Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Central Nervous System’

Is Snoring a Symptom of Sleep Apnea?

August 8th, 2010 No comments

Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects about 12 million Americans. A common co-symptom is snoring, and some people refer to this as sleep apnea snoring. . It is not uncommon for sleep apnea sufferers to have up to 30 episodes of apnea an hour. Snorting, choking, and snoring are typical to people with sleep apnea.

It is common in men and older people, although women and children can also be diagnosed with it. Because of the nature of the condition, people with sleep apnea are normally not aware of their sleeping irregularities. In fact, it is said that 80 to 90% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Usually, it is their bed partners who notice their condition.

There are two common types of sleep apnea. The more common is called obstructive sleep apnea and involves a blocked airway.   The blockage to the airways leads the person to gasp or snort. The oxygen level decreases, while carbon dioxide level increases. This then stimulates the brain to normalize the breathing process and prompts the person to wake up and to open the airway by adjusting the tongue and throat muscles. Normal breathing then ensues followed usually by loud snoring. The person, however, may neither remember being awake for a short time nor be aware of his gasps for air.

The other type is called central sleep apnea , which is caused by the brain’s delayed signals to the breathing muscles. Breathing stops and oxygen level begins to drop. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is less common. It is a central nervous system disorder and can result from an injury or disease that involves the brainstem. This can be in the form of stroke and brain tumor, among other things.

Though some people with central sleep apnea may not usually snore, they may experience shortness of breath. Both types have different causes, but their effects are the same: low level of oxygen in the brain, poor sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and even depression. They can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart irregularities when the oxygen reaches a dangerously low level. Additionally, this condition is known to put strains on relationships because of the loud snoring that can cause sleep deprivation. The partner is also very keen to know how to stop snoring at night.

Many sufferers are oblivious to their condition . However, if he suspects to having the condition, specially if he shows the symptoms, he can opt to document his sleeping patterns. For instance, he can ask his bed partner to journal episodes of breath pauses, snoring, choking, or snorting. Or if he sleeps alone, he can videotape himself sleeping and notice if there are irregularities . These observations would help determine if seeing a doctor or a sleep specialist is necessary. Upon diagnosis, the sleep specialist would recommend treatments or surgery depending on the harshness of the condition. But for minor sleep apnea, some behavioral treatments or lifestyle changes can be helpful. Examples are shunning of alcohol and tobacco, weight loss, and having regular sleep hours. Regardless  of your symptoms or progress, you should always seek professional help with your sleep apnea snoring.

Best Ways To Stop Snoring At Night

August 8th, 2010 No comments

Does your partner have a problem with snoring? Or is it you that has a problem with snoring?Well you are not on your own on that one. Snoring is a common sleep disorder for many millions of sufferers. Excessive weight, sleep apnea, and nasal problems are some of the more common causes of snoring. If you are smart, you will be able to discover some simple ways to stop snoring and get a great nights sleep.

Some real adjustments may be required to prevent you from snoring. Losing weight may be the first place to start. Obesity is a common cause of snoring because of the extra bulkiness in the throat. If it was easy, everyone would do it, and do it quickly. As difficult as it is, you need to find the strength and capacity to lose weight. You will need a lot of support to get you on the way to losing weight.

Avoiding alcohol before bedtime is another effective method. Alcohol is a suppressant for the central nervous system and can cause the muscles in your throat to relax.

Time to get used to sleeping on your side. Back sleepers are more likely to snore because the tongue will obstruct their airway.

Using over the counter products is an effective way to stop snoring . Nasal strips are adhesive strips that you place upon your nose at bedtime and some report that they may assist.

The way that these strips work is that they have the ability to increase the area in the nasal passage and provide a better airway for breathing. These are some simple tips to show you how to stop snoring at night.

If these simple methods do not stop your snoring, your doctor may recommend other treatment options. Oral devices have been known to help severe snorers..These mouthpieces are worn during sleep to keep your airway open.
A pressurized mask is another way to stop snoring that your doctor may prescribe. This method forces air through your airway in order for you to breathe better. In the most severe cases, surgery can be used to correct your snoring problem..
These are some of the best ways that you can learn how to stop snoring at night.  

Sleep Insomnia Can Be Helped

May 29th, 2010 No comments

One of the commonest health problems in the world is Sleep insomnia, furthermore most people do not even realize how common it actually is. Many of us have had a problem with either falling asleep or else remaining asleep at one point or another- up to one third of all people suffer from some form of Sleep insomnia sooner or later in their existence. There are many various kinds of insomnia that may occur, and treatment will usually rely upon the type of insomnia along with the severity and duration of the problem.

Transient Sleep insomnia is the type of short term sleep problem that many individuals begin to experience when they are having times of stress, changes of their regular routines, serious medical problems, or are taking medications that cause central nervous system over stimulation. Following the unusual event or conditions have passed, sleep problems will end and habits will typically return to normal with this variety of insomnia. In several cases, this sort of insomnia may be easily resolved aided by the help of natural treatments or medical help. Lots of individuals who deal with this short term insomnia will find that they can be freed from this problem and will not have to endure it again in the future. However, some people have persistent sleeping problems of more than one month – this is categorized as chronic insomnia.

Chronic Sleep insomnia can occur because of a variety of factors. Several unknown factors could be the cause of chronic insomnia. When a cause can’t be identified, this is called idiopathic insomnia and it is usually approached as an issue that would require lifetime management, particularly if it began in childhood. Other kinds of chronic insomnia include a wide range of sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome, circadian rhythm disorder, and sleep apnea. In lots of cases the excess use of alcohol and medication can lead to chronic insomnia as well.

When coping with insomnia, it is essential that you don’t worsen the problem by stressing yourself unnecessarily. Remember that insomnia isn’t an incurable condition, and that it will pass with the correct remedy. Allowing yourself to become calm enough to rest is actually a great first step in conquering insomnia.