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Sleep Apnea
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How To Cure Sleep Apnea
Author: Alan Schill -
If you are reading this, then you obviously want to know how to cure sleep apnea. You are not alone. Many sufferers around the world are just like you. They are exhausted from lack of sleep, irritable during the day to their friends and loved ones and commonly find themselves unable to concentrate on everyday activities that previously went without notice. But, the good news is that you no longer have to miss sleep and take off from work because you are too exhausted. There are ways that you can cure sleep apnea and, best of all, you can start tonight.

Do you sleep on your back every night? If so, it is time to try something new. When you go to bed tonight, immediately turn over on your side and try to fall asleep. Researchers believe that individuals who sleep on their back are more susceptible to sleep apnea because it is easier for their airways to be blocked by the muscles and tissue in their throat. If you sleep with one standard pillow, try using two. By elevating your head even a few inches, you may help to lessen your chances of having airway blockage.

One of the most effective ways to cure sleep apnea is through weight loss. Obesity is one of the leading causes of sleep apnea and, therefore, is a large part of it's cure. By beginning a well-balanced program consisting of diet and exercise, you will not only be helping to cure sleep apnea, but also taking a big step toward warding off future illnesses associated with obesity.

It is important to remember that only a physician can properly diagnose sleep apnea. This is confirmed through a series of questions and possibly a sleep study, which is when the patient spends the night at a sleep center where there breathing patterns are monitored. After every possible attempt to cure sleep apnea has proven unsuccessful, a physician may recommend surgery. Before electing for surgery, the patient should be aware of all risks associated with the procedure. At the same time, it is very important to cure sleep apnea or suffer the increased risks of heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. Many physicians will recommend use of a device called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which provides continual air pressure for the sufferer throughout the night. Some users of the CPAP machine find additional comfort with the Sleep Genie, which helps the mouth to remain closed and prevents the escape of the CPAP air treatments. While not intended as a cure for sleep apnea, the Sleep Genie often provides for better quality sleep to sufferers.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

A new anti-snoring scientific breakthrough is rapidly changing the lives of ex-snorers… because the first night you use it, it stops snoring! Visit SleepGenie.com for more information!

...

sleepapnea-15

Sleep Apnea
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Sleep Apnea – A New Treatment Option For Children
Author: Donald Saunders
Sleep apnea is estimated to affect some two to three percent of children today (getting on for two million children in the United States alone) and is particularly seen in children between the ages of about three and six.

In the vast majority of cases the main cause of sleep apnea, in this case obstructive sleep apnea, is enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids and the preferred method of treatment is surgery. However, research being carried out at the University of Louisville in Kentucky may well result in thousands of children escaping what is for many an unpleasant and often frightening procedure.

Although the removal of tonsils and/or adenoids in children was extremely common some years ago the practice was, until recently, in decline, as doctors sought out alternative treatments for childhood throat infections. However, as an increasing number of children were diagnosed with sleep apnea, tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy rapidly became a common treatment for this condition and today some estimates show that as many as ninety percent of all such operations are carried out to cure sleep apnea, rather than throat infections.

It seems, however, that this could well change in the not too distant future.

Dr Goldbart, heading a research team at the University of Louisville, has been working in this area for some time now and presented the initial findings of his work on the tonsillar tissue of children with sleep apnea in June 2004. Based on these findings, Dr Goldbart's team proposed an alternative non-invasive treatment for mild cases of childhood sleep apnea and has since carried out a series of studies, the latest of which involved 40 children. The results have now just been published and are extremely encouraging.

The treatment involves the use of oral montelkast (sold under the brand name of Singulair) which many parents may well recognize as a common form of treatment for asthma.

In many cases of asthma breathing difficulties are caused by inflammation of the tonsils resulting from the presence of leukotriene receptors and Dr Goldbart and his team noticed that these same leukotriene receptors were present in the tonsils of children with sleep apnea. He concluded therefore that the treatment that has proved so effective in cases of asthma should also reduce inflammation and open up the airway in cases of sleep apnea, and it would appear that he is right.

It is of course still early days and a great deal more work needs to be done, including further double-blind and placebo-controlled studies. Nonetheless, his findings are indeed encouraging and may well provide an alternative to surgery for many thousands of children in the future.

Copyright 2005 Donald Saunders – http://help-me-to-sleep.com

About The Author:

Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including "How To Get A Good Night's Rest". Pick up your free copy today and discover how to http://help-me-to-sleep.com " target=_blank>cure insomnia or visit help-me-to-sleep.com and Learn more about http://help-me-to-sleep.com/sleep-apnea/ " target=_blank>treating sleep apnea

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Sleep Apnea
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Author: Alan Schill -
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, or OSAS, is a very serious disorder that can lead to heart problems, an increased risk of a stroke and more. Only a physician can properly diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when an individual's air passage becomes blocked and breathing stops completely on multiple occasions throughout the night.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include fatigue, irritability, a feeling of exhaustion, the inability to concentrate, heavy snoring during sleep and waking up short of breath or, in extreme cases, possibly even gasping for air. Obstructive sleep apnea may cause the sufferer to awaken as the muscles and tissue in the throat completely block the air passage and forces them from their sleep due to a lack of air.

There are a number of ways that obstructive sleep apnea can be treated. Often, something as simple as changing your sleeping position may help to curb the problem. For instance, individuals who sleep on their back are more susceptible to the tissues and muscles in their throat relaxing and creating problems breathing. For this reason, many experts believe that by simply sleeping on your side may help to eliminate the problem. Another natural remedy for obstructive sleep apnea is weight loss. If you are overweight, or have been diagnosed with obesity, a healthy diet and exercise program may also help to eliminate obstructive sleep apnea. Allergy sufferers are also likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea because their air passages are easily blocked and may be more problematic during the night. Ridding your home of allergens, such as cigarette smoke, pet hair and dust may help you to breathe easier through the night. The help of air filtration devices may also be beneficial.

If these remedies do not provide results for your obstructive sleep apnea, consider the possible use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This device provides continuous air pressure to ensure the sufferer receives air through the night. Many individuals find comfort with another product, the Sleep Genie, which is made from a nylon lycra blend and comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed during the night. The Sleep Genie is not intended to cure sleep apnea on it's own, but many CPAP users find additional relief because their mouth is able to remain closed and prevent the air treatments from escaping through the night.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

A new anti-snoring scientific breakthrough is rapidly changing the lives of ex-snorers… because the first night you use it, it stops snoring! Visit SleepGenie.com for more information!

...

sleepapnea-13

Sleep Apnea
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Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Solutions
Author: Alan Schill -
Apnea, in terms of the Greek word, is defined as "without breath." This is exactly what happens to individuals who suffer from sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition that causes the sufferer to completely stop breathing on more than one occasion throughout the night.

While it may be difficult to realize the symptoms of sleep apnea because they occur during sleep, it is possible if you know what to watch for. For instance, you may notice uncommon exhaustion throughout the day, a general feeling of fatigue, frequent or long-lasting headaches or irritability. These symptoms occur due to lack of sleep, which is caused by sleep apnea. In addition, if your spouse notices intense snoring or long pauses between breaths at night, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

The only person who can positively identify sleep apnea is a licensed physician. He or she may ask a series of question or, in some instances, recommend a sleep study by asking you to spend the night in a supervised sleep center. At this type of facility, the purpose is to determine whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea. A series of monitoring devices will be placed on your body in order to detect your breathing patterns throughout the night.

Sleep apnea, when left untreated, can be extremely dangerous. In fact, it can lead to heart disease, a stroke or other major health problems. In addition to the obvious health risks, sleep apnea may lessen your immune system's ability to fight disease or the loss of sleep can cause you to be impaired when driving. Sleep apnea treatments may include sleeping on your side instead of your back, giving up alcohol and cigarettes, ridding your home of allergens, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program or the use of a doctor recommended at-home apnea treatment.

A product known as the Sleep Genie, which is a doctor recommended anti-snoring device, is available to help provide comfort to those with sleep apnea. Manufactured of a comfortable nylon lycra blend, the Sleep Genie comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed to prevent snoring. While the Sleep Genie is not intended as a cure for sleep apnea, many users find additional comfort when using this product with the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which provides continuous air pressure to help prevent the collapse of tissue in the throat that often blocks air passages during sleep. Users of the CPAP machine need to sleep with their mouth closed in order to prevent the air from escaping, which is where the Sleep Genie often proves beneficial.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

A new anti-snoring scientific breakthrough is rapidly changing the lives of ex-snorers… because the first night you use it, it stops snoring! Visit SleepGenie.com for more information!

...

sleepapnea-13

Sleep Apnea
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Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Solutions
Author: Alan Schill -
Apnea, in terms of the Greek word, is defined as "without breath." This is exactly what happens to individuals who suffer from sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition that causes the sufferer to completely stop breathing on more than one occasion throughout the night.

While it may be difficult to realize the symptoms of sleep apnea because they occur during sleep, it is possible if you know what to watch for. For instance, you may notice uncommon exhaustion throughout the day, a general feeling of fatigue, frequent or long-lasting headaches or irritability. These symptoms occur due to lack of sleep, which is caused by sleep apnea. In addition, if your spouse notices intense snoring or long pauses between breaths at night, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

The only person who can positively identify sleep apnea is a licensed physician. He or she may ask a series of question or, in some instances, recommend a sleep study by asking you to spend the night in a supervised sleep center. At this type of facility, the purpose is to determine whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea. A series of monitoring devices will be placed on your body in order to detect your breathing patterns throughout the night.

Sleep apnea, when left untreated, can be extremely dangerous. In fact, it can lead to heart disease, a stroke or other major health problems. In addition to the obvious health risks, sleep apnea may lessen your immune system's ability to fight disease or the loss of sleep can cause you to be impaired when driving. Sleep apnea treatments may include sleeping on your side instead of your back, giving up alcohol and cigarettes, ridding your home of allergens, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program or the use of a doctor recommended at-home apnea treatment.

A product known as the Sleep Genie, which is a doctor recommended anti-snoring device, is available to help provide comfort to those with sleep apnea. Manufactured of a comfortable nylon lycra blend, the Sleep Genie comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed to prevent snoring. While the Sleep Genie is not intended as a cure for sleep apnea, many users find additional comfort when using this product with the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which provides continuous air pressure to help prevent the collapse of tissue in the throat that often blocks air passages during sleep. Users of the CPAP machine need to sleep with their mouth closed in order to prevent the air from escaping, which is where the Sleep Genie often proves beneficial.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

A new anti-snoring scientific breakthrough is rapidly changing the lives of ex-snorers… because the first night you use it, it stops snoring! Visit SleepGenie.com for more information!

...

sleepapnea-12

Sleep Apnea
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The Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Author: Heather Colman
How can I tell if I have sleep apnea and how can I treat it?

Diagnosis
The typical patient with sleep apnea is an overweight middle-aged male with a neck size of more than 17 inches. However, the condition is also common in women and not all sufferers are overweight. Almost everybody who has sleep apnea is a snorer, often a very heavy snorer. Pauses in breathing during sleep are commonly noticed by a bed partner but this history is often lacking and up to five "events" per hour are considered normal.

One of the more consistent symptoms is "nonrestorative sleep" meaning that the patient wakes in the morning feeling unrefreshed no matter how much he slept during the night. Excessive daytime sleepiness is common in sleep apnea of any severity but some patients complain of fatigue rather than sleepiness. However, many patients with severe sleep apnea have no complaint of sleepiness or fatigue.

The most accurate diagnostic tool, polysomnography, can confirm the diagnosis and assist the doctor in identifying the type of sleep apnea present. In the past, this test was only done in hospitals and in specialized sleep laboratories. There are now portable sleep recording systems that can perform unattended polysomnography in the patient's home, but in-laboratory testing with a technician present remains the standard and is required by many insurers including Medicare before they will pay for treatment of sleep apnea.

With advances in portable electronics, patients can now use a small device called a pulse oximeter, which is attached to a fingertip to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood (percent of the total hemoglobin that is combined with oxygen). This non-intrusive monitor measures the difference in the color of the oxygenated and of the deoxygenated hemoglobins. Recordings of blood oxygen saturation during sleep may give an estimate of the severity of the problem although it's not been the most reliable screening tool.

Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for sleep apnea, depending on an individual's medical history and the severity of the disorder. Most treatment regimens begin with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and medications that relax the central nervous system (for example, sedatives and muscle relaxants), losing weight, and quitting smoking.

Some people are helped by special pillows or devices that keep them from sleeping on their backs. Some cases are treated with oral appliances to keep the airway open during sleep.

If these conservative methods are inadequate, doctors often recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A face mask is attached to a tube and a machine that blows pressurized air into the mask and through the airway to keep it open. There are also surgical procedures that can be used to remove tissue and widen the airway. Some individuals may need a combination of therapies to successfully treat their sleep apnea.

In conclusion, sleep apnea left untreated can be life threatening. Excessive daytime sleepiness can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving. Sleep apnea also appears to put individuals at risk for stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, also known as "mini- strokes"), and is associated with coronary heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, gout and high blood pressure.

Although there is no cure for sleep apnea, recent studies show that successful treatment can reduce the risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this entire resource box is included. Find more sleep apnea resources at sleep-apnea-news.info .

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