones listed here, but there are things that need to be considered before taking one in. For example, some of these natural sleeping aids are better used in the long-term and short-term use may not have the desired effects. In contrast, others are easily tolerated by the body and cease to become effective in the long-term, or after continuous use.

Sleeping Pills : Science's Answer To The Sandman's Magic Dust?

2008-12-16T00:18:00.000-08:00

There's a song that goes, “Mister Sandman, bring me a dream.” Do you remember the folklore that old people used to tell kids to lull them to sleep? It's about this mystical person that brings sleep by sprinkling magic dust into children's eyes. Enter Sandman.

Sleeping disorders have become more and more prominent over the ages. More than 60 million American adults encounter difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping well. Stress and environment also contribute to sleep disorders. Stress causes sleep disorder in such a way that the brain is active as the person thinking about things such as finances, marital problems, health issues and extreme boredom to name a few. Environment also plays a role in such a way that a noisy neighborhood can disrupt your sleep if not stop you from getting your well deserved rest. Living in a loud environment, working on the night shift, excessive consumption of caffeine-containing products, these may cause you to lose sleep.

The three most common of sleeping disorders are: sleep apnea (snoring), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and insomnia. The term apnea was derived from the latin prefix a- for absence, and the suffix -pnea for breathe. Snoring starts when the air passage is not fully open and it air is forced through it. Those with RLS feel a strong urge to move their legs, it is characterized by a tingling feeling in the legs while sitting or lying still as if something is crawling on the legs. Worst cases of RLS prevents a person from falling asleep. Insomnia, being the most common among the three disorders listed, is the inability to fall asleep, remain asleep or sleep restfully through the night; this may include constantly awakening too early.

There are several ways to work around insomnia. Regular exercise, especially during the afternoons or early evenings have proven beneficial to getting a good night's sleep. Engaging in relaxing activities such as reading, watching TV, or taking a warm bath is also helpful to induce sleep as it calms the mind and body. In cases where hunger is the reason for having difficulty sleeping, a light snack might help. Resisting the urge to smoke before bedtime also helps as nicotine is a kind of stimulant that may keep you awake for the rest of the night. The best way to get around it is to establish a regular bedtime until the body has been accustomed to sleeping at a specific time of day.

If all else fails, take a sleeping pill. Sleeping pills are sleep-promoting medications that are generally used to establish a sleeping habit when all other natural means have failed. These medications are closely related to sedatives as is a mild form of sedative. Heavy doses are prescribed for people with anxiety disorders. It is only effective if difficulty sleeping is still on its early stage. Once insomnia has been on-going for a long while, it will prove to be less helpful as no sleep-inducing medication should be used as long term treatment.

According to recent surveys, health professionals have decreased prescribing sleeping pills. Only when the sleeping disorder proves to be hazardous to a patient's health do they advise the use of these pills. Over the counter sleeping pills are available in the market, though it is advised that sleeping pills should never be taken if it isn't prescribed by a doctor as side effects might emerge.

Side effects of sleeping pills being used for long periods of time include increased mortality rate. Research shows that people who use it long term are more likely to die early than those who smoke. Sleeping pills doesn't cure chronic insomnia, but continuous ingestion of the medication may cause chemical dependency to it. It may also affect short-term memory, giving you a sort of hangover effect. Sleeping pills intensify certain neurotransmitters that stop the lungs from firing up, causing asphyxiation. People with sleep apnea must not use sleeping pills because it will increase the number of pauses and lengthen the pause time in breathing which may cause serious brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

Sleeping pills, however convenient it is to use, isn't a cure for any sleeping disorder. It cannot be used to treat insomnia's underlying causes, it can only give you temporary relief by giving you the rest you need at the moment. It is best to exhaust all natural means of getting through sleeping disorders as their effects are longer lasting than that induced by sleeping pills.

Teens Just Can't Get Enough Sleep

2008-12-16T00:13:00.005-08:00

Sleeping should be as easy as counting sheep

2008-12-16T00:13:00.003-08:00

Insomnia is a sleep disorder experienced by at least one in eight persons in the Unites States, or roughly 32 million people. Those with insomnia, who are often called insomniacs, suffer from difficulty in getting some sleep or remaining asleep for long periods of time. Some of the symptoms of insomnia include anxiety, stress, depression, an overactive mind, physical pain, bipolar disorder, and emotional or mental tension. Experts say that people usually encounter sleeplessness when they are bothered by work- related issues, financial problems, poor sex life, and other concerns. Insomnia can also be experienced when a person loses of a loved one.

There are three specific types of insomnia, namely, transient insomnia which can last from one night to several weeks. This type of sleeplessness is also referred to as intermittent sleeplessness, is often caused by simple jet lag or short-term anxiety. Another type of sleeplessness is called acute insomnia, which is much worse and could last for as long as three weeks to as long as six months. The last type of sleeping disorder is called chronic insomnia where a person can suffer from sleeplessness every single night.

People with sleeping problems need not allow their condition to rob them of energy and peace of mind. A fast way to relieve sleeplessness or insomnia is to take sleeping pills which are designed to make a person feel sleepy. One of the most commonly prescribed sleeping aid is ramelteon, commonly sold under the brand name Rozerem.

Sleeping pills are fairly effective but should only be used when a person has been diagnosed with insomnia. The use of sleeping aids should be supervised by a doctor or a health professional. Some prescribed sedative drugs have the potential to cause dependence. These sleeping pills can be addictive if taken for long periods of time without the approval of a doctor.

Aside from using sleeping pills, alternative solutions to deal with sleeping disorders include having a regular sleeping schedule, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and by limiting consumption of caffeine, especially in the afternoon. Aside from being a biological need, sleeping is also a psychological process. By keeping clear of stress, heated meetings, and serious work at night, a person can feel relaxed in time for some sleep. For some, doing exercises in the afternoon or early evening boosts their adrenaline levels. As a result, they regain their energy at night and find it hard to get lulled to sleep.

Little things can make a big difference when a person has sleeping problems. Comfortable pillows and mattresses can help in making sleeping more comfortable and inviting. Making the bedroom a relaxation haven can also boost the power of sleep. By feeling relaxed and calm, without worrying too much about the next days' schedule, sleeping can be as easy as counting sheep.

The First Key To A Good Night's Sleep

2008-12-16T00:13:00.001-08:00

As the evening progresses towards bed time you need to start preparing your body for sleep. At this point in the day your mind and body requires a soothing bedtime routine in order to relax. Bed time routines are a significant sleep aid if you follow them consistently. Your body and mind need to have consistency at this time so that you can learn to fall asleep naturally.

Once you have read this book you should decide on a sleep improvement plan and apply it for at least a week before making changes to your routine.

Your sleep improvement plan should include a bedtime and a waking up time. In addition you should keep a list of the herbs, vitamins, and teas you have tried and how well they aided your sleep.

Because your body requires consistency and adjusts only slowly to change you need to stick to each new routine for a week or two before you adjust it. If you are still experiencing difficulty sleeping after you have tried sleep plan for a week or two, you can then make appropriate adjustments. The key to finding an insomnia cure that works for you is to be consistent and determined.

Your first goal should be to establish a regular sleep schedule. Keeping a regular sleep schedule means waking up each morning at the same time, even when you have the time to sleep in longer. Sleeping longer in the morning will only make you feel groggy and disoriented; it will not make you feel more rested.

According to leading sleep experts you should get an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night but this sleep has to be balance in order to be restful. You can’t make up for a late night by sleeping in. Lost sleep can’t be recovered so, if you find that you’ve lost some hours of sleep one day, your best course of action is to struggle through that day and resume your sleep schedule that night.

It is important to realize that a regular bedtime routine is imperative to your goal of achieving natural sleep. Create a routine that will prepare you for sleep. Try to get ready for bed at the same time each night. The first step in creating a successful bed time routine is to determine which hours make the most sense for you. Once you have chosen a bed time, stick to it.

This course will suggest many sleep aids and insomnia cures which you can include in your bed time routine; however, your routine can be as simple as brushing your teeth or reading a book at the same time every night. Whatever routine you decide on it will be a way of telling your unconscious mind that it is time for you to fall asleep. Your routine needs to be as relaxing as possible so that your mind can rest. Just before bed is not the right time for stimulating music, exercise, or conversations.

In order to be sleepy at bedtime, make sure that daytime naps are not part of your daily routine! Even a short cat nap taken during the day will confuse your body's ability to differentiate between day and night sleeping.

To prevent yourself from napping and thus triggering insomnia later in the evening, make an effort to try staying active when you are feeling tired during the day. When you feel sleepy during the day, you can exercise or eat a small piece of fruit to increase your energy level.

Natural remedies work differently for each individual, so don’t become discouraged if you have to adjust your nightly routine a few times. Think positive thoughts as you design a sleep routine that is right for you. With perseverance and determination you will conquer your insomnia and achieve natural sleep.

The Connections Between Sleep And The Mind

2008-12-16T00:12:00.004-08:00

Even in this fast-paced and hectic world, sleep is one of those things that are considered indispensable. Regardless of how much stress is placed on someone, a person's body and mind simply will not allow one to go for an extended period without some sleep. There are numerous ways to keep a person awake despite the overwhelming desire to go to sleep, such as caffeine and work-related stress and anxiety. The toll that sleep deprivation and insomnia have on the body is well-documented, but there is less concrete evidence on the effects on mental health. It is generally assumed that the mind does not fully shut down during sleep, but that does not mean it does not require a period of rest. There are several potential side effects of insomnia upon one's mental health, some of which can aggravate the problem itself.

Among the most well-documented side effects of a lack of sleep is instability of emotions. People who frequently lack sleep tend to be moody and irritable. In some cases, their emotions seem to be on hair-triggers, shifting from “normal” to “angry” with the slightest comment. There has yet to be any form of concrete information on why this is the cause, but it is a well-documented problem related to insomnia. It is theorized that sleep somehow replenishes certain chemical receptors related to emotions within the brain, such that a lack of sleep disrupts the normal production of these chemicals. It is currently unclear whether being asleep cuts off production or increases them, or if it affects these compounds in some other way. There are other theories as to why insomnia affects emotions, but those also lack concrete studies to back up their assumptions.

One of the more infamous side effects of insomnia is depression, though it is arguable whether one is really a product of the other. In the same way that emotions are affected by a lack of sleep, one's overall mood can also be affected by prolonged insomnia. Since depression is closely tied to one's emotional state, the disruption caused by a lack of sleep can be enough to push a person into clinical depression. However, there is some argument as to whether or not insomnia is truly a factor for depression. There are some that believe that while there is a connection, it is more viable to assume that depression leads to a lack of sleep, rather than the other way around. It should be noted that, despite the ramifications on mental health, neither theory has been put under serious academic scrutiny.

Some have also attributed some anxiety disorders to insomnia. There is some question as to whether or not this actually counts, however. While there is clear evidence that connects the two problems, most are inclined to believe anxiety disorders cause insomnia, rather than the reverse. However, there is some data showing people developing minor anxiety disorders during a period where they lack adequate sleep. As with the above, further study is required due to the lack of any concrete statistical data to back up the theories and observations.

What is Sleep Apnea?

2008-12-16T00:12:00.003-08:00

Are you feeling sleepy all the time? Do you snore? Is your doctor having a difficult time treating your high blood pressure? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you might have Sleep Apnea (also called Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA).

Sleep Apnea is a condition involving pauses or decreases in breathing during sleep. It is usually due to airway collapse. This collapse occurs in the nose and/or the throat – anywhere from where air enters the nostrils to the back of the tongue. Imagine a straw collapsing when trying to suck on a thick milkshake. Frequently, this airway collapsibility problem is inherited and starts in childhood. In the daytime, it is not a problem because there is good muscle-tone in the airway and the brain monitors breathing. But at night, the throat muscles become relaxed and the brain is not as attentive to the airway. So on inhalation, the airway walls can either completely collapse or significantly narrow. This is a problem because 1) the body must struggle to breathe and 2) the brain has to “wake up” to reopen the airway.

These frequent awakenings lead to fragmentation of nighttime sleep. You may not remember them because they are so short. In fact, patients with sleep apnea can wake-up more than 30 times an hour and think that they slept uninterrupted through the night. Since sleep must be continuous and consolidated in order to be restorative, a number of cognitive problems can occur with sleep fragmentation: daytime sleepiness, memory problems, concentration difficulties, emotional instability, irritability, slowed reaction time, and most importantly, an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.

There are also cardiovascular consequences of this constant “struggling to breathe.” This puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Finally, there are social implications to Sleep Apnea. The snoring associated with sleep apnea can disrupt the sleep of others. In fact, one study showed that when a person treats his/her sleep apnea, the sleep partner gets the equivalent of one hour more sleep per night.

Sleep apnea is a progressive disease and often gets worse with age. Weight gain, alcohol, and other sedating/relaxing substances exacerbate it.

Who Gets Sleep Apnea?

A common misconception is that only overweight men that snore loudly have sleep apnea, but the facts are:

1) Sleep apnea can occur without snoring
2) Thin people can have sleep apnea
3) Women can have sleep apnea
4) Children can have sleep apnea

In other words, anyone can have it. Even skinny women. Even children.

I Think I Might Have Sleep Apnea, How Do I Find Out If I Have It?

Make an appointment with your primary care physician, or if your insurance allows it, go straight to a sleep specialist. If your physician thinks you might have sleep apnea, then he/she can refer you for a sleep study or comprehensive sleep evaluation.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

There are four main categories of treatment for sleep apnea: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Surgery, Oral Appliances, and Behavioral Modification.

The most effective way to treat sleep apnea is with CPAP. CPAP is a mask worn over the nose attached by a hose to an air compressor. The air compressor gently and quietly blows room-air into the nose, which “stents” the airway open, preventing airway collapse. This is the most effective way to treat sleep apnea, and all patients diagnosed with sleep apnea should at least try it before considering other options.

Surgery can be an effective way to treat sleep apnea. A number of different procedures can be performed. These range from nasal septum repair to jaw reconstruction. Talk to your doctor about whether surgery is the right option for you.

An oral appliance is a device made by a dentist or an orthodontist designed to pull your lower jaw forward. By pulling your lower jaw forward, the tongue is pulled away from the back of the throat. If your airway obstruction is occurring behind the tongue, then this can be an effective way to treat your sleep apnea. The treatment of sleep apnea with oral appliance should be a coordinated effort between the sleep physician, the dentist/orthodontist, and the patient.

Behavioral modifications can help in the treatment of sleep apnea, but are usually the least effective. These include such techniques as weight loss, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime.

None of these treatment options is ideal, but they all can be useful in treating sleep apnea and resulting in more restful sleep. With risks like heart attack and stroke, you should do everything you can to get your sleep apnea under control. If you think you have sleep apnea, contact your doctor or go to a sleep center. It could be the best decision you ever made.

Obesity In Kids Linked To Sleep Deprivation

2008-12-16T00:12:00.001-08:00

Mothers nagging kids to bed early is a common scenario. There are more significant reasons to it than to merely get rid of them and be relieved from baby-sitting. While the most popular benefit of sleep is to help kids grow taller and healthier, researchers have discovered that every additional hour per night a third-grader spends sleeping reduces the child's chances of being overweight in sixth grade by 40 percent.
According to Dr. Julie Lumeng of the University of Michigan, kids need at least 9 hours and 45 minutes of sleep everyday. The lesser they sleep, the higher the risk of obesity in sixth grade, regardless of the child's weight during third grade, said Lumeng who led the research.
This report will surely give a lot of parents additional reason to enforce early bedtime rules, restrict caffeine consumption as well as limit, if not totally prohibit, TV viewing in the bedroom.
Eve Van Cauter, endocrinologist of the University of Chicago, may not be involved in the new study but according to her, lack of sleep plays havoc on two hormones, the ghrelin, which is responsible for promoting hunger, and the peptin, the one that signals fullness.
These two hormones are the “yin and yang of appetite regulation.” Based on Cauter's experiments, sleep-deprived adults produced more ghrelin, which makes you hunger for more food, and less leptin, which keeps you from feeling full. It also explains why they are less likely to exercise and would prefer to sit on the couch and munch on cookies, especially when they get tired.
According to Dr. Stephen Sheldon, director of sleep medicine at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital, children's sleep may be disturbed by breathing problems, some due to being overweight which has been associated with cases of sleep apnea. Others do not get enough sleep due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
With the help of data from an existing federal study, the research team focused on 785 children who lived in 10 cities of the United States with complete information on sleep, height and weight in the third grade and sixth grade.
Averagely, the third-graders got about 9ฝ hours sleep, but some slept as little as seven hours and others as much as 12 hours. About 12 percent of the children who slept 10 to 12 hours a day were obese by sixth grade. Moreover, about 22 percent were obese in sixth grade of those who slept less than nine hours a day.
In addition, other risk factors for obesity such as the children's body mass index in third grade were taken into account, and still found the connection between less sleep in third grade and obesity in sixth grade. Nevertheless, these findings should not give parents a false notion that getting more than enough sleep will keep their kids from getting overweight. Researchers acknowledged that some factors they did not account for such as genetics and other environmental factors.

Fantastic Methods To Sleep Like A Baby

2008-12-16T00:09:00.002-08:00

There are people who are in drastic need of sleep but just can’t seem to will their bodies to go to dreamland. They toss and turn until the sheets come off their beds, and they get the bitter realization that counting sheep doesn’t actually work.

Insomnia doesn’t just mean not being able to sleep a wink. It also means waking up lots of times during the night, or getting the feeling that you didn’t get a good night’s sleep, or waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.

Almost half of America’s population suffers from insomnia, and practically everyone has experienced it at least once in their lifetime. Some suffer this disorder for years. Insomnia is something you have to be concerned about because it greatly affects your life and those around you.

It makes you cranky and moody, makes you lose your concentration, and in effect makes you lose friends. It could also weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illnesses. So if you’re suffering from sleep deprivation, you’ve got to take steps to cure it ASAP.

You’ve got to diagnose what kind of insomnia you’re suffering from. You don’t need a doctor to do this for you. You can do it yourself.
Insomnia is caused by a lot of factors.

Psychological factors include depression, sadness, or anything that gives you negative feelings. These may arise from traumatic events that you couldn’t get out of your mind (like embarrassing incidents, financial problems, or death of a loved one). Stress, anxiety, excitement, and nervousness may contribute to insomnia.

Physical impediments may also cause insomnia. You have to see your doctor to determine if you’re suffering from any illness. Heart problems or medication may cause sleeplessness.

The food that you intake may also be a factor contributing to insomnia. Don’t take anything that has caffeine in it. This includes coffee, chocolate, and tea. Check the food you eat and trash those that contain caffeine. The same goes with alcohol and nicotine. Like caffeine, these are stimulants that help to keep your mind awake. Alcohol does help induce sleep, but it doesn’t give you a GOOD night’s sleep because of certain compounds it contains that keep some organs (like your stomach) active.

Don’t engage in any exercise too close to bedtime because it increases heart rate, akin to making you excited, and in effect making you unable to fall asleep.

Make sure that everything is nice and quiet by the time you get to bed. Find a bed that you’re comfortable sleeping in. Turn out the lights to help you sleep better.

Stop looking at that clock! You will get stressed out if you do, and it could keep you awake even longer. It would be better if the clock is nowhere near your bed. If you need an alarm clock, turn its face away from you.

Some people actually find some sounds to be helpful in lulling them to sleep. A droning sound that goes on and on, like the whirring of the electric fan or the air conditioner, can help filter out irritating sounds like the noise of horns honking in the night.

Set your room to a temperature that makes you comfortable enough to fall asleep.

Decide on your sleeping schedule and stick with it. Even if you have work and it entails different shifts, stick to a schedule that you could follow most of the time.

Don’t take too many naps because it reduces the likelihood of you falling asleep right away at night.

Don’t keep on complaining about not being able to sleep. It just makes you stressed out. Relax. Have a nice warm bath to relax and soothe your body. Try herbal remedies. You could also attend therapy sessions that help relax your body, like meditation. Sex is another great cure. The main purpose is for you to relax enough to fall asleep.

These are some tips to get rid of insomnia. You shouldn’t ignore the consequences brought about by insomnia because it produces stress and negatively affects your health. Try out these methods, and have pleasant dreams!

Night Eating Syndrome and Sleep Walking

2008-12-16T00:09:00.001-08:00

Eating while sleeping? It’s probably a disorder.

Has this happened to you?

You woke up one morning, and you found that there were wrappers of candy bar all over your kitchen. Incidentally, your stomach aches and you see that you had chocolate smudges all over your hands and face. Your parents or your husband tells you that you are up all night long eating, but surprisingly, you don’t recall that you did so. Your parents or your husband seemed serious telling you that you actually ate all those chocolates. Is there an inside joke?

Probably not, In fact, the symptoms show that you probably have a night eating syndrome.

Night eating syndrome, also known as sleep-related eating, is considered by medical doctors as a parasomnia. It is not a frequent sleepwalking type. People suffering from this disorder have experiences of recurrent eating episodes while asleep, without actually being aware that they are actually doing it. This nocturnal eating syndrome might happen most of the time that it would show significant gain in your weight. Although this disorder can affect people in all ages and sexes, the sleep-related eating affects young women more than men.

What is night eating disorder?

Also known as nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder or NS-RED, night eating disorder is not an eating problem strictly speaking. It is known as a sleep disorder type that enables people to eat while seemingly asleep. While sleeping, they could eat while in bed, or in some cases, roaming around the house or staying at the kitchen.

The people suffering from this disorder are not conscious during NS-RED episodes. That is why night eating disorder is always related to sleepwalking. Being asleep, they do not know that they eat and cannot recall any incident of eating the night before. If at all, they can only remember in fragments. The NS-RED episode more or less occurs somewhere in a state between sleep and wakefulness.

When people suffering from night eating disorder learn that they have such a problem, they feel ashamed and embarrassed. Some, even with evidence presented by his or her family members, deny that they did that. They cannot believe that they could do such a thing and cannot admit to themselves that they could not control themselves.

The food consumed during the disorder periods are most likely to be high-sugar, high-fat food that people usually avoid when they’re awake. In some cases, there are those who eat bizarre food combinations, such as raw bacon partnered with mayonnaise, or hotdogs being dipped in a peanut butter. Some even eat non-food items such as soap in the same way they slice cheese.

How can you get NS-RED?

According to recent statistics, about three to nine people or about one to three percent of the total population are most likely to be affected by the disorder, with up to 15 percent of those who have eating disorders affected by night eating disorder.

Many of those affected by the syndrome diet (or at least try to) during the day, leaving them hungry and very weak to binge eating during the night when their control to achieve weight loss gets weakened by sleep. Some people have medical histories of drug abuse, alcoholism, and other sleep disorders such as restless legs, sleep apnea, and sleep walking. They often get tired upon waking up due to fragmented sleep. Many NS-RED cases seem to run along family lines.

How can you eat and unable to remember doing so?

Actually, that could really happen. While research on this disorder is still not that comprehensive, there is a high probability that there are parts of the brain that are truly sleeping even though some parts stay wide awake. Also asleep are the parts that regulate your waking consciousness, so it is no wonder that you cannot remember any memories of gorging on food on the night before.

Is NS-RED curable? What should you do if you have it?

Thank god, treatment is available for your night eating disorder. Treatment starts with a medical interview as well as spending a night or two in a good sleep-disorders center where you brain activity can be monitored. Medication is sometimes helpful, but you should avoid taking sleeping pills as they can aggravate your sleep disorder by adding to the clumsiness and confusion upon waking up and may cause you injury as can regular use of these pills.

Yes, there is treatment. It begins with a clinical interview and a night or two at a sleep-disorders center where brain activity is monitored. Sometimes medication is helpful, but sleeping pills should be avoided. They can make matters worse by increasing confusion and clumsiness that can lead to injury. Regular use of sleeping pills can also lead you to dependency. It would be better that you ask a doctor on what medication to take.

Identifying the Types of Sleeping Disorder

2008-12-16T00:08:00.002-08:00

Sleep is one of the most essential ways to maintain a sound and normal health and lifestyle. Sleeping helps in keeping the body fit and healthy. However, sleep is not always normal for most people worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 50 million people suffer from different types of sleeping disorders every year. Although the number of sufferers continues to grow each year, medical experts and scientists do not really fully comprehend this type of physiological condition.

A normal amount of sleep varies according to a person’s needs, that also depend on a number of factors such as age. Babies are the ones who require the longest hours for sleeping, averaging from 16 to 18 hours of sleep. Adults, on the other hand, need seven to eight hours of sleep a day. According to the most recent sleep studies, adults who are over 60 years of age are the ones who are diagnosed to have sleeping disorders.

Today, there are nearly 70 types of sleeping disorders that are generally defined into three categories:

1. Disturbed sleep
2. Excessive sleep
3. Lack of sleep

Most sleep disorders are easily treated by means of various medical treatments if conditions are diagnosed correspondingly. Once a diagnosis is given by a doctor, the condition may be categorized either of the three types mentioned above.

1. Disturbed sleep

A disturbed sleeping condition is related to obstructive sleep apnea, which is known as an interrupted mode of breathing while an individual sleeps. This condition, which mostly triggers adults, may occur due to respiratory or neurological disorders. An individual diagnosed with this condition experiences loud snoring, thus, appearing that he or she is gasping for air. Apart from complications at the nasal passages, the obstructive sleep apnea may also occur due to obesity, alcoholism, and enlarged tonsils.

In sleep apnea, the sleeping cycle is disturbed or interrupted because the person needs to wake up at least 100 times each night to abate the muscles and resume breathing. As the amount of oxygen in the brain decreases, morning problems like headache may eventually occur. People who suffer from this sleep disorder are also susceptible to stroke and heart disease.

2. Excessive sleep

Narcolepsy is the most common condition under the excessive sleep disorder. In this condition, a person tends to have uncontrollable sleep patterns. The duration of abrupt sleep ranges from minutes to hours. Sleep attacks anytime, anywhere, thus, affecting an individual’s everyday activities, for he or she can fall asleep even while working.

Generally regarded as an inherited sleeping disorder, narcolepsy is also accounted to neurological and brain diseases. People who suffer from this sleeping disorder tend to tire easily and have hallucinations.

3. Lack of sleep

Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder that is defined as the inability to fall asleep. This condition is experienced by most individuals at some point in their lives. As insomnia significantly affects a person’s life, this condition generally results to stress, unbalanced diet, and emotional issues as sufferers worry and obsess about not getting enough amount of sleep.

The Importance of Proper Sleeping Patterns

2008-12-16T00:08:00.001-08:00

Sleeping is a regular habit and, in fact, a biological necessity. It is one of those things that people need to do in order to give the body and brain enough time to rest and rejuvenate. The typical sleeping positions would be to lie down with closed, preferably on a comfortable bed. A person who wants to get some sleep usually tries to minimize distractions and any loud noise that might prevent one having the right atmosphere for sleeping. During sleep, a person usually breathes in a slow and rhythmic pattern, with muscles completely relaxed. A few minutes or some hours after falling asleep, one would occasionally roll over or change body positions. This change in sleeping posture occurs around once or twice every hour. This can be the body's way of making sure that no part of the body or skin has its circulation cut off too long a period of time. Basically, a sleeping person is unconscious of the things that are happening around in the environment. But for some people, they may be getting lack of sleep due to several factors. Stress, fatigue, and worry may be some of the reasons why people do not get enough sleep.

A large European research firm was commissioned to investigate the causes and implications of sleep problems from a medical as well as from a social point of view. Since our environment is changing into a 24/7 society, people are now having less time to sleep. The research focuses on the role of sleep in the quality of life; in mood disorders and how it can affect performance, accident rates, and cardiovascular diseases. One group from the research investigated sleep patterns during a normal week. They found out that following sleep restriction to four hours per night, an individual's ability to perform complex tasks gradually decreased during the five days. Another group has shown ways in which the social context of everyday life has influences on sleep quality. Interviews with women in Italy show how women's sleep is disturbed by care giving roles, especially for elderly relatives. Large scale surveys from the study made the conclusion of strong social inequalities in sleep problems with poorer sleep recorded for people living in disadvantaged social situations, such as low income or low educational attainment. This research study also suggests that disturbed sleep patterns thoroughly interferes with our well being and the interaction with the environment. The study clearly revealed age-related changes in the impairment of constant cautious attention after one night without sleep. This particular finding is consistent with epidemiological studies and has important implications for the prevention of accidents associated with loss of sleep or sleep problems.

Sleep studies such as this can open up new thoughts with regards to sleeping. Not all people pay great attention to sleep, much less sleep normally. Our society is changing, and sleep patterns change as well. A good night's sleep is essentially important for people who are active during the day, because sleep can recharge the body and give it some resting time. Most people need around seven to nine hours of sleep a night. This would be average, but can be subjective depending on the person himself. Improving sleep can be easy. By exercising regularly, it helps tire and relax one's body. Avoid caffeine after 4 p.m. and avoid stimulants like cigarettes, as well. Consuming alcohol disrupts the brain's normal patterns during sleep. By having a regular sleep pattern even on weekends, a person can really get a good night's sleep.

Trouble Sleeping? Why Not Ask Your Grannies!

2008-12-16T00:04:00.004-08:00

Sleep is a basic necessity of life. It is as important to our health and well-being as air, food, and water. When we sleep well, we wake up feeling refreshed, alert, and ready to face daily challenges. When we don't, every part of our lives can suffer. Our jobs, relationships, productivity, health and safety. Those around us are also put at risk. Definitely, excessive loss of sleep or sleep disorders take a serious toll on one's productivity and quality of life.

According to the 2002 National Sleep Foundation (NSF), a recent poll on sleeoing in America found that 74 percent of American adults are experiencing a sleeping problem a few nights a week or more; and that 39% get less than seven hours of sleep each weeknight. The statistics also show that more than one in three Americans or 37% of respondents are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities.

In the past century that was relatively less stressful compared with the average schedule of a worker, the number of hours of lost sleep grew steadily. Though our society has changed and evolved our lives into a more complex and rigorous task, our brains and bodies have not adjusted to those changes. Based on health and productivity statistics, sleep deprivation is affecting us all and we are paying the high price.

Though a lot of us have suffered from sleep deprivation, as every sleep researcher knows, the surest way to hear complaints about sleep is to ask the elderly. More than half of men and women over the age of 65 years complain of at least one sleep problem. Many older people experience insomnia and other sleep difficulties on a regular basis.

As we get older, our sleep patterns change. In general, older people sleep less and experience more fragmented sleep. They also spend less time in deep sleep and dream sleep than younger people. There are several factors that may contribute to these sleep disorders, namely:

ท Poor Sleep Habits

ท Medical Illness

ท Medications

ท Depression or Psychiatric Disorders

ท Sleep Disorders such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder
ท Retirement and Boredom

Irregular sleep-wake patterns can affect an individual's circadian rhythm and make it hard to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Other behavioral issues, such as consumption of alcohol before bedtime, increased wakeful time in bed, or daytime napping, can also affect a person's ability to sleep. Certain chronic medical conditions are common in older people. Some of these conditions, including heart failure, arthritis, heartburn, menopause and Alzheimer's disease, can affect sleep. These conditions can make it hard to fall sleep or may cause the person to awaken frequently. This will ultimately affect the duration and the quality of sleep of the elderly. Some medications may impair a person's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep and may even stimulate wakefulness at night.

Old age is characterized by many life-events, both positive and negative. Life changes such as the death of a loved one, moving from a family home, or physical limitations due to illness can cause significant stress and sleep difficulties. Retirement often leads to a lot of downtime with less daytime activity and can lead to an irregular sleep-wake schedule and chronic sleep problems.

Every person's sleep needs are different. If one is getting less sleep than when they were younger, but still feel rested and energetic during the day, it might just be that the person need less sleep. However, if a person noticed that lack of sleep is affecting his or her daytime activities, a visit to the doctor is essential. There are steps that can take to improve a person's sleep quality, whatever age we might be, but help is most especially needed among the elderly.

Unconventional Yet Effective Sleep Aids

2008-12-16T00:04:00.003-08:00

Sleep is one of those universal things that can't be avoided. Sleep is an integral component of a human being's physical and

mental health, so it isn't really shocking that there are so many sleep aids out in the market nowadays. However, for those

who prefer to take a more naturalistic approach to the whole thing, there are also sleep aids that don't involve the use of

modern pharmaceutical products. Indeed, human beings have been having trouble sleeping since the dawn of human civilization –

perhaps longer, some evolutionary scientists believe. So it isn't really a surprise that some of the less conventional sleep

aids people use are truly ancient secrets.

Valerian is an herb that has literally centuries of herbal lore and anecdotal evidence testifying its effectiveness.

Naturally, that much knowledge is enough to bring it to the attention of modern science, but does not serve as proof that it

works. However, modern medical science has found that this particular herb does act as an effective aid for people with sleep

problems. Nobody is quite sure how the herb works at the moment, but most experts attribute Valerian's effectiveness to the

possibility that it works the same way modern pharmaceutical sleeping pills work. In other words, the herb may have an effect

on the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.

Kava, while better known as an herbal treatment for cases of anxiety, has also been listed as part of a long line of

alternative herbal sleep aids. Similar to Valerian, no one is entirely sure how kava helps people get to sleep, but there are

theories that have been considered scientific and credible. However, it should be noted that kava is known to have side

effects associated with its use, particularly on the liver. It has been noted by the Food and Drug Administration that kava

can cause severe damage to the liver, especially if it is taken in the form of a dietary supplement. According to their

reports and records, roughly 25% of all kava users have suffered from some form of liver damage. Four of those cases required

transplants of new livers, according to the FDA.

Relaxation is perhaps the oldest and most natural of all sleep aids, though more and more people are having difficulty

achieving a state of relaxation. Even in this arena, there are more than a few ancient (and not so ancient) secrets that can

help someone get to sleep. Yoga and meditation have both been known to have excellent relaxing effects on both the mind and

body, with the former having some exercises and positions that are particularly effective at putting people to sleep. For

centuries, Zen meditation has been used by the Japanese to help themselves get to sleep, though the methods that are used to

increase environmental and conceptual awareness are more popular outside of the Far East. Visualizing relaxing scenery is a

more modern trick that is stereotypically suggested by psychologists that, if done properly, could actually work.

Diet can also play a role in helping someone get to sleep. Certain components in food like sugar can make it difficult to get

to sleep. At the same time, there are also some nutrients and foods that can help a person get to sleep faster. Among the

more popular of these is magnesium, which is a natural sedative. Some vegetables, almonds, legumes, molasses, whole grains,

and brewer's yeast are all known to contain enough magnesium to serve as dietary sleep aids.

Need Help To Sleep? - Try a Memory Foam Mattress

2008-12-16T00:04:00.001-08:00

Ever woken up feeling that because you have tossed and turned all night, you really don't want to get up and start the day with a smile? The reason might be that your body can't relax as it can't find a comfortable position, one that is supportive in all the right places such as knees, hip, waist and neck. One solution to this problem is to change to a memory foam mattress - however this is an expensive option, so how about trying a memory foam pillow or mattress topper in the first instance?

Memory foam was developed for NASA in the 1970's to provide comfortable support for astronauts at take off and landing, it didn't come into its own as a consumer product until the 1990's. Since then the market has expanded and is now the fastest growing segment, endorsed by clinicians in the relief of back pain and pressure sores. Although the first manufacturer was Tempur-Pedic ฎ and used mainly in medical settings, the company soon heard that patients who used the foam, slept better, and they expanded the manufacture to sell to the consumer market. Since then other manufacturers have developed their own memory foam products and the largest supplier would now appear to be China and the Far East.

So, how does it give you help to sleep? Memory foam is visco-elastic which means that it responds to temperature change by becoming more pliable when it is warm and harder the colder it gets. That means your body warmth softens the immediate area of foam and moulds to your shape. Word of warning - with the cheaper, lower density foams, when the real cold sets in, the foam becomes as hard as a board or it might turn into soft goo on hot summer nights! The more expensive brands specifically state their consistent performance through a wide temperature range.

Still not sure? Although a memory foam mattress might be the ultimate goal, why not try a foam pillow or a memory foam pad in the first instance. Most manufacturer's offer a selection of products and the better ones will offer a trial period and longer guarantees too so that if the product doesn't suit, you can hand it back.

What should you look for? There are differences in mattress construction so it is as well to find out from the retailer how they are put together and which would suit you best. Rule of thumb - mattresses can either have three or four inches of memory foam over a denser supportive core. For help to sleep, more depth isn't necessarily right either as you might sink in too far before reaching the core! Tummy sleepers should purchase 2 inch (5cm approx.) foam, side sleepers and medium sized people should buy a foam memory mattress with three inch (7.5cm approx) foam and large/heavy people or back sleepers should buy the four inch (10cm approx).

The advantages are clear - what about disadvantages ….. the reason memory foam was not used by NASA? Foam is a man-made product that gives off gases when new. This wears off in a very short space of time with ventilation, but could have been a hazard in a space capsule! Nevertheless, if you are sensitive to this type of gas, you should think about finding a natural product like a foam latex mattress.

Although it is recommended that you try out memory foam mattresses in a local shop, it is more cost effective to buy online.

Mild Sleep Disorders Eased by Melatonin Sleep Aid

2008-12-16T00:03:00.002-08:00

Technology has truly made the world smaller. Because of it, we can now do business 365 days a year, anytime and anywhere we may be. Traveling by airplane is as easy as getting into your car and going for a drive. Unfortunately, this comes with a price. As we continue to live our lives in a world that no longer sleeps, more and more people are suffering from mild forms of sleep disorder. Because life for some has become a constant struggle to juggle the demands of an increasingly stressful and demanding schedule, sleep disorders can affect anyone regardless of age. Among those that suffer the most are shift workers, parents with both careers and young children, students, frequent travelers, and those who are working in the airline industry.

A sleep disorder, however mild, can cause potentially serious complications in any person's health largely because it adversely affects the body's immune system and leaving us vulnerable to illness. It also has emotional, mental, and psychological effects on a person who is sleep deprived, with behaviors ranging from irritability, loss of concentration and even depression. Sleep disorders can be dangerous for people who are driving or operating machinery because they may fall asleep suddenly or lose their concentration, causing an accident in the process.

Because of the health risks posed by sleep disorders, those who suffer from them often turn to medication as a means of relieving their sleeplessness. Although these drugs are effective and safe, some of them can be addictive, causing both physical and psychological dependence. Also, taking sleeping pills regularly for a mild sleep disorder or for jet lag can be overkill and cause more harm than good. This form of treatment does cause some side effects and may lose its efficacy with prolonged use. Coupled with the trend towards holistic, complimentary and alternative medicine, researchers began searching for other, more natural treatment options for mild sleep deprivation. This lead them to melatonin, a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is a hormone produced in the pineal gland at the base of the brain, and has been shown to play a major part in regulating sleep and in maintaining the circadian rhythm or the body clock. Melatonin also helps control the timing and release of female reproductive hormones by playing a part in determining when menstruation begins, the frequency and duration of menstrual cycles, and when menstruation ends (menopause).

Since the mid-1990s, melatonin sleep aid supplements were sold over the counter, and have become increasingly popular among those who are frequently jet lagged and those with mild sleep disorders. Most people who take these supplements report a decreased amount of time required to fall asleep, and increased number of sleeping hours and daytime alertness. Others also report waking up feeling refreshed and full of energy.

Although it may cause some side effects, these are all reversible and will be eased if melatonin sleep aid supplements are discontinued or the dose reduced. Among these side effects are changes in blood vessels that may affect blood flow, reduced sperm count, lowering of the body's temperature (hypothermia), stomach problems, headache, depression, morning grogginess, and vivid dreams. It is not recommended for children, pregnant women, people who are driving or operating heavy machinery, and people with pre-existing conditions who are currently taking medication. Melatonin sleep aid supplements regularly, this should be done with the guidance of a medical practitioner. But with certain lifestyle changes, a good diet, regular exercise and a regular sleep schedule, it can be a great way to ease a mild sleep disorder.

May You Rest And Sleep

2008-12-16T00:03:00.001-08:00

Did you know that a third of your life is actually spent in sleeping? And did you know that the amount of energy saved everytime you sleep is so unsubstantial? Getting the normal eight hours of sleep only amounts to about 50 kilo calories, or what is equivalent to the energy that can be had for eating a piece of toast. If that is the case, what then is the fuss about getting enough sleep in order for our body to have a chance to recharge and recuperate from its daily activities?

“Why do we sleep?” is a question that has eluded many scientists and researchers for many centuries. Until now, they still cannot give a definite answer as to why we sleep. All they could offer is the fact that sleep is absolutely essential in maintaining the normal and healthy function of our brains. We have to sleep in order to develop normal levels of cognitive skills such as speech, memory, innovative and flexible thinking.

A better way to understand the significance of sleep would be to ask the question, “What happens if we don't sleep?” Now, we can come up with several answers to this question based on our very own experiences.

Lack of Sleep

Most people exhibit unpleasant behavior such as being sluggish, irritable, grouchy, and forgetful when they don't get enough sleep. Obviously, lack of sleep has serious effects on our brain functions. Sleep deprivation results in the inability to focus and concentrate, or having a shorter attention span compared to when we are fully rested. Inadequacy of sleep impairs certain parts of the brain that are responsible for the control of our cognitive functions, our ability to respond to stimuli, in making decisions and rational judgments. But lack of sleep is not only a matter of having an “off day”, or being irritable, or lacking energy. Who would have thought that lack of sleep can be a contributory factor attributed to a number of disastrous events such as the Chernobyl Nuclear Tragedy and the Challenger Shuttle Explosion? Sleep deprivation, when taken to the extreme, can lead to human error and catastropic consequences.

Sleep Disorder

Sleep deprivation weakens or slows down our cognitive functions. It poses very serious risks to our mental, emotional and physical health.

But what causes lack of sleep in the first place?

Disorders such as insomia and sleep apnea have been the leading causes of sleep deprivation. These conditions have been associated with stress, obesity and high blood pressure, among others.

Sleeping Pills

Due to the serious consequences of sleep deprivation, an equally serious thought should be given to the need to manage our sleeping habits and the various factors that influence our bedtime behavior. Once you have exhausted all means and tips to get a good night's sleep such as avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, or relaxing before bedtime --- you may need to take another step, this time, towards the option of medication. If sleep remains elusive inspite of the dozens of techniques you've used, taking sleeping pills may already be a good option for you to consider. Sleeping pills are sedative drugs which are used to relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and even muscle tension by slowing down the central nervous system. This medication is nothing new and dates back many centuries when opiate laudanum, barbituates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiapines were introduced. There are several over-the-counter sleeping pills available in the market. These medications may not carry the same risks of drug dependency and sleeping pill overdose as other products released decades ago. However, certain medical conditions such as liver and kidney problems may have adverse reaction with the use of the current crop of sleep-inducing drugs. Frequency of use may influence the effectivity of the medication. Caution and proper consultation with a physician is strongly advised. Some side-effects of sleeping pills are dizziness and prolonged drowsiness. It may also cause dry mouth, severe allergic reaction, facial swelling, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, rash, nausea, vomiting, depression, reduced interest in sex, chest pain, sleep-driving, over-eating, blurred vision, and low-blood pressure.
All of us deserve to find quality rest and relaxation that only sleep can provide. The easiest way to start getting that rest is by sticking to a regular sleeping habit and by practicing a healthy lifestyle. Living a good life is not just about the fun and excitement of activities done while you are awake. Living a good life also means having enough time in the sack.

Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie

2008-12-16T00:02:00.002-08:00

Everybody needs to sleep. This is a fact that cannot be contested. Sleep slows the body down, putting every major component of the body into a more relaxed state. This is also acknowledged as a medical fact. People dream while they're asleep and, in theory, animals may also experience dream-like scenarios. Despite the fact that most people can't remember them, this too can be confirmed medically. However, aside from all of the above listed effects (and side effects), what exactly does sleeping do for a person? That is slightly less certainly known, which is probably the reason so many institutions and research programs are delving deep into the scientific facts behind sleep.

The natural growth hormones that the body needs to develop are produced in large quantities during sleep. This has often been seen as the explanation for why people who don't sleep too much often end up being slightly shorter than their peers. These hormones are produced at their peak during puberty and tend to cease production afterwards. People are still unsure why the body produces more of it during sleep. There are some that theorize that this is merely a part of the side effects of sleep, of sorts, arguing that the body is too busy coordinating itself to really produce growth hormones. However, this assumption is rather arguable because the body is still coordinating the same systems during sleeping hours as it is during the waking hours.

According to recent studies, sleep may have appreciable effects on lifespan and well-being. People who experience extreme bouts of sleep deprivation eventually suffer a degenerative state of physical health, with prolonged lack of sleep becoming lethal. It is still uncertain exactly why this is the case, though the fact that this can happen is not being disputed. Research shows that people who have been deprived of sleep for long periods of time physically wither away. According to some findings, the mind is also heavily affected, with anxiety and depression being potential effects of over-extended waking hours. This is often attributed to the disruption of the usual production and flow of the central nervous system's biochemical agents, which regulate mood and emotional stability, among other things.

The nervous system suffers from sleep deprivation as well, according to some recent findings. People who do not sleep regularly tend to have unstable moods and poor reflexes. In most cases, alertness and environmental awareness tend to be compromised, often to the point that even simple tasks can require more concentration than normal to perform properly. The part of the brain that controls reflex and motor functions is not the only part that suffers, as the areas that are believed to govern actions during social situations are also known to be compromised. Currently, there is no certainty as to just what happens during sleep that causes this, but there are several theories.

There are other sleep-related theories being tested, such as what biological purpose dreams serve, but they are considered less of a concern. Some findings even point to the possibility that the natural state of the human body (and, indeed, any animal body) is to be asleep, rather than awake. It is rather surprising that sleep, something that is so integral and critical to preserving human health, is so little understood by medical science.

Circadian Rhythms Disorders and Sleep Phase Syndrome

2008-12-16T00:02:00.001-08:00

Sleep forms part of human’s biological need to rest. As a person sleeps, the various physiological processes of a human body figuratively put into an apparent arrest and some parts of our system that were mostly exploited can be replenished for future use.

However, imagine a system so disrupted that our normal scheduling for sleeping and waking is totally altered. Some people tend to sleep early and wake up early in the morning and some cannot sleep early and as a consequence, wakes up late.

These and other sleep-related problems are manifestations of a malfunctioning biological circadian clock and characterize several forms of Circadian Rhythm Syndrome. Circadian activity is a unique by 24-hour period or cycles in which our body is physically patterned.

24-hour vs. 25-hour cycle

Earth rotates around the sun in a 24-hour cycle, so as our body functions in this 24-hour time schedule. All living organisms charismatically subscribe to this cyclic resting and activity patterns so that their body could function in sync with the environment in which they live.

Although humans externally operate under a 24-hour environment, research found that our body clocks evidently works significantly different than what we see in the environment.

It shows that the human body closely behaves as if it were under a 25-hour environment. Convincingly, humans’ reluctance to wake up at a required time and sleeping late at night probably explains this theory.

To compensate for this discrepancy, the body uses time “cues” to effectively counter-manage this asynchronous rhythmical. Setting an alarm helps us wake up at a designated time of the day and allows us to function as if it were under the 24-hour rhythmic schedule.

Dark vs. Light

Light and temperature provides the determining factor by which the body responds to the 24-hour activity period. The presence or absence of light mainly affects the part of the brain, which paces your bodily activities.

It was understood that the fundamental locus or location of our biological clock is the brain specifically in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus.

In complex animals like humans, hypothalamus forms part of the autonomous nervous system, which in part, controls the functions of organs that are not voluntarily controlled, hence involuntary. Involuntary, meaning, they are not governed by conscious will to act. These include breathing, heartbeat and intestinal digestion.

Eyes, Light and SCN

One interesting point to make is that the location of SCN is just above the optic chiasma (cross). Optic chiasma can is described as a location where optic nerve fibers meet and cross (chiasma-cross).

It is fitting to say that; the perception of light through the opening in the eyes triggers the wake/sleep patterns in humans since this is one way the organism receives such physical message.

As retina (a portion of the eye where initial image of an object is stored) traps light rays, an optic fiber relays the image to the brain via characteristic electrical pulses.

This unique sensory impulse is carried along the optic fibers to the occipital lobe (rear part) of the brain and is perceived as images. The proximity of the optic chiasma to the SCN perhaps provides the opportunity for the hypothalamus to “sense” the referred electrical impulses.

Forms of Circadian Rhythms Syndrome/Disorders

Circadian Rhythm defects can come many distinct forms depending on the amount and timing of waking up and sleeping. Others, as in the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), result in the changes in the length of day and night.

People who tend to sleep at a later time of the day and wake up late as well are said to be exhibiting Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). These people tend to develop insomnia, an abnormal inability to take adequate amount of sleep due to not being able to sleep at the right time of the night.

Still, other people, especially the elderly, are more likely to sleep early around 7:00 PM and consequently wake up early around 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM. This is a symptom of disrupted natural biological rhythms known as Familial Advanced Sleep-Phase Syndrome (FASPS).

The amount of a substance called melatonin is also perceived as a motivating factor in sleep-related disorders in humans. In a study among vertebrate mammals, melatonin is secreted in response to the absence of light.

This means more melatonin is secreted in the period of darkness and less in the presence of light. It presupposes the idea that melatonin is related to the 24-hour sleep/wake cycle of every human being.

Recommendations

With the knowledge gained in the preceding discussion, it can be assumed that the presence and absence of light affects our sleeping/waking schedule. With these in mind, keep yourself committed to your schedule to rest and sleep and set aside things, which are not really important.

Keep your room as dark and gloomy as possible, to make it easy for you to sleep. Colorful objects stimulate your senses and disrupt sleep. Keep it ventilated and air-conditioned.

Studies show that as we sleep, our body temperature drops and allows the neurotransmitter melatonin to be produced at a rapid pace.

Keep those things in mind and do not forget to seek medical help should your condition progresses.

It's Snooze or Lose! Not Snooze and Lose | Good Nights Sleep

2008-12-14T22:42:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the sleepless 21st century. Somewhere in your busy schedule you make time to get to the gym, eat healthy and buy/take your supplements. However as the old saying goes "a chain is only strong as it weakest link" applies to your weight loss and bodybuilding efforts as well. Learn how a good nights sleep can be your best bodybuilding/weight loss supplement.

Do not let your training program fail because you don’t get adequate sleep. What is adequate sleep? This will vary by individual, but most likely you will need eight plus hours to be fully rested. If you are waking up with the help of an alarm (even worse, hitting the snooze button a dozen times), you aren’t getting enough sleep.

There are many general health benefits that can be obtained from simply getting a good night's sleep. A huge one is better cardiovascular health - sleep deprivation has been linked to a hardening of the arteries.

The importance of sleep is much higher for the person trying to gain muscle mass. Your body needs this rest to repair, rebuild and recover the muscle that your workouts have broken down. Sleep plays a vital role in protein synthesis and the release of growth hormone. Insufficient sleep affects growth hormone secretion that is linked to obesity; as the amount of hormone secretion decreases, the chance for weight gain increases. Remember that sleep is your number one bodybuilding supplement....and it's free!

Some supplements you might want to give a try to help improve sleep would be ZMA, GABA, Melatonin, GH enhancers and/or some testosterone boosters. These supplements have shown to help with getting to sleep, and to help establish healthy sleeping patterns. Sleep is vital and many studies have shown that we are simply not getting enough of it.

Do not drink anything right before bedtime. You do not want to consume water so you are not up all night running to the bathroom. You also do not want to consume any caffeine as it will be even harder to fall asleep. Caffeine shouldn’t be consumed at all within 5 hours of bedtime.

Sleep has been proven time and time again to be very important in many aspects of your life. Lack of it can be very hard to make up for later. Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise, but studies have shown that most people have sleep as a much lower priority. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. It will lead to a much better day as you are fully recovered and can better concentrate. Life itself overall benefits greatly on proper sleeping habits

Don’t let lack of sleep slow down the results you work so hard for in the gym.

Make Your Own HGH - While You Sleep!

2008-12-14T22:41:00.005-08:00

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has long been viewed as a remedy for aging and the diseases associated with the aging process. Research published in the AMA Journal of August 16, 2000 links sleep disorders to a lack of HGH.

In an article on research undertaken at the University of Chicago, headed by Professor Eve van Cauter, published in the August 16, 2000 AMA Journal, a link was found between the sleep disorders in 149 men aged between 16 and 83 and the lack of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in their blood.

This lack of HGH was found to be a possible cause of "middle age spread" in the test subjects, and they theorized that the lack of HGH in older persons was a reason for the typical build up of fat and the loss of muscle mass.

HGH is produced naturally in the body, particularly at night during deep or slow wave sleep, and this component of sleep in the men was found to decrease from 20% for men 25 years or younger when their HGH levels were highest, to 5% for those over 35. By the age of 45, the research found that the men had almost lost the ability to fall into a deep sleep once they had awakened during the night. It found that by 50 years, the amount of sleep had declined by 27% a decade. They also established that growth hormone secretion decreased by 75% over this period.

There was nothing to link the reduction in sleep to a lack of HGH - this research showed a counter link - that less HGH was produced by the body because of less deep sleep.

How Deep Is Your Sleep?

Research shows that deep sleep is dependent on "the state of the person as they enter into the sleep period" - or in other words, how relaxed and safe someone is as they go to bed at night.

Unfortunately, people in the 1st World suffer from high to very high underlying stress levels at all times and this influences of course the systems of the body as it enters the sleep cycles.
To put it simply, the body cannot distinguish between feeling anxious because there are 12 mountain lions just outside the front door and an unpaid bill or fear of redundancy, being nervous about upcoming events or worried for a relative.
As a result, it will naturally go into emergency mode - the lighter states of sleep which allow for rest but the person remains very aware of outside influences, noises and movements and wakes up immediately when there is any disturbance, bright aware and ready for action.

This of course is a most useful safety device where mountain lions are concerned; however, it was never devised for constant use, a lifetime's worth of worry and anxiety about all manner of things which basically *never ceases at all*.

As worries and anxieties and underlying fears are not resolved but tend to increase, one piling on top of the next and new ones being added as the years go by, sleep disturbances increase and HGH levels decrease in turn, making it harder still to find balanced states of mind and body and a sense of security *within one's own self* which are the pre-requisites for deep sleep - and more HGH production.

Sleeping Without Fear

Now, and although the title of the article concerns the topical HGH, there are of course all kinds of reasons beyond this why sleeping deeply is so important.

There are a great many reasons for sleep disturbances and if in doubt, of course medical opinions should be sought; clearly however, being unable to enter the deep, slow wave sleep states because of underlying anxiety, fear and stress is the most common problem, affecting a large part of the population in many different ways.

So how can we go to sleep without fear?

Ananga Sivyer, author of "The Art & Science of Emotional Freedom", says, "I am sure that many sleep disturbances have their root in childhood and child rearing. Simply put, children are not designed to be left on their own, unguarded, when they are young and vulnerable. Already then, being unable to relax deeply and profoundly becomes the normal order of things and it just gets worse from there."

As this is primarily a direct physiological set of responses in reaction to perceived vulnerability from the environment, there are a number of techniques to help adults regain a sense of safety.

Mind Control & Meditation Techniques

Although these can do little about existing "background anxiety", these kinds of techniques can at least relax the body enough so that medium deep sleep with some incidences of deep wave sleep can be achieved. In turn, if this is happening regularly, a "virtuous cycle" begins to develop whereby the slightly increased vitality and overall functioning of the body's system begin to alleviate some of the background anxiety in turn.

A simple and very useful example is to turn one's focus from the problems of the day to imagining a guardian of some kind being present who will protect the sleeper; this may be a person they might know and trust or a guardian angel, a spirit animal or any type of being or creature which will perform the "guarding service" for the sleeper so they may really go deep and leave their body indeed, vulnerable and unable to respond immediately to outside stimuli for a time whilst they are in deep wave sleep.

There are many useful articles on how to prepare and slowly remove oneself from the stresses and stressors of the day available; also many other meditation and mind control techniques to "calm the thoughts in the moment".

The core component is to remember that the sleeper will need to feel safe and protected - what exactly needs to be done to make this so is essentially idiosyncratic and different for different people.

The other avenue in order to achieve the healing deep wave sleep states is to begin to deal with the "background anxiety" - the main fears and worries that underlie everything else.

A great many people are quite unaware of their own "background anxiety" and how high this actually is. This may be a good time to point out that everyone has this, and it is not a question of strength of character, being a coward or even unusual in either men, children or women in the 1st World.

There is an excellent range of meridian based self help techniques available today which calm emotions and remove fears and anxiety by working with the human energy system rather than in the old fashioned psycho-analytical way; all of these are gentle and userfriendly and highly recommended (see Resources).

In Conclusion

All the seemingly miraculous effects of artificial HGH treatments, from weightloss, better condition, more energy and a better functioning immune system can be had quite naturally when we put ourselves in a position where we can begin to produce natural amounts of our own HGH again.

For this, we need to sleep - not a lot, but deeply. And in order to sleep deeply, we need to target particularly anxiety, stress and fear, both at bedtime as well as our own individual every day "background anxiety" levels.

When we do this with the help of the many useful new mind and body techniques available, we will reap not only all the advertised HGH benefits, but we will do so naturally, in accordance with our own bodies and without fear of having to pay the price of the side effects later. In the contrary, we are setting up a virtuous cycle of healing and improvement in our physical and mental functions.

Understanding how important it is to acknowledge, find and treat our fears and anxieties WILL put a great many things to rights - and without complicated diets, additional supplements or unnatural exercise programmes.

Lose Your Sleep, Lose Your Mind

2008-12-14T22:41:00.003-08:00

Sleep is an essential requirement for sustaining human life. Nobody is entirely sure just how sleep works or what the body does while you're out, but it is known that depriving yourself of a full night's sleep can have unpleasant side effects. Sleep deprivation, sadly, is a growing problem in the modern world. Whether it is their schedule, the stress from work, or chronic pain, people are finding it more difficult to get a full night's (or day's) rest. The vast majority of people don't consider this to be a major problem, but that is only because they don't seem to fully grasp the potential dangers associated with a lack of sleep. Being deprived of sleep long enough can actually be fatal. But surely, even short-term deprivation can have consequences on the mind and body.

Decreased alertness and reflexes are the first signs that someone hasn't been getting enough sleep. As side effects go, most people don't really pay much attention to this. For the most part, people who experience this problem tend to think that a couple of cups of coffee throughout the day can compensate. However, sluggish and slow behavior can have consequences on one's personal and professional performance, even if caffeine is taken to compensate. The impaired environmental awareness and the reduced ability to react to things quickly enough is just the first of many potential side effects.

Sleep deprivation can be very hazardous to a person's mental health, particularly if the lack of sleep is chronic. Psychiatric conditions are among the potential consequences of not getting enough sleep, with conditions such as depression and anxiety often being used as examples. Cognitive abilities and perception are also impaired, such that some people who haven't gotten enough sleep are reported to have experienced brief psychotic episodes. Emotional stability may also suffer if the lack of sleep is accompanied by other emotional factors, playing on the brain's already impaired ability to properly process stimuli from the environment and from other people.

According to studies, mammals that are rendered unable to sleep for prolonged periods tend to die from the loss of the ability to regulate their body temperature. While this has not been tested on humans, it is reasonable to assume that the same would occur if a person were to be prevented from sleeping for three weeks. A lack of sleep in connection with fatal familial insomnia can cause rapid degeneration of brain cells, though it is uncertain if fatalities are directly caused by the sleep deprivation or if it was caused by a related problem.

The immune system can also be impaired by a lack of sleep, making a person more susceptible to infection and disease. The cardiovascular system, which is believed to go into a more relaxed state during sleep, can be taxed during prolonged period without sleep. In some cases, three days without sleep can lead to a heart attack or heart failure. Blood pressure has also been known to go up due to lack of sleep, with some cases being reported where the pressure actually doubled. This, combined with the effects on mood and temperament, can do serious damage to a person's relationships.

Indeed, losing sleep is more than just being drowsy the morning after. If left unaddressed for such a long period of time, it could worsen and lead to the loss of not only sleep --- but of one's mind, as well.

The Tie That Binds Sleep And Sanity

2008-12-14T22:41:00.001-08:00

What is sleep?
All living things require sleep. It is the natural state of rest observed not only by human beings but also by other species of the animal kingdom. An adequate amount of sleep is important for one’s health and survival. It is during sleep that the body is recharged for another day of work.

Sleep has five stages. The first four stages are part of the non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) phase of sleep. The last stage is the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Stage one is the transition period from wake to sleep. Stage two is the intermediate level of sleep. Stages three and four are referred to as deep or slow wave sleep, with stage four as the deepest phase of sleep. The fifth stage of sleep, the REM stage, is the part of sleep where people have dreams. The term rapid eye movement was coined from the fast movement of the eyes during this phase of sleep.

Studies have been done to find a link between sleep and certain psychological conditions. It was found out that there are two sleeping difficulties that are related to psychiatric conditions. These are:
ท Insomnia. A sufferer with this sleeping condition has difficulty falling or remaining asleep. Insomniacs usually complain that sleep is never restful for them. This condition can be classified as acute or short-term, or chronic, wherein the condition lasts for over a month).
ท Hypersomnia. A patient who has this condition feels extremely sleepy throughout the day. Hypersomniacs usually sleep long during the night and still take multiple naps throughout the day. Even though patients sleep long, they are still complain that they are not refreshed.

What are the different psychological disorders related to sleeping problems?
As was mentioned above, sleeping disorders have been linked certain mental disorders. Here are some psychiatric conditions that are commonly related to having sleeping disorders.
ท Generalized anxiety disorder. A patient with this condition displays frequent patterns of worrying about things. Patients find it difficult to sleep because of the thoughts that swin inside their minds.
ท Panic disorder. A patient often experiences extreme fear and anxiety over something unexplainable. Sufferers of this condition usually wake up in the middle of the night and have difficulty going back to sleep.
ท Adjustment disorders. This is a condition wherein a person overreacts to any form of stress in their life. Patients with this disorder often complain of having insomnia.
ท Bipolar disorder. In this mental disorder, a sufferer feels periods of mania and depression alternately. Patients with this conditions are most often diagnosed with hypersomnia.

How are mental disorders linked to sleeping dysfunctions?
People who suffer from sleeping disorders sometimes show symptoms of their mental illness or that of the sleeping disorder itself. Here are some of the most noted signs:
ท Feelings of anxiety increase at bedtime.
ท Feels an inclination to staying in bed more often.
ท Fatigue or complete lack of energy.
ท Having a difficult time concentrating.
ท A tendency to fall asleep when in low-stimulation situations.
ท Feels disoriented when awakened.
ท Decreased appetite.
ท Gets easily irritated.
ท Memory impairment.

Recent studies have shown that brain movement noted with mental illnesses have been observed in healthy people who’ve been deprived of a night's worth of sleep. An increase in activity in the brain’s emotion center, the amygdala, was seen in patients who’ve been asked to miss a night’s rest. The same study noted that sleep deprivation affected the way the prefrontal cortex, which damps down the amygdala, reacts. The same disruption of prefrontal cortex function has been noted in patients with certain psychiatric disorders.

Sleep is not just a regular function that we need to engage in to rest our body. It doesn't only help our body recharge and heal, our mind’s health depends on it too. Your busy schedule and lifestyle may tell you that sleep is for the weak. But think of how much weaker a lack of sleep may turn you into.

The Sound Of Silence And The Agony Of Sleeplessness

2008-12-14T22:40:00.006-08:00

Most people use sleeping pills as a drug to relieve stress and anxiety, muscle tension, and insomnia. A sleeping pill is a prescription medication that helps a person fall asleep or at least remain asleep. There are two categories of sleeping aids sold in the U.S today: prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills. The prescription sleeping pills contains an active ingredient called Benzodiazepines and diazepam. Over-the-counter-sleeping pills can be bought without prescription and it contains antihistamines.

Sleeping pills have been around for centuries. The earliest form of sleeping aids were the herbal potions and the opiate laudanum. Barbiturates were later introduced in the early 1900's and this type of drug actually had 25,000 known compounds. However, barbiturates were eventually regulated due to its very addictive effects. Other sleeping pills being marketed today are known as sedatives, muscle relaxants, and nerve pills. These medications are often used for relief of depression, anxiety or those who have difficulties in sleeping. Difficulty in sleeping is caused by stress factors in life like the loss of a job, early retirement, the loss of loved ones, and financial problems.

Listed below are some of the known side-effects of sleeping pills:

drowsiness
lack of concentration
confusion
irritability
anxious
headache
nausea
constipation
blurred vision
dry mouth and throat

Other concerns related to the use of both over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills also include:

drug dependence
drug tolerance
interactions with other drugs
rebound insomnia
withdrawal symptoms

Even if there have been advances in terms of the manufacturing of sleeping pills, misuse can still lead to cases of sleeping pill overdose.

There are actually alternatives to the use of sleeping pills and tranquillizers. If you think that taking sleeping pills is not for you, these healthy and non-drug alternatives might just help you deal with your sleeping problems:

Drink warm milk
Take a hot water bath before you go to bed
Make your bed more comfortable
Avoid coffee, soft drinks and tea after 5 pm
Don't drink alcohol in the evening---it can keep you awake

However, if you really must use prescription sleeping pills, please make sure to follow these safety guidelines:

1.Do not take the sleeping pills when you are stressed out or have certain anxieties. Don't use it as an instant cure for your depression, loneliness, and other emotional problems.
2.Know your medication, how often you should take it , how long and if its safe to use it even if one is taking alcohol.
3.Do not keep on taking the medication if you find it that is not suitable for you.
4.Check with your doctor when you stop taking sleeping pills or tranquillizers.
5.Never share nor borrow medication.

The main purpose of taking sleeping aids or medications that induce sleep is to provide you some temporary relief from insomnia. It is not the long-term solution to sleeping problems. The resolution of your anxieties and other problems is the best sleep inducer you can take.

When Sleep Becomes an Age-Old Problem

2008-12-14T22:40:00.005-08:00

Over the past years, only a handful tried to question the prevailing wisdom that sleep starts to deteriorate in late middle age and steadily erodes from then on. Majority of sleep researchers believe that the best way to know more about sleep problems is to ask an elderly, and you will surely get a litany of complaints.

According to Dr. Michael Vitiello, a sleep researcher who is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington, “older people complain more about their sleep. They just do.”And for years, this has been the basis of most sleep scientists who thought they knew what was going on.

Recently, however, new findings are giving experts more reasons to have second thoughts and may lead many to change their minds about sleep as they know it. It came as surprise to them that sleep does not really change much from age 60 onwards. Research shows that sleep problems are not due to aging itself, but mostly caused by illnesses or the medications used to treat the elderly.

“The more disorders older adults have, the worse they sleep,” said Sonia Ancoli-Israel, a professor of psychiatry and a sleep researcher at the University of California, San Diego. “If you look at older adults who are very healthy, they rarely have sleep problems.”

Recent studies are proving that difficulties in sleeping can be traced back to poor health. One of the most common causes of sleep disruption is pain, and a restless night can make pain worse the next day. And when pain becomes worse, it follows that sleep becomes even more difficult. The situation becomes a vicious cycle common in people with conditions that tend to afflict the elderly, like back pain and arthritis.

Two parallel lines of research have brought up this new view in sleep problems. The first tried to find out what happened to sleep patterns when healthy people grew old. The second sought to discover the relationship between sleep and pain. In order to find out what really happens with aging, Dr. Vitiello and some investigators, chose to study a group of elderly who reported no sleep problems. The group actually make up half of the people who are over 65 years old.
The group were not really spared by age-related changes in sleep. In fact, their sleep turned out to be different from sleep in young people. The group of elderly said that their sleep were lighter, more often disrupted by brief awakenings, and shorter by a half hour to an hour. The reason for these, according to Dr. Vitiello, was that the age-related changes in sleep patterns might not be an issue in themselves. Something else was making people complain about their sleep.
Another question Dr. Vitiello and his colleagues also asked was that what normally happened to sleep over the life span. It had long been known that sleep changes, but no one had systematically studied when those changes occurred or how pronounced they were in healthy people.
The results based on the analysis of 65 sleep studies, which included 3,577 healthy subjects ages 5 to 102 once again surprised the team of experts. Most of the sleep pattern changes occurred with people between the ages of 20 and 60. In comparison with teenagers and young adults, healthy middle-aged and older people slept a half hour to an hour less each night, they woke up a bit more often during the night, and their sleep was lighter. But to those who were above 60, there was no remarkable change in sleep, at least in people who were healthy.
Changes in sleep during adulthood were subtle. Middle-aged and older people, for example, would fall asleep without much difficulty. The only change in sleep latency, as it is called, came out when the investigators compared latency at the two extremes, in 20- and 80-year-olds. The 80-year-olds took an average of 10 more minutes to fall asleep.
Contrary to their expectations, the investigators did not find any increase in daytime drowsiness among healthy older people. Even aging has no effect with the time it took for people to start dreaming after they fell asleep. However, the most significant change was the number of times people woke after having fallen asleep.
According to Dr. Donald Bliwise, a sleep researcher at Emory University, healthy young adults sleep 95 percent of the night. “They fall asleep,” he said, “and don’t wake up until the alarm goes off.” Healthy people are asleep 85 percent of the night when they reach the age of 60. Their sleep is disrupted by brief wakeful moments typically lasting about three to ten seconds.
Real sleep problems arise when people have conditions that make them wake up in the night, like sleep apnea, chronic pain, restless leg syndrome or urinary problems. What to expect and what to do about it will involve studies of the relationship of sleep to pain. There is no question that pain can disrupt sleep. What's more interesting is that a lack of sleep can somehow increase the sensation of pain.

To sleep is divine, to be deprive of sleep is disaster

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People’s lifestyles now a day are so fast-paced. Most are in the rat race. Busyness has ruled their lives. And because of this more and more people are having a hard time falling asleep or having sleeping deprivation. Lack of sleep can really affect a person's equilibrium and decreased productivity.

Usually, a person needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night in order for them to be mentally alert during the day. A good quality sleep is essential, proper rest is adds to a person's vigour. Aside of lost productivity of sleeplessness it can cause motor or vehicle accidents.

Getting enough sleep at night or taking naps in the afternoon can help prevent serious accidents. Consulting a physician is very important when signs of sleep disorder such as insomnia occur.

TYPES OF INSOMNIA

1. WAKING UP TOO EARLY
2. DIFFICULTY FALLING ASLEEP
3. NO PROBLEM FALLING ASLEEP BUT MAINTAINING TO STAY ASLEEP

TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA:

After a proper diagnose if it is a medical or psychological problem and identifying what is the main cause of insomnia, treatment can also include the following:

1. SLEEP RESTRICTION- spending too much time lying in bed in order to get some sleep doesn't really help. A restriction program allows only a few hours of sleep during the night.
2. RELAXATION THERAPY-soft music and other relaxing sounds can help reduce tensions and anxiety. A good massage can also do wonders for it helps the body or muscles to relax. therefore inducing a restful sleep.
3. THE USE OF BRIGHT LIGHT- If you have troubles falling asleep at night. It helps to get much bright light in the morning as this reset the internal clock to an earlier time at night for sleep.

TIPS ON GETTING YOU TO SLEEP

? Exercise more often
? Limit your coffee, tea, chocolate and soda intake
? Manage stress
? Don't eat heavy snacks before going to bed
? Don't nap during the day
? Before getting to bed try to relax and not to worry much. Worrying contributes having insomnia

Sleeping pills can help in some cases, it can be unsafe to use if you have certain health problems.
A well known brand such as Rozerem can treat insomnia. Rozerem is sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems. This medication causes relaxation will make you fall asleep. You can get this medicine at an online reputable Pharmacy such as Drugstoretm.com, which sells other leading brands such as prescription tramadol.

The Sleep-Blood Pressure Connection

2008-12-14T22:40:00.001-08:00

Sleep is more important than most people would assume. It somehow rejuvenates the body, relaxes various internal systems, and helps the brain from going into a gradual state of self-destruction. A lack of sleep can bring side effects that range from the annoying and mundane, such as feeling a little light-headed, or the very risky, like a loss of alertness while driving. Mental health and physical well-being alike are both subject to some serious damage if someone regularly lacks sleep, with the effects often being readily apparent. However, some recent findings indicate that women may be risking more by not sleeping than men do.

Blood pressure levels, according to a recent British study, showed a sharp increase if a person regularly has less than adequate sleep. The cause of the lack of sleep, whether insomnia or stress, did not seem to bear much importance. However, a regular lack of sleep showed a sharper increase in blood pressure for women than for men. According to the study, a 42% increase in overall risk of increased blood pressure was found for the women who participated in the study, in comparison to the men, who only increased their risk by 31%. These findings were reportedly unexpected, though there are no indications as to what actually caused this result.

Further research is needed to find out what other potential factors contributed to the results. There are some doubts on whether or not the results should hold any veracity, particularly as there was no clear link between sleep deprivation and blood pressure in men. However, preliminary data from the research showed that there was one for the women in the test. The exact reasons for this is still unknown, though this has been taken as being suggestive of a gender-specific link between blood pressure and the hours of sleep a person gets. According to the reports, the subjects used for the research had no history of blood pressure problems and were assessed over a three-year period, from 1997 to 1995. The study was repeated with the many of the same participants from the first test, with the time frame being 2003 to 2005. The results showed a disparity in the average levels from the first group and second group, but the gap between the males and females that developed higher blood pressure remained.

The researchers took into account that there were other factors that had not been fully investigated at the time. These include lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and genetics. Any of the above factors could have had a role in the results, though no one is entirely sure just how the lack of sleep played into the interactions, or it if was even a factor at all. The fact that there appeared to be a gender disparity between the results might also be difficult to truly remove, though there is currently no concrete basis for this assumption. It is worth noting that the same factors that could have contributed to the increased heart rate in the female test subjects were also present in the males, yet the difference between the two was far from negligible.

Sleep Deprivation and Psychiatric Disorders Affinity

2008-12-14T22:39:00.003-08:00

No one can argue with the fact that people need to sleep. Studies have linked a lack of sleep to everything from disruptions in the immune system to cognitive deficits to loss of weight control. Psychiatric problems have also been linked to long-term sleep deprivation. There have been many researches which can prove that sleep deprivation and psychological disorders are closely connected.

Psychiatric disorders are the leading cause of insomnia, the medical condition when a person loses the ability to have a good night's sleep. Studies have also proven that sleep and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression are closely related. Similarly, people with psychiatric disorders have other sleep problems, including sleepiness during the day, fatigue, and nightmares. Lack of sleep can also cause psychiatric problems such as paranoia and hallucinations. Difficulties with sleep can make psychiatric disorders worse by making the person confused or frustrated, as well as more sensitive to pain and other medical problems.

People who are depressed have a tendency to wake up early, and then, they find it hard to sleep again. This can make their depression worse, since the amount of sleep a person gets has an effect on his or her illness and disposition. People who don't have a psychiatric illness but suffer from insomnia are more likely to develop a disorder like depression later in their life.

It's no secret that the sleep-deprived are usually grumpy, miserable, and not much fun to be with. One of the functions of sleep is to reset and replenish the emotional capacity of our brain circuits so we can approach the day's emotional challenges in appropriate ways. If one doesn't get enough sleep, he or she will be making irrational choices.

Doctors and sociologists agree that Americans are among the most sleep-deprived people in the world. According to a 2005 poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, about 40 percent of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep at night and 75 percent reported having some sort of sleep disorder one or two nights a week.

According to the research, lack of sleep can lead to a loss of concentration and memory and it can make people more sluggish and exhibit slower and less coordinated motor skills. Lack of sleep also weakens the immune system while abnormally increasing activity in some parts of the brain --- a factor that is related to a variety of psychiatric disorders. If one does not get enough sleep, chances of developing a psychiatric disorder are much greater, at least, based on research from Harvard Medical School and the University of California in Berkeley (UCLA). The said research indicated that brain scans taken from volunteers show that the sleep-deprived brain becomes tired and abnormally emotional. The Harvard and UCLA researchers had 35 volunteer-participants who did not sleep for 35 hours. They discovered enormous activity in parts of the brain when they looked at pictures aimed at making them sad or angry. The researchers, with the aid of fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), were able to examine the blood flow in the brains of the volunteers in real time, after and during sleep deprivation. The technology reveals which parts of the brain are experiencing the most activity.

After a long stretch without sleep the participants were asked to look at images that were designed to trigger an emotional response. The scientists further explained that the amygdala showed 60% higher reaction to the images compared to people who are not sleep-deprived. The amygdala is a part of the brain which is linked to emotional reactions.

But sleep experts are hopeful that more study could lead to refined options for treating not just sleep disorders but psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety. This means that a sleepless night can cause them to overreact to emotional challenges that they would otherwise be able to tolerate with no trouble.

Sleep comfortably with memory foam pillows

2008-12-14T22:39:00.001-08:00

Commonly, people believe that back pain is just a fact of life, but it does not have to be that way. You no longer need to feel the effects of stiff muscles after a long night. Feeling relaxed at night and within the day does not need to be hard work because with a pillow designed of memory foam, you will begin to experience the difference in the way you sleep and the way you feel as you move through daily life. Understanding what memory foam is and how it can help you improve your sleep and life means determining the best solution for you.

Made of polyurethane and other components designed to increase the level of viscosity, memory foam is dense and highly elastic. Initially designed by NASA to shield astronauts from the G-force felt during their ascent, it was never put in to effect by the space program. After several trials, memory foam was then launched in to the medical field to help patients suffering from pressure sores or being bed-ridden. Because of the inflatedexpense of the item, memory foam was not widely acknowledge; however, the ability to give comparative quality foam for a portion of the price has brought memory foam in to the public eye. Now often times used in the construction of mattresses and back support systems, memory foam is more-so becoming one of the front runners for the best medical-related cures for back pain, muscle fatigue, and posture support.

A top example of a memory foam pillow is the Sleep Better Pillow. The Sleep Better Pillow is a firm contour pillow which is designed to form to a personดs head, neck, and shoulders, allowing for correct spinal alignment throughout the night. Once your head hits the pillow, you will be sure to have a undisturbed nights rest: the heat and pressure sensitive foam reacts to your body weight and temperature, moulding to your exact body shape whatever your preferred sleeping position.

With normal pillows, discomfort and muscle pain are common symptoms of improper spinal alignment. Standard pillows scarcely have the structured, ergonomically correct design needed to ensureappropriate alignment of the spine, forcing your muscles to tense up to be a correct position of the spine while sleeping. Overcorrection of the spine can lead to persistent and extreme discomfort in the arms, shoulders, neck, and back, which can be avoided with the proper pillow.

With high end memory foam technology, the Sleep Better Pillow will help to redistribute your body weight in a natural and effective way, reducingtension on the skin while better circulation. With regular pillows, spinal tension is caused by a gradual flattening of the natural curve, and can cause pain and fatigue. Also working as a supportive neck pillow, the silhouette of the pillow works as a cradle for the natural line of your neck and pulls tension away from the neck.

Created to eliminate the strain which can contort the spine and to foster a appropriate sleeping posture throughout the night, the Sleep Better Pillow ensures that you will be able to sleep in comfort and wake up feeling energized for the day ahead.

Insomnia - The Inability to Sleep

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Insomnia is characterized by an inability to sleep and/or to remain asleep for a reasonable period. One who suffers from insomnia will typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time.

Insomnia is a symptom, though a common misconception is that it is itself a sleep disorder. Insomnia is most often caused by sleep disorders, but other causes include fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs and caffeine. An overactive mind or physical pain may also be a cause. Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is usually necessary to cure it.

Treatment for Insomnia

Many insomniacs rely on sleeping tablets and other sedatives to try to get some rest. Others use herbs such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops, and/or passion-flower. The psychoactive plant cannabis sativa commonly known as marijuana has also been reputed to induce drowsiness in its user, however, use of cannabis sativa for treatment of insomnia is unlawful in most jurisdictions.

Some traditional remedies for insomnia have included drinking warm milk before bedtime, taking a warm bath in the evening; exercising vigorously for half an hour in the afternoon, eating a large lunch and then having only a light evening meal at least three hours before bed, avoiding mentally stimulating activities in the evening hours, and making sure to get up early in the morning and to retire to bed at a reasonable hour.

Traditional Chinese medicine has included treatment for insomnia throughout its history. A typical approach may utilize acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle analysis, herbology and other techniques, with the goal to resolve the problem at a subtle level.

Although these methods have not been scientifically proven, some insomniacs report these remedies are sufficient to break the insomnia cycle without the need for sedatives and sleeping tablets[citation needed]. Warm milk contains high levels of tryptophan, a natural sedative. Using aromatherapy, including lavender oil and other relaxing essential oils, may also help induce a state of restfulness.

The most commonly used class of hypnotics prescribed for insomnia are the benzodiazepines. This includes drugs such as temazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam and midazolam. These medications can be addictive, especially after taking them over long periods of time.

Some antidepressants such as mirtazapine, trazodone and doxepin have a sedative effect, and are prescribed off label to treat insomnia.

Low doses of Atypical antipsychotics such as Seroquel are also sometimes prescribed for their sedative effect.

The more relaxed a person is, the greater the likelihood of getting a good night's sleep. Relaxation techniques such as meditation have been proven to help sleep. They take stress from the mind and body which leads to a deeper more restful sleep.

Disclaimer
The information presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you or someone you know suffers from insomnia, please seek professional medical advice for the latest treatment options.

Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.

Sleeping Without The Pill

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While scientists are figuring out why people have to sleep, many people are just as puzzled in figuring out why they can't sleep. Occasional sleepless nights may be due to stress, anxiety, heartburn, or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. The condition of having difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep is called insomnia. However, when this problem of falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep occurs on a regular or frequent basis and often for no apparent reason, it becomes chronic insomnia.

Though insomnia affects all age group, the condition is more prevalent among women and the incidence increases with age.
Since insomnia is a symptom and not a diagnosis, treatment should be personal and must be focused on the underlying
condition. Treatment and therapy may include the following:

.Improving sleep habits
.Correcting sleep misconceptions
.Controlling your sleep environment
.Behavior management
.Light therapy
.Medications

Very few people seek medical advice and remain unaware of the behavioral and medical options available to treat insomnia. Most people would easily resort to prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills. However, better sleep doesn’t have to come in a pill and several studies have been reported to support this view.
According to a report in The Journal of Family Practice, studies show that simple behavioral and psychological treatments work just as well, and sometimes better, than popular medications. Last year, the medical journal Sleep reported on 5 high-quality trials that showed cognitive behavioral therapy helped people suffering from insomnia fall asleep sooner and stay asleep longer.
From American Journal of Psychiatry, the analysis of 21 studies showed that behavioral treatment helped people fall asleep nearly nine minutes sooner than sleep drugs.
Overall, sleep therapy worked just as well as drugs, but without any side effects. Most people don't believe that these behavioral strategies for better sleep can really make a difference because they appear to be so simple to produce results.
One of the most effective methods of cognitive behavioral therapy is stimulus control. It prohibits a person from watching television, eating or reading in bed. Going to bed should be done only when you are sleepy. It encourages you to get up at the same time every day, and not to take catnaps during the day. If after 15 minutes and sleep remains elusive, get out of bed and do something relaxing, but avoid stimulating activity and thoughts.
Sleep therapy also involves sleep hygiene which includes regular exercise, light-proofing your bedroom to keep it dark, and making the bed and room temperatures comfortable. People suffering from chronic insomnia should eat regular meals and must not go to bed hungry. Limit intake of beverages, particularly alcohol and caffeinated drinks, around bedtime. Avoid looking at the clock and do not try too hard to fall asleep. Turn the clock around so you don't get to see it. Watching time pass is one of the worst things to do when you’re trying to fall asleep.
Simple though these steps may seem, but they really make a significant difference for people with insomnia. According to a report of Family Practice, these interventions are based on the notion that thoughts and behaviors can “hyper-arouse” the central nervous system and deregulate sleep cycles, resulting in chronic insomnia.
Should these steps fail, consult your doctor about a referral to a sleep therapist, who can give you additional relaxation techniques to help bring on sleep. A sleep therapist may help you reset your sleep-wake schedule which involves adjusting your bedtime each night over the course of a few weeks.

Trouble getting sleep? Beware!

2008-12-14T22:37:00.003-08:00

After a grueling exam, a major business presentation, or enduring rush hour traffic, what do people anticipate or look forward to when they get home? Aside from seeing one's family and enjoying a hearty dinner with them or watching your favorite TV program, one of most important thing for all humans, and even animals, is to enjoy sleep.

It is really frustrating not able to sleep. You toss and turn on every side of your bed. Until you thought of every single detail you have done during the day. While most people can easily get a sleep even sitting on a chair, there are others who seem to to have trouble getting and staying asleep. This is one of a classic symptom of anxiety and stress.

Anxiety and stress are two different words to describe the same experience such as increased heart rate, abdominal discomfort or dizziness. While stress is normally a response to a threatening situation, anxiety is mostly caused by worry. Usually anxiety is observed as more short term. Anxiety ends when the triggering situation to cause this feeling ceased, while stress can last for weeks, months and even years.

Difficulty in sleeping is only one of the many signs if your life is clouding you with anxiety and stress. However, there are many other symptoms associated with stress and anxiety. Because each of us has a unique chemical make-up, the symptoms will vary from person to person. When anxiety is diagnosed, it can also generate many symptoms such as:

ท difficulty in concentrating
ท feeling restless, tensed and apprehensive
ท loss of appetite
ท specific obsession over stressful topics
ท depression
ท frequent feeling of crying for no apparent reason
ท constipation
ท difficulty swallowing

If you also find yourself worrying compulsively over going crazy, dying early, having a serious illness, or of being alone, these are also other symptoms of anxiety.
Stress can bring about risky mind and body disorders. If not given attention immediately, it can lead to other chronic health problems.
Common symptoms of stress are relatively the same as with anxiety. This also includes:

ท panic and anxiety attacks
ท over eating
ท mood swings and irritability
ท sadness or depression

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling of apprehension or fear, while stress can come from any situation or a thought that makes you feel frustrated, nervous, angry or even anxious. When anxiety and stress starts affecting your everyday life and it is blown out of proportion, it's time to get help.

To gain relief from anxiety and stress, changes has to be made. Change the way you explain a situation to yourself. If possible, try not to veer away from situations that makes you feel anxious and be confident that you can cope with it. View events in your life as challenges that you can manage. Help yourself to find relief from anxiety and stress. Take a positive outlook in your life and motivate yourself that you can handle the situation when face with it.

Here are some practical ways to cope with anxiety and stress.

ท Calm yourself and relax.
ท Exercise regularly. It can improve your mood.
ท Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits to increase body energy.
ท Talk to your friends and your family about what is bothering you.
ท Meditate. This will also help you if you are having sleeping difficulty.

Anxiety and stress are a common feeling we experience in our everyday lives. However, life seems to torment us with new ways in stressing us and afflict us with anxiety. We just have to know how to deal with it. It is also better to speak up and talk to someone about your worries than keep it to yourself and forever suffer the consequence. There are available medications that can relieve the symptoms for anxiety and stress.

Remember that anxiety and stress are manageable and can be treated. Getting anxiety relief is really not hard to obtain. Now relax, and go get yourself some sleep!

What You Need To Know About Sleep Apnea & Snoring

2008-12-14T22:37:00.001-08:00

The sound of snoring is caused by the airways in your nose and throat being partially or completely blocked. It causes problems for both the snorer and anyone who sleeps with or near them.

Sleep apnea is a more serious condition that occurs when the air blockage causes you to stop breathing at least 5 times an hour, for over 10 seconds each time. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can ultimately lead to death.

If you're suspected of suffering from sleep apnea, your doctor will arrange for you to have your nose and throat examined to find any obvious causes of obstruction. This could include an anatomical abnormality or nasal polyps. The exam is handled with either an endoscopic exam or a CT scan.

After the initial diagnosis is done you'll be sent to a sleep lab where you will undergo a study of your sleeping patterns.

A sleep study monitors your body while you sleep. Some of the measurements that will be tracked include:

- blood oxygen levels
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- airflow
- chest & diaphragm movement
- brain activity

You'll stay overnight in a special sleep lab where these tests will be done with equipment that is attached to you while you sleep. (It's not as bad as it sounds - you will be able to sleep!)

If you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, you'll probably be told to avoid any kind of sleep medications and alcohol. If you're overweight, you'll be advised to lose the extra weight. You may also be told to start sleeping on your side.

These three simple things can sometimes be enough to solve the problem.

If this is not enough to remedy the problem, you may undergo other sleep apnea treatments such as positive pressure ventilation, in which you will be given a tightly fitting nasal mask through which air is pumped. The increased air pressure can help to keep your airways open.

If these treatments still don't solve the problem, you may have to undergo surgery.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of the condition and generally responds to treatment. Central sleep apnea, in which there can be brain or nerve damage, is often not as responsive to treatment. In these cases you may need to treat them with drugs that stimulate your breathing.

The Dangers Of Not Getting Enough Sleep

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While we come across information on how we can have a good night's sleep every now and then, we are seldom aware of how an insufficient sleep can affect our health and well-being.

Because of paper works either from work or school and other household obligations, everyday is like a race against time. Add to it the temptations of the computer and the TV shows airing late at night, and the parties and gimmicks. At the end of the day, all the hours that should have gone to a good night's sleep go to all of these, slowly robbing your body off a deserving rest and making you feel drowsy the next day. If you are accustomed to this way of life, be warned. All the bad things you do to your body have their own consequences, and they could be more serious than you thought.

I. The Social And Economic Costs

While there are health risks when you get a few hours of sleep each night, we cannot ignore the fact that its dire risks affect the nation's economy. According to a report from the Institute Pf Medicine, an arm of National Academy of Sciences, 50-70 million Americans have chronic sleep problems, with as many as 30 million suffering from chronic insomnia.

The result? Motor vehicle accidents due to tired rivers cost at least $48 billion a year, while fatigue cost $150 billion each year in lost productivity and mishaps.

The report, entitled. "Sleep Deprivation and Sleep Disorders: An Unmet Public Health Problem", says that in recent decades, loss of sleep has increased due to TV shows, computers, and longer work days among adults.

For those suffering from insomnia, that means more days off work for you. A study led by Virginia Godet-Cayre at the Health Economics Research in France proves that workers who had difficulty falling asleep missed an average of 5.8 days of work a year, compared to only 2.4 days missed by "good sleepers." The team tracked down the work histories of 369 workers who had insomnia and 369 workers who were getting the right amount of sleep. The study, published in the February issue of Sleep, says that 50% of the insomniac group had at least a time of absence over a 2-year period, against to 34% of the other group.

II. Teens And Sleep

These days it's not just the adults who are lacking sleep. The National Sleep Foundation reported that only 20% of adolescents in USA are getting the recommended 9 hours of sleep at night. That figure is alarming, because it shows that
millions of them have problems concentrating in classes, are getting late for school, or are sleepy when driving.

III. If You Want To Lose Weight, Don't Just Focus On Your Diet

Want to know a secret? The road to a good figure is not just eating food in low quantity and exercising on a regular basis;
it's having a proper lifestyle. I'm not a fitness expert, mind you, but health studies are giving more and more evidence
supporting a link between how many hours of sleep you get and your tendency to be obese.

A study led by Dr. Steven Heymsfield of Columbia University amd St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, and James
Gangwisch, a Columbia epidemiologist, showed that those who had less that 4 hours of sleep were more likely to be obese by
73%, while those with an average of 5 hours of sleep had 50% greater risk. Those who only had 6 hours had 23% more.

The reason? Blame it on grehlin, a substance that makes people want to eat more food.

If people don't have the recommended amount of shut-eye, their leptin levels are lowered.

Leptin is a blood protein that suppresses their appetite, and seems to affect how their body had eaten enough.

So don't think that dieting is the only way for a nice build; include getting sufficient sleep in your regimen from now on.

IV. And More Diseases, Too

If you're already tired of reading about the dire consequences you will face when you don't give yourself the right amount of
rest, here are a few more for your information.

When your body is deprived of the sleep it needs, your chances of getting coronary heart disease double compared to people who have an adequate amount of sleep.

And if you're a male, read on. You'd be interested to know that men who are sleep deprived are risking themselves for an erectile dysfunction. That happens when their testosterone levels drop due to a few hours of sleep, making it more difficult to maintain an erection.

For older people aged 53-93, there's a risk of developing diabetes. That's what a study co-authored by Dr. Daniel Gottlieb, an associate professor of medicine at Boston University claimed.

Published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the findings concluded that elders who slept fewer than 5 hours were 2.5
times more likely to acquire the sweet disease against those who had 6 hours, who had chances 1.7 times lower.

But don't think that sleeping too much will solve the problem, though. The study showed that overslept elders - those who had more than 9 hours of sleep - had chances 1.7 times higher.

Lastly, sleeplessness causes an individual to have an impaired spatial learning, such as getting to a new destination. This
finding, which appeared on the Journal of Neurophysiology, suggested that during the process of spatial learning, new brain cells are being produced in an area of the brain called Hippocampus. Sleep is important in helping these brain cells survive.

V. Conclusion

We all know that sleep plays a major part in one's overall well-being, and now that we know exactly what we are likely facing
when we have lack of it, where do we go from here?

It seems that more research is needed in the area of sleep medicine, and public awareness must be raised for everyone to understand that, despite all the obligations, late night TV shows and caffeinated drinks, getting sufficient sleep is really,
really important for everyone, young or old. And as for you reading this article, I bet you agree.

Sleep Deprivation - Alarming New Studies

2008-12-14T22:06:00.003-08:00

There have been several studies recently that link sleep deprivation with an increased risk of developing diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer.

That’s rather scary when you consider 3.5 million Americans suffer from insomnia.

With regard to the obesity cases, researchers have found that even mild sleep deprivation can disrupt the hormones ghrelin and leptin that regulate appetite. Sleep deprivation may also increase substances in the blood that indicate increased inflammation which is associated with diseases like colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Not all experts agree with the findings, claiming that the link between health problems and sleep problems could be caused by other factors. However, most experts agree that further studies need to be done.

More Bad News

Sleeping difficulties may be a red flag for a serious illness. In a recent Harvard Medical School study involving 82,000 nurses, they found an increased risk of death among those who slept less than six hours a night.

What About Pills?

The most popular way to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders is with sleeping pills. It’s a $2.1 billion a year business. The most common drugs are Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata. Although they are not as addictive as the barbiturates prescribed in the past (the kind Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley took), most experts agree that the new drugs have not been tested enough for long-term use.

Melatonin is a popular over-the-counter sleep aid, but it is not regulated or approved by the FDA and there are no reliable studies that show it works. Something to consider when using melatonin are the purity levels and correct usage. Most people take it 30 minutes before bed when they should take it several hours before bed.

Any Good News?

There is a non-drug therapy that seems to be working for sleep disorders that are caused by stress, depression, or other psychological factors. It’s called cognitive behavioral therapy and is showing some promising results. In one study, researchers found patients got to sleep faster after the therapy than after taking Ambien.

The treatment includes training patients how to calm their mind and body and teaching them how their thought patterns can cause sleeplessness. Other therapy actually restricts the amount of time you spend in bed. The goal is to get six great hours of sleep rather than six hours of poor sleep spread over an eight hour period.

Powerful Sleep

Actually, that’s the theory behind the book “Powerful Sleep”. If you can go to sleep quicker, sleep deeper and wake up feeling refreshed every morning in just 6 or 7 hours, then why would you want to toss and turn for 8 or 9 hours?

If you have an interest in learning more about how your internal sleep clock works and what you can do to enjoy a better night’s sleep, click on the link below to get the first two chapters of “Powerful Sleep”.

Sleep Apnea: A Silent Killer

2008-12-14T22:06:00.001-08:00

Getting a good night sleep is essential for your well-being. However, many people don’t realize that they are often sleep-deprived because of breathing problems. Over 90 percent of people who snore are at risk for sleep disordered breathing, or sleep apnea.

According to the National Sleep Foundation research, about 18 million of adults are not getting enough sleep because of sleep apnea. Suffering with sleep deprivation will make you feel tired and groggy, which leads to poor productivity at work and even result in bad driving habits. Your bedmate can eventually get tired of your constant moving and breathing irregularities which can cause stress and strain on your relationship and lead to separate bedrooms.

Pauses in breathing while asleep is called sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing. Most often adults are diagnosed with obstructive apnea, or sleep disordered breathing which is caused by the blockage of the breathing passage by tonsils and adenoids.

Sleep apnea affects you in ways that you couldn’t dream of. The vicious circle of sleep apnea starts when a throat is blocked, blood oxygen level falls due to the lack of breath, and a person wakes up gasping for air.

People with sleep apnea often feel tired and sleepy during the day because their sleep quality is affected, as they move out of deep sleep and into light sleep several times during the night. These periods of not breathing, as short as they are, will inevitably wake you up from deep sleep. As a result, you are not getting enough rest from your sleep. Plus, sleep apnea causes a reduction of oxygen in the bloodstream which results in overall deprivation of cellular functions in your body.

If you snore, sleep restlessly, gasp and pause when breathing at sleep, especially during deep sleep, most likely you have sleep apnea. You can detect these symptoms yourself, or most likely you have been told about them by your partner. Sleep apnea is most common in people who are overweight. Men are also more at risk than women. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore – at least once during the night. However, not all people who snore have sleep apnea. It’s important to check for other sleep apnea symptoms to see if you have this medical condition.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring and sleepiness during the day. Other symptoms include:

Restless tossing and turning during sleep.
Nighttime choking
Nighttime sweating
Mild to severe chest pain
Waking tired after sleep
Having problems with memory and concentration
Feeling irritable and nervous
Experiencing personality changes
Morning headaches
Heartburn
Swelling of the legs

Undetected sleep apnea may increase your risk for hypertension, heart attack or stroke, as well as diabetes and work-related and driving accidents. Sleep apnea can also cause brain damage and result in shorter life span.

If sleep apnea is successfully treated and you start sleeping better, you will experience a huge boost of energy. Many people even report having less asthma, they are calmer, with more positive outlook; they have improved stamina and better functioning immune system. So if you suspect you or your partner is suffering with this condition you should speak to your doctor to discuss possible treatment plans.

Insomnia: How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

2008-12-14T22:05:00.001-08:00

Insomnia is the body's way of saying that something isn't right. Many things can cause insomnia -- things like stress, too much caffeine, depression, and changes in work shifts, and pain from medical problems, such as arthritis. Many people have insomnia. People who have insomnia may not be able to fall asleep. They may wake up during the night and not be able to fall back asleep, or they may wake up too early in the morning.

It's not really a serious problem for your health, but it can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable. It can also make it hard to concentrate during the day.

Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. You know you're getting enough sleep if you don't feel sleepy during the day. The amount of sleep you need stays about the same throughout adulthood. However, sleep patterns may change with age. For example, older people may sleep less at night and take naps during the day.

If the cause of your insomnia is not clear, your doctor may suggest that you fill out a sleep diary. The diary will help you keep track of when you go to bed, how long you lie in bed before falling asleep, how often you wake during the night, when you get up in the morning and how well you sleep.

Here are some things you can do to help you sleep better:

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, even if you didn't get enough sleep. This will help train your body to sleep at night.

Develop a bedtime routine. Do the same thing every night before going to sleep. For example, take a warm bath and then read for 10 minutes every night before going to bed. Soon you'll connect these activities with sleeping, and doing them will help make you sleepy.

Use the bedroom only for sleeping or having sex. Don't eat, talk on the phone or watch TV while you're in bed.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark. If noise is a problem, use a fan to mask the noise or use earplugs. If you must sleep during the day, hang dark blinds over the windows or wear an eye mask.

If you're still awake after trying to fall asleep for 30 minutes, get up and go to another room. Sit quietly for about 20 minutes before going back to bed. Do this as many times as you need to until you can fall asleep.

Acupuncture for insomnia depression anxiety! some people find acupuncture to be very effective in helping them with insomnia.

Rousing Facts on Sleeping Aids

2008-12-14T22:04:00.001-08:00

Papaver rhoeus L., known as corn or field poppy, is an annual herb native to Europe and Asia. Also known as opium poppy, the species is cultivated extensively in many countries, including Iran, Turkey, Holland, Poland, Yugoslavia, India, Canada, many Asian, Central and South American countries. Poppy seeds are used as a condiment in making baked goods and pastries due to its nutty odor and unique flavor. Poppy oil is widely used as an edible cooking oil. The oil is also used in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, and soaps. Another derivative called opium is further used in the production of morphine, codeine, other alkaloids.

Moreover, Poppy is one of the most important medicinal plants. Traditionally, the dry opium was considered an astringent, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, expectorant, narcotic, sedative, and hypnotic. The juice of the poppy contains chemicals known as opiates, from which morphine and heroin are distilled. From the ancient medicinal plants such as the opium poppy emerged other sleep-inducers.
Sleeping aids are nothing new. The bark of mandrake or mandragora was used as a sleep aid, as were the seeds of an herb called henbane. The juice of lettuce was also used to induce sleep. As early as 300 B.C., Greek doctors made concoctions of these different plant derivatives to help their patients overcome sleeplessness. Similar prescriptions were also apparently known throughout the Arab world. By the early 1900's, barbiturates were introduced. In the 1960's, benzodiazepines arrived on the scene. In the 1990's, consumers welcomed a safer class of anti-insomnia drugs known as non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.
Sleeping aids are drugs that help a person fall asleep or remain sleeping. Disorders such as insomnia (inability to sleep) are widespread, and drugs to induce sleep have been used since ancient times. Two distinct categories of sleeping pills are sold in the United States: prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Most prescription sleeping pills contain a type of drug known as a benzodiazepine (a central nervous system depressant) as the active ingredient. Benzodiazepines include chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). Leter, pharmaceutical companies developed non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zopiclone and zaleplon (Sonata). A typical over-the-counter sleeping pill contains antihistamines which, in turn, induce drowsiness.
However, most sleeping aids users such as insomniacs are unaware that sleeping pills do the same things to them during the day than what they want them to do at night. That is, these drugs impair their consciousness, judgment, memory and intelligence. Ironically, insomniacs think sleeping pills make them sleep better, when they actually make them feel worse. This is because of the wrong knowledge that sleeping pills are supposed to help them sleep better. They're most effective for an occasional sleepless night. The more often you take them, the less effective they become.
Both prescription and over-the-counter sleeping aids can cause side effects, such as next-day drowsiness, and sleeping pill overdose can be hazardous. The manufacturing of sleeping pills is highly regulated and overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Pharmaceutical companies concentrate on reducing the side effects of sleeping pills, not on improving daytime performance. Those who take these pills however, are misguided into believing they will receive a daytime benefit. The chance is very high that they will end up becoming chronic sleeping pill users. Since the definition for “quality of sleep” is the amount which allows us to operate at optimum levels of energy, sleeping pills should be carefully studied and considered.