Snoring â?? the Problem and How to Stop Snoring

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Categorized Under: Sleep Apnea Breathing Machine
Dated: 20 Dec 2009
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Snoring, a condition as old as man himself and even a condition found outside of humans.

Snoring is usually distressful to the snorerâ??s sleep partner, and the snorer can look forward to being awaken rudely (by a various number of devices, from whistling, jabbing, shaking and so on), and being nervous thereafter.

Snoring is not so simple a problem, and may be a sign that someone is very wrong with the snorer, and he or she needs medical attention.

Snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea (a secession of breathing during sleep for short periods), which is turn can cause, or be caused by high blood pressure, and other ailments.

The fact the snoring can interfere with your nightâ??s sleep can mean you are in a poor mood the following day, your concentration becomes faulty, you can be irritable, and even effect your immune system.

Negative Effects of Simple Snoring

Baring more severe problems, simple snoring can ruin your personal life, your professional life, and even you sex life.

The fact is, snoring also wakes up the snorer and he or she is always tired the next day. What can be done then?

First Step to Stop Snoring

The very first step you should make is to see your doctor. The doctor can discover if your snoring is a simple problem (perhaps you were over-tired, and over-stressed), or something more serious, like sleep apnea.

You doctor will also be able to prescribe some medicines that may help you, or give you the answers you need to know.

You may wish to know, what causes this noise.

Your doctor can show you that in some way, your sleep breathing is being obstructed, and the air flowing in or out will cause some structure in your throat to vibrate.

This is usually your uvula. The uvula is the finger shaped appendage at the read of your mouth, just before the esophagus.

The vibration may be also caused by the tongue, or even muscles in the throat.

Your doctor can discover the cause, as your disturbed sleep, or that of your sleeping partner, and understand if you have sleep apnea.

This condition can lead to brain damage if not attended to, and will have a very negative effect on your personal and professional lives.

If you do have sleep apnea, you doctor may prescribe a special breathing machine that helps you breathe at night as you sleep. Sometimes the doctor will recommend removal of the uvula, or other surgical procedures.

For your own safety, see a doctor if you are a persistent snorer. If you are not a persistent one, you can buy some sprays or herbs that can allay the snoring process.

Simple Remedies for Snoring

â?¢ Do not sleep on your back, but prefer the side.

â?¢ Use more than one pillow to keep your head elevated.

â?¢ Buy some aromatic herbs and place them under your pillow as you sleep.

â?¢ Lose some weight if you are overweight.

â?¢ Buy some of the nostril stretching devices to allow for more air enter your lungs and leave by way of the nose rather than the mouth during sleep.

In any event, always see your doctor if the problem of snoring is persistent and causing distress.

Insight Into Sleeping Disorders

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Cures For Sleep Apnea
Dated: 20 Dec 2009
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In this article, we will discuss some insights about sleeping disorder. So, let’s get started!
Almost forty-five percent of normal adults snore occasionally and out of the 25 percent are habitual snorers or those experiencing serious sleeping disorder. This sleeping order or commonly known as snoring is more frequently in males and overweight persons and eventually getting worse with age. Snoring is simply an indication of breathing problem. So it must not be taken for granted. Consulting a medical assistant can greatly help you to determine what makes it happen and have a medication as early as possible. Don’t take snoring in its light weight because it will cause and often an embarrassing behavior.
Snoring produces noisy sounds when there is a something that obstructs the flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. This is so happen when the tongue and the upper throat meet the soft palate and uvula. Once each part strike and causes vibration. The tendency is the passage of air collapse which causes the noisy sound. In the case of children, this breathing disorder may be an implication of contraction between tonsils and adenoids. However, consulting to your otolaryngologist can bring the back the full health condition of your child.
People who snore may suffer from poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat. When muscles are too relaxed, either from alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness, the tongue falls backwards into the airway or the throat muscles draw in from the sides into the airway. This can also happen during deep sleep. Children with large tonsils and adenoids often snore. Overweight people have bulky neck tissue, too. Cysts or tumors can also cause bulk, but they are rare. A long palate narrows the opening from the nose into the throat. As it dangles, it acts as a noisy flutter valve during relaxed breathing. A long uvula makes matters even worse. A stuffy or blocked nose requires extra effort to pull air through it. This creates an exaggerated vacuum in the throat, and pulls together the floppy tissues of the throat, and snoring results. So, snoring often occurs only during the hay fever season or with a cold or sinus infection. Also, deformities of the nose or nasal septum, such as a deviated septum (a deformity of the wall that separates one nostril from the other) can cause such an obstruction.
Why should snoring take seriously? Well, both social and medical aspect of your life can causes others sleepless nights and resentfulness. It disturbs sleeping pattern and deprives the snore appropriate rest. Those who snore in any position or greatly causes deprivation of peace should seek medical consultation in order not to result to severe sleep apnea. The treatments will depend on the diagnosis. But, usually most of those who suffer snoring problem find it easy to cure it naturally. Sleep apnea can cause the snorer’s sleep habit and muscle contraction in the passage of the air to the lungs.

What Causes Snoring and What You Can Do About It?

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Sleep Apnea Breathing Machine
Dated: 19 Dec 2009
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Snoring can be a super irritating condition and when you or your partner snores, all you want to do is stop snoring! Snoring can cause sleep disturbances for both the person that snores as well as the person that has to hear the snoring. Thankfully, snoring help exists and there are methods one can implement in an effort to stop snoring.
Shape of your mouth, tonsils and adenoids
Snoring is caused by a number of different sources. Snoring can be caused by the way your mouth is shaped and by the shape of your tonsils and adenoids. For instance, large tonsils can block the passageway of the throat when sleeping and this can produce a snoring sound. The removal of tonsils and adenoids is sometimes required in order for an individual to quit snoring. Just as the shape of your mouth and throat might cause snoring, you will find that issues with the nasal passages might also cause you to breathe with your mouth open at night: a common symptom associated with snoring.
Body weight
Your bodily condition can be a source for snoring too; statistics reveal that people that have weight problems snore more. Sleep Apnea is a condition that causes an individual to have breathing difficulties at night and involves the blockage of airways in the throat: the result is snoring. This condition is sometimes associated with people that are obese, but thin people can also have the condition. This condition can be dangerous because it can minimize restorative sleep and it can have a negative effect on one’s heart.
Environment
Sometimes snoring has environmental causes. Over consumption of alcohol or the use of some medication can be responsible for causing snoring too. When the throat muscles and tongue are super relaxed, they can block off the airway and cause snoring. If you have a uvula that is long in the back of the throat, this piece of tissue can also cause you to snore.
Snoring help
For snoring help, some people turn to appliances that can be put in the mouth just before going to sleep. Mouthpieces can help to shift the position of the jaw and tongue, and can help to keep your airway open more. As mentioned earlier, sometimes surgical procedures are required to quit snoring, and there are also laser surgery options available to shorten a long soft palate that might be responsible for snoring problems too. Special machines are further assigned to people with chronic Sleep Apnea to stop snoring: the process is identified as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy. The individual is given a mask to wear that delivers a rush of air into the air passage to keep the airways open and clear all night long.
Snoring can affect many aspects of a person’s life. From relationships to personal health and wellbeing. A good rest at night is absolutely paramount for a person to function appropriately and to the full capacity during the day. If you snore – it is suggested that you consult your doctor. Get better for your health sake.

How To Find The Perfect Snoring Treatment Device

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Sleep Apnea Breathing Machine
Dated: 17 Dec 2009
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If you suffer from snoring, then you are probably in a constant search for the perfect snoring treatment. The stores are packed with products that help to prevent this and cure that, but what really works? Before you spend a fortune on the trial and error method for finding the perfect snoring treatment, consider learning about what to look for in anti-snoring devices.

As you stroll the aisle, either retail or virtual internet store, look for a product that not only promises to help prevent snoring, but one that is also doctor recommended. This is an excellent way to measure a product’s credibility against similar products. If a doctor approves of it’s construction and demonstrates faith in it’s ability, then you can rest assured that you are getting a good value for your dollar.

Once you have narrowed the field of snoring treatment devices down to those that are doctor recommended, consider which of the products appeal directly to you. Forget about price for a minute and forget about what a product promises. Now, does the product look safe to you? How about comfort? Does it look like something that you will be able to wear during the night without being awakened? If a snoring treatment keeps you awake, it will effectively end snoring along with your ability to sleep. Since it’s doubtful that you want to eliminate sleeping, consider purchasing a product only if it appears comfortable. Safety, of course, should be a huge factor in determining which snoring treatment is right for you.

The Sleep Genie, for instance, is an anti-snoring device that is made of a nylon and lycra blend. It fits comfortably over the head while supporting the jaw and allowing the mouth to remain closed during the night. Typically providing instant relief, the Sleep Genie is popular among the world of snoring treatment products.

If an at-home snoring treatment doesn’t work, or if you feel short of breath during the night, consult a physician for a possible diagnosis of sleep apnea. This disorder is sometimes treated with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. This machine provides the user with the ability to breathe easier through the night and helps to prevent airway blockage, which is what occurs with sleep apnea. While not meant to cure sleep apnea, many anti-snoring devices, such as the Sleep Genie, are successfully used with CPAP treatments to help provide the snoring sufferer with better sleep quality. Products that help to keep the wearer’s mouth closed may help to prevent the air treatments, from the use of the CPAP machine, 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.

7 Habits of Highly Successful CPAP Patients

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Sleep Apnea Breathing Machine
Dated: 17 Dec 2009
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If you have obstructive sleep apnea, there’s a good chance you may have been recommended to try a CPAP machine. This is a mask that attaches to a pump at the bedside that blows gentle, positive air pressure through your nose to keep you from breathing stoppages at night. In general, people have a love and hate relationship with their machines. Some people love them, and some absolutely despise them.

What I’ve noticed over the years is that there are 5 common habits and characteristics the successful CPAP users all share.

1. Their top priority is their health. They are open-minded and willing to try strange looking devices and gadgets. What others may think is irrelevant.

2. They are willing to invest in upgrades and devices that regular insurance doesn’t cover for. Most insurances only cover for the basics, and although most people do fine, some need more sophisticated machines or various other masks.

3. They make sure that they are breathing through their nose well all the time. Either they control nasal congestion with allergy medications or use nasal saline routinely. Some even have to undergo surgery to breathe better.

4. They join live or virtual support groups, sharing, learning, and educating within the collective wisdom of these groups.

5. They constantly monitor the data from their machines to work with the sleep doctor and equipment company, making constant adjustments and fine tuning various settings.

6. They surround themselves with a team of doctors and trusted advisors, collaborating with and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

7. They don’t rely only on their machines for sleep apnea relief. They incorporate other healthy habits such eating early, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and finding ways to de-stress and relax on a regular basis.

As you can see, successful CPAP users don’t rely on their machines alone to solve all their problems. They use it as a tool that helps them accomplish their other health goals more effectively. Some people adjust to immediately, whereas others can literally take months to find significant benefits.

Amnesty International Categorizes Sleep Deprivation as Torture … My Child Tortures Me Every Night

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Cures For Sleep Apnea
Dated: 17 Dec 2009
Comments: 0

Sleep deprivation is acutely stressful and it can be deadly. It can disorientate; it can muddle your brain and cause you to become emotionally unstable; it can even kill you.

Yet millions of long suffering parents worldwide have a child who tortures them every night with a snoring racket that can rival the noise of a chainsaw in full swing.

But more importantly it’s not just you, the parents, who suffer sleepless nights when your child snores at this decibel level. For your child, their snoring can be an indication that they may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (O.S.A.), a major health complication that can lead to a future lifetime of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and even early death.

Now O.S.A. is a real worry, so if you feel that this sounds all too familiar, for the sake of your child’s long term health, get it checked out. Admittedly, Sleep Apnea can disappear as your child matures, but it usually comes back to haunt them later in life.

Then you need do something to stop the racket. And the very first thing you need to do is make a careful examination of your child’s dietary and lifestyle habits. Now this actually applies to everyone who snores – child, teenager and adult, the common snorer or even someone with an upper respiratory tract abnormality.

Quite simply, ‘we are what we eat’. So to stop your child snoring, you need to ensure that they avoid all foods and drinks which can clog or irritate their sinuses, such as milk before bed, and all foods, drinks and medications (unless absolutely necessary) which cause a relaxation of the respiratory structures at the back of their throat when they are asleep, such as sedatives and cough syrups.

There are just so many foods which if avoided at night can help prevent your child’s nightly snoring racket – far too many to detail here – and so many simple lifestyle choices which you can introduce that have the power to stop your child’s snoring virtually overnight. Even minor lifestyle changes, such as raising the end of the bed up about four inches, can make all the difference.

Your child doesn’t have to look forward to a lifetime of snoring and potential ill health. You can do something about it and it’s far easier to do than you may think!

Dr Rick Donald is the author of Essential Stop Snoring Secrets. To find out more information about his book, visit http://www.stopmysnoringnow.com/stopsnoring.html

Excessive Snoring

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Sleep Apnea Breathing Machine
Dated: 16 Dec 2009
Comments: 0

It may be difficult to know whether you suffer from typical or excessive snoring. A large part of the problem comes from the fact that it can be difficult to diagnose your own snoring habits while you are asleep. Perhaps the most useful information would come from a spouse, who may be awoken through the night as a result of the snoring. He/she will be more familiar with your snoring and may be able to offer an opinion as to whether they notice excessive snoring.
So, just what is excessive snoring? Perhaps it could best be defined as repetitive, loud, disruptive and continual. Regular snoring is often the result of the airway passages becoming restricted through the night. This is generally caused by the fatty tissues relaxing in the back of the throat and causing a vibration, which is snoring. Excessive snoring, however, may be a sign of something much more serious. In fact, excessive snoring is a direct symptom of sleep apnea. Sufferers of this disorder actually stop breathing on more than one occasion during the night. This results from the airways becoming completely blocked and, if left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to heart disease, a stroke or other serious medical problem.
If you suffer from excessive snoring, it may be time to consider visiting the doctor for a proper diagnosis. If it is determined that you have sleep apnea, you may need treatment to prevent the disorder from causing further problems. If you simply suffer from excessive snoring, there may be various snoring remedies that can curb your nighttime nuisance. Among them, sleeping on your side instead of your back, ridding your home of allergens, losing weight if previously diagnosed with obesity, giving up cigarettes and alcohol, etc. In addition, some anti-snoring devices may be able to stop snoring immediately. One such device, known as the Sleep Genie, is doctor approved and comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed during sleep. It is virtually impossible to snore with your mouth closed, which is why the Sleep Genie is popular among snoring sufferers. It is important to remember that the Sleep Genie is not intended to cure sleep apnea, but rather help to eliminate snoring and add better quality sleep.
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.
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.

Tips For Using A CPAP Mask

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Sleep Apnea Breathing Machine
Dated: 16 Dec 2009
Comments: 0

You or someone you know may suffer from a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a breathing disorder during sleep that can have a negative effect on your quality of life when left untreated. The best treatment for OSA is a therapy that utilizes a machine called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (CPAP). This air pressure is delivered to your airway by a mask that covers your nose and sometimes both your nose and mouth. The success of your treatment with CPAP will depend on your ability to find the mask that works best for you. One size does not fit all with CPAP masks.

Several different brands and designs of CPAP masks exist. There are nasal masks that fit over the nose and full face masks that fit over both the nose and the mouth, usually preferred by those who tend to breathe through their mouths when they sleep. Nasal “pillows” are inserted into the nares and provide the least claustrophobic effect. With so many choices here are some things to consider before choosing the mask that is best for you.

Do you have a nasal blockage of any type? If you answer yes, then you will probably be better served to use a full face mask as mentioned in the above section.

Do you naturally breathe through your nose or your mouth? Choosing a mask that fits your needs based on this answer will aid in a more natural transition to CPAP therapy.

Do you breathe through your nose and your mouth? Using a full face mask will allow mixed delivery of air to both your nose and your mouth as your breathing patterns change during the night.

Do you ever feel claustrophobic? If so, a mask that provides a free field of vision may suit you better. Masks with obtrusive interfaces may not work well for you.

Do you scuba dive or snorkel? An oral mask slips into your mouth in a similar manner to what you are used to with a diver’s mouthpiece.

Are you comfortable with the feel of a hat or a cap? Masks with headgear are similar in feel to wearing a hat. They are generally lightweight and comfortable.

Would you prefer the freedom of little or no headgear? If so, a direct nasal or oral mask may work for you the best.

Using CPAP to treat sleep apnea can change your life for the better in so many ways. You will feel rested during the day. Your blood pressure can get under control. You will have energy and a desire to get out and enjoy life again. Your organs will get the oxygen they need while you sleep at night. But to enjoy all of these benefits you must choose the best path to success with your machine. This begins and ends with CPAP masks.

 

Sleep Disorder

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Cures For Sleep Apnea
Dated: 15 Dec 2009
Comments: 0

During normal breathing, air passes through the throat on its way to the lungs. The air travels past the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, and tongue. When a person is awake, the muscles in the back of the throat tighten to hold these structures in place preventing them from collapsing and/or vibrating in the airway. During sleep, the uvula and soft palate frequently vibrate causing the distinctive sounds of snoring.

The LAUP procedure is a laser surgical procedure designed to sequentially trim and shorten these structures, thus preventing or reducing snoring.

Risks and ComplicationsYou have the right to be informed that the surgery may involve risks of unsuccessful results, complications, or injury from both known and unforeseen causes. Because individuals vary in their tissue circulation and healing processes, as well as anesthetic reactions, ultimately there can be no guarantee made as to the results or potential complications. The following complications have been reported in the medical literature. This list is not meant to be inclusive of every possible complication. They are listed here for your information only, not to frighten you, but to make you aware and more knowledgeable concerning this surgical procedure.

1. Failure to resolve the snoring. Most surgeons feel that about 85% of patients who undergo a LAUP will have a significant or complete resolution in their snoring; and an additional percentage of patients will notice reduced levels of snoring such that their sleep partners will report that it’s level is no longer offensive.

2. Failure to cure sleep apnea or other pathological sleep disorders. Pathological sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, are medical problems which may have associated serious complications. At this time, the LAUP procedure has not been proven to cure these disorders.

3. Bleeding. In very rare situations, a need for blood products or a blood transfusion. You have the right, should you choose, to have autologous or designated donor directed blood pre-arranged. You are encouraged to consult with your doctor if you are interested.

4. Nasal regurgitation, a change in voice, or velopharyngeal insufficiency when liquids may flow into the nasal cavity during swallowing (rare).

5. Failure to resolve coexisting sinus, tonsil, or nasal problems.

6. Need for revision, or further and more aggressive surgery.

7. Prolonged pain, impaired healing, and the need for hospitalization

For more information visit: http://www.melatrol.com/?aid=847674

In general, surgery for sleep apnea is only about 50% successful. However, you would need to talk with your surgeon regarding your specific situation. Surgery is usually recommended only after medical therapy has failed. If your main concern is the snoring, then either the laser procedure or the new Somnoplasty carries about an 85% success rate for resolution of the snoring.

For more information visit: http://www.melatrol.com/?aid=847674

Your problems can be evaluated by an Ears, Nose, Throad (ENTor otolaryngologist) doctor–if you are having sleep problems associated with significantly enlarged adenoids and a very relaxed palate then various surgical operations may be necessary to review. The problem is not one of too little oxygen, but rather may be related to anatomical issues (how his air passages are designed). Speak with your doctor about this. Many times it is helpful to make a video tape for either his doctor or the ENT doctor to see–a picture and sound is worth a thousand words.

For more information visit: http://www.melatrol.com/?aid=847674

Sleep Disorders – What’s keeping you up at night?

Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under: Cures For Sleep Apnea
Dated: 15 Dec 2009
Comments: 0

It’s not just the economy that keeps many of us wide-awake in the dark – although it certainly doesn’t help!

Sleep disorders are becoming more and more common in todays’ ‘hurry-hurry, busy-busy’ world. With so much to do, and so little time, sleep is starting to be seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. But your body disagrees wholeheartedly.

Sleep is absolutely necessary to your physical and emotional health, and when we don’t pay attention to our bodys’ need for our full 8 hours of sleep, there’s a price to pay.

INSOMNIA

A dictionary definition of insomnia is… ‘a prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep’. This could mean you have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep. You may climb into bed and then lie awake until 1am staring at the ceiling. Or maybe you fall asleep right away, but wake up at 1am….and again at 2am…. and again at 3:30am… you get the picture. You may even fall asleep, stay that way for a few hours and then wake at 4am and stay that way until your alarm clock goes off.

All these scenarios can be covered by the term ‘insomnia’, and this sleep disorder can have physical or emotional causes. When we’re stressed to the max, or going through an emotional upheaval, it can interfere with our sleep patterns. Many cases of insomnia fall under the ‘Transient Insomnia’ heading, and can last for just a couple of nights, to one week. ‘Short-term Insomnia’ covers sleep disturbances lasting anywhere between one week and one month, while ‘Chronic Insomnia’ can go on indefinitely.

And it’s not just adults that suffer from insomnia, increasing numbers of teenagers and younger children are also finding sleep difficult to come by. There are many approaches to treating insomnia, these include :

Improving your sleep hygiene and setting up a regular bedtime routine/sleep schedule

Paying close attention to your diet – certain drinks/foods/activities can make it more difficult to sleep well. It’s also been found that other foods/drinks can increase your chances of getting a good nights’ sleep

Reducing stress and anxiety levels with alternative remedies such as relaxation or hypnotherapy techniques, aromatherapy and more

SLEEP APNEA

This sleep disorders’ name is derived from the Greek word ‘apnoia’, which simply translated, means ‘without breath’. And that describes it pretty well. Sleep apnea sufferers literally stop breathing multiple times during sleep, and they may or may not, be aware of it! Excessive snoring, accompanied by snorting/grunting/gasping sounds, is the prime symptom of this disorder, and is often most easily recognized by the sufferers’ sleeping partner or roommate. If you think you are getting a full nights’ sleep, but feel constantly exhausted, sleep apnea may be be the culprit.

There are serious health issues which can result from untreated sleep apnea, in addition to chronic daytime sleepiness, these may include often waking up with a sore/dry throat, recurrent/persistent heartburn, frequent waking during the night with the feeling that you’re gasping for breath, weight gain, high blood pressure, heart irregularities (such as palpitations or ‘pounding’) and more.

Luckily, sleep apnea is easily treated using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). Sufferers wear a mask attached to a machine that provides a constant flow of air into their lungs while asleep. This keeps the airways open and prevents the episodes of apnea.

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

Also known as RLS, this sleep disorders’ name is pretty self-explanatory. People with RLS experience an uncomfortable sensation in their legs (it can vary from person to person and has been described as a ‘crawling/prickling/cramping feeling (and other similar terms).

This feeling makes it extremely uncomfortable, even impossible, to keep your legs still…. hence the name! Although scientists and researchers still have a lot to learn about this disorder, there are certain conditions and activities that they believe cause (or contribute to) Restless Leg Syndrome, they include ;

Being overweight or obese

Having ADHD

Hormonal fluctuations – such as during pregnancy, or menopause

Certain illnesses including anemia, arthritis, diabetes and others

There are a few medications that are available to treat RLS, but for many people finding (and eliminating) the ‘trigger’ behind their restless legs, and/or using massage, relaxation or exercise techniques are very effective.

SNORING

Researchers estimate that about half of all the adults in the US snore, and about 50% of them do so chronically (on a regular basis). Quite a number of children and teens also experience this. Although snoring is sometimes thought of as a bit of a joke, it’s not funny to the sufferer and most definitely not amusing to his sleeping partner or room mate/s!

The most common causes of snoring are enlarged tonsils or adenoids, being overweight or obese, allergies and poor muscle tone in the throat due to smoking/alcohol/aging. There are also several others.

Figuring out what is causing you to snore is vital, and your doctor can help here. If your snoring is severe, or accompanied by gasping/snorting/coughing and so on, consider Sleep Apnea as a possibility.

There are all kinds of treatments for snoring, from losing weight or giving up alcohol, to dental appliances, minor surgery and more.

NARCOLEPSY

This sleep disorder is much less common than the ones mentioned above, but it is pretty disruptive and often scary for people who experience it.

It’s characterized by an overwhelming desire to sleep, and narcolepsy sufferers are at risk of falling asleep at any time whether they’re working, driving or participating in any other daily activity. This is obviously a dangerous situation.

Other symptoms of narcolepsy sometimes include sudden muscle weakness or sleep paralysis, and vivid hallucination-like dreams which occur just as they fall asleep or wake up. Although there isn’t a cure for narcolepsy just yet, there are various treatment options which are effective at controlling the symptoms so that sufferers can live their lives normally (and safely!).

Sleep is so important to the human body that you will actually die if you’re deprived of sleep indefinitely. Even on a less dramatic scale, it’s certainly very destructive to your health to go without adequate sleep on a regular basis.

If you are always exhausted, you’re emotions are volatile, your patience/temper is short, you seem to be extra ‘clumsy’ or are always having minor accidents, if you frequently feel drowsy when driving…………… or there are any other signs that you are not getting enough restful sleep, it’s very important to see your doctor.

He/she will be able to find out what is causing the problem and prescribe treatment, or even refer you to a sleep lab or sleep clinic for further evaluation.