Cracking the Sleep Code

Have Sleep Problems? The Top 6 Sleep Sites That Will Get You Back to Dreaming

http://www.sleepdisordersguide.com/blog/
The latest news on therapies and treatments of all sleep disorders

http://sleepingwelltonight.blogspot.com/: Great information on insomnia, sleep apnea and how reducing stress can help with these and other sleep disorders

http://www.sleepapneafacts.info/sleepapneablog/
Extensive information on the latest treatments for sleep apnea and snoring

http://blog.cpap.co.uk/: Everything you need to know about sleep apnea, sleep lab visits and CPAP treatments

http://sleepdoctor.blogspot.com/: Dr. Michael Rack, a sleep specialist, shares his knowledge on the descriptions and latest treatments for every kind of sleep disorder

http://always-sleepy.blogspot.com/ : One man's funny and fascinating journey with narcolepsy

How Dangerous is Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Do you or your spouse suffer from a possible sleep disorder.  If you or someone you know snores and suffers from fatigue during the day...I implore you to take it seriously.  You're not just hurting yourself if you have sleep apnea.  If your productivity and patience are being affected then you are no doubt having a negative impact on someone else. 

Do any of these people describe you?

1.  A person who sleeps next to a snorer and has witnessed their disruptive breathing?

2.  A person who snores and is used to being tired during the day---you just  haven't gotten around to going to see a Doctor to ask for a sleep study.

3.  A person who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea but can't tolerate wearing the CPAP---there hasn't been time to trial other masks or discuss and move forward with other treatment options.

If you are tired when you're behind the wheel you could kill yourself or someone else. There is very little difference between being excessively tired behind the wheel and being drunk behind the wheel. Untreated sleep apnea can put excessive strain on the heart but there are also risks that are not health related.  All of these car accidents were as a result of fatigue...don't be another statistic.

Struggling for Sleep? 7 Great Sites That Will Get You to Dream Land

There is so much to know about sleep.  I wanted to share some good articles and websites that I think are very informative.  There is something here for everyone...whatever your sleep issue may be.

www.emagzine.com - A well done article on natural sleep aids for insomnia

www.gaylord.org/pages/hottopics.html -Talks about healthy sleep, childrens sleep, snoring, drowsy driving and how menapause can affect womens sleep   

 www.talkaboutsleep.com- A great place to share your sleep problems with others.  Also some good resources for CPAP masks   

http://www.soundsleeping.com/sleep_articles.html - This site has good tips for getting a good nights sleep---includes relaxation techniques and sleep music

http://www.head-cleaners.com/sleep.htm-- Interesting. Touches on how your belief system can contribute to insomnia

http://heartspring.net/sleep_disorders_insomnia.html-
specializing in insomnia and reviews of herbal remedies

http://talhost.net/sleep/cpap.htm - Lots of great support for CPAP users..."hints and tips"

       

Hating CPAP?! Experimental Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Under Way

Are you still looking for a treatment for sleep apnea? Or do you currently have CPAP and are having trouble tolerating it?  There's new research for a new treatment that is looking promising.

Nasal Cannula insufflation or TNI is a treatment that might be able to replace CPAP for some sleep apnea suffers.  Instead of a mask over your nose with the cumbersome hose, it would be two small soft plastic prongs that sit within your nostrils.  This way of administering the oxygen is much less intimidating and more comfortable.  The researchers expected the improvement in the subjects with mild sleep apnea but the results were better than they thought. When the oxygen flow is set at 20L/minute there was marked improvement in the participants with severe sleep apnea as well.  The research was reported in the second issue for July 2007 of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine published by the American Thoracic Society.

New Cure For Snoring?

Snoring.  Everyone is looking for a cure...or I should say 'spouses are looking for a cure.'  There has been everything from throat sprays to nasal strips--- all claiming to cure or help snoring.  If you understand what causes snoring then you probably wouldn't look twice at these products.  Snoring is caused by a collapse in the soft palate in the back of the throat.  Throat sprays lubricate your throat and nasal dilators help open your nasal passages; neither will hold open the back of your throat.  There have been cases where a deviated septum or enlarged sinuses can cause negative pressure contributing to the cause of snoring and/or sleep apnea.  A nasal dilator will not be strong enough to keep the throat from collapsing.  If your snoring includes interrupted breathing or cessation of breath you should see a sleep specialist to see if you need a sleep study.

I have heard from many people that if they could only stay on their side or stomach then they wouldn't snore. The body position is one of the options that can truly help with snoring.  It's obvious right?  If you're on your stomach then the tissue in your throat is falling forward...not backward  closing off the airway.   But how does anyone keep themselves from moving onto their back?  I have heard of the tennis ball trick.  Tape a tennis ball to your back and you won't be able to roll over ---at least not comfortably.  This worked for some but not others.  Some still manage to roll over partially since the ball is in the middle of the back...and then the snoring begins. 

I want to share an article about an ingenious invention by Sean Kerklaan, a snorer and entrepreneur. Lisa does a great job at telling Sean's story, so I'll give her the stage.

LISA FITTERMAN, Freelance

A Cure For Snoring?  Sleep On It

Published: Monday, July 09, 2007--- canada.com

These days, I fantasize about He Who Must Obey wearing a little T-shirt, and not one of those muscle things that show off biceps and abdominals that once were a four-pack (alas, not a six).

Instead, my fantasy revolves around a standard grey, heavy cotton Fruit of the Loom number that comes with a "three-pack" at the back. Confused? Let me explain.

Still Looking for a Sleep Apnea Treatment? Learn about Somnoplasty

There are many treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea.  This week at Cracking the Sleep Code I'm focusing on different treatments for the relief of sleep apnea.  Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP is the first option most physicians offer but this doesn't work for everyone.  The important thing to do is not to give up.  Keep trying and researching until you achieve the optimal amount of sleep.

If you can't remember how it felt when you used to get sleep then let me refresh your memory.  More than likely...

1.  You had more patience with everything and everyone.
2.  You felt happier
3.  You were more motivated
4.  You had more energy and could exercise (if you wanted to)
5.  You could drive more than 15 minutes and not feel like closing your eyes

Somnoplasty is an in office procedure that has gotten some positive results.  This procedure uses radio frequency energy that shrinks the lose tissue in the back of the throat.  If you are still looking for a treatment that will work for you...somnoplasty might be an option.  The ENT physicians at The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell describe somnoplasty the best.

Wear Your CPAP! Don't be Another Statistic

Why should you make such an effort to wear your CPAP?  Why not just wear your CPAP  'just enough' to say you're using it.  These troubling statistics are from the CPAP.CO.UK.  This company has a blog dedicated to education about the importance of CPAP.

• 34% of drivers who drove more than 20,000 miles a year admitted they had fallen asleep at the wheel during the previous 12 months (source: RAC)
• Sleepiness is the cause of an estimated 20% of all accidents on motorways.
• Sleepy driving has statistically been proven to be as dangerous as drunk driving.

You'll never get used to something unless you use it.  Here is a very interesting article from Medicalnewstoday.com.  The longer the treatment the better your results.

While You Weren't Sleeping: Week In Review

Over the last two weeks it has been 'obstructive sleep apnea' week at Cracking the Sleep Code. I hope that some of the tips provided were beneficial to you.

Here is a birds eye view on what happened last week at Cracking The Sleep Code...

Could you have sleep apnea?!  Watch Rosie O'Donells interview and get all the sleep apnea scoop

Have you been to the sleep lab yet?  Chances are you are considering it if you have found this post. Whether you have been or have not this video is for you.  Rosie O'Donell does a great job with this interview covering the whole sleep apnea scoop.  Michael Brues is a well known sleep specialist that explains what sleep apnea is, how it can effect you and the different treatment options.

Can a Sleep Apnea Treatment Make You Lose Weight?

Many people with sleep apnea are told to lose weight as part of their treatment.  But what about the other way around?  Is it possible to lose weight because of treating the sleep apnea?  The first line of treatment normally is a continuous positive airway pressure mask or better known as CPAP which is worn while sleeping.

If you have been to see the physician about your snoring and/or possible obstructive sleep apnea then you might have heard the recommendation to lose weight. A high percentage of people who have sleep apnea are over weight. Studies have shown that just by losing 10 pounds can greatly improve your sleep.  Why?  With sleep apnea, the soft palate in the back of your throat collapses...extra weight can play a big part in the amount of room for air and only exacerbates the obstruction.  Losing weight can be a challenging feat in itself much less trying to lose weight when you are miserable from sleep deprivation. 

Here is some positive news.  In the last 10 years that I've worked in the sleep disorder field I cannot count how many times a patient commented about how they lost weight due to their CPAP treatment.  I have heard "thank you's" to the sleep techs and physicians because they have finally started losing weight after wearing the CPAP.  How does this happen?  There two ways...

1.  There are certain sleep stages that regulate our metabolism. Most often a person with sleep apnea does not get into the deep sleep stages.  By keeping your airway open and correcting the sleep apnea you are now getting to sleep stages that play a role with balancing your metabolism.

2.  By achieving higher quality sleep you will have more energy.  When you have more energy you are more likely to move more or even exercise...instead of sitting down any chance you get.

Exercise and eating right is still a big component to losing weight while on CPAP.  You can't eat a quarter pounder then walk around your office and call it a day.  There is still a need to start some exercise program even if only for 20 minutes a day.  The sleep you're getting because of the CPAP should give you a new lease on life---take advantage of that extra energy!

I want to hear from you.  Are you a sleep apnea sufferer who needs to shed some pounds?  Give me your story.

Sick of Snoring and Being Tired? It's Time for the Sleep lab.

Finally, you get to your physician and get that long awaited prescription to the sleep lab.  Don't let the word lab scare you, you won't be treated like a rat.  The anticipation is probably the worst part of this test.  The important thing is that you're going to take action and seek some help. If you have a bed partner then they might even be more enthusiastic than you about this decision.  The dark circles under the eyes are usually present on both parties---who enjoys sleeping with loud snoring?

What to expect...

After your Doctor gives you the prescription for the lab, you will be scheduled.  There are sleep labs in hospitals and then there are free standing labs.  I have talked to people who have been to both and the free standing sleep labs have won hands down in the "making you feel at home" department.  This is very important when it comes to the sleep test.  Most people have anxiety about falling asleep when comes time for their test.  This is expected since you know you've got to sleep to make the test be worth while.  Some physicians will prescribe a mild sleep pill to help you relax.  The best thing to do is stay with your bedtime ritual----which the sleep technicians generally promote. Bring everything that you would need to follow your routine...your book, your food or drink etc.  Some labs have TV if your a TV watcher.

You'll be scheduled sometime between 8 and 11pm.  You'll fill out some paper work when you arrive and change into your PJ's.  Next is the fun part.  The application of the electrodes, which consists of some patches that they will glue onto your upper chest, legs and scalp---it's not painful.
The things that will be monitored are...eye movement, leg movement, chest movement, brain waves, heart rate, muscle tone and oxygen level.

The sleep technician will help you get into bed, so you can do your bedtime ritual or just turn off the light.  They'll most likely be waking you up between 6:00am and 7:00am, as the sleep technician shift usually ends about this time.  It's anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to get the results back in which you will discuss the diagnosis with your Doctor.  If you find out you have sleep apnea then at least there is a reason for why you were feeling so miserable and now you can receive help.  Goodbye sleepy days!

For a personal story of a sleep lab experience Read here...

Treatments will be discussed in the upcoming posts...