It now appears that obesity is not necessarily the culprit in obstructive sleep apnea. We have always been given to understand that those who were overweight were more prone to obstructive sleep apnea, than slim people. However, a recent study involving Chinese people found that they had a higher incidence of obstructive sleep apnea than Westerners, and they are not an obese race, so where lies the trigger for this dangerous symptiom?
Archive for October, 2006
How Common is Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the General Population?
The most widespread of the three types of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is estimated that anywhere from twelve to twenty million Americans suffer from one form of sleep apnea or another and to varying degrees. Sleep apnea can be mild, moderate or severe and it is a disorder that left untreated, worsens over time. Approximately four percent of men in the United States and two percent of women are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea on an annual basis. One recent study looked at the incidence of OSA in individual eighteen years of age and older. The study spanned a five-year period and the results showed that 1.5 percent of people developed a case of this form of sleep apnea every year. Researchers estimate that the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea will increase in the future due to growing rates of obesity in our society. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight or obese and studies have shown that more and more people overeat and don’t get enough exercise on a regular basis. The more an individual weighs, the worse the condition can get as the excess fat puts added pressure on the airways.
Not everyone is aware of the fact that they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Some people awake during an apnea episode in the night whereas others are completely unaware of the problem until a concerned spouse or family member brings it to their attention. It is believed that an alarming amount of people do not seek treatment for the problem. It is estimated that only ten percent of those who suffer from OSA actually seek medical intervention and treatment. This is dangerous, because while obstructive sleep apnea is not usually fatal, it can lead to other more serious health problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart failure and stroke.
There are some individuals who are more likely to acquire obstructive sleep apnea than others. For example, OSA is more likely to develop in met between the ages of forty and fifty, as opposed to women of those ages. However after the age of fifty, the risk becomes the same for both sexes. Menopausal women or postmenopausal women are more likely to develop the disorder than are younger women. A very high number of obese people, approximately seventy percent, have obstructive sleep apnea. The more pounds a person packs, on the more prevalent and more serious the disorder becomes. Approximately thirty to fifty percent of those with heart problems suffer from OSA. As far as strokes are concerned, sixty percent of individuals who have sufferered one are also patients of OSA.
As far as race is concerned, those of African-American descent are 2.5 times more likely to develop OSA than are those of Caucasian descent. In India there are 7.5 percent of men who suffer from OSA. Recent studies have identified the fact that 4 percent of Chinese men have OSA and 2 percent of Chinese women do. This is very close to the percentage for Caucasians in the United States. This is unusual however because the Chinese population tends to be smaller in stature and less likely to be overweight than people in America. For this reason obesity cannot be the only contributing factor in OSA. More studies are being conducted to understand why the percentages between the Chinese and American populations are so similar.
Before taking over the counter medications for your insomnia , or even worse, prescription drugs, go visit an homeopath for a holistic treatment of your problem. There may be many reasons why you are suffering from insomnia, stress could figure strongly in the mix, other factors might be due to environmental influences, such as noise, or allergies. Perhaps you have a chronic illness which causes you pain, this may keep you tossing and turning throughout the night.
Whatever may be the cause of you sleeping problem, homeopathy is an holistic treatment, it will treat the central disturbance causing your insomnia, and so will allow you to achieve quality sleep. Superficially treating insomnia by prescription medications will only create problems of drug dependence and ill health.
Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an irritating sensation occurring in the leg, often described as a burning, crawling, creeping sensation which is relieved by movement. For more of this article visit:
http://www.sleep-problems-nomore.com/Restless_Leg_Syndrome.html
by Burt Cotton
Snoring can be quite annoying both to the snorer and the person who has to listen to the snoring, so it is worthwhile to find natural snoring cures which will safely and effectively solve the snoring problems.
Before trying natural snoring cures, it is essential that you go to a physician to ensure that your snoring is not due to medical problems, such as sleep apnea, which involves cessation of breathing several or many times during the night.
One of the classic symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring, so it is important to rule this out before looking for natural snoring cures. Not everyone who snores regularly has a health problem, but there might be an underlying cause, such as a sinus problem, which might better be resolved directly.
There are many factors which may contribute to snoring, and these need to be taken into account to find which of the many natural snoring cures on the market are right for you. If you are sleeping:
* in a room with a lot of fur or dust * on a feather pillow * on dusty bedding
your snoring problem can probably be reduced or eliminated by ensuring that there is good ventilation in your bedroom, that you are sleeping on a pillow stuffed with fibers, and that your bedding is clean and free of dust. Health problems can contribute to snoring, including:
* Obesity * Wheat and Milk allergies * Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
People who are carrying extra weight often experience breathing problems while lying down, and this is a factor that contributes to snoring. Wheat and milk allergies that are unresolved lead to a build-up of phlegm, which can make breathing difficult, and smoking excessively has been found to cause lung problems. Alcohol generally slows down the body’s processes, and can interfere with breathing. However, if you have any of the above problem, it is still worthwhile to try natural snoring cures in conjunction with lifestyle changes and other modes of prevention.
Snoring is often caused by a blockage in the nasal passages, and natural snoring cures work by breaking down substances which cause this obstruction, such as mucous. There is an herbal remedy on the market which combines immature bitter orange, Bromelain and CO-Q10 to maximize air flow. The immature bitter orange contains synephrine, which relieves congestion and phlegm and bromelain breaks down mucous. These drugs are taken in pill form before retiring, and many people find them quite effective.
Natural snoring cures usually come in the following forms:
* Sprays * Pills * Nose drops * Medications to put under the tongue.
Some use enzymes from plants such as protease, amylase, lipase and cellulose which open the sinuses. One self-defense expert experimented with the pepper sprays he was using to ward of assailants, and created a safe blend that from pepper plants that opens the sinuses and can resolve chronic snoring.
Most natural snoring cures are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which means that their effectiveness is not guaranteed. Nonetheless, many people have found them highly effective in reducing or eliminating snoring, although one often needs to experiment with a few natural snoring cures before the ideal blend is found. Putting essential oils in a humidifier might also be effective in opening up sinuses and preventing snoring.
If you find that natural snoring cures don’t seem to be solving your snoring problems, it is advisable to go to a doctor to find out the root cause of your snoring problem.You might have a sinus problem that requires special medication, and you might find that this treatment will end your snoring.
About the Author
Burt Cotton http://www.stop-snoring-cures.com
Getting a good night sleep is essential for your well-being. However, many people don’t realize that they are often sleep-deprived because of breathing problems. Over 90 percent of people who snore are at risk for sleep disordered breathing, or sleep apnea.
According to the National Sleep Foundation research, about 18 million of adults are not getting enough sleep because of sleep apnea. Suffering with sleep deprivation will make you feel tired and groggy, which leads to poor productivity at work and even result in bad driving habits. Your bedmate can eventually get tired of your constant moving and breathing irregularities which can cause stress and strain on your relationship and lead to separate bedrooms.
Pauses in breathing while asleep is called sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing. Most often adults are diagnosed with obstructive apnea, or sleep disordered breathing which is caused by the blockage of the breathing passage by tonsils and adenoids.
Sleep apnea affects you in ways that you couldn’t dream of. The vicious circle of sleep apnea starts when a throat is blocked, blood oxygen level falls due to the lack of breath, and a person wakes up gasping for air.
People with sleep apnea often feel tired and sleepy during the day because their sleep quality is affected, as they move out of deep sleep and into light sleep several times during the night. These periods of not breathing, as short as they are, will inevitably wake you up from deep sleep. As a result, you are not getting enough rest from your sleep. Plus, sleep apnea causes a reduction of oxygen in the bloodstream which results in overall deprivation of cellular functions in your body.
If you snore, sleep restlessly, gasp and pause when breathing at sleep, especially during deep sleep, most likely you have sleep apnea. You can detect these symptoms yourself, or most likely you have been told about them by your partner. Sleep apnea is most common in people who are overweight. Men are also more at risk than women. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore – at least once during the night. However, not all people who snore have sleep apnea. It’s important to check for other sleep apnea symptoms to see if you have this medical condition.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring and sleepiness during the day. Other symptoms include:
Restless tossing and turning during sleep.
Nighttime choking
Nighttime sweating
Mild to severe chest pain
Waking tired after sleep
Having problems with memory and concentration
Feeling irritable and nervous
Experiencing personality changes
Morning headaches
Heartburn
Swelling of the legs
Undetected sleep apnea may increase your risk for hypertension, heart attack or stroke, as well as diabetes and work-related and driving accidents. Sleep apnea can also cause brain damage and result in shorter life span.
If sleep apnea is successfully treated and you start sleeping better, you will experience a huge boost of energy. Many people even report having less asthma, they are calmer, with more positive outlook; they have improved stamina and better functioning immune system. So if you suspect you or your partner is suffering with this condition you should speak to your doctor to discuss possible treatment plans.
About the Author:
Kathryn writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Sleep Apnea please visit http://www.sleeping-disorders-guide.com/sleepdisorders/ and for additional sleeping disorder related articles please visit http://www.sleeping-disorders-guide.com/sleepdisorders-articles/
Because I am now at an age when sleep latency can be a problem and I had begun to take some hours before falling asleep, I decided the time was ripe for an experiment.
I really believe that hormones exert a strong influence on sleep patterns, for so many disruptions to sleep occur around times of hormonal imbalance.
I did not test for hormone levels, but instead reasoned that since I was more likely to be estrogen dominant, because of weight distribution, I chose to take progesterone in homeopathic dilution, I certainly would not consider for a second to take it in any other form.The dilution I took was a 4c, and now I fall asleep with ease, no more tossing and turning for hours before falling asleep.
Please note this this is not homeopathy, but rather a dilution used in homeopathy. I have been taking progesterone 4c for a couple of months now, and I have not noticed any side effects, other than increased energy.
I’m not recommending this mode of treatment to others, but what I am recommending is that there are many other possible ways to get off to sleep without taking medications.
Herbal teas are high on the list of sleep remedies, however, since I have a deep and abiding love for homeopathy, and constantly experiment and investigate, this is the way I chose to solve my problem.
Do you know some of the main symptoms of the medical condition known as sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a very common breathing condition that can range from mild to moderate to severe. This is not a disorder that can easily be brushed aside as it can become very serious and in some cases fatal. Sleep apnea is a progressive disorder, which means that it gets worse with time.
There are three categories of sleep apnea and these include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common type of the three. In this case when a person who is sleeping attempts to breathe, it is not easy for air to pass from the nose and mouth and into the lungs. Breathing either becomes shallows or stops all together for instances of anywhere from ten to twenty seconds (or more in the most severe of cases). This can take place anywhere from a few times a night to hundreds of times. Each time normal breathing begins again by way or either a gasping or choking sensation. Central sleep apnea (CSA) results from the brain having crossed signals about normal breathing patterns. This type is rare. The final type, mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the first two.
There are approximately twelve to twenty million people in the United States who suffer from sleep apnea. More men suffer from it then women and it is also more common in those who are overweight and have a tendency towards loud, habitual snoring. However sleep apnea is evident in those who don’t fit any of the criteria and children sometimes develop it as well. Adult sleep apnea is as common across the globe as is adult onset diabetes. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research did a study that showed that approximately 38,000 individuals die on an annual basis as a result of cardiovascular problems relating in one way or another to sleep apnea.
The most obvious signs of having acquired this sleep disorder include loud snoring, choking or gasping throughout the night and being excessively tired and unable to concentrate during the waking daytime hours. When sleep apnea is suspected it is important to schedule an appointment with the doctor. A thorough physical exam, coupled with a special test known as a polysomnogram (PSG) will help decide whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea. The doctor will also ask you questions about your medical history and your present lifestyle.
The goal of treatment for sleep apnea is to return to a state of “regular nighttime breathing” and to relieve any and all symptoms relating to the disorder such as snoring, irritability, excessive fatigue, etc. Lifestyle changes are often the first step towards relief from symptoms and after that is the most commonly prescribed treatment- continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Treatment for sleep apnea is also beneficial in improving other conditions such as high blood pressure and will greatly reduce a sufferer’s chances of being struck down by a heart attack or a stroke.
The 2 Most Important Questions You Need To Ask If You Suffer With Sleeplessness Or Insomnia by Debbie Shimadry
If you are one of the 32 million adults in the UK who suffers with sleeplessness or insomnia then you must ask yourself these 3 questions and then read on to find out which treatment will help you.
2 Critical Questions About Your Insomnia:
1) What type of insomnia do you suffer with?
Insomnia and sleeplessness can be either transient (temporary) or chronic, read below and decide which type you have:
Transient:- Usually lasts less than 4 weeks and is often caused by stress, a brief illness, travelling or temporary pain.
Chronic:- You will have suffered for more than one month and maybe several months or even years. Chronic insomnia can be caused by long term illness, chronic pain, depression and old age.
2) What treatments are available for sleeplessness and insomnia? Essentially there are 6 common treatments for insomnia and sleeplessness; some have proven more beneficial than others. If you have transient (temporary) insomnia you most likely wont need any treatment as your sleep pattern should return to normal by itself.
However, if your insomnia is chronic you will almost certainly require one of the following treatments:
i) Conventional sleeping tablets from your doctor. Most doctors prescribe a range of drugs called hypnotics (benzodiazepines) for the treatment of chronic insomnia. The action of these drugs is to calm the nervous system.
They have shown limited success in treating insomnia. The main drawbacks are that they are not effective for more than a short period of time (a few weeks) and they are very addictive. As if that’s not enough, they also cause a ‘heavy headed’ feeling upon waking and cause frequent drowsiness during the day. In brief, these drugs are not suitable for long term use or for people who need to be alert and able to concentrate during the day
ii) Herbal remedies. There are many herbal remedies available as over the counter medicines. The vast majority of them contain a concoction of different herbs blended together in the hope that you will respond to at least one of the herbs in the mixture. The most frequently used herbs are camomile, valerian root, passion flower, and lemon balm. These can be drank as an infusion or taken in a tablet form.
On the plus side herbs have very little side effects, so they can be used for long periods. The main drawback remains that the fact that a lot of people simply are not responsive to herbal properties so receive no benefit at all.
iii) Relaxation therapy. Virtually all insomnia sufferers are advised to try relaxation therapy because it doesn’t involve taking tablets and it’s totally non-invasive. The principal behind relaxation therapy is that if your insomnia is caused by stress, pain, or depression and you relax your body before going to bed you are more likely to be able to get to sleep.
Common relaxation techniques are, listening to ‘inner peace’ music, meditating, massage and deep breathing. If you suffer with stress, anxiety or pain related insomnia, relaxation may well help you get off to sleep, but it won’t stop you from waking during the night. What’s more, if your sleeplessness is caused by something other than stress or pain relaxation will not help you at all.
iv) Homeopathy. Homeopathic treatments involve a trained homeopathic therapist assessing your overall health and prescribing a fusion of several homeopathic remedies to be taken daily.
Many chronic insomnia sufferers have reported benefits from homeopathy but you must have a full assessment by a trained practitioner, you can not buy these remedies over the counter. Some people can take several months to respond favourably to homeopathy, persistence s a must.
v) Melatonin drug therapy. In short, the hormone melatonin controls your body’s ability to sleep. Quite simply, if you do not have sufficient amounts of melatonin in your body you will not be able to sleep.
Obviously, it stands to reason that if insomnia is caused by a lack of melatonin in the body, then surely increasing the amount of melatonin in the body will resolve your insomnia, and that is true. This is the way to permanently resolve insomnia, BUT, and when dealing with the human body there always seems to be a but, it is not very easy to increase the body’s melatonin levels, that’s why insomnia has historically been nearly impossible to treat.
Melatonin drug therapy involves taking melatonin supplements in tablet form. You must take a synthetic melatonin hormone on a daily basis. It is available in the USA and some other countries but has not been given a license in the UK. The main reason for this is that is when you take a synthetic hormone your body can stop or reduce its own production of the hormone because it senses a source from elsewhere, so taking synthetic melatonin could cause your body to give up melatonin production altogether leaving you totally dependant on the synthetic hormone.
vi) Magnetic melatonin therapy. Fortunately the most effective method of raising melatonin levels within the body is available in the UK; stimulating your body to increase its own production of melatonin naturally, without drugs or chemicals. This is achieved by exposing the melatonin production centre (the pineal gland in the brain) to a strong static magnetic field.
About the Author
Debbie Shimadry is as an expert guest on magnetic therapy for BBC Radios and is also the managing director of leading magnetic therapy company worldofmagnets.co.uk. If you are interested in natural pain relief visit the magnetic article directory.
by Virpi Tervonen
Insomnia is more serious than being startled awake by every noise or tossing and turning while trying to fall asleep, because insomnia results in day-time tiredness, irritability and, at worst, depression. Insomnia is most often caused by sleep disorders, but also by emotional stress or stimulants. In addition to an overactive mind, stress, anxiety and fear, also caffeine, some medications and herbs easily disturb the quality of your sleep and cause sleeping problems. Physical pain is a common cause of insomnia as well. Short-time symptoms of insomnia are bearable, although frustrating, but night after night for months or years, the most serious issues of insomnia accumulate and can cause serious health problems.
Many insomniacs rely on sleeping tablets and other sedatives to try to get some rest. Others use herbs such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, or passion-flower. On the other hand, acupressure is a safe, drug-free technique that has been used to treat insomnia sufferers by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for thousands of years. In many cases, acupressure is sufficient to break the insomnia cycle without the need for sedatives and sleeping tablets.
Acupressure, with its focus on healing whole syndromes rather than individual symptoms, has shown great success treating those who experience insomnia. It also has been widely successful in relieving depression, stress and physical pain. With ongoing studies showing promising results in the treatment of numerous health conditions, acupressure is gaining popularity as a way to overcome all kinds of troubling ailments. Some relatively recent areas of study include both alertness and fatigue, and this form of treatment can be beneficial in both instances as it works with the body’s vital energies. Acupressure can be used to help treat insomnia due in part to its benefits in promoting better overall health and relaxation, as well as the treatment of related problems such as back pain that may be contributing to the sleep disturbance.
Like other conditions which can benefit from acupressure treatment, using this approach to treating insomnia allows you to steer clear of medications that can lead to a host of side effects. Safe, natural, and drug-free, acupressure involves a whole approach to better health and wellness, and encourages you to become more in tune with your body’s needs. Pain and illness are indications of a problem that needs to be addressed, and acupressure works to solve the underlying issues, rather than just treat the symptoms.
Acupressure treatment can be administered by a trained practitioner, or you can learn techniques to help yourself. Either way, the benefits are likely to be numerous, as you improve the flow of vital energies throughout your body, and experience improved energy or relaxation.
Commonly noted benefits of acupressure include increased immune function and decreased stress levels, improved digestive abilities, better sleeping patterns, decrease in various pains and a general sense of well being, which are all excellent treatments for insomnia.
About the Author
Virpi Tervonen reveals the most effective acupressure points that relieve lower back and hip pain, sciatica, and stiff shoulders and neck in her new acupressure guide. These safe and simple techniques are demonstrated step-by-step in numerous descriptive photos and video clips. Claim your own copy at http://www.HomeBackPainAcupressure.com