What Determines If You Snore?

Almost 1 in 4 Americans snore on a daily basis, and you're probably one of them if you're reading this article. Snoring may seem like a harmless trait to the majority of people but it can actually turn into a disorder that is much worse called sleep apnea. Snoring has a variety of causes spanning from obesity to genetic make ups so if you're curious as to why you or your loved ones snore, keep on reading.

Men vs. Women

Did you know that men are more likely to snore than women? In a man's throat they are likely to have a lot more tissue and other fatty masses that have the tendency to relax when in a state of sleep. This encourages the act of snoring. Also, men have a larger space behind their tongue than women do and so the larger the space behind the tongue, the higher likelihood of an obstruction forming there. The number one problem with an obstruction behind the tongue is that when a man inhales and exhales during sleep, the obstruction will have the chance to "flap" or "flutter" as he exhales, causing the snoring sound. The final reason as to why men snore more than women is solely because of the fact that they have bulkier throat tissues. The more throat tissues you have, the more tissues there are to move during sleep and to create that vibration that triggers snoring.

Weight Gain and Obesity

It is important to remember that thin people do snore as well, if you've noticed an excessive weight gain recently then this is for you. As a person's body develops and becomes larger, their body mass increases and develops more fatty tissue. The more fatty tissue there is, the higher the risk of weak muscles that cannot support the body properly. When fat is built up on the body, more specifically the neck, the trachea (breathing tube) narrows and makes it harder to have an unobstructed airway when sleeping. When the trachea narrows, the higher the chance of obstruction and the higher the chance of snoring. Another problematic feature of obesity is that being overweight usually means that there is a lack of muscle mass. Muscles are the necessary parts of your body that allow your neck tissues to be supported and to stay strong so that they can prevent any of that "flapping" tissues that occur when you snore.

Use of Alcohol and Sedatives

Depressants are drugs that trigger an extreme likelihood of snoring. Depressants have the tendency to slow bodily functions, especially breathing, and to decrease those functions as well. When alcohol or sedatives are consumed, functions become more difficult to maintain and the resistance on your trachea that builds is unbelievable. The higher the resistance, the smaller the trachea becomes and the narrower the trachea is the harder you have to work to get air into your body when you sleep. As you sleep, the harder you pull to get air inside, the more likely it is that all of your throat tissues are going to vibrate as you try to suck that air in through your throat and into your lungs.

There are an abundance of reason as to why people snore on a daily basis. Some are genetic such as the sex that they were born as or just the way that their parents were built and others are self inflicted such as intense weight gain or the use of alcohol and sedatives. Regardless, snoring is a common problem throughout the world and in order to have a peaceful rest at night, it should be treated as soon as possible whether by the use of over the counter medications or by a prescription.

Visit http://www.ways-to-stop-snoring.com/ for tips & tricks to help you stop snoring ranging from natural remedies to the highest-rated products.

Original article

What's Your Number? Hours of Sleep That You Require

I have a retired 64 year-old patient, I'll call him Bob, who tells me that he never sleeps more than 5-6 hours a night and that he's always up with the sun, full of energy for his active retiree day and never gets that mid-afternoon sleepy slump. He's doing well, has no major health concerns, and this amount of sleep seems to be working well for him.

Another patient I have, I'll call her Ellen, 46 years-old, working full-time every day as a busy legal secretary, tells me she's a zombie unless she has at least 9 hours of sleep a day. What's the difference between the amount of sleep Bob and Ellen need, and how do you know how much sleep you need? I'd like to tell you about several important factors to consider.

What Determines How Much Sleep You Need?

Seems all the news is buzzing today about sleep and how we should all get more because our heart health, and even maintaining a normal weight, depends on it. Two recent sleep studies have suggested that the baseline magic number for everyone is to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. While that's a good recommendation, some people just simply don't need that much sleep. Consider these things when figuring your sleep requirements:

•General health: Are you in good health or do you have some chronic problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, depression, get chronic colds, or some other ailment? If so, you likely require more sleep as chronically decreased sleep can lower your immunity to all types of illness. In turn, chronic illnesses create stress and require more sleep/repair time to re-charge your immune system. Fibromyalgia is thought possibly to be due to a chronic lack of sleep, so sleeping more could actually alleviate, or greatly relieve, that condition.

•Stress levels: Like my patient Ellen, do you have a hectic job, or are you caring for a sick person/elderly parents, have financial difficulties, family problems? If so, you may find yourself desiring, and requiring more sleep to counteract the physical/mental exhaustion from the stress and its effects on your immune system.

•Fitness level: Are you in shape, exercising regularly at least 4 days a week for 40 minutes at a time, or are you more sedentary? Studies show that people who are physically active require less sleep because they burn off stress, lower blood pressure, and blood sugar, and muscles relax more during exercise.

•Your age: While it's true that some older people do well on less sleep, some actually need more sleep, based on symptoms they may have, irritability, depression, inability to focus, forgetfulness, even balance problems. This group of people simply may not be able to stay asleep long enough and could benefit from sleep aids.

•Sleep quality/duration: Restless sleep can be just as bad as too little sleep. You develop a sleep debt if you only sleep 2 actual hours a few nights a week on a chronic basis though you may be in bed for 8 hours. This can lead to dangerous consequences caused by sleep deprivation (see the list below). A polysomnogram, or sleep study, can show what quality/duration of actual sleep you are getting at night. This can be arranged through your doctor. Sleep debt, can fortunately, be "paid" off by making up sleep hours on following nights or by taking naps the next day. Too long sleep, over 9 hours, has lately been associated in research studies with possible health risks and early mortality. However, these studies need further research as they are not as conclusive of actual cause/effect as too little sleep studies have been.

Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

The best way to gauge how much sleep you need is simple - how do you feel and function at what length of sleep each night? Remember, everyone's sleep needs are different. Here are some common symptoms of sleep deprivation to watch for to better calculate your sleep hours:

•Falling asleep while driving, or at work, or other places during the day.

•Lack of concentration, irritability, depression, inability to comprehend or remember written/spoken material.

•Appetite increases/weight gain that occurs from hormone suppression.

•Worsening/developing health conditions.

Things That Can Help You Sleep Better

If you're like my patient, Bob, who has no trouble with sleep, consider yourself one of the lucky few as approximately 20% of Americans get less than 6 hours of sleep every night. Here are some things you can do to help get better sleep:

•Control caffeine and alcohol intake. Don't drink either, 2 hours before bedtime.

•Get regular exercise during the day instead of near bedtime.

•Block out noise, light from your bedroom while sleeping. No TV or computers in bed.

•Keep pets from waking you up.

•Keep consistent sleep schedules every day and on weekends.

•Drink hot cocoa, hot cinnamon milk, red rooibos tea before bedtime; or take 2 calcium, magnesium supplements, all of which will help you relax and fall asleep.

Sleep is essential to staying naturally healthy. Too little is known to cause serious consequences and too much may cause serious health problems as well. Keeping a sleep diary for a few weeks, noting how you feel with your sleep, can help you get your magic sleep number just right for you!

Stay well,

Dr. Mark

I am one of the few doctors in this country who is board certified in anti-aging and am currently the Director of South Florida's Institute For Healthy Aging. With more than two decades of experience in treating thousands of patients, you could say I've seen it all. I treat a wide range of medical conditions- from cancer to obesity- and believe that natural, practical alternatives carry the day.

I believe that education is fundamental to prevention and wellness. I've partnered with other medical experts and developed an online health education site,

http://www.healthyanswers.com/, which offers a wealth of natural health information, written by top physicians and medical experts.

Original article

9 Snoring Prevention Tips You May Not Know

Are you constantly on the search for ways to stop snoring? Is it affecting your home life and relationship with your significant other? Here are 9 tips on ways you and your mate can get a better night's rest.

Elevation - Sleeping flat on your back puts pressure on your diaphragm and throat during the night. Elevating your head during the night will reduce the pressure on your diaphragm and throat. This will reduce the amount of vibration that occurs while you sleep.
Alcohol - When you sleep, your throat and mouth muscles relax. This can cause vibrations in the throat and produce snoring. If you drink alcoholic beverages before you go to sleep, they will relax even more, increasing the chances that you will snore during the night.
Dairy - Mucus buildup during the night can cause snoring to occur. If you eat or drink any dairy before you go to bed, this will increase mucus production, and increase your chances of snoring. Stay away from milk, cheese and the like.
Weight - Gaining weight is a big factor in snoring, studies show. Losing some of that weight will not only help you stop snoring, but there are untold health benefits as well. There are many different ways that you can get the exercise you need to lose those pounds. Even things as simple as taking a walk will help burn calories. All of this means that you get to stop snoring during the night, plus added benefits.
Side Sleeping - If you sleep on your back during the night, pressure gets put onto your throat and diaphragm, and can also cause your mouth to open. To prevent these things from happening, you can sleep on your side. There are a few different methods to choose from. The easiest being put a pillow between your legs, and start your night off sleeping on your side. The pillow will reduce the chances of you rolling onto your back. Another method is a specialized pillow that encourages you to roll to your side.
Tennis Ball - I know it sounds weird, but if you sew a tennis ball to the back of an old t-shirt and wear it while you sleep, the discomfort will force you to move to your side. Neat, huh?
Avoid Large Meals - Eating a large meal before bed is going to put extra pressure on the diaphragm, and produce a blockage in your airways. Keep it light, before going to bed.
Pillow Choice - Choosing a firmer pillow will keep your muscles from relaxing so much that they cause vibrations. A soft pillow has more chance of relaxing your throat and mouth muscles.
Steam Clean - Inhale some steam right before you hit the hay, and this will moisturize your airways. Sometimes dry nasal passages are the cause of snoring and moisturizing can help with this.

Snoring, unfortunately, affects everyone around you, including you. You need to get a good night's sleep, and so does the person next to you. There are many ways you can reduce snoring. Use your imagination to come up with some of your own and try all of these methods. I'm sure you will find something that works for you.

Visit http://www.ways-to-stop-snoring.com/ for tips & tricks to help you stop snoring ranging from natural remedies to the highest-rated products.

Original article

Sleep and the Components That Might Prevent a Peaceful Snooze

During your younger days, sleep is never a problem. All you do is lie down and simply close your eyes. As you age, it somehow becomes more elusive. If you find yourself unable to doze off or having a restful slumber, here are some steps worth taking.

Check what you eat or drink

Are you still drinking coffee late in the day or during the early part of the evening? If you are, then this habit has to stop. The digestive cycle keeps us energized long after the intake of food and drinks. Since coffee has caffeine and the body processes this component, you can expect to stay awake longer than expected.

The same is true with chocolates or candies. Sweets can produce a sugar rush and this can keep you wired and active. Removing this habit entirely from your late night meal regimen ensures that you get a better chance of sleeping earlier.

Stop some habits

Many of us fight off the urge to sleep. This happens when we want to watch a late night show or when hanging out with friends. Doing this on occasion is okay, but doing this often might be unhealthy.

Putting off sleep causes your body clock to change. As we get older, our bodies begin to adapt to this change naturally. For example, if you put off sleep until midnight on weekdays, don't expect to snooze peacefully at 8 P.M. on weekends.

As you check your slumber schedules, examine your workout habits too. Exercise releases hormones into the body that can you feel happy. For some people, this can be a natural sleep aid to getting ready for bed. For others, it makes them feel more energized and allows them to do different activities.

Stop late night work altogether or reschedule it for the following morning. Feeling rejuvenated and ready to do more is a big no-no at night. This can lead to restlessness and constant tossing and turning in your bed.

Get rid of possible distractions

Are you the sort that has a TV or a laptop in your room? It might be a better idea to remove all these as it only keeps you from getting some shuteye. Yes, some people use gadgets as their natural sleep aidbut if it's standing between you and a blissful night's rest, it might cause major problems later on.

Bedrooms are really for rest only. You should not use it as a bedroom / office or bedroom / entertainment hall. Televisions, video game equipment and computers defeat the entire purpose of getting some z's because these devices keep you awake.

For those who have to keep gadgets in their rooms, consider emptying out some space in your closet and placing all video game equipment there. Lock this part of the closet and place the key in another locked closet. Doing this can discourage you from playing a game at night or work on your files.

Sleep should come naturally, but if you still find it hard to do so, consider having a checkup or a chat with a professional therapist. A physician or psychologist might give crucial insights on what might be keeping you awake late at night.

Lucy Hammond is a medical author of various written studies on sleep as well as natural sleep aids.

Original article

4 OSA Auto CPAP Machines That Work Wonders

The right CPAP machine can mean the difference between breath and suffocation. It's so important that you wisely choose your CPAP machine, so you can ensure that you are getting the best possible health care while you sleep. These are some of the best machines that we have found for you, in one convenient place.

ResMed S9 Auto Set - This product is one of the top rated products that you can buy. It's small and easy to use. It can even fit on your night table. The Auto Set comes with EPR features that can let the user set the exhalation pressure so their breathing feels more natural. You can opt for the Climate Control Heated Dehumidifier with the machine, as well as the SlimLine or ClimateLine tubing. They have even put a color display on the machine to relay therapy and advanced data information. This machine comes with a compliance option for three different types of masks: nasal, pillow, and full face mask. If you're looking for one of the top machines on the market, be sure to look up ResMed.
F & P Icon Auto CPAP Machine - Every CPAP machine from the ICON line comes standard with a dehumidifier, supporting ThermoSmart technology, resulting in a better feeling airflow. The technology can resist condensation on the inside of the tubes and mask. It efficiently reports problems and issues like leaks, AHI or pressure. They have cleverly incorporated an alarm clock and alarm tunes. This allows you to wake up to your favorite song or sound. Finally, it contains InfoSmart and SmartStick. These two elements allow you to track your therapy progress and how your machine is working during the night. The SmartStick simply plugs into your USB drive on your computer.
Respironics System One REMStar Auto CPAP w/ A-Flex - This intelligent machine has the capability to tell for itself when, why and how changes should happen to keep your sleep a healthy and safe one. It comes with Humidity Control which allows you to choose between 5 different levels of humidity for your comfort. It's System One Resistance Control allows it to fit any mask type effectively. The Flex Family Technology gives you the proper pressure that you need to make sure that breathing is light and easy all the night through.
Fisher Paykel HC254 Auto Auto CPAP w/ Dehumidifier - This is an auto adjusting system designed for your comfort with SensAwake technology. They've realized that people move from different sleep states during the night, and the machine senses that. Once you become more awake the pressure changes to allow for more a comfortable return back to sleep.

When it comes to CPAP machines, your health needs to be the first thing in your mind. The machine, the second. So when you are looking for a top of the line CPAP machine, suited to effectiveness and comfort, please look through these before you just go out and buy.

Visit http://www.ways-to-stop-snoring.com/ for tips & tricks to help you stop snoring ranging from natural remedies to the highest-rated products.

Original article

Things You Need to Know About Snoring

Snoring can be very irritating. Not only does it affect the snorers, but also those who are close to them such as their friends, members of the family and their significant partner. But, what exactly is snoring and how is it caused? By understanding how snoring occurs, you may be able to find ways on how to eliminate it.

Everyone snores occasionally, but many snore chronically. The truth is snoring is simply a sound that is produced by the vibration of the respiratory structures when a person breathes in. However, it can also occur when a person breathes out. According to statistics, there are about 44% of men and 28% of women ages 30 to 60 years old who suffer from habitual snoring.

A person snores mainly because of a partial obstruction in the throat or nose. When these structures are partially blocked, there is a difficulty in the movement of air. This leads to the air moving turbulently through the respiratory tract, which causes the vibration and the snores. But, there are some instances that the airways can become completely blocked. This result to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea.

Some conditions that are also associated to snoring include obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, nasal congestion and hypothyroidism. There is really nothing to worry about mild snoring. But, when the snores occur loudly and regularly, it compromises the snorers' quality of sleep, including that of the bed partner. If the airway is obstructed, the breathing is compromised. This leads to a decreased level of oxygen in the blood. In that case, the snorer may wake up in the middle of the night, out of breath.

Also, a study showed that snorers have an increased risk of having carotid atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of the blood vessels found in the neck. However, sleep disruption is still considered as the main problem among habitual snorers. Because of loud snoring, some people may require sleep arrangements with their partner.

When the snores raise social and medical concerns, the person may need to look for further evaluation. This will also help identify or rule out any medical conditions associated to the problem. A visit to a family doctor may be necessary. It would be helpful to bring a family member or the bed partner along to provide information regarding the snores.

Often, treating snoring is targeted on correcting the underlying condition that is causing the person to snore. This may comprise certain lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol consumption before sleep. For those who have an enlarged tonsils or adenoids, surgery may be required to remove the obstruction. However, snorers may also use anti-snore chin straps or mandibular advancement device that help stop snores when the person is asleep.

If you want to get rid of snores, then you might want to use anti-snore chin strap. This strap is very effective and economical! If you wear one of these straps, you and your partner will surely have a good night sleep!

Original article

5 Popular Surgeries To Stop Snoring

Surgery for those who snore is usually given to those who have completely exhausted all methods before coming to this one. Snoring can sometimes be so severe that no medication or conventional treatment will stop it. Usually, surgery for snoring is considered a cosmetic procedure and will not be covered by your health plan. A doctor must deem the surgery necessary and the snoring problem severe. There are many different surgeries that doctors will perform to prevent the tissue in your respiratory system from vibrating.

Coblation Channeling - This is the newest surgery that has been developed, being approved only in 2000. Radio Frequency Energy is used on the patient to shrink the tissue in the respiratory system and reduce the likelihood of snoring. This surgery is considered to be the high end of the surgery route, providing the best results that you might experience. Ask your doctor about this treatment and if you are a good candidate for it.
Uvulopalataplasty - There have been advancements in this area since its first inception. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a laser to cut away some of the uvula and shorten the palate. This will help prevent the tissue from collapsing and vibrating and open the airway. There may also be 2 -5 follow up sessions that will last around 30 minutes. There is a recovery time involved and it is not guaranteed to work 100% of the time. Those who suffer from sleep apnea or light snoring should not consider this method.
Nasal Surgery - If the problem is coming primarily from the nasal passageway, then surgery on the inner portion of the nose is usually done. Surgeons can correct snoring problems that stem from a deviated septum or obstructions inside the nasal cavity.
Genioglossus and Hyoid Advancement - This surgery is used in treating sleep apnea patients. The surgeon will pull the tongue forward so it cannot collapse and block the airway. The Genioglossus is a muscle located in the mouth that is responsible for the advancing, retracting and depressing of the tongue. The Hyoid is a U-shaped bone that sits at the base of the tongue to support the muscles there.
Tongue Suspension - In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a small screw into the lower part of the jaw bone. This is usually a supplementary procedure with other surgeries and can be reversed sometimes, if needed.

Surgery is a very intense route to go when you have something that seems as small as a snoring problem. Exhaust every option first, but take something that seems insignificant like snoring and treat like an honest health threat. Because that's what it is. It is a threat to the health and well being of you and those around you. Once you have used up all other methods, consider surgery. Talk to many doctors if you have to and research the different methods extensively. Understand what you are getting into and the process will go a lot smoother.

Visit http://www.ways-to-stop-snoring.com/ for tips & tricks to help you stop snoring ranging from natural remedies to the highest-rated products.

Original article

Stop Snoring Solution: 5 Different Devices

Different snoring cases require different solutions. Some of these solutions may include surgery, sprays and other devices. Whatever snoring problem you are suffering from, there is a stop snoring solution for that. For one, you can use a nasal strip, which is an affordable nasal dilator that can help you prevent your nostrils from collapsing to allow smoother air passage.

Another helpful stop snoring solution is a snoring mouthpiece. This device works by tightening the muscles, as well as the soft tissues, at the back of your throat in order to reduce or eliminate snoring. It can help keep your jaws in their right position to allow smoother air passage and prevent it from obstructing your airways. However, you should know that these devices are often custom-made to make sure that it fits your properly and so you will need the help of a dentist for this.

An anti-snoring pillow is a great stop snoring solution as well. This can help you maintain your head and your neck in its right position in order to prevent snoring. Most people snore when they sleep on their back, as this can cause their tongue to slide backwards and block their air passages. Using an anti-snoring pillow can help you maintain a sleeping position where you are on your sides, thus preventing you to snore.

A nose clip is an effective stop snoring solution too. These works by making sure that your nostrils are not narrowed while you are sleeping to provide more space for air to pass through. Continuous use of nose clips can possibly help you permanently prevent snoring. Researches were conducted on its effectiveness and it was proven effective by those snorers who have tried it before.

A snore spray is another aid that you can opt for if you want to stop snoring. As a stop snoring solution, it works by increasing the flow of oxygen and by breaking up the mucus in the upper portion of your throat to make breathing easier. A snore spray can also help tone the soft tissues in your throat to reduce the vibrations that can cause snoring sounds. Aside from loosening the tissues, it can also decrease the frequency and the loudness of your snoring. It can lubricate and soften the mucus membranes while tightening the muscles in your throat in order to prevent snoring. Lastly, snore sprays are also helpful in relieving the swelling in swollen tissues. Take note that swollen tissues can also obstruct the air passages and this too may lead to snoring.

Henry Campbell is a snoring expert and co-creator of the new web-site: Stop Snoring Tonite.

Original article

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Guide

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which may also be known as OSA, is a sleep disorder which causes frequent interruptions in the breathing as the sufferer sleeps. The medical profession has two types of interruptions to the breathing: total blockages and partial blockages. Total blockages, referred to as apnoeas are caused when the tissue around the windpipe relaxes to such an extent that it completely blocks the air flow for ten seconds or more. Partial blockages, or hypopnoeas, are defined as blockages which reduce airflow by 50% for ten seconds or more.

Because sleep is a natural restorative activity which helps the brain and body to become re-energised, anything that limits an individual's sleep will leave that person feeling very tired. Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night, and around one fifth of that time is spent in the deepest part of the sleep cycle. Each interruption in breathing alerts the brain to the fact that something is amiss and this forces the brain to bring the individual into a lighter stage of sleep or even into a brief moment of wakefulness. Because these events can happen several times per hour throughout the night, sleep is seriously restricted, leaving sufferers combating day to day tiredness and irritability.

During the night, when the sufferer is awoken, the moment of wakefulness is so short that few people recall that they were even awake. This presents the problem that not many sufferers realise that anything is wrong for a long time and they often become accustomed to the tiredness that comes with the condition. It is thought that only around one quarter of sufferers have been diagnosed for this reason. Because loud snoring and snorting during sleep are common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea, some patients are only diagnosed when their partner expresses concern and persuades them to visit the doctor.

There are several types of treatment for the disorder, and many of them are very successful. It is important that anybody who suspects that they have obstructive sleep apnoea should seek treatment because in the long term it increases the risk of a number of serious conditions such as type two diabetes, strokes and heart attacks. Diagnosis is usually made by means of a sleep study and those people who smoke or who are overweight and are middle aged are in the higher risk category for developing obstructive sleep apnoea.

To find out more about obstructive sleep apnoea and the various treatment options available, visit the website of DeVilbiss Healthcare. They are a global healthcare company specialising in the treatment of sleep disorders. Their website can be found here: http://www.devilbisshc.com/

Original article

Essential Oils for Better Sleep

Sleep Better with Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is so common throughout our daily activities that some of us may not even think of extending their use to help us get a good night's sleep. Many herbs are productive as essential oils and their results won't take long for you to realize their benefits. Addressing lifestyle challenges, especially getting better sleep, is important to many of us and we want to share ways you will be able to do this naturally.

How Can Herbs Help Me Sleep Better?
Calming herbs can range in use from a hot cup of Chamomile tea to a soothing Lavender bath for the kids. Beyond the common herbs we have all heard of, many others have properties that reach depths we rarely consider that can help calm the mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes the answer to a good night's sleep involves calming all three and approaching better sleep with herbs and essential oils that can calm children as well as adults. Aromatherapy or diffusing oils are the most common applications for using herbs to achieve better sleep. Diffusing, topical application to certain areas of the body, basic inhalation, and even using oils internally are options of how to attain the benefits. For topical application place 2-3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand and choose key areas like the temples, neck, soles of the feet, over vital organs, on top of the head, or the stomach area to apply. Not all oils can be taken internally so note that Flower Essences are what you should look for if you are wishing to ingest the oils.

Which Essential Oils Promote Sleep?
One of the most common and calming oils, used in children's baths or lotions, is Lavender. Adults can benefit the same as children by diffusing this oil while preparing for bed to promote relaxation both physically and emotionally. (Rub a few drops on the soles of your feet if you don't have a diffuser.) Take a deep breath while the oils are airborne and feel the calming energy that comes over you. Passion flower, Chamomile, and Valerian are essential oils that can be used for relaxation as well. A few drops of Valerian root oil rubbed on the soles of your feet, or inhaling Chamomile oil will help you achieve calm and relaxation much like the use of Lavender. Diffusing Frankincense or rubbing a few drops on your temples or the back of the neck will help induce calmness and is often used to increase spiritual strength. There are even oils that will enhance dreams and stabilize emotions.

Essential Oils During the Day for Better Sleep at Night
Just as a good diet or exercise promotes a healthy day and sound sleep, essential oils have similar benefits to the body. Enhancing energy levels during the day will curb the body's need to drain the adrenal glands, thereby promoting a more relaxed approach to all the day's tasks. Many oil fans will tell you that they use at least one each day based on its appropriateness to that specific day. Maybe Orange oil for a more relaxed mood or Peppermint and Rosemary for mental alertness; choosing which oil will bring the most benefit to your challenges that day can help ensure you achieve better sleep.

Experimenting with oils and gaining some basic knowledge will allow you to further enjoy their benefits. Herbs and essential oils can play an important role in a healthy day and a great night's sleep. Essential oils and other natural choices for better sleep can be found in the Mind, Mood, and Sleep section of our website.

**Please note that essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply pure vegetable ail to the area to dilute. Please read label directions for each oil before using.**

The Hanna Kroeger Blog and Hanna's Herb Shop are two outlets for educating yourself on natural remedies for Mind, Body, and Soul. We believe in the message that our Founder Hanna Kroeger left behind to "Help One Another" and we strive to do this everyday through education and high quality products.
Connect to our blog here http://www.hannakroeger.com/
Visit our website here http://www.hannasherbshop.com/

Original article

The Word of the Year Is Balance

As we go throughout review of the past year and look forward to our next year it is important that in the time we take to review and pledge to move forward we consider all aspects of our lives. If we do not create a life that is balanced we cannot be optimally healthy. There are several steps you can take to make goals more successful when you are planning how to balance them.

Your health should always be your priority. You cannot be successful in other areas of your life if you do not care for yourself. If you find that you have more chores than hours of the day you need to prioritize. You should always write them down whether it is on your smartphone, on paper or on your computer. You will have emergencies arise but if you plan for things like exercise, meal preparation and your yearly physical than you are more likely to accomplish them. The same is true of your sleep time. If you plan for bedtime than you are more likely to go to bed in a timely manner.

With bedtime in mind you might want to consider adding 10 minutes of stretching or yoga to help you to relax. Giving yourself time to unwind, that is not electrical, in nature will help you to go to sleep easier. The light from television, your cell phone or your computer can be too stimulating to your brain and keep you from going to sleep. The proper amount if sleep will help you be healthier, think clearer and lose weight if that is one of your goals.

Take time to pack your meals. Eating healthy is difficult but if you take a little time to pack your breakfast and lunch you will find you will eat healthier and feel better. In the morning if you do not have the time to eat a full meal consider a meal replacement shake. Having your breakfast will help you to not be so hungry at night. This is especially important for those with acid reflux, hiatal hernias or GERD because you really should not eat right before bed.

Plan your exercise time in advance. If you are not a morning person do not plan to get up early to exercise because you are setting yourself up for failure. If however you know you work late every night than plan to get up a little earlier and go for a walk or do a video. The nice think about videos is that no one else will see how uncoordinated you are.

Take time to connect to your friends and family. People who are connected are less stressed. When you have less stress you are less likely to suffer from insomnia. If you do have insomnia issues behavioral changes have been found to be more successful than medications for long-term treatment.

Looking forward to the new year we need to find the balance between work, family and taking care of ourselves. It is not an easy goal but with a little planning you can put your health at the top of your list. As it is said when you feel good those around you feel good.

Sleep is as important to health as healthy eating and exercise only easier. Sometimes it takes a sleep coach to help you sort though what you need to change to achieve a good night sleep. If you would like a 15 minute evaluation of your sleep routine or wish to sign up for out quarterly newsletter at http://www.bettersleepcoach.com/ or write bettersleepcoach@gmail.com

Original article

Snoring - Causes, Effects and Treatment

Have you ever wondered what causes snoring? Snoring has been a common sleep disorder that can affect many people. It can occur in both young and old. But, it has the propensity to worsen with age. It is more frequent in men than in women. In adults, there are about forty-five percent occasional snorers and about twenty-five percent habitual snorers.

If you want to find out more about snoring, then below are some of its causes, effects and treatment options that would help you get rid of it for good:

Causes

Snoring is a sound that is produced by the vibration of the respiratory structures, particularly when there is a blockage in the passage of air in the nose and mouth. There are a lot of factors that can cause this obstruction. These include deformities in the nose or nasal polyps, relaxed throat and tongue muscles, bulky throat tissue and presence of long soft palate or uvula. Consumption of alcohol, sleeping pills and normal aging can relax the throat and tongue muscles.

Effects of snoring

Snoring does not become a very serious problem unless it happens habitually. Occasional snoring is mostly a bother to the snorer's bed partner or roommates. However, habitual snoring can be a sign of a serious health problem such as obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder can cause various problems such as interrupted breathing for more than 10 seconds while sleeping, frequent arousal from sleep, and decreased oxygen level in the blood. These can lead to snorer's poor quality of sleep every night.

Treatments

There are a lot of ways to help treat the problem. For occasional snorers, lifestyle changes will do such as losing weight, improving your eating habits, avoiding heavy meals or even snacks and drinking alcohol few hours before sleeping. Also, it helps to sleep on the side of your body rather than the back. Meanwhile, there are also a variety of stop-snoring devices that are available on the market. This includes mandibular advancement devices, as well as anti-snore chin straps.

Mandibular advancement devices are used like a mouth guard to prevent oral soft tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. On the other hand, anti-snore chin straps prevent the mouth from opening while sleeping. When your mouth is open while sleeping, snoring occurs since the air pressure inside the throat increases as a result of obstructed airway.

Some people may require surgery to correct anatomical problems such as nasal deformities, enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Also, a snorer may require continuous positive airway pressure, also known as CPAP, to prevent the upper oral tissues from blocking the airway during sleep. This device will also help the person to breathe better through the night.

If your snore has become more than a bother, visit your doctor and ask about anti-snore devices such as mandibular splint, also known as mandibular advancement device.

Original article

3 Reasons Sleep Apnea Is The Most Dangerous Of All Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders are very common. Waking up tired and being tired all day is an epidemic of this age. Reducing sleep for school, job, family and life in general is bad. The inability to rest regularly may need medical treatment. Sleep is the universal building block for the body's ability to function.

Sleep disorders are more complex than lost hours counting sheep. Many medical disorders involve sleeplessness. Some of the main sleeping disorders are:
Obstructive Sleep ApneaBruxism or "teeth grinding"Somnambulism or "sleep-walking"Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) or "uncontrollable leg movement"Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) or "acting out dreams while asleep"

Of all sleeping disorders, sleep apnea affects around 20 to 30 million Americans. Even sheer numbers like these do not tell the full story of how bad sleep apnea has become.

Three top reasons for sleep apnea being the worst sleeping disorder is how it affects the brain, damages the heart and is dismissed as "no big deal".

1. Sleep Apnea Causes Temporary Brain Damage

Apnea affects the brain in many ways. When a person's normal breathing pattern is interrupted during sleep, that person never falls asleep. Rest is for the body but sleep is for the brain. The brain reboots during sleep.

Imagine your computer running and running and running, unable to shut down, unable to repair and unable to defrag. It is just a matter of time until your computer breaks. A good thing about sleep apnea treatment with therapy such as CPAP, after a few weeks of deep sleep, the brain will be able to reset.

2. Sleep Apnea Causes Permanent Heart Damage

When a person has shallow or multiple non-breathing episodes while asleep, blood oxygen levels drop. Blood carries oxygen to body tissues. During periods of low blood oxygen levels, the heart pumps extra blood to make up for the loss. This can cause high blood pressure and irreversible changes to heart muscle.

The heart is just like any muscle in the body. The more it works the bigger it gets. One of the main reasons for heart failure and heart transplant is the heart becomes enlarged to a point it no longer works as it should. An over worked heart is a ticking time bomb but it is not the worst condition sleep apnea can cause.

When a person spends hours without enough oxygen, blood oxygen levels drop lower and lower. See above, we know that. Sleep apnea can drop these levels so low it can trigger a heart attack. Even death.

Lack of oxygen to heart tissue causes chest pain. Heart muscle cut off from oxygen causes heart attack. A heart attack while your body is shutting down to sleep combined with a very low blood oxygen level will cause death. Not every time. Many times the paramedics arrive to save the day.

3. Snoring is no big deal. Right?

You snore. I snore. My uncle John snores. Everybody snores. No big deal...right? Snoring is common but abnormal. Snoring indicates parts of the mouth and throat are cutting off oxygen's path into the lungs. If you wake yourself up snoring or someone else cannot sleep near you because of your snoring, it is just a matter of time before you develop full-blown medical problems.

Worst of all, many medical conditions such as:
StressMood SwingsChronic Chest PainMental DeficienciesHigh Blood PressureWeight Gain (in spite of clean diet with regular exercise)

are treated without any thought given to the possibility that sleep apnea may be the cause of them all.

Imagine being diagnosed with multiple medical problems, spending huge sums of money on doctor visits, treatments and medications all because you have one simple, very treatable, medical condition. Sleep apnea truly is the worst of all sleep disorders.

If you are interested in learn more about sleep disorders check out SleepApneaCPAP.info today.

Original article

Sleep More Soundly

It is often your daily routine that finds you feeling fatigued during the day and increases your sleep difficulties. There are several ways to help you enjoy a better quality of sleep but it is dependent on your needs as an individual, too. You may require a stricter sleep schedule, better bedtime habits or it may be down to your day-to-day lifestyle choices. In order to discover the root of your sleeping difficulties, you need to work out what the underlying problems behind them actually are.

First things first, you need to understand how much sleep you actually require. Each individual is different and you may not need as much as you think but due to your sleeping difficulties you feel as though you haven't had enough.

Second, by keeping a strict sleep schedule, you will feel much more alert and rejuvenated during day-to-day routines and activities. In order to do this, it is important to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day; this will sync your body into your personal circadian rhythm. Having a consistent sleep schedule is important to achieve a good night's sleep. It will not come straight away; you will need to recognise what suits you best and get into the habit of your new and improved sleep schedule.

Third, you need to ensure you have a relaxing bedtime routine. If you are hotwired, buzzing, angry or distressed you will struggle to relax and you will not be able to stick to your new sleep schedule. You need to ensure you are relaxed before bedtime to allow yourself to fall asleep more easily. Let the stresses from the day dissipate before going to bed, otherwise you will disturb your sleep routine and your sleep schedule. If you struggle to fall asleep, then you should get out of bed and do something that will help you relax and tired. Maybe you should have a bath, read a book, do some slow and undemanding stretches or listen to some music. However, do not do this in bed: you should save your bed for sleep time. By doing this, your body will associate your bed with sleep and you will find it easier to fall asleep if you are consistent with this.

Fourth, do not eat too much before you go to bed but, on the other hand, do not go to bed on an empty stomach. If you are trying to sleep on a full stomach you may have difficulties as digestion slows down while you are asleep, making it difficult to have a decent night's sleep. Try to avoid caffeine and tobacco before you sleep as these are two components that are known to disturb your sleep. Make sure you drink enough water to keep your body hydrated during the night as feeling thirsty will also disturb your sleeping patterns.

Remember, everyone will require different sleeping patterns, schedules and routines - we are all different! Try out some techniques and if they aren't right, try some different ones. You will need to trial and test different strategies to recognise what is best for you. Good luck!

© Amber Sharpe 2011

2011 Amber Sharpe BSc(Hons) MSc

LifeSkills self-help recordings have set the standard for excellence for the last 25 years. Thousands of GPs, hospital doctors, psychologists and counsellors recommend the LifeSkills series every year to their clients and patients and they are still the UK's best sellers.

http://www.lifeskillsdirect.com/

Original article

Tips On How To Fall Asleep Fast!

A Great Night's Uninterrupted sleep - Fall Asleep Fast In A Natural Way

There may be possibly almost nothing much worse when compared with not being capable of uninterrupted sleep at night.

Regardless of whether you might have trouble falling asleep as well as sleeping through the night, you will now have most likely battled to figure out ways to get over your own sleep problems.

Plenty of people think that using sleeping tablets is the only means that will overcome not enough sleep, however different from popular view, there are actually all natural methods to overcoming not getting enough sleep.

While sleeping tablets might possibly at the start assist you drift off to sleep with success, just about all can be addictive and usually do not actually assist in a condition of relaxing uninterrupted sleep as well as even more importantly, permit R.E.M. (rapid-eye movement) deep sleep.

For those who have not ever tried out a great all natural solution for sleep problems, it is without a doubt seriously worth a shot to have a relaxing night of uninterrupted sleep. Regular physical exercise throughout the day. We might be taught a thing or two from kids. Observe them run all over the whole day and then sleep peacefully through the night.

Take up a daily workout program, especially in the afternoon, which in turn will be able to assist accomplish much deeper sleep at night.

On the other hand, do refrain from physically demanding exercising during the Two hours before going to bed, which unfortunately can easily have the actual reverse effect. Keep from day time napping. Commonsense states that whenever you will snooze during the day, you are going to certainly now have trouble getting to sleep during the night.

The later part of afternoon is commonly a day sleeps or nanny naps for lots of people. Naps seem to be okay if they are restricted to around 30-45 minutes as they are never taken after about three pm.

Re-evaluate your diet plan.

The easiest method to remedy sleep problems would undoubtedly be to modify your current diet plan. Any diet loaded in unhealthy foods as well as caffeinated products, which includes coffee, tea, chocolate, as well as some kinds of sodas will certainly mess up a person's natural brain chemical make up and then cause you to definitely suffer a loss of sleep at night.

Switch off any lights.

Much of our sleep forms, or perhaps circadian rhythms, are actually closely interconnected with the occurrence of sunshine and then night. Consequently, if you do not experience problems with going to sleep in the actual dark, switch off every one of the lights inside your bed room anytime you're going to sleep.

Or perhaps as an alternative, start using a dim night light. Sufficient sleep at night and relaxation is vital to have a healthy as well as active lifestyle.

Should you be even now struggling to obtain a good night's sleep following trying out these particular natural home remedies, in that case get medical help

This article about people with trouble falling asleep or not enough sleep. I hope it helps you to remedy the awful problem you have. I hope it answers some of your questions.

Fall Asleep Fast

Original article

Overcoming Insomnia By Social Networking

Finding Relief

How did you sleep last night? How about the night before? Could you be suffering from insomnia? If the answer to the last question is "yes", don't worry, you are not the only one! Approximately 1 in 4 people suffer with insomnia. And some people don't see their insomnia as a disorder. Whereas others may have tried all the drugs in the market to get a good nights sleep.

Insomnia affects all age groups. Insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence tends to increase with age. It is typically more common in people in lower socioeconomic (income) groups, chronic alcoholics and mental health patients. Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia. If you do not address your insomnia, however, it may develop into chronic insomnia.

Insomnia sufferers may find relief in social networks, as these sites can be used to combat the lack of sleep. Social networking sites can help enhance treatment for insomnia, anxiety and depression, as these sites allow insomniacs the ability to access friends, family and therapists at any time of the day.

Techniques Used

What's keeping you up at night? Some of the current techniques used to analyse insomnia include cognitive behavioural therapy, which can be used to combat this condition. Therapists analyse patterns of activity that affect their sleep. Cognitive behavioural therapy provide insomnia sufferers exercises through computer learning activities to better understand behavioral patterns.

Therapists also advocate people interact with other people to better understand insomnia sufferers interactivity patterns. In particular, the increasing use of social networks can help find better ways to solutions in cognitive behavioural therapy treatments. The way in which people are immersed in social networking activity, and finding out how many times each day insomnia sufferers access social networking activities, enables therapists ability to diagnose insomnia.

On another note, people regularly report how they feel through tweets and status updates that would often feel strange or be inappropriate when asked in a normal conversation. In these instances, health related content, particularly regarding insomnia, written by real people, suffering from medical conditions, are increasing in both supply and demand.

Insomnia can be isolated from depression or anxiety by analysing cognitive behavioural therapy. It may be that insomnia is more than just a symptom of depression. It may unravel the mood disorder and may be an early warning sign of depression.

Summary

If you suffer from insomnia talk to a doctor about your options. Changes in your diet, exercise regime, and lifestyle are sometimes enough to get rid of this condition. If it gets really bad, medication might be added to help you sleep better. Otherwise, go online as see what others are doing about their insomnia.

Social Medicine is a new world of social networking, that promotes exchange of knowledge, ideas and information, making user experience an energizing and a rewarding one.

Social-medicine.org is putting the social back into all things medical. Designed to help individuals dealing with particular illnesses, help share their thoughts, experiences, and knowledge with others who experience the same condition. It is designed to be a social, fun and a relaxed way to learn and share information. Its emphasis is on connecting people and has all the social networking features and functionality expected.

Please also find further information on the about page http://social-medicine.org/about/ and a YouTube video on Social Medicine's functionality at http://youtu.be/MSz1sfJoa2o

Original article

5 Successful Stop-Snoring Chin Straps

Nothing is more important than the quality of sleep that you and those around you are getting. Your sleeping habits will affect your entire day. When choosing a Chin Strap to eliminate snoring you need to know the right information. Below is a list of a few of the top chin straps so that you can make the best decision and finally get some sleep again.

Chin Up Strips - This company has been making chin straps for snoring elimination since 1999. The FDA has approved this device for the reduction of breathing through the mouth while sleeping and enhancing nose breathing. The results are reaped right away; the first night. These strips are small and very easy to apply. They come in shapes for both men and women and vary in size. They are made hypoallergenic, latex free and gluten free to ensure that you don't have a reaction to these strips. These are a cheap and effective way to control your snoring during the night and get a peaceful night's rest.
Active Forever - This chin strap is extremely light and comfortable to wear during the night. It is easy to apply, supporting the jaw in a way that will eliminate your snoring. All you need is one size. It's so soft that it can be stretched to fit any size head. It carries with it a 30 day warranty but is non-returnable. This product is made with latex, so if you are allergic to latex, you will want to choose another product.
Puresom Ruby Adjustable Chin Strap - This chin strap allows you choose your own size and comfort level for a good night's rest. People with a hat size larger than 7 need to use the extra large strap. It has two straps, one at the head and one at the chin for two different adjustments for comfort. The straps are made of velcro, so they are easy to adjust. It is made of neoprene material.
Premium Adjustable Around Ear Deluxe Chin Strap - These products from AG Industries have been compared to Tiara's Medical TMS-09ADJs. This strap fits comfortably around the ears and supports the jaw during sleep. Comes in a one size fits all fashion and is fully adjustable to your specific comfort level.
Premium Chin Strap - The classics are always the ones that work the best. This classic chin strap is designed to eliminate snoring by reducing the dryness in the nasal passageway and throat. This product is latex free and fully supports your jaw, allowing minimal air to escape.

You and your family don't have to suffer with the poor sleep that comes with snoring anymore. We have given you some of the better ones in this list to consider at your convenience. With these chin straps, you are sure to find one that form fits to your head and can provide the comfort while eliminating snoring. Your family will thank you for it tomorrow morning.

Visit http://www.ways-to-stop-snoring.com/ for tips & tricks to help you stop snoring ranging from natural remedies to the highest-rated products.

Original article

What Is Sleep Apnea? Why You Need Help

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder when discovered early can be treated before it is too late. But how do you know that you have this condition? First you need to get a feedback from your partner about how you sleep during the night. Does your partner have any concerns about your snoring and especially about how you breathe while you are asleep? If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, then it is highly probable that you are suffering from this sleeping disorder.

Is your snoring loud enough to keep others awake?

Do you feel very tired and falls asleep at work or while you are driving?

Is your sleep disturbed at night because you wake up frequently?

Do you wake up suddenly at night and gasping for air?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are affecting you physically and probably emotionally too, then the best advice for you is to see your doctor. The earlier you consult your doctor the better. Unlike snoring you can try home remedies but with sleep apnea you must seek a medical assistance.

Not everyone who snores, have sleep apnea. There is a difference between snoring and having an apnea. The difference is if you are suffering from sleep apnea, you stop breathing repeatedly while you are asleep. This pattern can be repeated many times throughout your sleep. Some people can experience it as many as 10, 20 or even 50 times in hour. Usually sufferers are not normally aware that they have the condition unless they are observed by someone else while they are asleep.

Simple snoring can turn into sleep apnea for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons include instability of the breathing reflexes of the person or due to narrowing or blockage in the airways. Or it could be due to the lack of coordination of the breathing muscles.

It is a serious condition and must not be ignored. If it is not treated properly it can cause:

High blood pressure

Enlargement of the heart

Road and workplace accidents

Emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and irritability

Increased risk of stroke

Weight gain

Lack of alertness and memory loss

So far you have learnt the difference between snoring and sleep apnea. You have also gained an understanding of its causes and why you need to seek a medical assistance if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of this sleep disorder. The effects of sleep apnea can be devastating for you and your loved ones. For these reasons you need professional help overcome it.

The writer of this article is also the author of the best-selling book, You Can Stop Snoring Tonight in which he reveals everything you need to know about sleep disorders including snoring and sleep apnea. If you enjoy this article and find it helpful, you can read more on sleep apnea by visiting: http://you-can-stop-snoring-tonight.com/blog/how-to-stop-snoring-at-night-without-stop-snoring-devices

Original article

Snore Guard

Sleep is the most wanted comfort for every human being. You get relaxed and fresh when you get good sleep. If you are not able to sleep properly because of some irritating sound caused by your partner you are likely to ruin the next morning. Those irritating sounds are scientifically known as Snoring. If your partner snores then you should take necessary measures soon before it turns out to a problem. Through effective snore guard remedies you can overcome this sleeping disorder. According to a survey it has been observed that 40% of men and 30% of women snore.

When a person sleeps on his back, the inhaled air from his nose gets blocked to his vocal cord. This case is mostly observed in those people who have several health problems like:

Obesity.Breathing problem.Weak muscles in throat.Narrow throat.Aging.Excess consumption of alcohol and cigarette.Eating dairy products before going to bed.

By using some of the useful snore guard measures you can cure this disorder. The person who is snoring might sleep well but the person sleeping besides him gets disturbed. Snoring is a sleeping disorder but it also has other ill effects on health that are enlisted below:

Exhausted while working.Headaches in early morning.Long pause in breathing.Sleeping during daytime.Hypertension.Disturbance in married life.

According to science a person should get 7 to 8 hours of proper sleep so that he is ready to work for the next day. When you snore you make a bad impression on your partner while sleeping and at the same time you affect your health. If you practice some of the useful remedies regularly you can get rid of this dilemma. Some of the most used and useful remedies are as follows:

Perform yoga or practice breathing exercise.Do not eat dairy products or chocolate before going to bed.Avoid consuming alcohol or smoke before sleeping as it will bulk your throat and lead you to snore.Eat healthy food.Change your pillows.Change your sleeping position.Eat 1 tablespoon of honey before going to bed.Sleep 7-8 hours properly.Jaw exercise.

Snoring is a big problem if you don't follow the necessary measures on time. Regularly use home remedies and practice the exercise. Sleep on your back to avoid the snoring problem. It will not only let you to get rid of snoring but also helps you in staying healthy. Sleep well, live healthy!

Snore Guard remedies and snoring devices are useful to cut down your snoring habits.

Original article

Most Popular Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Although sleep apnea treatment is available, most people fail to use it because they don't even know they have a problem. If this sleep disorder goes untreated, it can lead to dangerous health complications, such as hypertension and heart problems. Keep reading to learn more about various treatments which you can use to lessen the effects of sleep apnea.

Treatments

A common treatment is to wear a face mask which serves as a support that keeps the air way open through the night. This is the most common treatment and it is also the simplest too. This device which is also called a chin strap, simply fits over the head, and supports the chin. Its function is to keep the air flowing correctly through the airway passageway by ensuring that the mouth does not open during sleep, which causes both snoring and sleep apnea.

Another go-to method for apnea patients is using a treatment called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This sleep apnea treatment has a machine which sets a prescribed air pressure for the individual using it. While it may be uncomfortable at first, most people who use this treatment get used to it a few weeks after regular use.

Dental devices can also be used for treatment of this sleeping disorder. However, they are only effective if it is a moderate case of this medical issue. There are a number of side-effects associated with this method including saliva build-up and soreness. If you don't want to go through this treatment, then you can always take the easiest approaches and lose weight and stop smoking. Most people who do this notice an immediate difference in the intensity of their problem.

Benefits

Sleep apnea treatment can help relieve some of the chronic conditions associated with the condition. They can improve memory and concentration, daytime sleepiness, and even lessen the chance of heart disease and diabetes. Studies have also been conducted proving that CPAP is just as effective as taking a blood pressure pill. It is important that people who suffer from this partake in some form of treatment to avoid serious or even life threatening health problems later on down the road.

Description: The importance of receiving sleep apnea treatment cannot be overstated. It is crucial that you take the time to learn all of the treatments available so that you can make the right decision as to which one works best for you.

Further information on sleep apnea treatment and anti snoring devices can be found on my website.

Original article

The Serious Side Effects Of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects thousands of people every year. Bouts of insomnia, snoring and a feeling of being even more tired when you wake up in the morning than you were when you went to bed, are all signs that indicate you might be one of them. There are also an untold number of side effects that can affect your long term health that have been linked to this disorder, so getting effective treatment for apnea is crucial.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

If you find yourself feeling out of sorts in the morning, chronically fatigued, or unable to concentrate on even the simplest tasks, you may be suffering from one of two distinct forms of apnea. Obstructive apnea literally means that during your sleep, something physical blocks your airway, cutting off needed oxygen for a full and complete rest. This could be enlarged tonsils or your tongue shifting momentarily. The loss of air in apnea only lasts seconds and the snoring occurs when the air flow is restored.

The second kind, central apnea, happens when your brain fails to send the proper signals to continue your breathing. You might think that breathing is automatic, but it really depends on your brain telling you to. This kind of apnea, as well as the obstructive kind, is best diagnosed by undergoing a sleep study. During the study, you will be hooked up to several machines during a night's sleep. What the doctor is looking for are changes in your brain activity, any movements you make during sleep, your heart rate and your breathing patterns, in order to determine whether you have the condition or not.

Treatment

Treatment for apnea is quite simple. Both types can be effectively managed through home sleep therapy using a CPAP mask to ensure that you get the proper amount of oxygen during sleep. This should eliminate the headaches and fatigue you were feeling before the treatment. For mild cases, lifestyle changes can help. Simple measures such as losing weight or changing your sleep habits will improve your rest.

Side effects

Because losing sleep can affect your overall health, over time, ignoring apnea can seriously weaken the body. Not getting the right amount of oxygen during sleep decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood, while allowing the amount of carbon dioxide to increase. Continuously low oxygen levels can lead to a loss in equilibrium, chronic fatigue, and memory loss. Oxygen is required in the blood to aid in healing and in fighting off infections. Long term apnea can compromise your immune system to where it can no longer resist viruses, bacteria and infections, which can lead to more serious complications later on.

Weight gain is one of the more serious complications possible for sufferers of sleep apnea. A lack of energy leads to a lack of caring about getting the right nutrients, the right foods, and exercise is out of the question. Weight gain combined with apnea can make you more at risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart arrhythmias over time, as well. Every single part of your life can be disastrously affected by apnea, and to leave it go untreated is gambling to the nth degree.

Want to know more about the potentially deadly side effects of sleep apnea? Experts at treating this condition like Trinity Primary Care have the answers you need, so call them today. Also check out our new page on Sleep Apnea. Also check out our new page on Sleep Apnea.

Original article

Pickwickian Syndrome - Its Negative Effects and Remedies

Many obese people have Pickwickian syndrome or Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS). A person with OHS experiences breathing difficulties due to intense pressure from excessive weight. The excess body fat constricts chest and diaphragm movements and restricts them from getting the right amount of oxygen for the body. This results to a lower oxygen level that may lead to heart strain. The disorder also causes higher carbon dioxide absorption in the blood that results to drowsiness and headaches.

People with Pickwickian syndrome often experience disrupted sleep cycle. In worse cases, it causes total lack of sleep that results to excessive sleepiness during daytime. People who suffer from it may end up falling asleep even while doing a simple day-to-day task. In some cases, a person who experiences difficult respiration may exhibit cyanosis or the bluish hue on the skin. Others may also experience shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and feet, and fatigue even from little physical exertion. There are cases in which the person experiences depression, irritability, and extreme headaches. Some reports connect car accidents to drowsiness due to OHS.

Prolonged OHS increases health care costs and may reduce the sufferer's quality of life. Medical professionals administer diagnostic tests to determine if a person has Pickwickian syndrome. These tests include Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and an arterial blood gas test. A PFT helps evaluate the functionality, volume, and diffusion capacity of the person's lungs. An arterial blood gas test, on the other hand, measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream. This method allows the doctor to assess the degree of imbalance in the blood. Some doctors may advise the patient to participate in a sleep study to evaluate the condition further.

Since the syndrome is due to obesity, the best possible solution is weight loss. To achieve this, it is important to have regular exercise and a balanced diet. This might take a lot of time and effort especially for those who have full time jobs. People can combat this disorder by having a proactive lifestyle. It can also be beneficial to join support groups that promote healthy lifestyle through educational materials, activities, and group discussions among people with the same disorder.

Weight loss surgery can be another solution but this might cost a lot of money and may not give the best results. Treatment methods for breathing assistance can be another option. These methods use special machines and mechanical ventilation. It also involves an incision in the neck or a non-invasive mask that fits tightly over the nose and mouth. The machines aid in proper oxygenation of blood. A person who requires constant ventilation assistance due to a narrowed airway passage may undergo tracheostomy. This process involves the placement of a breathing tube in the windpipe through a surgical incision in the neck.

Once you see symptoms of Pickwickian syndrome, do not hesitate to get immediate medical attention. Professionals can help you overcome the issue through modern methods and medication. More importantly, engaging in a healthy lifestyle makes a lot of difference.

Lucy Hammond is a health magazine writer making a research about sleep cycle and is writing on an assignment about pickwickian syndrome.

Original article

Oxygen Is Important: Understanding Sleep Apnea Machines

Since our birth, there is usually someone around concerned about our breathing. Parents worry their newborn(s) will stop breathing and set up all sorts of safety monitoring. Every now and then a newborn will stop breathing for a few seconds. Then take a deep breath to the frantic joy and sweet relief of the nearby parent. Delayed or irregular breathing as a newborn is general but if it continues into later life, it can become a complicated medical nightmare.

Sleep apnea is the name for the condition when a person stops breathing while sleeping. It is more common in adults than children and small babies but the presentation is the same, interruption of a normal breathing pattern. Delayed breathing, long pauses and skipping breaths before starting to breathe again will cause medical problems.

The most common reason for this condition is when the body relaxes during sleep, the flesh around the neck and mouth collapse down cutting off oxygen to the lungs. The body chokes itself. If this happens five or more times in one hour, the medical diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is given.

One simple solution for sleep apnea is to create an environment where the neck's tissue does not cut off airflow. Lifestyles changes, oral mouthpieces and surgical correction to the inner throats structure will help a person troubled by apnea. The most common treatment is to use a sleep apnea machine at night.

A sleep apnea machine is known as a CPAP or "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure" machine. CPAP machines provide a constant flow of air opening your airway while asleep.

CPAP therapy is very effective for treating this nighttime breathing disorder. A doctor ordered sleep study would determine how much air pressure is needed. Then you are fitted with a mask that connects to the machine.

Basic apnea machines are small enough to fit on a bedside nightstand or table. It is important to keep the machine on a flat surface. Never on the bedroom floor. CPAP machines push surrounding air into a small hose connected to a mask that covers your nose and mouth or just your nose. It is important that the air around your breathing machine is pollutant-free.

In the beginning, this treatment can be difficult for some people to tolerate. Wearing a CPAP mask connected to a breathing machine is not a normal sleeping arrangement. If you are able to tolerate it, you will get a good night's sleep. For some, a good night's sleep is worth any early discomfort.

If you show any signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea such as

snoringgasping for breath while asleepfatigued all day, every day

a sleep apnea machine and mask may help you breathe right during the night.

You should talk with a doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor can guide you to information about using the machine and obtaining sleep apnea machine supplies.

If you are interested in learning more about sleep apnea machines check out SleepApneaCPAP.info today.

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8 Effective Natural Home Remedies For Snoring

Snoring can affect anyone including children. However studies show that it is prevalent in men and people who are affected by some of the factors we are now going to discuss. As one ages, the chance of snoring also increases. Here are some of these factors that can cause your snoring:

Allergies - if you suffer from an allergy, know that it is possible that it could be the cause of your snoring. An allergy can clog your airways and the trachea, which then reduces the airflow. As air forces its way against the tissues in the air passage, it vibrates and it is that vibratory sound that is known as snoring.

Cold and flu - like allergies, they can also clog the airway. This is why some people will experience snoring only when they are suffering from a cold or flu.

Diet - you should be aware that certain types of diet can actually aggravate your snoring. Here is an example - dairy products. Certain types of food does produce mucus, which tends to cause congestion, restricting your air passage.

So those are just some of the factors that could be responsible for the cause of your snoring. At this stage you are probably asking yourself how you are going to stop snoring. If you looking for a solution then be assured that I am now going to show you 8 effective home remedies for snoring.

As discussed earlier, cold or flu can cause or even aggravate your snoring. One of the best remedies for getting rid of your cold or flu is by inhaling hot steam. Boil water and pour it into a bucket. Cover your head over the bucket and inhale the hot steam.
Not only is alcohol bad for your health, it is also counter- productive if you snore. The best remedy is therefore not to drink alcohol at least within the last four hours before you retire to sleep at night.
The position in which you sleep can also affect your snoring. Instead of lying on your back while you are asleep, the best advice or remedy is that you sleep on your side. Sleeping on your side will help to open up your airways, allowing good airflow and also stop your snoring.
If you are taking sleeping pills or medications that induce sleep, then you need to stop taking them now as they may be the cause of your snoring.
Do not eat or drink anything that contains dairy products nearer your bedtime. These products can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat and make you snore.
If you are overweight, then it is important to take steps that can help you to lose weight. If you are overweight, it does aggravate your snoring.
Let's look at herbal remedies. They are effective. Soak two leaves of eucalyptus in boiling water for few minutes. Then drink it as you would drink tea. Eucalyptus will clear your airways and can stop you from snoring.
Wear nasal strips before you go to bed. They are not expensive and can stop your snoring.

In conclusion, you can now understand why you snore and how these eight home remedies for snoring will be able to help you to stop snoring.

The writer of this article is also the author of the best-selling book, You Can Stop Snoring Tonight in which he reveals everything you need to know about sleep disorders including snoring and sleep apnea. If you enjoy this article and find it helpful, you can read more on sleep apnea and snoring by visiting: http://you-can-stop-snoring-tonight.com/blog/how-to-stop-snoring-at-night-without-stop-snoring-devices

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Insomnia: How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Have you ever gotten home after a long day at work and found it difficult to unwind and go to sleep? A lot of people do. Ironically, even after juggling the stress of working a full-time job, shuffling the kids off to school and overseeing their endless needs, many find it difficult, if not nearly impossible, to get to sleep. Why?

This article will examine current information and treatment related to this troublesome disorder.

Insomnia, what is it?

Insomnia is a problem that affects more than 50% of adults with women being 1.3 times more likely to suffer from it. Also, people over 65 years are 1.5 times more likely than younger people to suffer from this affliction.

Short term sleep problems, called acute insomnia, include sleep disturbances of a few weeks but duration of less than one month. This usually requires no intervention. Mild insomnia is usually diagnosed as duration of about a month or so. But, longer term or chronic insomnia, one year or more, can lead to other more serious health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

There are two types of insomnia: Primary - meaning that it is not associated with any other condition. Secondary - indicating that the insomnia is associated with another condition such as arthritis, cancer, asthma, depression or heartburn.

Solutions -

Melatonin supplementation

Melatonin, which is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the center of the brain, has been successfully used by many to treat the milder forms of insomnia. Titration is usually recommended until the therapeutic level is reached. Of course, before beginning any new supplements or drugs, check with your primary care physician.

Medications

One of the best places to check for possible causes of insomnia is with commonly used medications. Many sleep issues arise because of side effects of medications.

The solution is to check with your pharmacist regarding medication side effects. If you find that there is indeed a problem, discuss it with your physician for possible substitutes or changes in your medication.

Nicotine and Caffeine

For health reasons it is best to avoid nicotine since it is no secret that this chemical causes tar build up in the lungs of smokers which leads to lung disease. It is also a stimulant that can interfere with sleep.

So, smokers should seek the assistance of their physician or pharmacist in selecting a regimen to break the smoking habit. Once this is done, the desired good night's sleep may come easier than ever.

Caffeine is also a well known stimulant that can rob the insomniac of sleep. Start to cut down on caffeinated coffee and cokes, and other caffeinated beverages. Opt for decaf instead.

Know thyself

Understand that not everyone is a morning person. I know personally, that I can wake up about 4:30 am and watch the news, or do some writing or studying. But then, come 7:30pm, I am in the twilight zone. So, if you can stay up until midnight doing productive things, then great. You probably won't wake up at 5:00am. Organize your day then accordingly.

Exercise

Exercise is great for the body and mind, as well as for that endorphin-like, feel good effect, but not right before bed. Time out for that stuff is probably late afternoon, if you are an early bird like me.

Foods

Spicy and greasy foods are a no, no. Beef eaters should make a cut off time early in the day, like noon. Better yet, cut down altogether as red meat really taxes the digestive system, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep.

A better bet is turkey which is high in tryptophan, which is a sleep inducer.

As far as other foods to induce sleep, try chamomile tea, valerian, warm milk and restful, St. John's Wort. Also, aromatherapy with lavender and relaxation inducing music to help you drift off into a pleasant and restful sleep.

Sherl Wilsher is a nurse who is dedicated to writing about natural health and beauty topics. As the numbers of folks is growing who are tired of the adverse effects of chemicals, preservatives and drugs on health, these individuals are looking for sources of reliable information in educating themselves on important health topics.

For more information on health and beauty, please visit: http://www.sherelynne.blogspot.com/

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Different Styles Of CPAP Machines

People all over the world suffer from sleep apnea which is a condition involving problems with breathing throughout the night. Problems within the respiratory system and heart can lead to sleep apnea leaving people worried to fall asleep at night. CPAP machines were designed specifically for those with sleep apnea to help them breathe regularly and be worry free when they lay down to rest. There are many models of CPAP machines available designed to suit each person's specific wants and needs. Let's take a further look in to the different styles...

One of the most important aspects of a CPAP machine is the amount of noise it will make when using. Loosing sleep over hearing the machine upon every hour would really make it a useless invention. For this reason, there are different styles to choose from offering you a very quiet sound or a nearly nonexistent whisper.

The level of pressure your CPAP machine provides you with is also crucial in your nightly breathing. Since no ones breathing patterns are the same, there must be equipment available to match your body. You will find that different CPAP machines are designed with easy use buttons to control the pressure at any given time.

When you want to control the pressure or simply turn the machine on and off it is necessary to have a machine that is easy to navigate features. Choose from screens that allow you to easily scroll through your personal settings. You can even choose a machine that allows you to set the option to automatically adjust to your night's breathing agenda. Depending on your preference, you can have a small or large screen indicating your options.

Aside from the basic characteristics of CPAP machines, there are other features offered to users. Choosing the right size and weight can allow people the freedom they need. Some machines are made so light weight that they can easily be transported in a small bag to where ever needed. Others are designed to sturdily sit on your nightstand and reject any possible moving through your nightly twisting and turning.

Lastly, you have the luxury of deciding on the way you want your CPAP machine to look. Since you will be using this every day and most likely keeping it visible it needs to be coinciding to your bedroom's taste. Standard black, white, and grey are perfect for blending in to the room's atmosphere. On the other hand, bright colors such as red or pink will brighten up and add unique flair to the room. Some machines are even designed to look just like the neighboring alarm clock. With the number of styles to choose from, you can be truly satisfied with your CPAP machines positive effects.

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Accessories For Your CPAP Machine

Those of you who suffer from sleep apnea have most likely either heard of, or use, a CPAP machine to control your breathing throughout the night. They offer users a convenient and safe way to monitor their respiratory problems and provide a care free nights sleep. You are probably already aware of the different styles of CPAP machines available to you, but have you taken advantage of other accessories? Truly take control of your breathing and have a look at the many accessories available to you.

Being sure that your CPAP machine is comfortable for long periods of time is crucial to having a good nights rest. Placing the mask attached to your machine over your breathing canals can cause irritation to some users. Soft padding is a great accessory to help rid the problem and prevent it from reoccurring. These are generally designed to strap right on to the CPAP mask so that the mask itself never has the chance to ever reach your soft skin.

Another comfort related accessory that can be found for CPAP machines is a CPAP specific pillow. Suddenly inviting the machine to sleep with you can be nearly impossible at first and lead to an uncomfortable night's sleep. By using a pillow designed with the proper grooves and cutouts needed to escape interaction with the machine will allow you to forget it is even there. Being comfortable is the only way you will adapt to this new habit.

Other accessories include those involving the power of the machine. Perhaps you do not have an outlet for the night or are going on a camping trip. With battery packs, or rechargeable batteries, you can count on at least a promise of a full night at ease. Other accessories even allow you to charge your machine right inside your vehicle. Especially for daily users, it can be very dangerous to go a night without their CPAP machine.

You can even fill your CPAP machine with soft, sweet aromas that offer an extra pleasant experience. These are typically very natural scents as strong, formulated smells may cause irritation. Just an easy way to enjoy your machine a little bit more.

Do not forget to keep your CPAP machine clean in the process and take advantage of cleaning accessories. Different wipes, sprays, and gels are a great way to rid any excess dirt. There are truly many accessories out there that will allow for the ideal experience. Whether it is cleanliness, comfort, or convenience your looking for you can be sure to find an accessory that is just right for you.

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Are CPAP Machines Easy To Use?

Are you having trouble breathing when you lay down to rest? Are respiratory problems and heart failure common in your family? It can be extremely scary for a person to realize they have breathing issues, especially during the night when they can not control their patterns. Having a CPAP machine to accompany you can be the exact solution to a peaceful rest. Many people are scared to deal with such a serious matter on their own and wonder if they will be able adjust the machine to the right settings. Can just anyone use a CPAP machine correctly?

Anyone who can manage their alarm clock can manage a CPAP machine. They are designed to be simple and sleek to solely provide for an easy route to better breathing. After simply plugging the machine in to the wall, or using a battery pack, you can begin taking advantage of the product. Sifting through the settings is extremely straight forward as turning nobs will reveal exactly what you are looking for. You can quickly navigate through the machine to set your personal settings as things such as humidity and pressure are easily found on the screen. You can even view your previous sleeping records to take note of any changes in your patterns.

The actual use of the machine is very easy to manage as well. Once the machine is turned on and set to your liking you can then place the mask over your face. The mask is designed to conveniently slide right over your head and situate on top of your upper lip. If you cannot tell if there are any air holes then you can simply check the records on the machine to ensure that you are using the mask correctly. This mask connects to an extremely light weight tube leading to the CPAP machine that requires no needed interaction.

As you can see, once you explore the machine and figure out its basic features you can begin using it right away. For those of you who still have worry that you are not using your machine correctly, there are ways for you to immediately determine this. Most machines will have buttons designed to press when you need to perform a quick test to make sure the mask is entirely sealed and ready to go for the night. There should be no obstacles when using your machine. The light weight, nearly silent machines are designed to provide you with the easiest use a breathing device can offer you.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Pillow for Better Health

Choosing the right pillow can become a real chore if you don't know how to select the best one for your health and sleeping needs. If you're like many people, you probably just grab the first pillow off the rack that feels relatively comfortable, and then expect to sleep well on it. However, there is more to selecting a healthy pillow than most people realize. If you've suffered night after night with insomnia, headaches, or stiff neck and shoulders, it may be that you need to choose a better pillow on which to sleep.

Sleep experts have outlined several things to consider when choosing the right pillow. Two of the most important things to be aware of are your health needs and your particular style of sleeping.

What are your health needs?

If you suffer from issues such as allergies or fibromyalgia, for example, your pillow can be of real importance in alleviating some of the symptoms that you notice upon arising in the morning. Allergies to dust mites, synthetic materials, mold or mildew can trigger allergic reactions while you sleep and you can wake up with a stuffy nose, headache and general tiredness. Those with fibromyalgia who sleep on the wrong pillow will notice pain at pressure points such as the upper shoulders and neck. These are just some of the health problems that can be complicated by the wrong sleep accessory.

What is your sleep style?

Are you a back sleeper or a stomach sleeper? Are you a side sleeper? The answers to these questions significantly impact the type of pillow you should choose for a good night's sleep. In a nutshell, a back sleeper should choose a thinner pillow that has a bit of loft or plumpness in the lower part of the pillow, so as to keep your neck supported while sleeping.

A side sleeper should generally choose a firmer pillow that provides adequate support from the head to the shoulder region that stabilizes the spine. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should choose a very thin pillow or even no pillow at all, so that the spine will remain in a neutral position while sleeping. Your sleep style is especially important in helping you choose the best pillow.

There are, of course, other things to consider such as filling and cover material, as well as the quality level of this sleep accessory. Remember, when choosing the right pillow, it's important to put your health and sleep needs above even the price of this very important bedding accessory.

Visit http://www.downmattresstopper.net/ to get more sleeping tips about how to select the perfect pillow.

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