http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for sleep apnea Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:31:31 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/sleep+apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-symtoms-a-complete-overview-of-sleep-apnea-symtoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-symtoms-a-complete-overview-of-sleep-apnea-symtoms#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:24:59 +0000 sleep apneaesophageal refluxmisconstrueddepressiondecreased sex driveschizophrenicsnoring http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-symtoms-a-complete-overview-of-sleep-apnea-symtoms sleep apnea is that many of the sleep apnea symtoms can be misconstrued to be something that they aren't. For example, one of the classic symtoms of sleep apnea is depression. However, when you're feeling depressed you generally go to a therapist, not your primary care physician. As a result, the therapist will work with you to treat your depression, but no matter what he or she does, the root cause of it will be untouched. As a result, the sleep apnea will continue and you'll continue to experience the depression. Moreover, as the apnea progresses you'll start to feel more and more depressed, with no real hope of feeling better until you find someone who can make the connection to the sleeping disorder.

Unfortunately, depression is only one of the many sleep apnea symtoms that confuse doctors. Anxiety, irritability and other behavior changes all are signs of sleep apnea. However, when a psychiatrist is presented with these symtoms, he or she may reasonably think that the patient is bipolar or schizophrenic. Again, the treatment that will be given in these cases will have nothing to do with solving the actual problem. That said, how does one know whether or not they're really depressed or bipolar, as opposed to when they're just experiencing the side effects of sleep apnea?

The answer to this question isn't an easy one. The best way to go about answering it, however, is to look for these symtoms to be coupled with other sleep apnea symtoms. Signs to be aware of include decreased sex drive, getting up frequently in the middle of the night to urinate, headaches, loud snoring and esophageal reflux. Also, if you're sweating heavily at night it may not have anything to do with the temperature of your room. Heavy sweating is yet another symtom of sleep apnea. To uncover the best remedies for snoring, visit http://www.StopSnoringSystem.com/ today! FREE sleep apnea symtoms mini-course! ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2006 03:50:02 +0000 sleep apnea symptomssleep deprivationunfortunatelydaytime sleepinesssnoringmorning headachessuffering http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition so you should consult your doctor should you display any of the common symptoms. The following paragraphs offer some answers.

Of all the sleep apnea symptoms, the first one that comes to mind is sleepiness. Someone with sleep apnea struggles to get a good night's sleep. Consequently, that individual is always sleepy. Yet sleepiness represents only one of the sleep apnea symptoms.

Some sleep apnea symptoms are similar to those found with sleep deprivation. Morning headaches and dry mouth are examples of such symptoms. Repeated morning headaches and frequent episodes of dry mouth could easily a sign that you're suffering with sleep apnea.

Other sleep apnea symptoms are problems with concentration, forgetfulness and depression. These are among the less obvious sleep apnea symptoms. They represent behavior that has been associated with many things other than sleep deprivation. They might easily be overlooked or attributed to hunger, aging, or stress.

One way to determine whether or not lapses in alertness result from sleep apnea is to try and improve the quality and quantity of your sleep.

Keeping regular hours bedtime hours, avoiding caffeine and the development of a bedtime routing should all help you to sleep better. If you use these strategies, over a period of time your daytime sleepiness should diminish. However, if you don't start to see improvement after a couple of weeks it may be that you are suffering with sleep apnea and a visit to your doctor would be advised.

Formal identification of sleep apnea requires observation during sleep. Snoring can be another sleep apnea symptom, although not all those snore suffer with sleep apnea. Unfortunately, not all individuals have someone at hand to listen for sounds of snoring. With small children, snoring is less pronounced and sleep apnea is best detected by a skilled physician.

Regardless of an individual's age or medical history, the presence of sleep apnea symptoms needs to be addressed. Consult with your physician if you are concerned about sleep apnea. Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Health related topics. To find out how you can stop snoring without resorting to surgery please visit this Stop Snoring http://www.stopsnoringwithoutsurgeryguide.com site. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/symptoms-of-sleep-apnea-what-are-the-signs-of-sleep-apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/symptoms-of-sleep-apnea-what-are-the-signs-of-sleep-apnea#comments Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:34:59 +0000 sleep apneacongestive heart failurenocturiajust listedaudibleesophageal refluxdecreased sex drive http://www.artwoo.com/article/symptoms-of-sleep-apnea-what-are-the-signs-of-sleep-apnea sleep apnea has the potential to be a life threatening condition, it's important to know the symptoms of sleep apnea in order to catch the problem before it's too late. Literally meaning without breath, apnea is when your snoring is interrupted by periods of breathlessness lasting 10 seconds or more. In many cases, this loss of breath is followed by an audible gasp for air. While some symptoms of sleep apnea are easily disguised as something else, such as morning headaches, forgetfulness or trouble concentrating, others are more specific to the disorder.

Esophageal reflux, getting up several times in the same night to urinate (nocturia), heavy sweating and decreased sex drive are all common symptoms of sleep apnea. If you experience one without any of the others, it isn't likely to be caused by the sleeping disorder. On the other hand, if you're experiencing several of these symptoms it may be time to make an appointment with your family doctor. When caught in time, sleep apnea is less likely to have fatal consequence. The most common cause of death related to sleep apnea is an increase in pulmonary pressures that are related to one side of your heart. If left untreated, it can result in congestive heart failure.

Even if you never have troubles with your heart, sleep apnea can still do a number on you. One of the other symptoms of sleep apnea is depression, irritability and changes in behavior. These three can combine to make a normally sane person act completely crazy and out of character. The symptoms just listed are particularly troubling, considering that many times people won't associate them with sleep apnea at all. The misdiagnoses and treatments that follow may mask the symptoms for awhile, but they will do nothing to treat the sleep apnea condition that is causing them all. To discover the best remedy for snoring, visit http://www.StopSnoringSystem.com/ today! FREE mini-course on symptoms of sleep apnea! ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-interrupting-your-breathing http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-interrupting-your-breathing#comments Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:15:00 +0000 obstructive sleep apneainterrupted sleepaccurate diagnosishuman braininterruptionmac truckbreathing passages http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-interrupting-your-breathing breathing passages. This obstruction results in a reduction in or a total cessation of breathing during sleep.

The well-wired human brain responds to the interruption in breathing by causing you to wake up in order to resume breathing. These periods of interruption in breathing lasting at least 10 seconds or more are known as apnea.

Because apnea episodes can occur several hundred times each night, sleep becomes interrupted and completely ineffective leaving you feeling tired and irritable the following morning. You may not even realize that you have been awakened during the night, yet you wake in the morning feeling like you have been run over by a Mac truck!

There are two different types of sleep apnea, the most common of the two is known as obstructive sleep apnea, while the other is known as central sleep apnea. A diagnosis of sleep apnea is based on a person's medical history and the results of medical exams that can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Sleep apnea may be treated with either surgical or non-surgical methods.

Apnea interrupts sleep because when apnea occurs your brain causes you to either wake into a more shallow level of sleep or it causes you to wake completely, both of which will cause you starting to breathe again.

Enduring many nights of interrupted sleep because of apnea can lead to other physical issues, as well, such as complete and total exhaustion, excessive irritability and frustration with daily life.



Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires intervention from your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate and individualized treatment plan. Don't settle for interrupted sleep; put sleep apnea to rest today. For more important information on getting a good night's sleep be sure to visit http://www.sleep-good.com where you will find advice and tips on sleep habits, insomnia, sleep apnea and more ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-dangers-why-sleep-apnea-is-so-dangerous http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-dangers-why-sleep-apnea-is-so-dangerous#comments Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:30:04 +0000 sleep apneaapnea patientslack of sleepsomething that affectscongestive heart failureesophageal refluxdisastrous consequences http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-dangers-why-sleep-apnea-is-so-dangerous sleep apnea dangers that most people don't know exist. While some people may think of it as common snoring, sleep apnea is something that needs to be taken very seriously. In fact, if left untreated, the sleeping disorder can cause death via congestive heart failure. Sleep apnea, (apnea literally meaning without breath) is something that affects men, women, adults and children. It is characterized by a minimum of 10 second intervals between breaths, which result in either a neurological arousal or a blood oxygen desaturation of at least three or four percent. No group of people is immune from the disastrous consequences of the disorder, which makes it extremely scary. Since it's something at occurs when you sleep, many people who sleep alone don't know that they suffer from it until it's too late.

Some of the sleep apnea dangers that can act as symptoms include loud snoring (with periods of breathlessness immediately followed by gasps for air), morning headaches and esophageal reflux. Because of the lack of sleep that many sleep apnea patients suffer from, there are often side effects that can be just as troubling as the disorder itself. For example, many people who have sleep apnea also experience depression, irritability and anxiety. These three things can combine to really mess with a persons head. Imagine feeling depressed and angry all of the time, not knowing that something like sleep apnea is causing your troubles. Many times the side effects can get treated with pharmaceutical drugs, but these do nothing to combat the apnea itself.

The sleep apnea dangers are literally too numerous to list. If you or a loved one are concerned about having the disorder, it is imperative that you see a doctor immediately to begin treatment. If you don't, the consequences can be severe. To discover the ultimate snore stopper, visit http://www.StopSnoringSystem.com/ today! FREE newsletter on sleep apnea dangers. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-laymans-guide-to-sleep-apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-laymans-guide-to-sleep-apnea#comments Sun, 24 Dec 2006 12:27:02 +0000 obstructive sleep apneaosablood oxygen levelsquotlungscsadeep sleep http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-laymans-guide-to-sleep-apnea quot;apnoeaandquot;) occurs when breathing stops while sleeping. These breathing interruptions are known as andquot;apneasandquot; and usually last for 10 seconds or more, many time over the course of the night. People who suffer with sleep apnea may wake up many times throughout the night, struggling to catch their breath.

There are 3 types of sleep apnea - obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and mixed sleep apnea. OSA is by far the most common of these.

With OSA, the soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes more than normal and blocks the airway. Breathing then requires considerable effort, and it is difficult to get air to the lungs. This leads to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood.

Central sleep apnea is not that common. It occurs because the brain is not able to send the proper signals to body to regulate its breathing. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA but has more in common with OSA, including treatment methods.

People who suffer with sleep apnea are often tired during the day. They don't get enough rest over the course of the night because of a combination of the drop in blood oxygen levels, pauses in breathing and the struggle to get air to the lungs.

When they fall into a deep sleep, they will be pulled out of it when they have an apnea episode. This can happen many times over the course of a single night, resulting in a lack of quality rest.

People who suffer from sleep apnea are often loud snorers, but that's not to say one is a symptom of the other. Not all snorers are suffering from sleep apnea, and not all sleep apnea sufferes snore.

In most cases, people are not aware of their sleeping problem until it's brought to their attention by someone else. Their sleeping partner's rest often suffers as well, and they are usually the person who notices it first. Rudy Watkins answers the question andquot;what is sleep apneaandquot; and writes about other related topics on the Apnea Guide website. For more helpful information about sleep apnea, visit http://www.apneaguide.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-sleep-apnea-symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-sleep-apnea-symptoms#comments Sun, 17 Jun 2007 11:30:00 +0000 sleep apnea symptomssleep disordertypes of cardiovascular diseaseinterrupted sleepsweating profuselyhigh blood pressuresnoring http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-sleep-apnea-symptoms sleep disorder affecting over 18 million American sleepers. It is a condition in which a person's breathing is continuously interrupted during sleep. The cessation of breathing can last from 10 seconds to as long as 60 seconds and occur more than a few times a night. If you find yourself unable to breathe properly at night and wake up gasping for breath, it is likely that you are suffering from sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea deprives the body of sleep and also of oxygen. If left untreated it will get worse. High blood pressure can develop as can other types of cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea can become so severe that it could endanger your life.

There are some common symptoms of sleep apnea that you have to take note. The most obvious symptom is a constant feeling of sleepiness throughout the day and unable to concentrate on their work. Some serious suffers may even fall asleep while talking with someone. The main reason for this is due to the continuous interrupted sleep throughout the night.

The other sleep apnea symptoms include sweating profusely during sleep, gasping or choking, unusually loud snoring and waking suddenly frequently to catch breath.

Other than that, some side-effects of sleep apnea can also affect your daily lifestyle. Due to the slight increase in circulating acid in your body as your digestive system is not rested through the night, some sleep apnea sufferers might get heatburn in the morning. As a result of lack of concentration, you might also lose interest in many things, including sex. There is also a possibility of getting high blood pressure.

If you find yourself having the sleep apnea symptoms listed above, it is very likely that you are suffering from sleep apnea. Never take it lightly as it could be life threatening. Get it treated immediately. Damien Oh is the owner of http://www.treat-sleep-apnea.com. In his site, he shows you how to overcome sleep apnea using simple and effective treatment methods. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sleep-apnea-and-why-is-it-so-dangerous http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sleep-apnea-and-why-is-it-so-dangerous#comments Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:14:59 +0000 sleep apneagoogle searchstop snoringmisconstruedoxygen desaturationaudibleblood oxygen http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-sleep-apnea-and-why-is-it-so-dangerous sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening sleeping disorder that can be very difficult to catch if you always sleep alone. Apnea, literally translated, means without breath. When you sleep and snore, you have the disorder when your breathing stops for ten or more seconds in between snores. Usually, the lapse in breathing is directly followed by an audible gasp for air, your body's way of getting the oxygen it so desperately needs. Sleep apnea causes a blood oxygen desaturation of three to four percent or more. While the percentage may not seem like much, it can have disastrous effects on your overall health.

A quick internet search of what is sleep apnea will bring back over 25,000 responses. Once you sift through all of the garbage sites, you'll find out that there are many symptoms of the sleeping disorder. The scary fact is that many of the symptoms, such as depression, irritability and changes in behavior can be attributed to a ton of other non sleep apnea related conditions. In most cases, these symptoms will be misconstrued and misdiagnosed as a mental condition. As a result, the treatments will only relieve the symptoms and leave the actual disorder untouched and not addressed. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause major damage to the heart, culminating in a massive heart attack that can leave you lifeless.

If you think that you may have sleep apnea, I highly encourage you to do a Google search of "what is sleep apnea". The thousands of pages can give you much more information than I can in this brief article, and can end up saving your life. If, after doing some background research, you believe you suffer from sleep apnea, make an appointment and see your doctor as soon as possible. Want to stop snoring today? Visit http://www.StopSnoringSystem.com/ right now and receive a FREE mini-course on stop snoring aids! ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-and-children-a-troubling-problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-and-children-a-troubling-problem#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:20:02 +0000 sleep apneacongestive heart failurefailure to thriveanxiety attacksbreaks my heartheart attacksnoring http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-and-children-a-troubling-problem sleep apnea and children are related. In fact, sleep apnea and everyone are related! The sleeping disorder is one of the few afflictions that know no age, race or gender. Equally affecting all, sleep apnea can kill you if left untreated. Sound extreme? I thought so, too, until I did a little research. It turns out, sleep apnea increases pulmonary pressures on the right side of the heart. This has the potential to cause a severe form of congestive heart failure. Who knew that sleeping could cause a heart attack? Certainly not me, until last week.

Sleep apnea and children were particularly saddening to learn about. To think that small children are having trouble breathing at night breaks my heart. Literally, those who have sleep apnea go without breathing for ten seconds or more in between snores. Usually, they end up audibly gasping for breath. After just one night of sleeping this way, the kids experience a blood oxygen desaturation of at least three or four percent. While this may not sound like much, it really makes a difference in one's overall health. When you take a look at some of the symptoms and side effects of sleep apnea, they're staggering.

Looking at all of the different ways that the sleeping disorder can affect the young, it's easy to see that sleep apnea and children really don't mix. After awhile, people who have it can begin to suffer from depression, anxiety attacks, paralyzing headaches and forgetfulness. Additionally, many young children who have sleep apnea are also diagnosed with failure to thrive. This is a direct result of food being tasteless and even uncomfortable to eat. Also, their physical stature can be effected. In many cases, children with sleep apnea grow up to have short and heavy necks. To discover the best cures for snoring, visit http://www.StopSnoringSystem.com/ today! FREE natural solutions for sleep apnea and children! ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-common-questions-and-their-answers-about-sleep-apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-common-questions-and-their-answers-about-sleep-apnea#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:27:06 +0000 obstructive sleep apneacentral nervous systemosamuscle relaxationcsabrainlack of concentration http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-common-questions-and-their-answers-about-sleep-apnea
If you think you might be dealing with it, it's wise to know a little about it before you visit the doctor so you better understand what they tell you. Here are 5 of the most common questions about sleep apnea.

1. What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for between 10 and 60 seconds during sleep. These andquot;apnea eventsandquot; take place as many as 300 to 400 times a night. Some people wake up when this happens while others don't.

Those sufferers who wake up many times over the course of a night end up tired during the day and can suffer from other side effects like irritability, headaches and lack of concentration.

2. What Are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

There are 3 types of sleep apnea - central, obstructive and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea - or OSA - is the most common, affecting about 90% of the people who suffer from the condition.

In OSA, something blocks the trachea (the windpipe) and doesn't allow air to flow to and from the lungs. The blockage can be due to excess weight or excessive muscle relaxation in the throat and neck.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is related to the brain and its control of the central nervous system. With this type, the brain doesn't send the proper signals to the muscles that are used to breathe. CSA is a rare form of the disorder.

The third type - mixed sleep apnea - is actually a combination of the other two forms but has more in common with OSA.

3. How Common Is Sleep Apnea?

It's estimated that between 18 and 20 million Americans suffer from one form or another of sleep apnea. It's more common in men than women and is most common in people over 40 years old.

4. How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, extreme tiredness and/or lack of concentration during the day and stoppage of breathing in the night. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, your doctor can send you for a test called a polysomnograph which will help determine whether you are dealing with sleep apnea.

5. Is Sleep Apnea A Dangerous Condition?

If it isn't properly treated, sleep apnea can ultimately lead to other, more serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Because of the increased drowsiness and lack of concentration brought on by lack of rest, sleep apnea sufferers are also at a higher risk for car accidents and/or workplace accidents. Rudy Watkins offers information about effective sleep apnea cures on the Apnea Guide website. For more information and to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.apneaguide.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-your-chances-of-developing-sleep-apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-your-chances-of-developing-sleep-apnea#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2007 06:27:15 +0000 obstructive sleep apneapercentagesmenopausemenopausal womenpost menopausalpacific islandersdown syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-your-chances-of-developing-sleep-apnea obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can depend on a number of factors, some of which are beyond their control. When these are combined with other potential causes such as being overweight, drinking or smoking it can greatly increase the risk.

One of the factors that is somewhat beyond our control is age. Sleep apnea is more common is people over the age of 30, with the highest percentages in males over 40 years old.

It is more commonly found among men than women. It is thought that between 12 and 20 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, ranging from mild to severe. Breaking that down by gender, roughly 24% of American men suffer from sleep apnea compared to only 9% of women.

Post-menopausal women are more likely to be affected by it and the percentages between men and women become much closer after women have gone through menopause.

There have been many studies done to examine the difference between male and female sufferers. Some of these studies show that men are 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, while other studies have shown them 5 to 6 times more likely to deal with it than women.

Genetics does play a part in sleep apnea but it is not really known how large a part. If you have a family history of sleep apnea - in either men or women - it is more likely that you will develop the disorder at some point in your life.

Race is another factor that appears to play a role. African Americans as well as Hispanics and Pacific Islanders are more likely to be afflicted than Caucasians. They are still affected by it but in lower percentages.

Any type of medical condition that affects your breathing can ultimately contribute to sleep apnea. Health conditions such as Marfan's syndrome or Down syndrome that can lead to abnormalities in the face and head - known as craniofacial problems - lead to a much greater chance of sleep apnea. Rudy Watkins looks at some sleep apnea statistics on the Apnea Guide website. For more helpful tips and advice and to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.apneaguide.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-sleep-apnea-causes http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-sleep-apnea-causes#comments Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:35:01 +0000 loss of sleepbronchial tubesscary experienceuvulafatty depositsadenoidssleep apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-sleep-apnea-causes sleep apnea. Sleep apnea happens when air cannot get into your lungs when you are sleeping. Either your throat stays open and air cannot inhale or your throat will temporary collapse causing you to wake up without breath. This is a scary experience and can cause loss of sleep unless controlled. The sleep apnea usually happens when you are lying on your back, but there have been some cases where it can happen in any sleeping position.

What are some sleep apnea causes? One cause of sleep apnea is when your throat or tongue muscles relax more than normal. If you are sleeping on your back, your throat muscle could relax enough so that your mouth is agape. This will cause your tongue to relax also. Your tongue can slip upwards and backwards inside your mouth and cause you to stop breathing. You will awake gasping for air and feel like you have not breathed in awhile. If this is the cause of your sleep apnea, you could try not to sleep on your back. Sleep on your side or stomach. This could allow you to get a good night's sleep.

Your tonsils or adenoids being to large is another sleep apnea cause. Surgery is the best treatment if this is your problem, but ask your doctor before you make this decision. Uvulopalatopharryngoplasty is the name of the surgery that removes your tonsils or your uvula. Open your mouth and look into the mirror. The soft piece of tissue is your uvula. Run your finger in your mouth and feel the soft tissue around the uvula. That is another section that can be removed from your mouth so that it will not cover your bronchial tubes while sleeping. This surgery may not help all people with sleep apnea, but it can help some.

Another of the sleep apnea causes is that you are overweight. When you gain weight, you gain weight everywhere. Even the soft tissue in your mouth and at the back of your throat can have fatty deposits that can collapse and block your breathing while you are sleeping. You can get a mouth piece fitted and use this device is you have mild sleep apnea, the mouth piece will keep your tongue down and position your jaw so that the you will be able to breathe properly and get a good nights sleep.

The final cause for sleep apnea causes is that the size of your skull and neck bones is shaped in such a way that when you lie down the bones will force the muscles to close over the throat and your peaceful night's sleep will be ruined. You can ask your doctor to have a continuous airway device prescribed for you. This is an air mask that you wear while you sleep to keep fresh air going into your throat and lungs. This is for extreme cases of sleep apnea, and it could become quite costly. Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Our site focuses on sleep apnea treatments and symptoms. http://www.mysleepapneacures.com by T. D. Houser ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/4-common-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/4-common-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:27:10 +0000 sleep apneaoccasionallysore throatsnoreheart diseasesleep studysleep patterns http://www.artwoo.com/article/4-common-symptoms-of-sleep-apnea sleep apnea which is a serious condition that has a number of bad effects on one's health.

Anyone who snores regularly should check with their doctor to find out if it is a symptom of sleep apnea. Apnea is treatable, but if it's left unchecked it can cause serious health problems. If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, there are several questions you should ask. Do you snore regularly? If so, you are more likely dealing with sleep apnea than if you only snore occasionally.

Does your snoring wake your partner at night? If so, it's a sign that the snoring is quite loud which again can be a symptom of sleep apnea.

Do you wake up choking and gasping for air in the middle of the night? This is one of the main indicators of sleep apnea, because apnea is caused by a blockage of airflow to the extent that you stop breathing for a period of 10 seconds or longer. You may not realize this is happening yourself, either - it is often noticed first by your partner.

Do you wake up in the morning with a headache or sore throat? This is another symptom of sleep apnea - headaches can be caused by a lack of oxygen due to the stoppages in breathing in the night and a sore throat is often caused by serious snoring.

If these symptoms sound familiar, you should check with your doctor to get their professional advice. If they determine that sleep apnea is in fact a possibility, they will usually send you for a polysomnography test.

This is an overnight sleep study where your sleep patterns are monitored so a complete diagnosis can be made. Things such as your heart rate, eye movements and breathing patterns will be monitored for irregularities.

Sleep apnea can lead to more serious problems such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, so it's important that it is diagnosed as early as possible. Rudy Watkins offers advice about sleep apnea surgery, treatments and other related topics on the Apnea Guide website. For more helpful information and to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.apneaguide.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-sleep-deprivation-with-cpap http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-sleep-deprivation-with-cpap#comments Sat, 12 Aug 2006 20:27:11 +0000 obstructive sleep apneasleep disorderssleep deprivationsleep disordersleep cliniccpapsnoring http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-sleep-deprivation-with-cpap Sleep deprivation is an all too common affliction -- millions of people around the world suffer from some kind of sleep disorder or disturbance. Still many others suffer from sleep deprivation from other factors, such as a snoring bed partner.

Sleep deprivation can have a variety of symptoms, including sleepiness during the day, fatigue, irritability, headaches, lack of concentration, weight gain, mood changes, and others.

Two of the most common sleep disorders, sleep apnea and snoring, can be treated using CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

Sleep apnea is a disorder which causes a person to stop breathing for short periods (10 seconds or more) during their sleep. Sleep apnea may be caused by a restriction of the airways, or it may be caused by a lapse in the signals from the brain which trigger breathing. Sleep apnea can cause serious symptoms, in some cases even cause death, if it is not treated. Snoring is not technically a disorder, but as everyone knows, it is an aggravation!

As mentioned earlier, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is an effective treatment for both snoring and sleep apnea. However, CPAP is only effective for treating sleep apnea when it is caused by a restriction in the airways (called Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA). Sleep apnea may also be caused by a break in signals from the brain to breath.

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure uses a special machine to feed pressurized air to the patient via a special mask. By keeping the airflow at a set pressure, the patients airways are kept from being restricted. The air pressure is normally set by a sleep technician at a sleep clinic. Once the machine is set, the patient may use it at home. The correct pressure is determined by the pressure that removes the most incidents of apnea or snoring.

CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea or snoring. In many cases, the condition can be completely mitigated. Visit CPAP Europe: http://www.cpap-europe.com/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-it-can-take-your-breath-away-but-not-in-a-good-way http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-it-can-take-your-breath-away-but-not-in-a-good-way#comments Tue, 24 Jul 2007 21:24:58 +0000 obstructive sleep apneasleep sleepsleep studyenlarged uvulasame thing happenedurgepolysomnography http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-it-can-take-your-breath-away-but-not-in-a-good-way
Now think about this: what if the same thing happened to you in your sleep? You probably wouldn't believe that it could happen. However, it can, and it happens to millions of people each night. It's called sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea? Well, sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that often causes you to stop breathing for several seconds. When you stop breathing, it causes a sharp drop in oxygen in your blood and interrupts your sleep. Sleep apnea can signal a more serious health problem that can be dangerous if not treated.

So now that you know the answer to `what is sleep apnea', how do you know if you suffer from it? Well, if you wake up in the middle of the night with a strong urge to go to the bathroom, you may have it. Or, if you snore, feel tired all day or wake up gasping for air, you may suffer from sleep apnea as well.

If you think you suffer from sleep apnea, visit your doctor as soon as possible. He will be able to answer your questions, like "what is sleep apnea" and then actually diagnose it by administering a sleep study commonly known as polysomnography and a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure.)

Your doctor will also be able to determine what form of sleep apnea you have: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA.) Obstructive sleep apnea is cause by the obstruction of the air path, usually by swelling, an enlarged uvula or fat (common in obese people.) The obstructions reduce the amount of oxygen that can go into the lungs, thus causing the person to gasp for air because there isn't enough going in. Obstructive sleep apnea needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible because it can cause other health problems like hypertension.

Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn't send the appropriate signals to the respiratory muscles. When the signals aren't there, the muscles don't know to breathe and breathing will stop for an extended period of time-usually ten to twenty seconds. Central sleep apnea is prevalent in people who had cardiovascular problems as infants or have congenital heart defects. To treat central sleep apnea, the underlying cause (heart problems) must be treated too.

When someone tells you that they have problems sleeping, ask them if they have sleep apnea. If they ask you, "what is sleep apnea," you can educate them and help them seek treatment. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause more health problems in life. See a doctor right away if you think you may have sleep apnea. Seeking treatment early is the key to fixing the problem, getting a better night's sleep and preventing major health problems down the line. What can you tell your friends (who haven't read this article) who ask you, what is sleep apnea? (" http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/24/what-is-sleep-apnea Tell them to ask the sleep experts! We have the answer to that and information on all kinds of sleeping aids like cpap humidifiers (http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/03/19/what-is-a-cpap-humidifier.) We also help answer your questions and concerns about the safety of melatonin (http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/08/should-melatonin-safety-be-a-= concern.) Come visit us today and get a good night's sleep tonight! ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-pillow http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-pillow#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:19:59 +0000 sleep apneaside sleepersarm slingfood and drug administration fdathroat musclesfood and drug administrationsleep disorder http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-pillow Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. Three types of sleep apnea exist: central, obstructive and mixed. Obstructive is the most common, resulting from over-relaxation of throat muscles, causing the windpipe to collapse and block the airway. Treatments for sleep apnea range from simple lifestyle changes to surgery. One of the most common non-invasive treatments is the sleep apnea pillow.



A sleep apnea pillow is a pillow that is designed for snorers, since snoring is one of the most common indicators of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea pillows are designed to support the neck, to prevent patients from rolling onto their backs (where snoring and sleep apnea can worsen), to cradle the head, to elongate the neck and keep the tongue from blocking the airway, and to assist side sleepers by relieving pressure on shoulders and arms.

Several different manufacturers claim their sleep apnea pillows achieve the above objectives, but SONA pillow is the only sleep apnea pillow approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the counter treatment.

The SONA sleep apnea pillow at first looks rather odd. A two-layered triangle instead of a solid rectangle, this sleep apnea pillow resembles a padded boomerang more than a pillow. The angular design, though, is what makes this pillow helpful in treating sleep apnea. The shape is intended to maintain sleep in the side position. Two inclined surfaces make up the primary sleeping surface, with a flatter lower surface in the center.



Each lower part of the triangle of the sleep apnea pillow has a training arm sling. To properly use the pillow lie on either side, extend your arm in the open space under the pillow. Your arm should be kept extended while sleeping and the head should be maintained on the same side as the extended hand.



Initially, you may use the training arm sling to maintain this position by placing the arm in the space between the pillow and the sling. For additional sleep compliance, you can use a body pillow to hug over, or to put between the legs to help maintain the side sleeping position. Using the sleep apnea pillow in this manner allows the jaw to be pulled forward, preventing the tongue from falling backward and obstructing the throat.

Certain portions of the populations are not candidates for the SONA sleep apnea pillow. People with severe sleep apnea do not benefit from using the SONA sleep apnea pillow as a solo therapy. Obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 will not get the snoring relief obtained by thinner members of the population.

The SONA sleep apnea pillow, like all pillows, undergoes normal wear and tear, and should be periodically fluffed. The makers of SONA pillow also recommend replacing the sleep apnea pillow annually.

Before purchasing the SONA sleep apnea pillow, or any sleep apnea pillow, consult your physician.



SONA Pillow is a registered trademark of Sleep Devices, Inc. Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Visit http://www.mysleepapneacures.com/ for advice and resources on sleep apnea. Thomas D. Houser ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-dealing-with-this-common-sleep-disorder http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-dealing-with-this-common-sleep-disorder#comments Mon, 07 Aug 2006 12:27:17 +0000 obstructive sleep apneasleep disorderseffects of sleep deprivationexcessive sleepinessbreathingsoft palateosa http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-dealing-with-this-common-sleep-disorder sleep disorders, sleep apnea is a fairly common condition. Marked by interruptions in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea causes the person suffering from this condition to wake up, or partially wake, several times during the night. Because of the frequency of these interruptions in breathing, a person with sleep apnea will have trouble getting a restful night's sleep, causing them to feel the effects of sleep deprivation during their waking hours.

Two types of sleep apnea have been diagnosed: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. OSA is caused by the soft palate becoming so relaxed that it actually blocks off the breathing passageway, while central sleep apnea is caused by the brain relaxing to the point that it does not remind the body to breathe. While both types can cause interruptions to breathing on their own, most people with sleep apnea actually have mixed apnea, which is a combination of both forms.

Sleep apnea is sometimes difficult to diagnose, simply because it only strikes while the person is asleep and won't notice that it is happening. Because most people with sleep apnea awake only partially -- not fully -- so they do not actually notice that they have had their sleep cycle interrupted. Thus, if someone wants to determine if they have sleep apnea, they will have to look for the symptoms.

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is excessive sleepiness upon waking. Because the sleep cycle is being interrupted, the person is not refreshed during the night and will wake up feeling lethargic, fatigued, or even feel like they need to go back to bed for another round of sleep. Also, people with sleep apnea almost always snore; often very loudly. However, a person does not necessarily have to show these symptoms to have sleep apnea. In fact, a bed partner may be the only person to notice the interruptions in breathing during the night.

Additionally, people with sleep apnea are often overweight to obese, so treatment usually involves helping people to lose weight. Treatment can also include eliminating alcohol or other substances that help people relax, quitting smoking, using special pillows or other appliances that help keep the airways open, or even special apparatus that uses air pressure to keep the airways open. This last form of treatment, continuous pressure airway pressure (CPAP), uses a breathing mask to pressurize the airways and inflate them, almost like a balloon. Though this form of treatment is more than a little disconcerting at first, they quickly get used to the mask and find that they feel much more alert in the morning.

Sleep apnea is very difficult for a person to self-diagnose but, once the problem is found, there are treatments available. But for people who are overweight and have large necks, smoke, use sedatives or muscle relaxers, or just drink too much alcohol, lifestyle changes would be the best place to start either keeping sleep apnea away or treating it before it becomes a major health concern. After all, not breathing is a problem whenever it happens. So by treating sleep apnea now, sufferers can keep performing the one act they need to perform every day and every night. Sleep HQ http://sleephq.com/ your guide to sleep apnea and getting a good night's sleep. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-deal-with-a-sleep-apnea-problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-deal-with-a-sleep-apnea-problem#comments Sun, 24 Dec 2006 12:27:09 +0000 sleep apneapolysomnogramapneicquitting smokingpsgairway pressureairflow http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-deal-with-a-sleep-apnea-problem Sleep apnea is quite common - it's believed to affect as many adults as diabetes does. As such, there are many people who are forced to deal with it. The first step is to get a proper diagnosis.

If sleep apnea is suspected, your doctor can send you for a test known as a polysomnogram (PSG) which records various things while you sleep. It can help determine what form of sleep apnea you are suffering from, how severe a case it is, and what may be causing it.

There are a number of treatments that may be tried in order to find the best one for your particular situation. Different treatments will work for different people, often depending on their specific symptoms and how severe they are.

Treatment for sleep apnea can reduce and in many cases completely get rid of snoring which is one of the most common symptoms. Improving the snoring problem will help to decrease the number of apneic events over the course of a night, giving you a more restful sleep.

Treating sleep apnea will also have a positive effect during the day. Fatigue, drowsiness, lack of concentration, poor memory and irritability are all side effect of sleep apnea, and they will improve with the proper treatment.

Part of learning to deal with a sleep apnea problem is to make the necessary lifestyle changes to help improve it. This may include quitting smoking, losing weight, drinking less alcohol - especially later in the evening - and avoiding sleeping pills or sedatives to help you sleep.

In moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea, it may be necessary to wear a nose mask at night. This mask is part of a machine called a CPAP - continuous positive airway pressure - which helps to keep the throat open and improves the airflow when breathing.

In the worst cases of sleep apnea a mask may again be necessary, as part of a Bi-PAP machine (Bi-level positive airway pressure). This regulates airflow both into and out of the nose, at different levels of pressure. Rudy Watkins answers the question what is sleep apnea and writes about other related topics on the Apnea Guide website. Sign up for our free newsletter at http://www.apneaguide.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-sleep-apnea-and-snoring http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-sleep-apnea-and-snoring#comments Sat, 12 Aug 2006 20:27:09 +0000 obstructive sleep apneacpapdisturbedairway pressuresnoringbrain damagecause heart failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-sleep-apnea-and-snoring snoring and or sleep apnea. We all know what snoring is -- most of us have probably had a less than favorable experience with a snorer.

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to temporarily stop breathing during their sleep. The period that the person does not breath is called an apnea, and may last 10 seconds or more. Many times, patients will not be aware that of these apneas, even though their sleep is disturbed. Patients suffering from sleep apnea may only notive symptoms sch as fatigue, depression, sleepiness during the day, etc. Apnea may be of the obstructive (usually caused by a restriction of the airways) or central (caused by a lapse in the signals to breath from the brain) type.

Apnea is more common in obese individuals, people who drink alcohol, and Downs Syndrome patients. If untreated, sleep apnea can be deadly, as it can cause heart failure, brain damage, etc.

Obscructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is easily treated using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP. CPAP was first developed in 1981 by Colin Sullivan in Sydney, Australia. After some developments and improvements, this treatment method became widely accepted and used by the end of the 1980's.

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is designed to blow air at a specified pressure into the patients airways via a mask. Many patients are at first reluctant to try CPAP, due to its clumsy and inconvenient nature, but most patients become accommodated to the treatment relatively quickly. Also, CPAP is highly effective, and many patients will notice a remarkable difference in sleep the first night they use CPAP.

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is also quite effective at treating snoring, as it is also caused by restrictions of the airways, much like obstructive sleep apnea. Note, though, that CPAP is not helpful in treating central sleep apnea. Visit CPAP Europe, your CPAP supplier to learn about how CPAP can benefit you. http://www.cpap-europe.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-treatments-effective-treatments-for-anyone-suffering-from-sleep-apnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-treatments-effective-treatments-for-anyone-suffering-from-sleep-apnea#comments Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:14:59 +0000 sleep apneasnoring remediesinfectious mononucleosisprednisoneadenoidectomyneurostimulationshort term solutions http://www.artwoo.com/article/sleep-apnea-treatments-effective-treatments-for-anyone-suffering-from-sleep-apnea sleep apnea treatments to choose from if you find yourself suffering with the sleeping disorder. However, depending on your age, some may be more effective and easier than others. For example, when children are suffering from sleep apnea, quite frequently the treatment of choice is a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy surgery. These surgeries don't just treat the sleep apnea, they cure it. Before surgery is decided upon, many times the doctor will try prescribing a course of anti-inflammatory steroids (like prednisone or a different kind of glucocorticoid drug). These drugs will provide short term solutions to the short term problem of tonsillar and adenoidal enlargement due to acute infectious mononucleosis.

While many of the words describing sleep apnea treatments are long and hard to pronounce, some are easier to say and understand. Some doctors, for instance, believe that sleep apnea is a neurological condition, caused by the nerves that control the soft palate and tongue failing to stimulate those muscles. These doctors are currently working on neurostimulation trials, checking to see if the use of pacemakers or other similar devices can put a quick and easy end to the sleep apnea. So far, the early trials look promising.

Surgery is also one of the more common sleep apnea treatments available for patients today. That said, in some cases the use of sedatives and analgesics in patients can cause life threatening breathing irregularities, even when used in low doses. As a result, post op use of these drugs should be minimized, if not avoided altogether. Also, sometimes the swelling that occurs after the surgery is so bad that it causes more interference with normal breathing. Again, in extreme cases death can be the end result. The best way to avoid these complications is to be intensively monitored while you sleep. To discover the best snoring remedies, visit http://www.StopSnoringSystem.com/ today! FREE mini-course reveals most effective sleep apnea treatments! ]]>