Using Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea Is An Effective Alternative To CPAP

By Ines Brennan

Patients experiencing the condition known as sleep apnea suffer from periods of shallow respiration or even no respiration while they are sleeping. Some patients are recommended to use a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure), but this isn't appropriate for everyone. The use of dental appliances for sleep apnea is another approach which is simple and can also be effective for establishing normals respiratory patterns.

There are many types of appliances which can prevent sleep apnea which work in different ways. Some reposition the lower jaw while others hold the tongue in a forward position. Although such devices can be obtained rather easily, including ordering them online, it is always best to visit a dentist or orthodontist who specializes in this kind of treatment. They will be able to provide patients with custom-fitted appliances which are more effective than those which are ready to wear and not made to specifications.

The dental professional will make some plaster impressions of the patient's teeth. These molds are used to fashion the appliance based on the specific dimensions and shape of the mouth. If the device is made especially for the patient it will fit better making it more comfortable and effective at achieving its purpose.

There are also other evaluations that need to be done in order to ensure that the device is made to proper fit. Another set of molds will be made and sent to a laboratory where the appliance will be created. When the patient returns he or she will receive the apparatus and the dentist will perform any adjustments that may be needed for fit and comfort.

Most anti-apnea devices are worn similar to a retainer, there may be some slight discomfort at first but this is normal and in most cases the patient gets used to it without problem. However, if there is any pain in the jaw, especially the temporomandibular joint, this must be pointed out to the dentist as another approach may be needed. People who suffer from TMJ are not good candidates for using these appliances. Any discomfort in the jaw needs to be closely watched, in order to prevent a problem from developing.

During the course of the treatment period, the patient's lower jaw will gradually move forward more. This is usually most noticeable once about six months of treatment have passed. This is part of the process and it lends itself to the safety and effectiveness of the appliance.

The patient will also need to attend a sleep study session after several weeks of treatment. This is done to determine if the approach has successfully eliminated or reduced the occurrence of apnea. It is advisable to undergo this assessment in the same facility where the first diagnostic was carried out, in order to allow easier comparison of results.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea are a good solution for many people who do not wish to use a CPAP machine. It is important to make sure the device fits and works right and only obtain it through the direction of a dental care provider who is familiar with this area of treatment. Sometimes it is necessary to make changes in order to produce better results.

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Read more about Patients Using Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea Can Experience Relief visiting our website.

Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain

By Dr. Jason Fowler

Is a lack of sleep thwarting your best weight loss efforts? There is much evidence to suggest that a lack of sleep goes hand-in-hand with weight gain. But first, it is important to address why you are not sleeping well. Is your stress level or caffeine intake to blame? Or is your sleeplessness due to a common but very serious condition called sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can affect weight loss, hunger and hormone activity in a number of ways, thwarting your best efforts to maintain a healthy weight.

To put it simply, sleep apnea happens when breathing is obstructed or ceases altogether while sleeping. Symptoms of the condition range from light snoring to waking up several times during the night, gasping for air. The most common form of sleep apnea " obstructive sleep apnea " affects approximately six percent of the population. But this number is expected to rise along with the increasing rate of obesity, because obesity is a chief cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

To make matters worse, those who are already overweight may gain weight more easily if they arent getting adequate sleep, fueling a vicious cycle. Several theories attempt to explain why a lack of sleep may encourage us to pack on the pounds. Some say that a sleep-deprived person simply doesnt have the energy to be active during the day. Theyre too tired to get to the gym or even take the stairs, burning far fewer calories than a well-rested individual would. Others believe the sleep-deprived attempt to make up for a lack of energy by consuming a greater number of calories. Additional evidence surrounding sleep deprivation and weight gain suggests the problem may be hormonal.

Hormone function is largely responsible for the way in which fat cells respond to the food we eat. Cortisol is a hormone that is usually released in response to emotional and physical stress. When we dont get enough sleep, cortisol is released at an increased rate, making us feel hungry even if we have eaten enough.

And just because sleep apnea is most common among adults, don't assume that children are exempt from the problem. Its no secret that the number of obese children is rising steadily; and its no stretch to imagine that some of these children will develop sleep apnea.

If you are having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Otherwise, a few simple tips and tricks just might help get you back on a regular sleep schedule. If you are already obese and suffering from sleep apnea, your chiropractor can discuss a sensible dieting plan with you, helping you return to a healthy weight and enjoy more restful, unobstructed sleep. And of course, never underestimate the importance of exercise. Exercising three to four times per week is crucial for restful sleep. And getting your workout in long before bedtime is helpful, leaving ample time for your heart rate and hormone levels to return to a resting state. Make sure your room is dark and the temperature of the room will remain comfortable throughout the night. If youre one of those people trying to squeeze extra tasks and activities into your day, leave more for tomorrow and get some sleep. Adequate sleep will increase your productivity during waking hours.

About the Author:

For additional information on health and wellness feel free to contact Dr. FowlerDr. Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestouisdc.com

Sleep Apnea Linked to Higher Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death

By Cara Miller

Sleep apnea increases a patients risk of death by heart attack according to medical research from the Mayo Clinic. CPAP therapy is the prescribed treatment to avoid the risks associated with sleep apnea.

In a study of over 10,000 patients, researchers found that sleep apnea was a serious risk factors for sudden death among patients with heart disease. (It was second only to being over 60 years of age.)

When not treated by CPAP therapy, sleep apnea causes nighttime oxygen levels in the blood to drop. Because the blood has less oxygen, the heart is over-stressed in its attempt to get sufficient oxygen to the brain and other vital body organs.

The Mayo research shows the link between sleep apnea and heart attacks: due to the decreased oxygen, the patient's blood vessels alter in a way that promotes heart disease. (Other cardiovascular diseases that apnea exacerbates include hypertension and stroke " along with Alzheimers.)

Simply stated, when the air passage doesnt let enough oxygen into the lungs, the body and brain begin to experience problem due to oxygen-depletion.

This is one of many reasons that the National Apnea Association (NAA) recommends that apnea patients utilize the most widely prescribed form of sleep apnea treatment: CPAP (continuous positive air pressure). Other reasons include increasing energy levels, decreasing depression and even assisting patients in losing weight.

To avoid apneas health risks, nightly use of CPAP equipment is required. Of course, wearing a sleep mask while sleeping is not easy for most people. In some ways it is not surprising that the national average for compliance with CPAP therapy is only 50%.

Patients can do three things to increase their chances of successful CPAP therapy:

1. Only buy CPAP equipment from the manufacturers recommended by your doctor. ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics invest millions each year in research and development for patient safety. Do not buy equipment from websites that push low-quality CPAP machines on unsuspecting patients.

2. Only buy your CPAP equipment from an authorized dealer of one of the above leading manufacturers. According to the National Apnea Association, there are a lot of websites that sell questionable, grey-market CPAP equipment. Often they claim that they are selling new CPAP equipment, the reality is that they simply dont know because they bought it on the grey-market instead of directly from the manufacturer to make a bigger profit off your illness. Buying from anything other than an authorized dealer means you might get refurbished equipment that just looks like new. But it wont have full warranty coverage and it might not even be sanitary. (Many used machines on the grey market come from deceased patients in hospitals and nursing homes.) Your best bet is finding a CPAP vendor certified as a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider and recognized by the National Apnea Association as a Partner in Care.

3. Get the help and support that you deserve to make CPAP easier. The research shows that patients who get CPAP coaching basically double their chances of success: from under 50% to over 90%. An example of a CPAP supplier who provides free coaching is MySleepMask.com, the NAAs 2008 award winner of Online CPAP Supplier of the Year.

About the Author:

Cara Miller is Director of Patient Education for the National Association of Apnea, which recently awarded ResMed for best manufacturer and MySleepMask.com for best supplier of CPAP equipment.

Your Circadian Rhythm -Friend Or Foe?

By Harold Ulvaeus

Your circadian rhythm and it's level of function is closely connected to insomnia. While it is commonly believed that the circadian rhythm has to do with the time of day, it has a lot to do with the amount of light or darkness. We all have a clock inside that gives us a nudge when it is time to go to sleep for the night and when it is time to get up.

It is this internal clock that is known as the circadian rhythm. Hormones secreted through out the day are governed by this internal clock, and so are body temperature and our level of mental alertness.

Since the circadian rhythm influences alertness and our energy level, for those with have a sleep disorder related to their circadian rhythm, their internal clock is "off" and they tend to feel alert when they should be tired or sleepy, and tired when they should have much energy. This is very common for those working the grave yard shift.

Light, as in bright natural sun light, is one of the largest factors of regulating your circadian rhythm. Not getting enough light for extended periods of time can cause low energy and fatigue. Those in northern climates can readily see this towards the end of the winter.

Light therapy, using special types of light with specific wavelengths simulating natural light can be used to slowly reset the internal clock. The light therapy is easy and pleasant and requires 30-60 minutes of exposure in conjunction with a strict sleeping schedule. The light is usually delivered using specifically designed lights.

The time of day you use your light box is the most important thing to consider. The schedule would depend on your schedule and the type of insomnia you have.

About the Author:

Curing Insomnia, tips, information about Insomnia Pills along with a plethora of safe and useful options are all explored on our site,www.insomniacure.healing-mind-and-body.com

Melatonin Helps Your Rest

By Mark Sanderlix

For as long as I can remember, Ive had a difficult time falling asleep anytime before 12 midnight. Even when I was a kid it was a struggle to get to bed at a decent time. This always left my tired and not at my peak when I should be trying to learn as much as I can. This bad habit, or condition, has followed me through my adult life. If I have an important meeting in the morning I know it is going to be critical to get good sleep the night before, but I just cant talk my body into falling asleep at a reasonable time. So, at the meeting, instead of being refreshed and ready to go, I have to fake it. Ive tried many different options for getting to sleep; over the counter drugs, drinks, mixes, and a change in the surroundings, but nothing worked as well for me overall as melatonin.

Many people who have sleeping issues turn to Nyquil or Theraflu to help them fall asleep quickly and easily. While both of these solutions are effective, they just werent for me because I didnt feel that they were good long term solutions. Neither were made for just falling asleep, so I felt like I was taking a bunch of extra drugs that I didnt need. There are some over the counter drugs that are made specifically for falling asleep, such as Tylenol PM, but that did not feel natural to me either. As effective as these options are, none of them seemed like effective solutions to me for the long-term.

Some experts advise that where you sleep should be designed solely for the purpose of sleeping, nothing else. That meant you had to remove TV from your bedroom and all other forms of entertainment and to buy a comfy bed and center the room around sleeping. After trying this (it was hard to give up the TV), I found that it just didn't help me fall asleep. I found myself just laying there, staring at the ceiling or thinking about work instead of falling asleep.

Then, one night at a party, I overheard something that changed everything. Two ladies were talking and one of them mentioned that they are taking a prescription drug to fall asleep early. The other said, Oh, really? Have you tried Melatonin? and they went on to talk about the supplement for a little while. I admit, I was eavesdropping on them, but that little bit of information really appealed to me. I didn't know that there was a supplement that you could buy, that already existing in your body anyway, that could help you fall asleep. I immediately thought that I had to try it.

I went to the drug store to find this Melatonin product. I walked up and down the aisle looking for it with the other OTC sleep drugs but I couldn't find it anywhere. I asked a store employee and she pointed me to the herbal supplements section, and there I found the Melatonin. I purchased a bottle with the intent of trying it out that night. That evening, about an hour before I wanted to fall asleep, I took a pill. As if my magic, 60 minutes later I was ready to go to bed. I wasnt knocked out tired, but I was sleepy, and sleepy enough to fall asleep. I considered Melatonin a success. Ever since that night, Ive had exactly the same experience. The melatonin has been very effective in getting me to sleep, and I have no problems with waking up in the middle of the night. Also, in the morning, I don't wake up groggy or tired. As long as Ive gotten at least 7 hours of sleep, I wake up rested and ready to start the day.

Since melatonin was working so well for me, I decided to do a little digging online to make sure it was safe. The first tip I have is to take a small dosage, the smallest you can find. In my case, that is 3mg. Many experts believe even 3mg is too much at once, so be very careful before ever using a dosage larger than that. Next, ensure that the melatonin you take is 'created in a lab' and not 'harvested naturally'. The natural stuff may actual contain bacteria or toxins that you shouldn't put in your body. Finally, it is very important that you consult your doctor first before taking melatonin.

As you can see, I am have great results from taking Melatonin. I think that Melatonin can be very helpful for people with mild sleeping problems such as falling asleep. Its important not to rely to heavily on it as you don't want to become dependent or addicted, but for the occasional use, I reach for it every time now!

About the Author:

To learn more about using Melatonin, visit my website where I detail how it has worked for me an others, as well as some of the negative aspects of it.

Home Remedies for Snoring

By Richard S. Graham

For as long as people have been known to snore there have been solutions. Many problems are caused by the sounds of snoring for those closest to the offender, as well. Sufferers are always looking for ways to end their pain, and so there are countless remedies to end the noise.

Shedding any extra pounds is one way that can help with snoring. There is a correlation between snoring and obesity and one way to stop snoring is to lose weight. It will also make you healthier overall.

Avoid alcohol before going to bed at night. Those who drink too much alcohol before bedtime tend to snore more than others. If you find that you've only got a snoring problem when you've consumed alcohol, this may be the answer.

If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the best way to stop snoring. Studies have shown that many more smokers snore than do non smokers, given no other underlying medical condition. Smoking irritates the air passageways as well as create excess congestion and mucous, making it harder to breathe normally.

Not only can snoring be bothersome it could be a sign of a medical problem. You can always try strips or a humidifier, but if all fails, do seek a medical advice. Your doctor needs to know your history and your patterns from you and your partner in order to make the correct diagnosis. For example, if the doctor decides that your snoring is caused by restrictions in your air passages, a simple surgery may cure your problem.

Remember, however, that your health may depend upon seeing the doctor for a total checkup if you're unable to stop this problem by yourself. When you see a doctor, it's a good idea to bring along someone who's witnessed the snoring. You may find it tough to answer all the questions about the snoring. Most likely you don't know how or when you are snoring, but your partner does.

Serious health problems could arise for you and even your partner from a lack of sleep. You will be less productive if you do not get enough rest. You risk falling asleep in dangerous situations. As much as you may find it hard to believe snoring is not as simple of a problem as you might think.

About the Author:

If you want additional remedies to stop snoring please visit http://how-to-stop-snoring.info/ This and other unique content '' articles are available with free reprint rights.

What You Need To Know About Aromatherapy

By Ferdinand Mekinsy

More recently, the field of aromatherapy has extended to the manufacturing of various products for the general household freshening or as bug repellent elements. Presently, essential oils are also generally used in the design of cosmetic commodities such as perfumes, soaps, facial toners and lotions; the natural components make the products a lot more reliable and safer to use.

Aromatherapy candles are suitable for the soothing of headaches, the calming of the irritated sinus or in the treatment of asthma and allergy symptoms. Moreover, natural fragrances have great tension and anxiety releasing properties with applications in every day life. The blends of essential oils are not restricted to the making of aromatherapy candles, they are also included in the composition of soaps, sprays, body lotions and bath salts. Simple natural treatments, this is the motto that best describes the extensive application of aromatherapy candles by people all over the world. How do aromatherapy candles work and how good are they for one's health?

The greatest applications for aromatherapy remedies are those that aim at improving nervous conditions like high irritability, sleeplessness, concentration deficiencies and the like. Depending on how severe the problem is, more or less intense aromatherapy remedies can be used but only at the recommendation of an expert. Thus, candles and herbal bath salts can improve the mood and allow one to develop the relaxation state necessary for a good night' rest. More severe conditions involve the controlled exposure to more complex aromatherapy remedies preferably in a therapeutic professional environment.

Mention must be made that aromatherapy for depression is very often misconstrued and conducted improperly or superficially. Using essential oils at home could be a true relief, however you should also consider the instructions or the recommendations of the therapist; the best results in the use of aromatherapy for depression treatment have been registered with the practice in an organized professional environment. Thus, the therapist has a direct control of the session and the exposure to more concentrated doses of volatile oils triggers a better response on the part of the nervous system. The inhalation of the extracts is often gradual and closely supervised so that no side effects may surface.

Aromatherapy soy candles are made of one hundred percent pure soy wax that ensures a clean-burning period without any dripping or soot formation. Quality aromatherapy soy candles include only herbal colorants, which implies that the shades of green, rose, yellow or blue are the result of mixing natural pigments extracted from various herbs. Nevertheless, the element that distinguishes these candles from scented products is the all natural presence of essential oils in the composition. Here are a few features of aromatherapy soy candles that you should consider before making a purchase; yet, the products will very much speak for themselves once you try them for yourself.

The processes for procuring essential oils are closely connected with the variety of aromatherapy recipes. Even when made from the same plant, the oils vary in terms of concentration and properties. To start from a basic example, keep in mind the fact that the essential oils can be extracted from blossoms, roots, wood or from the entire plant. The creation of the aromatherapy recipes is just the beginning of a process that starts with the distillation, the maceration, the pressing or the solvent extraction of the essential oils. The specificity of one recipe or another will therefore depend on the manufacturing of the essential oils too.

About the Author:

Learn More About Aromatherapy here Aromatherapy For Soothing Headache Also you can get general hintsand more articles on aromatherapy and alternative medicine here Online Solutions Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Stretch Your Way to Better Sleep

There are a lot of different things that you can do in order to help you if you are having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. Unfortunately, many of these things are going to take additional effort on our part but if we are persistent in doing them, we will be able to reap the rewards. Although we should make sure of what we are eating and stay away from any kind of stimulating drinks whenever it is close to bedtime, something that many people are missing is exercise.

I know what you are probably thinking. Exercising does take effort and many of us only consider exercise to be something that makes us break a sweat. The fact of the matter is, there are certain types of exercise that we can do which are actually quite relaxing. A good example of this is stretching exercises. Not only is this going to help our bodies to get into shape but it will also do so without making us go through any sort of rigorous activity.

One of the things that stretching will do for us is to release serotonin into our systems. Serotonin naturally makes us feel better and puts us into a good mood. If you are having a difficult time sleeping because you are dealing with stressful situations and cannot get them off of your mind, serotonin may be able to help you in this regard. Another reason why it is good is because it put your body back into balance which is one of the main reasons why people are dealing with insomnia in the first place. Yes, the details may differ but it is almost always a lack of balance in the body.

It is not necessary for you to do a lot of stretching on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, just getting up and stretching on occasion and then perhaps doing a stretching routine for 15 to 20 minutes per day is all that is necessary to see some changes take place. There are plenty of DVDs which you can buy that will walk you through every step of the process. Take your time and really allow your body and mind to relax whenever you're going through your stretching exercises. You will probably find that within a week, you are able to sleep better as a result.

Thomas Sherwood has had trouble with his sleeping habits, now he uses all natural ways to sleep.

You too can cure your sleep disorders naturally, please visit http://www.thenaturalcuresforinsomnia.com/

Insomnia - How Simple Aromatherapy Can Help Banish Those Seemingly Endless Sleepless Nights

The main function of aromatherapy is to produce an odor which induces an effect on the body. Human senses such as olfaction - the sense of smell - work on subconscious, as well as physical levels.

Smell can affect the way human beings react to various stimuli, stressors and organisms on emotional and mental levels as well as affecting bodily processes and reactions. Various smells can stimulate the brain and evoke feelings which are then associated with that smell.

Aromatherapy is typically used for mental and emotional well-being in addition to being beneficial for many physical ailments and complaints. Using aromatherapy for relaxation and insomnia can be a very effective and natural way to help the mind and body relax so it can be rejuvenated with quality and restful sleep. Some of the aromatherapy essential oils we recommend for this purpose are Chamomile, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Neroli, Ylang-ylang, and Marjoram.

There are several ways you can enjoy the smells and therapeutic effects of aromatherapy including putting a few drops in your bath water, using oils in a massage, diffusing a blend with a cold-air essential oil diffuser, wearing as a perfume, or sprinkling a few drops on your pillow at night. If you research aromatherapy for its benefits of treating insomnia there will be many recipes you can easily make and which are very effective.

Aromatherapy candles are also available in various scents and are a great added touch but likely don't release enough odor molecules to help in battling something as stubborn as insomnia. Aromatherapy is a natural way to fight insomnia and has been used for centuries with great success.

In conjunction with aromatherapy, meditation and yoga work very well as ways to relax and center your mind and body - allowing you to release worries and stressors which may be causing you to lose precious sleep. In addition to helping insomnia these practices will help lead you into a more healthy lifestyle.

Here are several blends to try on those restless nights:

Insomnia- Nightmares Wake You

* Lavender 15 drops
* Roman Chamomile 5 drops
* Mandarin 10 drops

Insomnia- Noise Wakes You

* Lavender 10 drops
* Lemon 15 drops
* Vetiver 5 drops

Insomnia-Restlessness

* Vetiver 10 drops
* Clary Sage 10 drops
* Lemon 10 drops

Insomnia-Fitfulness

* Marjoram 5 drops
* Lavender 15 drops
* Lemon 10 drops

Insomnia-Anxiety

* Chamomile Roman 10 drops
* Sandalwood 15 drops
* Lemon 5 drops

Insomnia-Worry

* Cistus 5 drops
* Lavender 15 drops

Insomnia-Exhaustion

* Valerian 5 drops
* Lemon 10 drops
* Mandarin 10 drops

Prepare the blend of your choice and follow usage instructions below.

How to use:

* Add up to 10 drops of a blend in a warm bath
* Use in a Diffuser
* Add blend to 1 oz. Carrier Oil and use for massage
* Place 1-2 drops on a cotton ball and place under your pillow

Recipes are from the Fragrant Mind by Valerie Ann Worwood

Dee Braun is a Cert. Aromatherapist & Dr. of Reflexology who teaches Aromatherapy, Reflexology & Color/Crystal Therapy at http://www.AlternativeHealingAcademy.com/
Visit the Alternative Healing Academy, which offers home study courses in several natural healing methods. Payment plans are available!

Long Term Stress Causes Long Term Problems

If stress is ignored for a long time, and the person suffering chooses not to address the underlying causes, then this is considered long term. Long-term stress can cause damage - both psychological and physical - to the patient. Paradoxically, the damage caused can in itself bring on stress, thus creating a vicious cycle.

Untreated, stress can intensify into anxiety or into depression, both of which can cause very serious long-term problems. Again, both of these conditions carry with them both psychological and physical components; a sufferer of depression may distance themselves from friends and family, thus setting up a situation where their pain is intensified.

The physical results of depression and anxiety can include cardiac issues. Most directly, it can cause a condition called unstable angina. Sudden and crippling chest pain results from constricted oxygen flow to the heart. Obviously this can set a person up for heart attacks and there have been incidents of sudden stress causing a blockage of heart arteries.

High blood pressure can be brought on, or exacerbated, by anxiety or depression. The effects of high blood pressure can be very serious and may lead to strokes; at the very least, patients find it necessary to take long-term medication in order to regulate their blood pressure.

Less serious (though still debilitating) conditions can be triggered by stress. It may lead to a compromised immune system, which leaves one more vulnerable to a range of everyday viruses and bacteria such as colds, flu and strep. Tension can also cause upsets in a patient's digestive system, irritating the bowel and other parts of the digestive system. While they are rarely dangerous, symptoms such as bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea are distasteful and frustrating.

Coupled with digestive problems the food habits of a sufferer may be affected, causing eating disorders. Some people turn to food as a comfort, while others may find themselves unable to eat. In extreme cases, obesity and anorexia may be brought on by the effects of anxiety and depression. Eating disorders are not the only problem; increased rates of diabetes and arthritis have been linked to stress, and its debilitating effects may interfere with long-term management of those conditions.

Yet another problem is sleep disorders. Anxiety can cause a sufferer to toss and turn at night, missing the sleep that is so vital for stress management. Once again, a cycle is created of anxiety leading to interrupted sleep, which itself contributes to the underlying problem. In this situation it is common for sufferers to turn to sleeping pills or other artificial sleep aids in order to get the sleep that is so desperately needed. But of course, these methods of sleep management carry with them inherent risks which can turn into long-term problems.

There are a variety of ways to reduce the stress in your life, many of which you can put into action for yourself. You'll find many effective tips for stress management at http://www.BeyondStressed.com

Essential Sleep Aid Tips for Shift Workers

By Veronika Namesse

Most people who have irregular sleeping patterns because of work shift schedules suffer with sleeping disorders or insomnia. A significant part of this group is seeking professional advice to help them resolve sleeping issues. Working on shifts sometimes has a negative impact on a person's system. But when unpleasant incidents occur due to insomnia, the matter becomes a concern that needs immediate attention aside from the usual solution involving a sleep aid.

Shift jobs and your Body Clock

Employees working on shifts are prone to experiencing fatigue and loss of sleep. This is a natural reaction after your body clock is disrupted. There is no concrete solution yet to the problem of getting adequate sleep for people who are working on shifts, aside from relying on a sleep aid. However, it is suggested that the best way to deal with a system that has gone out of sync is to help the body clock to become aligned again. While a sleep aid can help you get a good sleep, the following ways are considered effective in normalizing the body's system and in turn help you sleep soundly:

- It is important to adjust to your new schedule immediately. Time your activities in such a way that it matches your new timetable.

- You can also take the gentle way of changing your sleeping pattern. Try to change your sleeping habits by making small improvements every 3 or 4 days.

- It is recommended that you incorporate a high protein, low carbohydrate meal during breakfast and lunch. For your dinner, it is suggested that you eat foods low in protein and high in carbohydrates.

- Exercise to help you restructure you body rhythms. Gentle workouts, like jogging a couple of hours before midnight, can help you start your new "day."

- Take short naps in breaks during your shift to improve a shift worker's performance later in the shift.

- Make sure that when you get your sleep during the day, you'll have the room to yourself to get quality sleep. This is possible by making sure that your room has good ventilation and is not too hot.

- It is said that light in the morning can help you get more completely awake. When you are still trying to get the hang of your new sleeping pattern, use a bright light, like a visor or a light box, as soon as you awake.

- Avoid caffeine a few hours before sleeping. Milk, which is considered by some as a sleep aid, is a better alternative as it helps you fall asleep.

- Stick to a good sleep hygiene.

If all else fails, consult with your doctor. If you really have trouble going to sleep, ask him if you can be prescribed with a sleep aid. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the right medications, aside from a sleep aid, that will enable you to go to sleep already and stop counting sheep.

About the Author:

Does your work shift give you insomnia symptom? Learn more sleep aid tips for shift workers.

Good Habits for Good Sleep

By Susan Harris

Sleep may be elusive for you. In fact, it may be getting more elusive as time goes by. Perhaps all you need to change is some habits you may have picked up.

Sleep hygiene is a relatively new concept. It helps you think of caring for yourself in preparation for sleep, just as you might care for your teeth. If you suffer from insomnia, you should take a look at various elements of your sleep hygiene:

*Eliminating caffeine or chocolate. Try this for a few days. The effect of these two on your body can change over time. Taking caffeine or chocolate even in the morning may be able to affect your night-time sleep.

*Exercising in the evening. Exercise for your recommended 30 minutes can get your heart rate up and can keep you awake. Try exercising before 6 p.m.

*Sugar. Sweets taken late in the day can stimulate your system, making it hard to sleep. Even natural sugar, like in orange juice, can be a problem for some people.

*Arguing. Don't argue with anyone after supper. Just make an appointment for an earnest discussion the following ay.

*Brainstorming. If you have a creative project you love to work on, you may be better off giving yourself a curfew, such as 8 p.m. Otherwise your mind may work on the problem all through the night, keeping you awake.

So much for what to avoid. So, what can you DO to improve your sleep hygiene?

*After supper, do calm things on purpose, in a calm manner.

*If you read near bedtime, read news magazines or other items that have no exciting story line.

*If you want to watch TV or video, watch a documentary rather than a thriller or a whodunit.

So, now you have plenty of tips for good sleep hygiene. Try them out. They could be just what you are looking for.

About the Author:

If you desire some ideas for an insomnia cure, you can try adjusting things you do habitually in favor of better sleep hygiene. You are seeking an insomnia remedy, but a habits change may cost you less than other possibilities!

Is Sleep Apnea One of the Causes of Gout?

There are many different potential triggers for gout that you should be aware of if you suffer from the condition. One of the potential triggers that we’ve been asked about recently is sleep apnea. It may seem as though these two conditions are completely unrelated, but in reality, they are connected. The connection was first noticed when sleep apnea patients received treatment for their disorder and they noticed their gout symptoms simultaneously improved.

The reason for this link is believed to be the reduction in blood oxygen during apnea episodes, causing cell disintegration in the body and the generation of uric acid in the bloodstream. The cause of gout is, after all, the presence of uric acid crystals in the joints. Furthermore, during apnea there is an increase in the carbon dioxide percentage within the blood, making the blood’s acidity level higher and increasing the risk of uric acid precipitation as monosodium urate. This can collect in the joints and can even lead to an increased risk of developing kidney stones.

This effect is very similar to what happens within the cells when excess alcohol is consumed. And it should be noted that drinking alcohol can cause sleep apnea to become more pronounced. Therefore, gout sufferers with sleep apnea have two major reasons to avoid drinking alcohol.

Other links between sleep apnea and gout include show up in the fact that not only are primary gout sufferers demographically the same as the primary sleep apnea sufferers (middle-aged, overweight men), but sleep apnea and gout are also both much more common among women who have been through menopause. Also, both gout and sleep apnea are associated with people who have a larger neck circumference.

Most notably, though, is that gout attacks are the most common while asleep, indicating that sleep has an impact on gout attacks and sleep disturbances and conditions may also influence the causes of gout attacks.

Until recently, gout and sleep apnea have been treated separately. However, many sleep apnea patients who implement treatments for that condition find that their gout improves at the same time.

The treatments for sleep apnea include preventative actions, such as avoiding sleeping on one’s back. When sleeping on the back, the airway can become constricted and is more likely to close, causing the oxygen levels in the blood to be lower than in other sleeping positions. Therefore, changing the way you sleep can help to prevent gout attacks simply by increasing the overall blood oxygen level. Other sleep apnea treatments can include a pressurized CPAP mask or surgery.

No matter the final remedy, improvements to a patients sleep apnea problem ensures that blood oxygen levels remain high, minimizing uric acid and monosodium urate precipitation and therefore gout flare ups.

So, if you’re suffering from gout, you may want to check to make sure that you are not also suffering from sleep apnea, as it may be one of the causes of gout aggravations in your body. Then you will be able to look into both sleep apnea treatments and remedies for the gout itself. Speak to your physician about undergoing a sleep study to determine if you have sleep apnea or not.

If you've suffered from a gout attack or two now is the time to take action to stop the attacks in their tracks and discover effective preventative steps before your uric acid levels get out of hand.

Author Resource: Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell's brand new Gout Newsletter here http://www.cure-gout-now.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you relieve and prevent Gout symptoms naturally.

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