Sleep apnea is defined as “a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.” These interruptions of sleep are referred to as apneas. They generally span a period of ten seconds or more and can take place any number of times throughout the course of a night. Those who suffer from this condition often wake throughout the night as a result of their struggles to catch their breath. Often, they will have no recollection of these events.

The CPAP Machine

The most common device is the CPAP machine. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a form of therapy that creates a steady stream of air flow into the lungs in order to make it possible for “uninterrupted breathing and unobstructed airways during sleep.”

This is accomplished with the use of a CPAP machine and a mask worn over the face. The CPAP machine pumps a consistent flow of air into the mask, which keeps your throat open throughout the night. The result is a reduction of snoring, which is often one of the most common signs of apnea.

A CPAP device should be used whenever you sleep, even for naps. And while a CPAP device will generally reduce the number of apneas throughout the night, it does not cure the condition. It simply allows for a better night’s sleep, with more REM sleep. The lack of REM sleep can be one of sleep apnea’s most destructive results.

Some people have difficulty with CPAP devices. They find them too noisy or too uncomfortable, or in some cases they wake up with a dry, stuffy nose every morning (there are devices equipped with a heated humidifier that can minimize this last problem).

The Oral Appliance

The next of the most common devices is the oral appliance. Originally, oral appliances were designed to decrease the incidence of snoring and they did an excellent job. However, with improvements in their design they’ve also become helpful for those who suffer from mild to moderate forms of the condition.

There are a variety of oral devices available. Two of the most popular include the splint and the mandibular advancement device (MAD). The splint keeps the tongue in a particular position throughout the night. By so doing, it allows the air passage to remain open and clear.

The mandibular advancement device (MAD) looks similar to the sports mouth guards that athletes wear for protection. This apparatus forces the lower jaw in a backward direction, which allows for plenty of room for air flow. This encourages you to sleep on your back. It also improves the flow of air into and out of the lungs (although this is less the case for those who suffer from severe sleep apnea).

The oral appliance and the CPAP machine are two of the most common sleep apnea devices. They are also two of the most effective devices. If you’ve been diagnosed with an apnea condition, ask your doctor about the best treatments for you in your particular situation.

David Silva is the webmaster for Sleep Apnea Insights, a website dedicated to sharing information about sleep apnea, sleep apnea masks – FAQ, sleep apnea treatments, and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Silva

David Silva – EzineArticles Expert Author

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/566161

People with sleep apnea may actually stop breathing in their sleep-even for as many as one hundred times-without them knowing it. During any of these times, the person may have an abnormally low blood. He or she may also seem to gasp for air.

Before performing any treatment for sleep apnea, it is important for a person to undergo polysomnography. This is a test to diagnose obtrusive conditions, record the number of episodes and the duration of each, determine the stage of sleep when breathing interruption occurs, measure oxygen saturation, and observe patient’s condition when he or she awakens.

Aside from the results of polysomnography, the treatment that the doctor will recommend shall also be based on the person’s complaints. The health care provider may ask about the person’s insomnia and the sleepiness he or she may be having at daytime. He or she may also be asked about other symptoms such as dry mouth and headache upon waking up or whether he or she is aware of his or her obstructed breathing during sleep.

When the sleep apnea is mild, treatment usually involves making the patient sleep on his or her side. For those experiencing nasal congestion, decongestant therapy may be recommended. For those who are obese, weight reduction is a must.

In a more serious condition, a treatment for sleep apnea called nasal continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP is used. A small mask connected to an air regulator is utilized to keep the nasal passages open.

Shawn Green is the Cheif Editor of http://treatmentforsleepapnea.org, Go here now to discover the latest treatment for sleep apnea options.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Green

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4696618

CPAP sleep apnea devices provide safe and effective, immediate relief. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP machines are portable air generators that operate to deliver oxygen at low pressure to the patient via nasal tubing or a full face mask. The job of the air pressure is to push the patient’s tongue forward and open the throat so that air can flow more easily into the lungs.

Side effects

Unfortunately, CPAP sleep apnea devices are not without their own side effects. Some patients report dry eyes, headaches, soreness on the bridge of the nose, skin breakouts around the perimeter of the mask, skin dryness, dry mouth, dry nose and stomach wind. Still, for some patients, not using one of these machines presents more health issues than the associated side effects and could even make the difference between life and death.

Types of machines

CPAP machines are not all the same. There are those that are self-adjusting, some that are adjusted manually and some that are bi-pressure. Some include heated dehumidifiers. Understandably these kinds of sleep apnea devices require a prescription so that the correct machine can be purchased for the patient’s particular requirements. It is important to develop a relationship with your machine retailer because they will stock all the necessary masks, hoses and other accessories that will need to be replaced periodically. Your retailer will be specially trained in the functioning of the machines and will be able to advise on maintenance as well as be able to answer all of your questions.

APAP machines

The APAP sleep apnea device is a machine that operates automatically to adjust the pressure required on a breath by breath basis, to keep patients’ airways open as they sleep. APAP machines are more advanced, and therefore more expensive, than CPAPs but for severe apnea sufferers, the extra expense means enhanced peace of mind.

Dental devices

For those who are fortunate enough not to require comprehensive machinery, there are dental sleep apnea devices that are quite effective. They are portable so ideal for travel and in some instances, they are actually more successful and effective than surgery for some kinds of airway obstructions.

A dental sleep apnea device prevents the patient’s tongue from falling back into the throat and causing the patient to stop breathing, however temporarily. The device simply holds the patient’s lower jaw forward using two full arch acrylic devices that cover the teeth and that are attached to each other. Different models offer different degrees of advancement but medical professionals recommend at least 50% movement for success.

Side effects

Side effects of dental sleep apnea devices include soreness, build-up of saliva, possible damage to the jaw, teeth and mouth and even a permanent alteration to the position of the teeth or jaw. Again, the side effects must be weighed against the benefits achieved to determine the best solution.

Considering the degrees of severity of sleep apnea and the results achieved by some of the sleep apnea devices available to patients, sufferers should invest time in being diagnosed properly. Therapy for the condition is not a one-size-fits-all situation and solutions must be tailor-made for the individual.

Visit medopedia.com for more on the sleep apnea mask and sleep apnea tests

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antoinette_Boulay

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/599460

Research has shown that women who use high-dose oral contraceptives have a greater risk of heart attack or stroke due to a higher risk of blood clotting in the blood vessels. This risk falls once the birth control pill is stopped. using the birth control pill on it own increases the effects of other heart disease risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, overweight and high blood cholesterol. The pills that are particularly harmful are those that contain higher doses of hormones. Those commonly used today have been revisited to lower the risk by eliminating the high dose hormones.

Explain association between sleep apnea and heart disease

Sleep apnea is considered a serious disorder. This happens when a person briefly and repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. Left untreated it heightens the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure. After menopause women are likely to develop sleep apnea. Factors that increase risk of sleep apnea are being overweight, being obese, smoking, the use of alcohol and sleeping pills.

How to set a standard for the family on heart health

Set an example by following a healthy lifestyle. Adults easily influence children positively or negatively. Let your children see you eating nutritious snacks and enjoying outdoor activities. You may want them to get involved. Teach children to clean fruits and veggies. It is also educational fun to teach children to prepare healthy dishes. Also get kids involved and encourage them to be active exercise wise. Take them on outings such as hiking, swimming or bicycling. You may also jog and walk with them.

How to reduce salt in your diet

Salt reduction in your diet is aimed at preventing and controlling high blood pressure which is a risk factor for heart disease. When salt which contains sodium is reduced, this helps control blood pressure and in turn lowers the risk of heart attack and even stroke. To reduce your salt intake choose low sodium or non salt added versions of food and condiments. Select fresh, frozen or canned vegetables. Use fresh poultry, fish and lean meat rather than canned smoked or processed types. Go for breakfast cereals that are lower in sodium. Limit cured foods such as bacon and harm, foods packed in brine and condiments. Limit even lower sodium versions of soy sauce and teriyaki. These should be used sparingly as you may use table salt.

Learn more about the association between salt and high blood pressure. Not all salts have harmful sodium. These are good for your health. Learn how teenage smoking is on the raise in some countries. This may stand in the way of teaching your children to maintain excellent heart health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aurther_Shoko

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5180206

Their study explored a large portion of the population to prove what doctors have commonly noticed, that patients with breathing problems due to sleep disorders, also have hypertension. What’s more, it’s possible that sleep apnea, in particular, may contribute to the hypertension in many adult Americans.

Researchers estimate that this sleep condition accounts for the high blood pressure of two million men and four hundred thousand women based on their data and their assumption of a link between sleep disorders and hypertension.

Apnea, to give a general description, is a serious sleep disorder that is linked and identified with loud snoring and frequent breathing interruptions during sleep. The most common type of this disorder is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The most effective treatment of this disorder is continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy. In any case, CPAP alternatives exist for patients who can’t tolerate the CPAP treatment.

It’s known that, while you’re asleep, if you have apnea disorder, you’ll experience regular surges of elevated blood pressure, due to interruptions of your breathing. Researchers studied over a thousand people aged between thirty and sixty, to find out if elevated daytime blood pressure was also due to breathing interruptions.

The researchers learned a lot from their analysis of randomly selected subjects. They found out that physicians fail to detect apnea in women, smoking increases the risk for such a disease, car accidents can also be linked to this disorder, and sleep apnea is more common than previously expected.

In their study, researchers learned that if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea or you experience 15 breathing pauses per hour while you’re asleep, you’re 1.8 times more likely to have hypertension compared to people who don’t suffer from this sleep problem.

They also found that there was a link between the severity of apnea and the risk for hypertension. The worse your sleep disorder gets, the greater the increase in your blood pressure.

As a result of these findings, if you have sleep apnea, you can reduce your chances of hypertension by making sure that you receive regular sleep apnea treatment.

As a stress management consultant and educator promoting and encouraging better sleeping habits in the Washington, D.C. area, 54 year-old Agnes Dunn knows a lot about the common sleep problems affecting people. She keeps up with the latest sleep improvement news and developments such as the latest sleep apnea treatments, sleep preparation rituals, stress relieving exercises, sleep-inducing devices, and others; and this really benefits her clients and audience. Her services have consistently been in demand because of her detailed research.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Agnes_Dunn

A careful review of all medical records is very important. The preoperative diagnosis, exact surgical procedure being performed and proper consent for anesthesia and surgery should be noted. Reviewing old medical records can be particularly useful with regard to previous anesthetic history, which may reveal airway difficulties, an unusual response to anesthetic agents and the postoperative course. All co-existing medical conditions and treatments should be noted. In addition to the routine laboratory values, any work-up that has been done specific to obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome such as polysomnographic testing, cephalometric measurements, cardiac or pulmonary function studies should be checked. All consultations should be reviewed and if a specific question arises, the consultant in question should be contacted. A detailed history from the patient and bedpartner if possible should identify patients with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.

Because of the increased incidence of aspiration of gastric contents, an antacid and metoclopramide should be given to decrease the gastric acidity and volume. Glycopyrrolate to reduce oral secretions and dexametasone to reduce airway edema and nausea and vomiting are generally administered. Obese patients have increased oxygen consumption and decreased lung volumes. Functional residual capacity and expiratory reserve volume are small and patients become desaturated faster during apnea.

Airway edema is a major concern for patients undergoing surgical repair for obstructive sleep apnea. Small airways compounded with surgical trauma or a difficult intubation put obstructive sleep apnea patients at a higher risk for airway compromise. It is of paramount importance for both the anesthesiologist and the surgeon to make all attempts at reducing airway edema in patients undergoing obstructive sleep apnea surgery. Preoperative and postoperative intravenous steroids have routinely been shown to be effective in the reduction of airway edema.

Adequate blood pressure control is very important in the management of a postoperative obstructive sleep apnea patient. Hypertension is more commonly seen in obstructive sleep apnea patients secondary to their heightened sympathetic drive. Consequently, elevated blood pressure leads to more bleeding and increased tissue swelling. Although induced hypotension is not currently used for obstructive sleep apnea surgeries, the patient’s blood pressure should be managed prior to the procedure and controlled throughout the perioperative period.

In addition, it is important to remember the sedatives and narcotics used throughout the case, because of their lingering analgesic and depressant effects on the patient. Unfortunately, the spectrum of pharmaceutical options for analgesia ranges from minimal pain relief with a low incidence of side effects, to good pain relief with a higher incidence of side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually inadequate for postoperative pain control and standard narcotic dosing or patient-controlled analgesic infusions put the patient at increased risk of obstructive complications. One regimen found to be effective involves lower dosed intravenous narcotics for immediate pain control and oral hydrocodone or acetaminophen with codeine once the patient resumes eating.

A wide variety of therapies have been described to treat sleep disordered breathing. These range from modifying predisposing conditions, reducing medical risk factors such as obesity, appliances in the form of oral, nasal, CPAP(continuous positive airway pressure) machine, and finally upper airway surgeries. These wide variety of techniques makes assessment of effectiveness difficult when it comes to finding an absolute cure for snoring. If you are interested to learn more about how to stop snoring naturally take advantage of this buy one get one free offer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellyn_Leu

Wellyn Leu – EzineArticles Expert Author

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5688032

Non drastic approaches include the use of a humidifier whilst in bed, clearing the nasal passage before sleep and not sleeping on your back, can all help resolve sleep apnea. Other such solutions include herbs, acupuncture and even hypnosis. Healthier lifestyle choices such as cutting down on bad foods, curbing your consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking are all viable solutions.

However such sleep apnea solutions may not be enough for certain individuals. There are certain devices that can be used, such as mouth guards designed to keep the airway open at night. There is a device named a ‘Mandibular Advancement Device’ which holds the lower jaw in a forwards position. Whilst a device stops the tongue from obstructing the airway. The mandibular advancement device can be adjusted by a dentist as required for each patient.

Another solution is to use pressurized air whilst asleep. This works by pushing air down the airway at night and keeping the airway open, you have to wear a mask whilst you sleep however. Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) is a common solution and includes the use of a humidifier, air heater and changing inhalation and exhalation air pressures.

Sleep apnea is caused by the blockage of the airway whilst asleep, as such the main solution to solve the problem is to stop obstructions. One way to do this is through tissue reduction. This reduction is done using Radio frequency Tissue Reduction, also called Somnoplasty, and is the process in which excess tissue is reduced to keep the airway clear, such as certain parts of the tongue, the soft palate and the throat. The tongue is reduced to open up space for the airway and also lower the risks of it blocking the airway whilst asleep.

A surgical sleep apnea solution is reserved as the last option. The majority of surgical procedures are intended to make the airway wider. Once such procedure is Uvulopalatoplasty, this is the removal of the uvula, or simply making it smaller. If the problem is mainly due to nasal blockage, you may have surgery to align the septum. Other beneficial treatments include Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy.

The most obtrusive option you can go for is Maxillomandibular advancement. This is when the upper and lower jaw are disconnected and placed further forward with plates and pins.

This goes to show how dangerous sleep apnea can be, that such a drastic surgery would be performed. This is a serious problem and may need to be treated for your entire life. Trying to find a sleep apnea solution is an ongoing thing, every year steps are made in the right direction and as such treatments are ever improving.

Understand more about sleep apnea solution [http://sleepapnea-solution.com/] and explore sleep apnea cures [http://sleepapnea-solution.com/sleep-apnea-cures/].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jarek_Samulowski

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3710462

Staying or getting into good shape is an important element to reducing your risk for sleep apnea. Fatty tissues in the neck that are a direct result of being obese are the leading cause of sleep apnea. This excess tissue can obstruct the airway by putting weight on the esophagus, which can lead to sleep apnea. It has been determined that having a neck with a circumference of over 17 inches presents a significant risk for contracting sleep apnea.

The use of depressants also increases the risk of developing sleep apnea. Depressants such as alcohol and sleeping pills cause the throat muscles to relax giving way to a possible airway obstruction. Alcohol should be taken no sooner than four hours before bedtime for this reason creating a lower chance of snoring and sleep apnea at bed time.

Smoking can also contribute to developing sleep apnea. Smoking causes increased inflammation in the throat as well as fluid retention in the upper airway. These two conditions can represent a serious airway obstruction.

Some people that experience sleep apnea only do so when lying on their backs at night. A conscious effort to sleep on one’s side can be made to help remedy the situation. Many different techniques may be attempted such as sleeping with a pillow behind your back to prevent you from rolling onto your back. Whatever your method is, find one that works for you and stick with it.

Some of the most serious risks for sleep apnea can be reduced by lifestyle changes. Other factors such as old age and a narrow air passage cannot be adapted for and are unavoidable risks. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, get a proper diagnosis from a certified sleep lab and begin to take steps to reduce your risk.

About the Author: Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of http://SleepApnea.OurGoodHealth.org, a website devoted to information on the causes and treatment of sleep apnea. Also, visit http://www.OurGoodHealth.org for more health-related information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Radisson

Elizabeth Radisson – EzineArticles Expert Author

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/314444

Not breathing for several seconds to even longer times can be a life threatening condition. Often your deep sleep is disturbed by this condition and your rest cycle disrupted. In extreme cases, it has even been found that a person will fall asleep at their work place or, even worse, while waiting for a traffic light to change when driving their car.

People often don’t realize this condition is happening to them. Of course, if their spouse constantly complains they are not breathing when sleeping at night, it’s pretty easy to figure out. Unfortunately, there are no reliable tests for the condition except for the sleep lab test administered at a local sleep center, clinic or hospital.

If you find your sleep being disturbed several nights a week, accompanied by extreme tiredness during the day, you should have the problem checked out by qualified medical personnel.

The condition, called “obstructive sleep apnea”, results from a blockage in the airway most noticeable by loud snoring. The airway collapses and blocks the flow of air to the lungs. This results from the muscles of the airway relaxing during sleep. Usually there’s some loud snorting accompanying the condition..The danger caused by this condition is a stroke or heart attack due to the reduced amount of oxygen in the blood.

So what is the solution to this problem. One is the use of a Continuous Pressure Device (CPAP) which creates positive pressure on the airway. When the condition manifests itself, the positive pressure produced by the device prevents closure of the airway.

The best way to diagnose this condition is in a sleep lab. There you will be wired to sensors around your chest and attached to areas of your scalp and forehead. Your blood oxygen levels will also be monitored. This is not the most comfortable apparel to be wearing when you are trying to fall asleep. But the condition can be effectively diagnosed even when you can’t get a full nights sleep when hooked up to all this apparatus. The monitors and pulse oxygen readings will give your physician a good indication of the nature and extent of the problem.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, you can elect to use a sleep apnea machine to create the positive pressure needed during sleep. A mask is worn over the nose and mouth. The mask for the machine can be very difficult to use until you become comfortable with it. There are several types of masks available and you should be able try out several to find if they are comfortable and usable. There is one that does not cover all of the mouth and nose, using only the nasal passage way as the air inlet area. Another is held in place by the patient’s lower jaw and teeth with light weight straps. Whatever solution, it will no doubt take a few weeks to really determine if you can adjust to such devices. Note also that the air pump providing positive air pressure is going to make some noise. While it is not as loud as early models, the current devices still make some noise and you will have to adjust to that when sleeping.

Another alternative is from your dentist. There have been many successes using a kind of dental plate that causes the lower jaw to extend slightly. This can help prevent the collapse of the airway canal and permit even, unobstructed breathing. Such a device is formed and fitted by your dental profession working in concert with your sleep apnea physician. What about costs? Well the machine runs about $1500 – $2000 to purchase but is covered by Medicare for Seniors. Unfortunately the dental apparatus is not so covered and can range from $500 to $1200. If the latter doesn’t work, your out the cash, though it might be deductible on your Fed Income tax. ( Check with a tax professional).

This short article is not intended to diagnose or treat a sleep disorder. Obviously, you should seek qualified medical advice to determine the nature of your medical condition and what solutions, if any, are appropriate.

For additional resources on SLEEP APNEA see the following:

http://www.sleepapnea.org

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea

Al’s website at http://www.free-affiliate-marketing-tips-and-tools.com is directed towards everyone who wants to establish a viable internet business. Suggestions on how to create a business website, as well as tips and tools accumulated over the years, are offered with cross references to resources available.

This short Sleep Apnea article focuses in on a problem often overlooked or discounted by many sufferers, particularly Seniors. Additional medical resources are presented at the conclusion of the article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Tallakson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3099084

They might not be considered conventional ideas, but if they are working for you, then it’s worthwhile!  These are some great homeopathic things you can try to help fall asleep at night. 

Try using reflexology. When it comes to reflexology, each part of your body is reflected on your hands and your feet.  By massaging these places, or having some other person do it for you, it can help you prepare for sleep, and help you to get beat.  It will also relax, so that’s another good reason to try it.  Because of both these, it will help you fall asleep easier at night. 

Use lavender. Lavender will help you to relax, which should in turn help you go to sleep less complicated and faster.  There are many different ways that you can use lavender.  You can purchase a lotion and massage it into your skin before going to bed.  An alternative way is to buy lavender oil, and either put some in a bath or on your pillow.  You can also try lavender tea, which should also promote relaxation and fall asleep earlier. 

Make sure you get sufficient magnesium in your diet.  Magnesium is a natural sedative, and will help you to get exhausted and wish to fall asleep.  If you do not eat enough foods throughout the day with magnesium in them, you will not be knackered at night.  You can try eating foods such as almonds, cashews, whole grains, legumes, or dark leafy vegetables to get more magnesium into your diet. 

Try meditation. When you meditate, you receive various benefits.  One is that you become more relaxed.  Another is that people who meditate have more melatonin in their bodies.  Melatonin helps promote a peaceful, relaxing, deep sleep, so meditation could help you in one or two other ways. 

As you can see, there are plenty of natural, other ways to fall asleep at night.  If you would like to try something which has no side effects, and will help you fall asleep each night, try some of the above ways and before you know it, you’ll be going to sleep simply, and waking up well refreshed.

Insomnia difficulties? – effects of insomnia on daily life. if you’re serious about sleeplessness, read this article best herbal sleep remedies.