Saturday, February 24, 2007

Want a Free Cure for Snoring? Try Snoring Remedy

Snoring stresses. It can be the source of your embarrassment while you sleep in somebody else’s house, even if it is your own friend or family. It may both create a disturbance to your companion in sleeping, and it can make you the center of their amusement - too shameful.

Although snoring is not an ailment, it is only a disproportion on the human body system. So, it is not impossible for you to cure snoring. If snoring can be completely eliminated, then societal peace can be achieved, especially inside the bedroom.

Nowadays, there are already medicines and devices available in the market to cure snoring. However, this requires a bit of amount of money, and creating further stress.

Nevertheless, if these kind of cure is not included in your budget, there is still another option that will not be heavy in your purse—home remedies.

First, try to change your position in sleeping. Elevate the head of your bed by a few inches, or try to add some more pillows. This will lessen the jamming of the air passage in your throat muscle. Avoid sleeping on your back too; the tendency if you do this is to give more chances on the occurrence of snoring, the reason for this is the draw back of soft palate and tongue, thus, constricting the air passage.

Next, you can try to modify your lifestyle. Your present lifestyle may contribute in aggravating your snoring, for instance, excessive eating, excessive drinking of alcohol, and too much intake of cigarette.

Modifying lifestyle is what the doctors’ called “conservative therapy.” Truth is the doctors stated that this is the advisable primary step in curing snoring before attempting to use other harsh treatments.

Try to motivate yourself to conduct a regular physical exercise to lessen your weight. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol and cigarettes, the effect of not preventing both of these will add to the obstruction to the airway. Likewise, avoid excessive intake of sleeping pills and tranquilizers, these medicines also worsen snoring.

If you will also notice, some of the medicines that are being offered in the drugstore can be classified as home remedies. Examples of these are the nasal strips, nose sprays, and anti-snoring pills. The ingredients contained by these medicines are basically herbs, and plant enzymes, these can manage the swelling of nose and throat tissues. Additionally, these offset snoring by evening the airflow.

Generally, a home remedy is almost alike to the drug free medication. The procedures of such prescriptions are founded in the inventions’ experience.

There is the drug free snoring “mandibular advancement splint” for instance; the function of this is to maintain your jaw in a pressed onward position. This helps to widen the air passage, and according to the report this helps in more than 80 percent in impeding snoring cases.

If you are really determined and will exert further efforts to the suggested home remedies above, it is not impossible to cure your snoring all by yourself.

The process for these is simple. Distinguish first the problem, ponder. Then, work on it everyday. Following this will award you a good outcome. And the days of disgraceful nights will come to an end. This may possibly happen earlier than you anticipated.

So good luck on your self-medication!

Mike Sullivan People With Sleep Disorders
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and/or on your web site so long as it provides a link back
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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Up Close And Personal. "True Life Story"

Growing up with an older brother and sister we three had some laughs at my poor mothers expense. Yeah she had "Narcolepsy". No one back then knew what it was or how to treat it. But we kids did. My mom would fall asleep and let the mischief begin. One time, I remember this like it was yesterday( forty years ago) I still giggle when I picture this. Mom fell asleep on the couch sitting up with her neck bent backwards, nose up in the air. We kids would try and find the smelliest items in the kitchen we could find. The winner would be the one thing that would find something to smell so bad that it would wake up mom. I still picture me, shaking from laughing so hard and trying not to make a sound, holding a jar of stinky pickles under moms nose.
Man, those were the days.
But now it's sad, my mother has slept away a good part of her later years. She has good days and bad. Over the years she's seen many doctors, taken a whole spectrum of medications to try and find the right combinations. We'd be out to dinner and everythings fine, then you can see it in her face, she's gonna fall asleep. We prop her up between two of us, (This is gonna sound cold) finish eating box her food up then get her home. At home she would sometimes be at the dinner table and sleep eat and not even remember that she ate. We would tell her and she would reply "Did I enjoy it". I love my mother, she always has a good sense of humor and has learned to live with her disability. That's all for now...Talk at you later.

Michael Sullivan
And this is my "BLOG"

Monday, January 15, 2007

5 Factors That Can Lead To Sleep Apnea By Rudy Watkins

Many people who have sleep apnea wonder if there was something they could have done to prevent it. However, there are many extenuating factors that you cannot change when it comes to obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. There are some things you can do, such as quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and cut down on excess alcohol consumption. However, there are some factors that you just can’t do anything about. Age and gender are two such factors. The most common age and gender group for sleep apnea is men over forty and it is rarely seen in people less than thirty years of age.
Many more men than women suffer from sleep apnea. It is estimated that approximately 24% of the male popular has sleep apnea, compared to only 9% of women. This is a significant difference. It has also been found that premenopausal women suffer from sleep apnea less than their post menopausal counterparts. In fact, the gender gap for sleep apnea is almost negligible after menopause in women. There are many theories as to why the gender gap exists in term of sleep apnea, but no concrete evidence has been found.
Genetics appear to play a role in a person's likelihood of getting sleep apnea. Regardless of gender, if a family member has sleep apnea you are more likely to have it as well during your lifetime.
Ethnicity is yet another factor. Research has found that African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to Caucasians. African Americans also appear to develop sleep apnea earlier in life than other ethnicities.
Luckily there are some factors that we can change, such as anatomy. If you have excess tissue in your throat that is causing an obstruction in your airway, you can have a surgical procedure done to remove or reduce it. Determining whether or not surgery will be beneficial to your sleep apnea is up to your doctor and sleep specialist.
Rudy Watkins offers advice about sleep apnea sickness on the Apnea Guide website. For more helpful tips and information and to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.apneaguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Watkins

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Snoring Remedies - Where Do I Start? by Andrew B Mills

There are many people who have used natural remedies to stop or reduce their snoring. There are a multitude of snoring remedies available to the general public, which claim to alleviate the problem of snoring. There are also a variety of herbal remedies, which claim to aid the snorer.
Medicinal remedies are also available as over the counter drugs, to be sold without a doctor's prescription. There are all sorts of cures on today’s market including sprays and nose strips that are helpful in the prevention of snoring, although there are much more effective products and home remedies available, which allow you to save on money instead of paying high street prices. There are many remedies that claim to quiet the unruly noise that emanates from the snorer.
Most of these remedies are based on some sort of sleep behaviour modification. Many snoring remedies include avoiding alcoholic beverages, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before retiring. There are numerous fixes for snoring, from folk traditions to home remedies and over-the-counter medications, to what might be called a face-lift for your throat.
In addition to such so-called home cures, there are over-the-counter snoring remedies available, including anti-snoring pills, throat sprays, and nasal strips. After that, well be in a position to take a look at remedies for snoring; and our first focus here will be on surgical procedures. From herbal remedies to simple comforts, there are numerous remedies that can help your partner stop snoring and can help you get the sleep you need.
One of the best remedies for persistent snoring is the use of a “memory foam” pillow that will properly support the shoulder, neck and head areas. As well, if you’ve tried remedies that don’t work (such as stopping drinking and smoking, losing weight, or sleeping on your side) you’ll want to talk to someone like a sleep specialist.
Fortunately, most of these home remedies for snoring are incredibly simple and easy, so anyone can enjoy a restful and quiet night. There are plenty of snoring remedies out there for all cases and severity levels. Light snoring can be treated with over-the-counter remedies and basic changes in lifestyle, and for heavy snoring you may want to consult your doctor.
Snoring Remedies
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_B_Mills

Friday, January 12, 2007

Everything You Wanted To Know About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea means "without breath" - in Greek. Apnea is a severe sleep disorder during which your process of respiration is hampered causing tremendous problem in sleeping. In case of a sleep apnea, the patient may have periodical starting and stopping of breath up to 100 times per night.
The Two Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea
This occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat tends to relax when you are fast asleep. However, this is a more known fact in case of obese males who are more than forty years of age.
Central sleep apnea
This mainly occurs due to the failure of the central nervous system. There is lack of synchronization between the muscles meant for controlling the breath and the brain. Those who suffer from neuromuscular disorder have greater chances of suffering from sleep apnea.
What Are The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
You suddenly wake up at night and start walking repeatedly
When you sleep you tend to snore loudly
Your sleep is disturbed in the middle of the night thus making you suffer from sore throat and a choking feeling
Your sleep at night is insufficient and due to this, you tend to feel sleepy throughout the day.
Detriments of Sleep Apnea
Your inability to exhibit your performance at the work place
If you are a student, you fail to show better results in class
You suffer from hypertension and cardiac problems
You tend to experience several road accidents
How is Sleep Apnea diagnosed?
As soon as you feel that you have sleep apnea, you must try to get your sleep assessment done with the help of a Polysomnogram (PSG). This examination is done to keep a record of the function of the lungs, activities of the brain and muscles, availability of blood oxygen when you are asleep at night, the movement of your eyes and your heart beat.
A second type of test is done when you are made to fall asleep during the day in order to keep a track of the occurrence of your brain impairments. MLST is what an Apnea study is known as.
How To Treat Sleep Apnea
If you are a mild sufferer of sleep apnea, you can take the help of traditional apnea therapy to get rid of the situation. These traditional measures include:
Weight loss in case of obese people
Avoidance of sleeping peels, alcohol and cigarettes
A side ways sleeping posture rather than sleeping on the back
At times, you are also recommended to wear apnea masks. These masks cover the portion of your nose and mouth through which the air blows. In this way, the air is allowed to have a regular and continuous pass towards the upper airway. The air pressure is brought under control and the tissues are prevented from breaking down. If you want a successful outcome, you have to follow the procedure methodically and repeatedly.
Apnea therapy also makes use of oral and dental devices. This however, prevents the tongue from choking the throat or the lower portion of the jaw in front while you enjoy a cozy siesta. Such valuable devices are given shape by experienced dentists to keep the air passage open.
When nothing seems successful in treating sleep apnea, the last door you can knock is of the apnea surgery. This form of medication is apt for those who are suffering from nasal septum disorder and those who have extra large tonsils or quite a constricted throat. The different types of sleep apnea surgery include
Nasal surgery to rectify obstructions like a deviated septum
Somnoplasty in which the soft tissues are reduced in the upper airway
Mandibular maxillar surgery, which is made to correct throat blockages and face muscles
Uyulopalatopharyngoplasty is a kind of procedure used for the proper removal of the soft tissues at the back of the throat and the palate
It is not an easy task to get rid of sleep apnea, but once you decide to do so, every step that you take has to be well measured and well contemplated.
For additional information as well as other articles on sleep apnea cures please visit the web site below.sleep apnea cures
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bhikoo_Rajesh

Thursday, January 11, 2007

What are Sleep Studies and Do You Need One? by J Wall

Sleep studies are one of the more powerful tools available to doctors to help diagnose sleep disorders and other factors affecting our rest. For the millions of people who suffer from a lack of sleep it might be wise to ask for one. Here's a look at what they are and when you might need one.
Medical professionals who conduct sleep research have used studies for years to both diagnose problems with sleep as well as gather data on sleep in general. These studies have helped doctors map out sleep and have helped to increase our understanding of what exactly goes on in the body and brain during sleep. They have proved to be a valuable tool in shaping not only our knowledge of sleep, but how we treat sleep disorders.
Sleep studies are usually conducted at a hospital that has the appropriate facilities. This usually consists of a cluster of hotel style rooms with a bed, TV and bathroom. The ward is manned by Sleep Technicians who conduct the tests and monitor the patients. Generally, people undergo sleep studies by a doctor's referral after their primary physician has worked with them to determine that their sleep issues might warrant one.
The recommendation is that patients attempt to stick with their normal sleep pattern and don't make any significant changes to the routine prior to the test. They want to be able to measure you in your normal cycle of sleep. Also, it is usually recommended to cut out caffeine for a couple days before the test. The test is done overnight so you usually check in at night and will need an overnight bag and night clothes as if you were staying in a hotel. The night clothes need to be comfortable, but also allow for the Technician to apply the various electrodes and other monitoring connections to your body.
Research on sleep done through these studies involves monitoring brain activity, body movement, breathing rate and depth as well as oxygen levels in the blood. If you are attending a study you will probably be monitored for all these as well as be videotaped so doctors can review as much information as possible. From these tests doctors can often determine if you are suffering from a disorder such as sleep apnea or if you are having trouble with any of the stages of sleep that normally occur during the night.
If you are having trouble sleeping or getting restful sleep for more than a few nights in a row then you might want to discuss with your doctor whether or not you need a sleep study. Usually they will attempt to look at habits and diet to determine if something needs to change there first. If that doesn't work then they might consider the study.
Another way to get a snap shot of your sleep and see if there is anything to be concerned about is to find out if your local hospitals are conducting sleep research and need volunteers. This will not only get you into a sleep study for your information but will help researchers gather more data on sleep in general. You would be contributing to research that might help others in the long run. Either way, you should talk about it with your doctor so they are in the loop regarding any issues you are having with your rest. Just know that if you are having trouble there are ways of finding out why.
J. Wall has an avid interest in natural remedies for the treatment of Sleeplessness. He is a regular contributor to the Importance of Sleep section of http://www.sleep-help-center.com/, a site dedicated to improving sleep for everyone.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Wall

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

What Lack of Sleep is Doing to Your Body

We all know that a lack of sleep is a common occurrence today. What we may not know is the toll that reduced sleep has on the body and its systems. In fact our perpetual shortage of rest is doing much more harm than we realize
We all know that a lack of sleep is a common occurrence today. What we may not know is the toll that reduced sleep has on the body and its systems. In fact our perpetual shortage of rest is doing much more harm than we realize.
The effect of lack of sleep on the body is often more problematic than just not feeling well rested the next day. There can be serious health issues that result from not getting proper rest. Certainly, the most obvious side effect of a lack of sleep is reduced energy the next day. However, it is more than just feeling less than our best...the body actually performs less efficiently when we're tired. Performance, productivity, memory, etc. are all reduced when our body is running on less sleep than we need.
The body also needs rest to repair tissue, cope with stress and recharge the immune system. A lack of sleep hampers these functions in the body. The ability to handle stress and fight off illness is short circuited when we fail to get enough sleep. The body's response system to germs and stressors slows down and has a difficult time meeting the challenge of even every day issues. This is becoming increasingly problematic in a world where we seem to be under increasing stress levels in our daily lives and where germs are mutating into stronger, hardier forms. When we get sick it is often for longer periods of time as the body has a harder time catching up when we've drained it with reduced sleep.
Neurotransmitter issues are an effect of lack of sleep on the brain as well. Mental health can be impacted when we don't get our rest. Aside from increased stress and a reduced ability to cope as mentioned earlier, the brain can suffer other imbalances such as depression, irritability, anxiety, etc. as the chemicals and processes in the brain get out of balance from lack of sleep. Unfortunately, this can become a vicious cycle as increased stress and/or depression can cause insomnia thereby pushing the body further into a deficit of sleep.
This issue of sleeplessness is not a minor occurrence in our society either. The figures for sleep deprivation's effect on the economy in America alone is $45 BILLION a year according to one article from a psychiatric website I visited. These costs come from lost productivity, health care bills due to increased illness and expenses related to traffic accidents. That puts the cost of sleeplessness on par with stroke or depression. Something to consider when trying to brush off those lost hours every week.
Many people could get the sleep they need but don't as a result of lifestyle choices. They work to many hours, stay up too late at night, etc. Other unfortunately have trouble sleeping as a result of stress or other issues. If your lack of sleep is due to stress, insomnia, etc. then you may need to seek the help of a medical professional familiar with sleep issues. Be careful though, as the knee jerk reaction of many in the medical community is to prescribe drugs. These can have serious side effects and be addictive so discuss them carefully. You may be better off with some lifestyle changes and perhaps some dietary supplements that use natural ingredients to help you sleep without many of the problems that drugs contain. Make sure you talk about all these things with your doctor. Above all though...make sure you get the sleep you need. The price for not doing so is much higher than we often think.
J. Wall has an avid interest in natural remedies for the treatment of Sleeplessness. He is a regular contributor to the Importance of Sleep section of http://www.sleep-help-center.com/, a site dedicated to improving sleep for everyone.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Wall