Many of us tend are not aware that while we are sleeping. Among this is this common sleep disorder we hear as sleep apnoea. For the benefit of the people who are unaware of what sleep apnoea is, it is a sleeping disorder caused by abnormalities in breathing while a person is in this meditative stage.

We all tend to overlook this part of our everyday living. Usually, sleep disorders can be attributed to various reasons. Some of them can be traced towards stress, while others coming from hereditary reasons.

As explained by Wikipedia:

Sleep apnea or sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas (literally, “without breath”), each last long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and occur repeatedly throughout sleep. The standard definition of any apneic event includes a minimum 10 second interval between breaths, with either a neurological arousal (3-second or greater shift in EEG frequency, measured at C3, C4, O1, or O2), or a blood oxygen desaturation of 3-4 percent or greater, or both arousal and desaturation. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep test called polysomnogram.

Clinically significant levels of sleep apnea are defined as 5 events of any type or greater per hour of sleep time (from the polysomnogram). There are two distinct forms of sleep apnea: Central and Obstructive. Breathing is interrupted by the lack of effort in Central Sleep Apnea; in Obstructive Sleep Apnea, breathing is interrupted by a physical block to airflow despite effort. In Mixed Sleep Apnea, there is a transition from central to obstructive features during the events themselves.

Regardless of type, the individual with sleep apnea is rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep apnea is recognized as a problem by others witnessing the individual during episodes or is suspected because of its effects on the body (sequelae). Symptoms may be present for years, even decades without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance. The definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea is made by polysomnography. – Sleep Apnea

You can try the luxurious Sound Therapy Eye Mask for your sleepless nights blogging and stumblin’.  You can get this at Amazon or at your local Brookstone.

Escape to a more peaceful place?and relax to the soothing, therapeutic sounds of nature. Our TheraSpa Sound Therapy Eyeshades gently block out all light and play five digitally recorded sound programs to help you achieve a deep, restful state of relaxation. Sounds include Ocean Surf, Babbling Brook, Chirping Songbirds, Evening in the Countryside, and Soothing White Noise. The eye mask is made of our plush NapSoft material?the world?s most touchable fabric. And an audio input jack with extension adapter lets you listen to your iPod or MP3 player. This eye mask is perfect for taking a power nap, falling asleep at night, or just catching a few minutes to focus your mind in the middle of a stressful day.

Check out this cool design that makes you want to goto sleep. Although only a model, imagine the “real” vacation house version placed on your favorite beach. (Mine is Ocean Beach) With a big as* skylight and great views of the ocean AND sounds of the waves, that’d definitely put me to sleep everytime.)

Remember, if you have seen some cool designs like this, tip us! (We are running out of ideas…need your HELP!)

via treehugger

Check out this snore stopper, a new way of stopping your snoring husband or wife. It uses snoring frequency and biofeedback techniques. At $80, this might be a great solution for all your past sleepless nights.

Reduce snoring frequency and volume with natural biofeedback techniques. A simple wrist belt worn while sleeping allows the Snore Stopper’s biosensors to detect snores. The unit then issues a gentle electronic wave of light stimulation onto superficial skin. Rather than waking the snorer, this 5-second impulse merely causes a reflex—either a change in body position or an increase in throat muscle tension—much like the nudging of a spouse. Studies report that approximately 80% of snorers have shown improvement when using the Snore Stopper—a unique subconscious approach that’s much less expensive than surgery, dental appliances and machines. Added benefits include better breathing while sleeping, and fewer next-day difficulties such as sleepiness, headaches and irritability. Take it along when you’re traveling: unit is compact, light and includes carrying case. Entire kit includes manual for use; self-adhesive electrode pads (3 pairs); moist alcohol wipe; storage case; screwdriver and wrist belt with magic tape and hook. Includes auto power-off function after 8 hours.