Sleep Apnia
What is sleep apnia?
Sleep apnia (apnoea from the greek) is usually used to describe a sleeping disorder where the person affected cannot breath for short periods of time. While sleeping CO2 is not removed through the lungs and accumulates in the blood.
If you or your spouse snore, this may be a real health problem. A disorder known as sleep apnea makes your breathing stop for a moment while sleeping. The muscles on the throat relax and prevent the person from a proper night's rest as they are literally being asphyxiated then wake up and again to half sleep all night long, most people don't know they are sleeping poorly, this is very important since family members may find about if first. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnia!
If you send me an email, you'll receive a free ebook that explains in detail all you wanted to know about sleep apnea! Just click on the mail icon on the top right corner and drop me a note.
New Table of Contents
- Symptoms Sleep Apnea
- Snoring and Sleep Apnia
- This video shows how airways are blocked in sleep apnia
- What causes snoring?
- Can Snoring be cured?
- Reader Feedback
- Musical Intrument to help with sleep apnea
- Watch Pat
- Complications
- Recomendation
- Sleep apnia mask picture, taken from (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pbjsandwich/419162305/)
- Tips for controling your sleep apnia
- Sleep apnia blogs
- Some cool sites I stubled upon
Symptoms Sleep Apnea
How to know if you have sleep apnea?
Symptoms sleep apneaConstantly tired, sleepy
Snoring, loud snoring
Lack of concentration or focus
Irritability
Mood swings
Memory problems
Weight Gain
Impotency
Headaches
Excesive daytime sleepiness may be a clear symptom of sleep apnea
Emotional problems
Why is snoring a problem?
Well if almost HALF the grown-ups snore, isn't that like... normal?
Yes, it is common, but it can be an alarm for a bigger problem, and everyone who snores should be aware of it.
Snoring and Sleep Apnia
Snoring May be Saying "You Have Sleep Apnia"
Some Sleep Apnia informationWhy is sleep apnia a problem?
Look at the image, the airway is blocked when you snore, causing obstructive sleep apnia. The snoring sound is produced when air is not moving freely through the throat.
When this happens the oxygen within the body is reduced and co2 intoxicates the body, the brain briefly wakes you up to allow breathing but as soon as you fall to sleep again and the toung and soft tissues relax again the snoring begins, this happens hundreds of times during the night.
This video shows how airways are blocked in sleep apnia
what's sleep apnia?
In the video the man clearly wakes up, this may not always be the case, most of the times you do not notice your body is fighting for air and all it has to do to get you breathing again.
The symptoms for sleep apnia may only be that you are constantly tired, but the body is undergoing a true beating!
The symptoms for sleep apnia may only be that you are constantly tired, but the body is undergoing a true beating!
What is sleep apnea
What do you look like when you sleep with sleep apnea? Take a look how the tongue constricts air flow causing you to choke.
What causes snoring?
Why do people snore?
A reduced jaw, overweight, soft palate, thick neck (16 or greater in women, 17 or greater in men), a soft palate that rests on the base of the tongue, very large or think tongue is also associated with obstructive sleep apnia.Why overweight people snore more?
Weight predisposes a person to snore as fat gets deposited around the neck.
Can Snoring be cured?
How can you breath and reduce loud snoring
Can snoring be cured?
When you sleep on your back, snoring is louder, there have been over the centuries many remedies that claim to stop snoring. When snoring is too loud it becomes more noticeable and the desire to stop it increases, even more so when you are married. But keeping your spouse awake is not the only reason to look for help.
Sleep apnia surgery
Many people undergo surgery to stop their snoring and their sleep apnia.
Sleep apnia exercises
The Digeridoo (a video on this instrumend bellow) and mouth exercises should always be your first choice if you don't have a week heart or a severe case of sleep apnia.
sleep apnia pillow
Why is a pillow useful?
If you have the right pillow it will effectively help you sleep better, whether you have sleep apnea or not!
If you choose a pillow that is too high it will push the neck forward, sometimes provoking tense neck and even hedaches.
Annother pillow tip; if you sleep on your side a thick pillow is best, 3 or four inches to reduce tension in your neck.
The famous stop snore pillow is a sleeping pillow designed for sleep apnea patients, its in mild cases where it has proven more useful. for sleep apina pillow
Yet annother sleeping fact: Sleeping on your stomach stresses your upper trapezius muscles, they go all the way to the shoulders and are forced into an unnatural position.
Sleep apnia can be very dangerous indeed, can lead to such ailments as:
Sleep Apnia Consequences
High Blood pressure
Heart Attack
Stroke!
Untreated it may increase the risk of diabetes
More prone to Accidents as their reflexes and attention is not a 100%
Studies have shown that no sleep means no new brain cells!
3 minutes with no oxigen can cause permanent brain damage!
sleep depravation produces higher levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone and fewer brain cells are produced. Also the nerve cell production (neurogenesis) is severely disturbed and may be what produces the cognitive deficits with people with prolonged sleep depravation.
Since you don't sleep well you are constantly tired, if this goes on for too long you might suffer from sleep depravation as well, sleep walking is also associated with sleep depravation,
...Sleep depravation also increases obesity.
Studies have shown that sleep depravation can make people cranky and have bad judgment; yet very few Americans are willing to get more sleep in order to feel more awake.
Car accidents: Many accidents are caused by sleepiness. 15% more chances of being involved in an accident when you have sleep apnia.
People who have sleep apnia visit their doctor more often as they have a poor quality of life, spending twice the money on health than the average person.
The body goes under such strain to breath that adrenaline, corticosteroids and other agents are released, this is repeated over and over hundreds of times per night, in some cases over a thousand times. Sleep apnia patients die 20-50% younger than they should when untreated.
Sleep apnia causes or has a relation with angina, Alzheimer, diabetes, nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias, myocardic infraction, nocturnal arousals and stroke.
Does sleep apnia increase the chance of getting diabetes?
Deep sleep is affected by sleep apina, even if the person does not wake up fully, sleep apnea will produce very short deep sleeps and then back up again, and in deep sleep is needed for sugar processing.
If you don't rest properly the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels decrease dramatically, increasing the chances of diabetes, poor sleep is a risk factor for diabetes.
Who may have sleep apnia?
Sleep apnea affects over 18 million Americans, but most go undiagnosed and untreated!
In Britain 25% of ALL adults snore! according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnea Asociation
What age and sex group does is this disorder affect the most?
Sleep apnia may affect almost any group, the highest risk factors:
-Male - Overweight - Over 40
-Women and children, even if they are not overweight can have sleep apnea unfortunately this is the group who goes undiagnosed more often than not.
-4% of the male population has it.
-2% of the female population has sleep apnia.
-The risk increases with age.
-24% of adults 60 or older have sleep apnia.
-Overweight children (recent studies have pointed that when a child does not get enough sleep this could affect their appetite and thus a higher risk of becoming overweight.)
-People who have suffered a stroke have higher risk of dying of sleep apnia and untimely death.
-Men in their 20s and 30s with sleep apnia have 10 times more risk of dying than the general population.
Can Women have sleep apnia?
Yes, many woman have it, most go undiagnosed, women also snore and a link between low thyroid hormone and snoring in women has been found.
Some of the causes of sleep apnia
Overweight (the girth of the neck may be the reason, it becomes too heavy and when relaxed blocks the air passage.)
Smoking can produce sleep apnia (smoking affects the way people sleep, specially if you smoke before going to sleep. The sleep pattern is lighter.)
Some sleeping pills can cause this effect too.
Sometimes sleep apina is mistakenly diagnosed as:
Hot flashes in women with menopause
SAS in children (short attention span)
Hyper kids
Age Cognitive Decline - many elders may have cognitive decline because they have sleep apnia not because of their age!
Where can you get a diagnose?
Many hospitals have now installed sleep clinics, where the patient is monitored during the night to determine if they have sleep apnia
A WatchPat is a device that has sensors placed on the finger during the night to determine if the person has sleep apina or not.
What solutions are available for sleep apnia?
Sleep apnia surgery
Surgery:
Removing the soft palate, large uvula or tonsils have been useful to many patients.
NOTICE: Patients that have the palatal tissues experience regurgitation of liquids.
Laser surgery is used more today as it has prooven more effective.
Sleep Apnia CPAP
There are some sleeping masks, the mask push oxygen into your lungs and allow the CO2 to be released, this was usually the recommended choice. Some people find the mask uncomfortable and impractical, especially if you travel constantly.
The problem with CPAP is that patients use it only a few hours a night or a few days a week. Some may even feel panic attacks.
Sleep apnia dental instruments
There are now some dentistry instruments that help you open the throat and allow you to breathe during the night, useful for mild and medium cases of sleep apnia. Some adjust ergomomically.
Additional Resources
When you sleep on your back, snoring is louder, there have been over the centuries many remedies that claim to stop snoring. When snoring is too loud it becomes more noticeable and the desire to stop it increases, even more so when you are married. But keeping your spouse awake is not the only reason to look for help.
Sleep apnia surgery
Many people undergo surgery to stop their snoring and their sleep apnia.
Sleep apnia exercises
The Digeridoo (a video on this instrumend bellow) and mouth exercises should always be your first choice if you don't have a week heart or a severe case of sleep apnia.
sleep apnia pillow
Why is a pillow useful?
If you have the right pillow it will effectively help you sleep better, whether you have sleep apnea or not!
If you choose a pillow that is too high it will push the neck forward, sometimes provoking tense neck and even hedaches.
Annother pillow tip; if you sleep on your side a thick pillow is best, 3 or four inches to reduce tension in your neck.
The famous stop snore pillow is a sleeping pillow designed for sleep apnea patients, its in mild cases where it has proven more useful. for sleep apina pillow
Yet annother sleeping fact: Sleeping on your stomach stresses your upper trapezius muscles, they go all the way to the shoulders and are forced into an unnatural position.
Sleep apnia can be very dangerous indeed, can lead to such ailments as:
Sleep Apnia Consequences
High Blood pressure
Heart Attack
Stroke!
Untreated it may increase the risk of diabetes
More prone to Accidents as their reflexes and attention is not a 100%
Studies have shown that no sleep means no new brain cells!
3 minutes with no oxigen can cause permanent brain damage!
sleep depravation produces higher levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone and fewer brain cells are produced. Also the nerve cell production (neurogenesis) is severely disturbed and may be what produces the cognitive deficits with people with prolonged sleep depravation.
Since you don't sleep well you are constantly tired, if this goes on for too long you might suffer from sleep depravation as well, sleep walking is also associated with sleep depravation,
...Sleep depravation also increases obesity.
Studies have shown that sleep depravation can make people cranky and have bad judgment; yet very few Americans are willing to get more sleep in order to feel more awake.
Car accidents: Many accidents are caused by sleepiness. 15% more chances of being involved in an accident when you have sleep apnia.
People who have sleep apnia visit their doctor more often as they have a poor quality of life, spending twice the money on health than the average person.
The body goes under such strain to breath that adrenaline, corticosteroids and other agents are released, this is repeated over and over hundreds of times per night, in some cases over a thousand times. Sleep apnia patients die 20-50% younger than they should when untreated.
Sleep apnia causes or has a relation with angina, Alzheimer, diabetes, nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias, myocardic infraction, nocturnal arousals and stroke.
Does sleep apnia increase the chance of getting diabetes?
Deep sleep is affected by sleep apina, even if the person does not wake up fully, sleep apnea will produce very short deep sleeps and then back up again, and in deep sleep is needed for sugar processing.
If you don't rest properly the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels decrease dramatically, increasing the chances of diabetes, poor sleep is a risk factor for diabetes.
Who may have sleep apnia?
Sleep apnea affects over 18 million Americans, but most go undiagnosed and untreated!
In Britain 25% of ALL adults snore! according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnea Asociation
What age and sex group does is this disorder affect the most?
Sleep apnia may affect almost any group, the highest risk factors:
-Male - Overweight - Over 40
-Women and children, even if they are not overweight can have sleep apnea unfortunately this is the group who goes undiagnosed more often than not.
-4% of the male population has it.
-2% of the female population has sleep apnia.
-The risk increases with age.
-24% of adults 60 or older have sleep apnia.
-Overweight children (recent studies have pointed that when a child does not get enough sleep this could affect their appetite and thus a higher risk of becoming overweight.)
-People who have suffered a stroke have higher risk of dying of sleep apnia and untimely death.
-Men in their 20s and 30s with sleep apnia have 10 times more risk of dying than the general population.
Can Women have sleep apnia?
Yes, many woman have it, most go undiagnosed, women also snore and a link between low thyroid hormone and snoring in women has been found.
Some of the causes of sleep apnia
Overweight (the girth of the neck may be the reason, it becomes too heavy and when relaxed blocks the air passage.)
Smoking can produce sleep apnia (smoking affects the way people sleep, specially if you smoke before going to sleep. The sleep pattern is lighter.)
Some sleeping pills can cause this effect too.
Sometimes sleep apina is mistakenly diagnosed as:
Hot flashes in women with menopause
SAS in children (short attention span)
Hyper kids
Age Cognitive Decline - many elders may have cognitive decline because they have sleep apnia not because of their age!
Where can you get a diagnose?
Many hospitals have now installed sleep clinics, where the patient is monitored during the night to determine if they have sleep apnia
A WatchPat is a device that has sensors placed on the finger during the night to determine if the person has sleep apina or not.
What solutions are available for sleep apnia?
Sleep apnia surgery
Surgery:
Removing the soft palate, large uvula or tonsils have been useful to many patients.
NOTICE: Patients that have the palatal tissues experience regurgitation of liquids.
Laser surgery is used more today as it has prooven more effective.
Sleep Apnia CPAP
There are some sleeping masks, the mask push oxygen into your lungs and allow the CO2 to be released, this was usually the recommended choice. Some people find the mask uncomfortable and impractical, especially if you travel constantly.
The problem with CPAP is that patients use it only a few hours a night or a few days a week. Some may even feel panic attacks.
Sleep apnia dental instruments
There are now some dentistry instruments that help you open the throat and allow you to breathe during the night, useful for mild and medium cases of sleep apnia. Some adjust ergomomically.
Additional Resources
Reader Feedback
|
AshleyBretting-M.S.
Nice info, I facilitate support groups and Lack Of Sleep is often a component of member(s) mental health issues, Posted August 22, 2008 |
|
snoring
Hi Doctor More. Again I came across your lens...Really Cool :-) Snoring is a bigger issue in relationships than what many of my friends and experts had originally thought. Snoring is a real problem that at times can separate a couple within their own home and eventually break up a marriage or relationship without really knowing that snoring was the original underlying culprit. Visit also my site and see some other cool stuff for people who snore! Posted April 13, 2008 |
|
DeerHuntingTips
Great article! Posted March 12, 2008 |
Musical Intrument to help with sleep apnea
If you were curios of just what a Didgeridoo is...
Want to know what a Digeridoo is?
Recent studies have verified that the didgeridoo (an Australian aborigines musical instrument) used for over a period of four months reduced their snoring and their tendency to obstruct the airway. It makes sense, exercising your throat muscles may significantly improve your health.
They found out that aborigines in Australia did not snore, and had no sleep apnia cases. While investigating if there was a racial factor for this they analyzed their habits and noticed hey played their musical instrument, the didgeridoo.
The didgeridoo is a large musical instrument that requires the player to blow, producing a low sound. When the musician plays he or she is actually exercising the muscles that relax while sleeping and produce loud snoring and sleep apnia. It is believed that the vibrations exercise the flabby tissue in the mouth and throat.
Since then, many people play the didgeridoo and other musical instruments to help with sleep apnea and loud snoring. Some even say that these musical instruments prevent sleep apnia from ever appearing!
Which are the musical instruments that help sleep apnea?
The didgeridoo is the main one right now, some advantages of playing the didgeridoo are that after 4 months of playing the instrument people with sleep apnia report less sleepiness and reduced snoring significantly. You just have to purse your lips and blow into the didgeridoo
your lung muscles are strengthened too!
There are other exercises for strengthening your throat muscles, (such as vocalization) just drop me a note I'll give you more info!
Well in the first video is a man doing the thing! Practice and have fun! This musical instrument has helped people reduce snoring and sleep apina. This musical instrument can prevent people from developing sleep apnia so it's for everyone.
Some of the videos I chose because they clearly show what sleep apnia sound like, this may help you get a clear picture and understand why sleep apnea is such a big problem.
In the last fiveo you will see a man, his heart stops for 10 seconds!
Recent studies have verified that the didgeridoo (an Australian aborigines musical instrument) used for over a period of four months reduced their snoring and their tendency to obstruct the airway. It makes sense, exercising your throat muscles may significantly improve your health.
They found out that aborigines in Australia did not snore, and had no sleep apnia cases. While investigating if there was a racial factor for this they analyzed their habits and noticed hey played their musical instrument, the didgeridoo.
The didgeridoo is a large musical instrument that requires the player to blow, producing a low sound. When the musician plays he or she is actually exercising the muscles that relax while sleeping and produce loud snoring and sleep apnia. It is believed that the vibrations exercise the flabby tissue in the mouth and throat.
Since then, many people play the didgeridoo and other musical instruments to help with sleep apnea and loud snoring. Some even say that these musical instruments prevent sleep apnia from ever appearing!
Which are the musical instruments that help sleep apnea?
The didgeridoo is the main one right now, some advantages of playing the didgeridoo are that after 4 months of playing the instrument people with sleep apnia report less sleepiness and reduced snoring significantly. You just have to purse your lips and blow into the didgeridoo
your lung muscles are strengthened too!
There are other exercises for strengthening your throat muscles, (such as vocalization) just drop me a note I'll give you more info!
Well in the first video is a man doing the thing! Practice and have fun! This musical instrument has helped people reduce snoring and sleep apina. This musical instrument can prevent people from developing sleep apnia so it's for everyone.
Some of the videos I chose because they clearly show what sleep apnia sound like, this may help you get a clear picture and understand why sleep apnea is such a big problem.
In the last fiveo you will see a man, his heart stops for 10 seconds!
Watch Pat
watch pat image
A watch-pat is an aprooved device that can monitor your pulse while you sleep in the confort of your own home. Complications
What happens to people with sleep apnia and other ailments?
If you have sinusitis, rhinitis or are allergic, symptoms can worsen and sleep can be even more uncomfortable. WARNING: Don't use over the counter nasal sprays, some conditions are known to increase once the effect wears off!
Some things that cause nose stuffiness are nasal polyps, large tonsils and old nose injuries that block the air.
It is suggested that you stop smoking as it produces nasal swelling and irritation.
Fibromyalgia affects 2-4% of the population, they ache all over and affect more women than men, many women who have fibromyalgia also have sleep apnea
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is also associated with this sleep apnia and many males with sleep apnia don't know what is causing their impotence.
Warning:
There is no cure for sleep apnia, only treatment. Sleep apnia is more common than diabetis or asthma!
Health benefits of sleep
Sleep Smart!
1- watching TV or using a computer before sleeping can decrease quality of your sleep, as the brain gets stimulated with light it wakes up producing a bad night sleep.
2- Exercise helps you sleep better; when done in the morning not just before sleeping.
3- Naps are becoming more popular.
4- Sleeping with your problems; the best way is to sleep and then re-examine the problem.
Food that helps you sleep
Source:
http://lifehacker.com/software/sleep/10-foods-for-a-good-nights-sleep-232562.php
The list has a few of the obvious contenders, like Chamomile tea, warm milk, and turkey, but you're sure to find a new sleep-inducer on this list. The remaining 7 healthy foods are bananas, honey, potatoes, oatmeal, almonds, flaxseeds, and whole-wheat bread. Also cutting your carbs at dinner.
Some things that cause nose stuffiness are nasal polyps, large tonsils and old nose injuries that block the air.
It is suggested that you stop smoking as it produces nasal swelling and irritation.
Fibromyalgia affects 2-4% of the population, they ache all over and affect more women than men, many women who have fibromyalgia also have sleep apnea
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is also associated with this sleep apnia and many males with sleep apnia don't know what is causing their impotence.
Warning:
There is no cure for sleep apnia, only treatment. Sleep apnia is more common than diabetis or asthma!
Health benefits of sleep
Sleep Smart!
1- watching TV or using a computer before sleeping can decrease quality of your sleep, as the brain gets stimulated with light it wakes up producing a bad night sleep.
2- Exercise helps you sleep better; when done in the morning not just before sleeping.
3- Naps are becoming more popular.
4- Sleeping with your problems; the best way is to sleep and then re-examine the problem.
Food that helps you sleep
Source:
http://lifehacker.com/software/sleep/10-foods-for-a-good-nights-sleep-232562.php
The list has a few of the obvious contenders, like Chamomile tea, warm milk, and turkey, but you're sure to find a new sleep-inducer on this list. The remaining 7 healthy foods are bananas, honey, potatoes, oatmeal, almonds, flaxseeds, and whole-wheat bread. Also cutting your carbs at dinner.
Recomendation
What to do if you have sleep apnia?
Problems Sleeping? Sleep Apnea is a tyrant, learn how to marter this beast once and for all, recover your health. You may think it's normal to feel sleepy all the time, but once you recover your nights you'll be amazed how energetic and healthy you feel.Here you'll read some anti-snoring solutions too for snoring relief.
Recommendations for your sleep apnia:
A daytime nap may improve your health, exercise, play the didgeridoo!
Sleep apnia mask
These masks help you sllep through the night!
They are called:
CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, a machine that pumps air through your lungs and prevent the throat from collapsing, some people who have used it have dramatically improved their overall health, lost weight, improved their mood and rested better.
Sleep apnia Breathing Equipment
Breathe E Z Snoring Aid 1-set
Breathing Masks for Sleep apnia
Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask with Headgear, Size Large
Diets
Loose weight! Yes, a simple diet has improved sleep apnia symptoms and if you are overweight it helps in many other health related problems.
Sleep Apnia Pillow
Sona Pillow with free Nap Eyemask
Sona Snoring Pillow and Mild Sleep Apnea
Sleep sideways, this helps the throat from being obstructed. When your airways are cleared the snoring is considerably reduced.
snoring Books
Get It Up! Revealing the Simple Surprising Lifestyle that Causes Migraines, Alzheimer's, Stroke, Glaucoma, Sleep Apnea, Impotence,...and More!
Sleep apnia mask picture, taken from (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pbjsandwich/419162305/)
Tips for controling your sleep apnia
Sleep better and reduce snoring
- Avoid alcohol four hours before going to sleep.
- Stop smoking or smoke four hours before going to bed to give your throat a chance to reduce the swelling.
- Avoid heavy meals four hours before sleeping.
- Try to sleep on the side as sleeping on the back relaxes the muscles and causes the mouth to open.
- Stop smoking or smoke four hours before going to bed to give your throat a chance to reduce the swelling.
- Avoid heavy meals four hours before sleeping.
- Try to sleep on the side as sleeping on the back relaxes the muscles and causes the mouth to open.
Sleep apnia blogs
- Apnea Support Forum
- Support forum for people with sleep apnia.
Some cool sites I stubled upon
a bit of everything!
- make your own clothes
- how to make your own clothes, its easy to make your own clothes. The easiest way to make your own clothes is to go to the fabric store and pick out a pattern. You can measure yourself, usually your waist, to make sure that
- How to Write a Song
- How to Write a Song
How to write a song - Understanding chords, and there emotional tone - The Major chord Part 1
If you are going to learn ho - Free Online Guitar Lessons
- Guitar Lessons Free online guitar lessons
- article of the AAFP on sleep apnea
- The article explains what it is, Pathophysiology, Prevalence and Characteristic Features and Treatments.
- National Institute of Health Article
- Definition, Symptoms, Exams and Tests, Treatment.
- American Sleep Apnea Asociation
- The ASAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea and to enhancing the well-being of those affected by this common disorder.
- Digital Photography Course
- Digital Photography Course
Taking portrait photos in daylight Portrait photographing in daylight can be really hard, you often end up with photos where the person is much underexposed or the background overexposed. - Digital Photography Course: How to take good sport pictures!
- This is one of those things I had a really hard time with, actually I didn't manage to do it myself. The way I learned to take those beautiful sport pictures was through a digital photography course, just the...
- Free online guitar lessons
- Nice site, I have to learn how to play the guitar!
- How to Sharpen a Knife
- The knife is the top outdoor survival toolWhile not directly related to learning how to sharpen a knife, I wanted to follow up on an article that appeared on Wired today that listed the Top 10 Outdoor Survival Tools.
