Obstructive Sleep Apnea may very well be one of the problems that beseech people these days but if the medical experience by this lady who had been suffering from it is any indication, robotics may soon provide a big boost towards curbing down the sleep apnea problem a lot of people have.

Dorothy Bruhling, 75, had been having rough spells with OSA which may grow serious for some people if they are not careful. But thanks to some medical referrals, Dorothy was able to meet up with Dr. Robert DeFatta, an otolaryngologist who eventually suggested a surgical approach with the aid of the da Vinci robot to remove a discovered obstructive tissue that was interfering with her breathing.

After keeping Dorothy for two nights for observation purposes, she shared that after the surgery that she had not slept that good for two nights in a row.

“All patients after they heal feel so much better,” said DeFatta, who has performed more than 40 base of tongue resections. Bruhling was the first in Wisconsin, he added.

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Don’t look now but it seems that another area of concern tied up with the problem of sleep apnea seems to be that of deafness or hearing loss. The discovery was courtesy of a study from Japan, wherein sudden deafness was more likely traced to that of a previous diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Hence, it is advisable to have yourself checked for sleep apnea just in case you incur such sudden hearing losses. The bad part about it is on determining if sleep apnea treatment can also address the deafness issue.

It may be possible that sleep apnea, which is known to increase the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, could affect vessels in areas of the brain that control hearing, or vessels that feed the nerves responsible for hearing.

But it looks like the study needs more evidence to support the claim. Just the same, it would be best to go to a specialist to determine if deafness and sleep apnea are indeed tied up.

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Just like round the clock workers, police personnel have their share of working on shifts as well. The study consisted of police officers participating in either an online or an on-site screening (n = 4,957) and monthly follow-up surveys (n = 3,545 officers) between July 2005 and December 2007

The study revealed that about 40.4% of the participating cops were found positive for the said sleep disorder. 33.6% of that were found positive for obstructive sleep apnea and 6.5% suffering from insomnia.

Apparently the shifting issue can be singled out as the culprit. A change in the regular body clock does have dire effects and from the looks of it, even the cops are not spared. Let us hope though that the margin for error does not get imperiled by all of this too.

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Sleep apnea can be a killer of sorts, especially if you do not know what and which medical treatment to take on. But perhaps if you address your sleep apnea problem (assuming you have one), then it may eventually lead to a longer life on your end since it can shy you away from the usual heart problems.

A study was published New England Journal of Medicine showing that people suffering from sleep apnea may eventually account for metabolic syndrome or better yet, health issues associated with the heart.

And after treating these sleep apnea problems, it was found that improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar ensued, eventually aiding in safeguarding people from potential heart problems or metabolic syndrome.

“This study is thought-provoking and could be really wonderful news that using a breathing machine could have all of these beneficial effects. But, ultimately, we’d want to see clinical end points, such as the incidence of cardiovascular deaths, in order to know if an intervention is appropriate and helpful,” said Dr. Tara Narula, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

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Here is another solution for the sleep apnea suffering people as well as the snorers too. A study has revealed that stockings may be of assistance since they reportedly can help regulate the bloodflow of people through their legs.

The study was made by researchers from the University of Brescia, Italy. They found that with the aid of full-length compression stockings, patients with chronic venous insufficiency reduced fluid accumulation in their legs. This helped reduced the amount of fluid flowing into the neck at night, thereby reducing the number of apnoeas by more than a third.

These were the findings summarized over at the Daily Mail when they quoted Dr Stefania Redolfi, who led the research.

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Here is a solution that should help out sleep apnea sufferers although I am not sure how many people would be more than willing to have something inserted in their bodies to address it. Apparently the apparatus is a pulse generator which is said to be something that would be inserted below the collar bone of people.

The pulse will eventually stop the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep. The device (placed just under the hypoglossal nerve) will synchronize with breathing motions but is not active during wakefulness as shared by Dr. Andrew Jamieson of the Sleep Medicine Associates of Texas. A remote control is used to turn the pulse generator on and off.

Dr. Jamieson said early results in Dallas and other test locations are promising but FDA approval–if it comes–may be three to five years away.

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Sleep issues do not select the people who are plagued by it and thankfully, sleep apnea treatments are now covering regions as far as India. Yes, India is not spared from people who have sleep apnea and thanks to the development of a non-invasive treatment, sleep apnea victims in India may yet be diagnosed and helped out.

They call it the Proven Sleep Apnea Therapy, something backed by the Indian government through collaboration with Stanford University and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The solution is convenient and portable, not relying on power to be operated. The new device will monitor people’s sleep patterns as they lie in bed before making the information available for assessment.

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To help him out, girlfriend Nikki Alexander wooed the big man to take part in a sleep apnea study being sponsored by Harvard University. Sleep apnea has become a growing problem for Americans and sadly, even the Boston Celtic big man who has been absent in the NBA scene for some time now is not exempted from it.

The consequences of sleep apnea, as described by the litany of doctors early in the video embedded below, is pretty frightening. That and of course frequent reminders of what sleep apnea can bring should be immediately brought to the attention of specialists, O’Neal included.

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We know for a fact that a lot of Americans are suffering sleep apnea but perhaps not this much. Apparently, the big number is broken down for people who are aware they have it and the ones who don’t know they have it. Sadly, 10 million people do not know they have sleep apnea which is quite alarming.

Some get an idea when their mate starts snoring, but for the people who sleep alone, there is no telling if they are indeed suffering from sleep apnea. Dental considerations may help you out on this one. A common cause is traced to TMD or temporomandibular disorder. This is when the jaw is not properly aligned resulting in bad bites.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons lists numerous lifestyle changes that can help to curb snoring and subsequent sleep apnea. This includes losing weight, along with avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and eating large, heavy meals. The association also advises that people sleep on their side instead of on their back, and recommends not to take a sedative, which relaxes the muscles in the throat and increases snoring.

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Sleep deprivation is obviously a health issue and while many feel that they feel floating due to the lack of shuteye, it does have a say on your appetite and eventual road to obesity if you are not careful. This was of course learned thanks to a study from the Columbia University’s New York Obesity Research Center.

Hunger has been identified as an effect of sleep deprivation together with potential consumption of additional calories. Actually, it only solidifies the claim that obesity does have some connections with the sleep problem, leading to a potential causative effect.

Women in the study who slept for only four hours ate an average of 329 more calories than when they were allotted nine hours. Men consumed 263 more. The study consisted of 13 male and 13 female volunteers between the ages of 30 and 45. They followed a strict schedule for two 6-day stints, one allowing the longer sleep times and one keeping them slightly sleep-deprived.

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By cutting it, we mean surgically. Like most human problems that have become more serious, the last resort is that of leaning towards medical procedures which unfortunately is something not all can afford.

Then again, when you suffer from one of the worst cases of sleep apnea, you may as well want to consider trying to find ways to get that procedure done. Such was the case for this software engineer named Daniel Sheiner who through a sleep study found that he had one of the worst cases of sleep apnea.

“Daniel’s obstruction was both at the level of the soft palate and at the back of the tongue,” Thaler says. “He had very large tonsils, but his tonsil tissue was also enlarged in the palate area and also at the back of his tongue.”

He had the worst case scenario, needing to wear a face mask to try and remedy the problem. Normally, sleep apnea would not be seen in young thin persons but in his case, surgery has become a need.

For patients with recessed chins, small jaws and airways narrowed by facial structure, this might be the surgery for them. But it can take nearly a year to recover, and many patients opt not to have it.

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Here is another new tip for you. If you are among the many sleep deprived people, more walking may be able to help. This was what Canadian Sleep Expert Douglas Bradley suggested after linking sitting to sleep apnea.

Apparently, sitting gathers fluids in a person’s legs, , which then moves to your neck when you lie down at night. When your muscles relax, your airway can get sucked shut “like a wet straw.” Especially for the people who are in the office or spend most of their time sprawled and supposedly relaxing, getting up and walking a few steps may help improve your sleep apnea issues.

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People with snoring and/or sleep apnea problems are bound to have come to know the CPAP mask, something that may not necessarily be comfortable to wear when they want to go to sleep. However, here is one that is said to be easy to use and tasked to remedy sleep apnea issues.

The Easy to Use CPAP Therapy System or the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is an aid that helps ease breathing for people with the said sleep disorder. The device doubles up as a humidifier as well and integrates easily into the home environment.

The only drawback with this is that it seems to be a bit in the medical side of things which should be irritating especially if you do not sleep alone in your room or are looking forward to a comfortable sleeping venture.

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For the people still looking for reliable devices and inventions to address their sleep problems, the Inspire II may be of some help. This is a device that makes use of UAS (Upper Airway Stimulation) to treat Sleep Apnea by sending a shock to the tongue and keeps it from relaxing and/or blocking airways.

The Inspire II seems to be a device that was designed with most of the sleep apnea symptoms in mind and while you may want to get one now, it is still undergoing clinical trial. So check back later on and see when and if the Inspire II will be official to help address your sleep apnea problems.

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Here is another scoop for the people looking for remedies for sleep apnea. It seems that acupuncture can be an effective remedy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It can reportedly reduce nocturnal respiratory events, sleep disruptions, and desaturations.

The people behind it claim that this improvement is due to acupuncture’s effects on serotonergic pathways and also acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects. Both manual acupuncture and 10Hz electro-acupuncture techniques were found effective. The researchers note that the acupuncture points of the neck are of specific interest because they stimulate the genioglossus muscle on deep insertion.

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While breathing masks which were tasked to help regulate breathing during sleep were made to help people with sleep apnea, it seems that they do have some side effects which could deform your face after prolonged use.

Known better as CPAP, craniofacial change as a result of long term use. This is aside from skin abrasions and stuffy noses to dry mouth to abdominal bloating side effects. But while all that has been bared, further investigation into the matter is still needed.

Hiroko Tsuda reports on the findings in the October issue of Chest.

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As far as figuring out what is ailing Minnesota Vikings Percy Harvin regarding his constant migraines is concerned, all that may finally be resolved. This is after doctors diagnosed Harvin as suffering from sleep apnea after a harrowing incident during the Viking’s practice last August 19.

Doctors believe the disorder was responsible for the headaches that caused Harvin to lose consciousness and leave the practice in an ambulance. Sleep apnea causes gaps in a person’s breathing while sleeping.

Image Credits

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A partnership between Sleep Group Solutions (SGS) and Glidewell Dental Lab will help medical practitioners and people suffering from sleep-related issues like snoring and sleep apnea. This is a year-round schedule which will include seminars that will enlighten and educate dental and medical professionals on the increasingly important field of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Under this agreement, Glidewell Laboratories will actively market and promote SGS Dental Sleep Medicine CE seminars, as well as fabricate the oral appliance laboratory services, which will include the aveoTSD, Silent Nite, TAP and Myerson EMA devices. SGS will provide the training, protocols, education and instrumentation for each course.

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Sleep Group Solutions has announced the release of a new iPhone/iPad healthcare app meant to address the growing issue of sleep apnea. The new app aims to save lives and billions of dollars for the healthcare system of the U.S.

This new application asks simple screening questions and even records an audio track of a person sleeping. This information is forwarded to Sleep Group Solutions’ nationwide network of sleep professionals for evaluation. A local sleep specialist will contact the patient for further evaluation if it is deemed necessary.

The application is free and can be downloaded here.

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Rather than leave the walls of your home, it seems that there is little difference for people who want to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. This was the conclusion arrived at by researchers from the University of Saksatchewan, SK and Canada for OSA treatments on patients performed at home and sleep labs.

The comparison variables included sleepiness, sleep quality, quality of life, blood pressure, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence on more than 100 patients. After four weeks of study, there were no significant differences between variables at home and at the sleep laboratory.

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Here is another handy device for the people suffering from sleep apnea. The CPAP Chin Strap is a soft, stretchy chin strap that gently holds a person’s jaw up to keep the mouth closed when they were the standard CPAP mask.

The strap helps enable better breathing and improved airflow for sleep apnea patients and others with nighttime breathing disorders. Since the straps are adjustable, they fit most skin and face types. They are available for only $8 at this link.

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The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies launches a new series of Sleep Apnea courses to help pin down the growing issue of sleep apnea. This comes in the light that the Dental sector seems to play an important role in pinpointing how sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated.

Dr. Brian Allman is the instructor for the course. He is a dentist practicing in Reno, Nevada. His practice focuses on TMJ therapy and sleep apnea treatment. He has been practicing for 25 years and is a diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

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Circadiance has secured the rights to apply the CE mark for its SleepWeaver soft cloth nasal CPAP masks after securing ISO 13485 certification. With this certification, the said CPAP masks can now be sold in Europe and Canada. The SleepWeaver will likewise launch in Canada soon, offering another alternative product to address sleep apnea problems plaguing consumers.

The soft cloth masks better conform to a patient’s face, creating a better fitting seal, according to the company. SleepWeaver masks come in a variety of colors.

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About 60,000 war veterans are reportedly suffering from sleep apnea, a result of being overly exposed to dust and smoke when in the tour of duty. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorders that causes a person to gasp for breath and awaken frequently. The condition is linked to drowsiness and cardiovascular complications.

The risk of getting sleep apnea is reportedly four times likely for war veterans and the number of veterans receiving disability benefits for sleep disorders has increased by more than 60 percent in the past two years. The benefits now amount to more than $500 million annually.

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Sleep apnea has plagued a number of people and just in case you are wondering what kind of sleep disorder this is, Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing for at least 10 seconds. This of course varies, a lot depending on how severe his sleep apnea problem is.

Hence, the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) recommends consulting your dentist. As far as Obstructive Sleep Apnea is concerned, they are perhaps the best person to consult. OSA is caused when the muscles in the walls of your throat relax too much, causing the airway to collapse.

Dental appliances that reposition the lower jaw and tongue help patients suffering from sleep apnea. The constant pressure helps to keep the airway open and for extreme cases, surgical procedures designed to open the airway include those performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

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There is a new study out and it seems it stands to provide another alternative to people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Oral Appliance Therapy is the new alternative towards resolving the sleep apnea issue, backed by a study which experimented on people aged from 31 to 53.

After beginning some appliance oral therapy, the said patients showed effective improvement as far as sleep apnea reactions are concerned. Mandibular advancement appliances (MAA) have been shown to safely and effectively treat mild to moderate OSA. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of two different MAA over time from a previous comparative study (PCS).

This Canada-based study included four women and 10 men who had participated in a PCS that tested two oral appliances in a randomized cross-over design. The participants were 52 years of age on average.

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Sleep Apnea is normally a result of having blocked passage ways for people. It contributes to poor breathing during sleep thus resulting in snoring as well. But perhaps an exercise can help. Throat exercises.

Though not proven, throat exercises may be another alternative to the usual CPAP masks. Studies show that throat exercises can help strengthen muscles around the airway and help reduce sleep apnea episodes. Care to try it out?

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Houston Texans Mario Evans underwent a minor procedure to address his sleep apnea problem last month. It seems that Evans had problems with sleep, particularly paused breathing during sleep. A similar procedure was undergone by his teammate, Antoine Caldwell.

Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed. Only until a person is sleeping with someone will they be able to determine that they are indeed sleep apnea victims and apparently that is how Mario Evans found out and underwent the said minor surgery.

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Truckers are perhaps one of the groups that are hard hit by sleep apnea problems but Fusion Sleep hopes that their efforts would help bring down the high number of sleep apnea struck truckers. This will be tackled during the 2010 ITLC/NAFC Conference to reduce the effects and rising costs of sleep apnea issues.

Sleep Apnea, or any one of over 70 sleep disorders, are very costly diseases when left untreated, causing deteriorating health and increased hospitalizations, absenteeism and lowered productivity. By diagnosing and treating Sleep Apnea among its drivers, fleets have the potential to reduce their healthcare spend by nearly 50 percent for the affected drivers, reduce risks and increase savings in performance-related line items.

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A new and quieter sleep mask has been unveiled by Weinmann, the NP15 (Nasal Pillow Mask 15dB). It can reportedly bring down the noise level to 15dB and is based on analysis of several studies of the anthropometry of the human face.

Among the features of this product include:

• Two ball-and-socket joints
• Two tube-anchoring options (clip and strap) that reliably keep the tube in place throughout the night
• No disruptive drafts as exhaled air is directed away from the face; outlet gap is closed on patient side of system.
• Made from skin-friendly silicone.

(Source) Med Gadgets

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Books are a great resources for some issues, sleep deprivation included. Hence, if you are looking for a good book to refer to then the “Six Steps to Sleep Now” from Sleep guru Peter Litchfield should be something useful to check out.

In addition to the six step program the book offers solutions and advice for subjects such as Waking up During the Night, Stress, Anxiety and Sleep, Sleeping the Night before a Big Occasion, Napping, Sleeping with a Partner, Smoking and Sleep, Alcohol and Sleep and Sleeping on an Aeroplane.

(Source) Shift Work Disorder

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A new kind of sleep apnea treatment has been announced over in Los Angeles, thanks to a dentist in Westlake Village, Dr. Steve Greenman. Sleep disorder specialists can be reached through 1-900-SNORING where high-tech diagnostic instruments, along with advanced sleep study lab equipment and new treatments.

For sleep apnea treatment in Los Angeles, Steven Greenman DDS has recently partnered with the 1-800-SNORING team. This empowers him to help more families improve their health and their quality of life through affordable custom dental devices.

Snoring is actually a result of the airway passages being restricted in some manner while asleep. Not being able to breathe well naturally makes the body uncomfortable. However, as many as 1 in 7 snorers stop breathing all together while asleep – sometimes for more than 2 minutes! In extreme cases, these interruptions may occur up to 100 times per hour.

(Source) Press

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While everyone is raving about 3DTV, it seems that they are dangerous too. Samsung is heading the call, issuing a warning that 3DTV can be hazardous if they are too young, too old, pregnant, drunk or even sleep deprived. Normal, healthy people should take frequent breaks while gaming or watching TV or you will get headaches, dizziness, fatigued eyes and/or spontaneous combustion.

Will this hinder the 3DTV sales which most TV companies are busy figuring out these days? Well, if this is the case, you can bet that the consumer market will be halved in a manner of speaking.

(Source) Hardocp

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This apparently has something to do with the ongoing Augusta Masters where as we all know is the comeback tourney of the disgruntled Tiger Woods. And whether you consider it a marketing ploy or not, Sleep Apnea Therapy can reportedly help increase golf scores.

Of course it does make sense. Sleeping well and being able to carry full concentration and strength can help a lot for you golf game.

Doctors at the Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey found treating sleep apnea in 12 golfers actually improved their game by up to three strokes off their handicap in 20 rounds of golf when they underwent the sleep apnea therapy, according to a presentation today at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians.

(Source) Fox News

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Sleep Apnea has been known to be associated with heart problems and apparently that is the case in this new study connecting stroke. OSA doubles the risk of stroke in men and also increases the danger in women. Data was taken from the Sleep Heart Health Study.

Men with moderate to severe sleep apnea are three times more likely to have a stroke than men with mild or no sleep apnea while the increased risk of stroke in women with obstructive sleep apnea was significant only in cases of severe apnea thanks to a study which was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

(Source) Web MD

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A new British study has found that a certain eye disorder has been linked to the dreaded sleep apnea problem. It is called FES (floppy eyelid syndrome) which is pretty much associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

People with OSA are at risk of oxygen deprivation when breathing slows or stops during sleep. OSA can contribute to or be aggravated by high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other systemic problems.

(Source) Science Daily

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Here is something basic and useful for the people who are clueless on what sleep apnea is. The Sleep Lab provides us a 5 minute video to orient us on the due process for sleep apnea sufferers and see what form/s of treatment people can get from institutions such as the sleep lab. More videos can be viewed at www.cpap.com.

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Having a loud snoring roommate is indeed irritating and apparently some people have little patience to cover it. In fact the story of this student may sound a bit extreme but should give you an idea of how people have to deal with such a sleep disorder.

This has to do with a Chinese student named Guo Liwei who initially thought of capturing on video his roommate, Zhao Yan, snoring and then posting it at the university web site. Naughty as it may seem, it didn’t help. Eventually, Guo ended up stabbing and killing Zhao which has now become a cause for alarm.

Guo is now in prison and is walking on thin ice. He is now on the brink of the death sentence which is suspended. The suspended death sentence means that if he behaves himself in jail during the next two years Guo will remain behind bars for the rest of his life. But if he misbehaves, the sentence will be carried out. OUCH!

(Source) Daily Mail

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It looks like sleep apnea issues have not spared the younger generation. The Cookeville Regional Medical Center has been receiving a lot of young patients who have sleep problems like snoring, sleep apnea and respiratory problems.

The hospital has already set up a new pediatric room with facilities specifically customized for children. The symptoms of sleep disorders among children are similar to ADHD. And studies even suggest that more than 50 percent of ADHD cases are actually misdiagnosed.

(Source) Shift Work Disorder

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Here is something conflicting. While we all know that sleep apnea could very well be fatal to health, a new study seems to have proven that elder people suffering from sleep apnea can actually live longer. Findings shared by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology revealed that the intermittent lack of oxygen actually protects the cardiovascular systems of the older folks.

Behind this phenomenon is a protein in the blood known as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which is created during hypoxia, and which is responsible for the growth of new blood vessels.

“If confirmed, these findings may have important clinical implications regarding treatment of sleep apnea syndrome,” say Prof. and Dr. Lavie in an editorial that accompanied the Chest article. “Moreover, such findings, if combined with individual gene analysis, may provide new treatment strategies for cardiovascular protection.”

(Source) NewsWise

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Based on a study conducted by the Shanghai Institution of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders, about 7 million Chinese suffer from tossing and turning. Additionally, women were found to be suffering 1.5 times more than men.

In those numbers too, children are included. China has a population of 19 million and you can just imagine a percentage of that having to deal with such issues. Doctors have warned about the side effects of sleep deprivation, which can cause car accidents, depression, anxiety and cardiovascular problems. Studies also show that sleep disorders affect people’s memory, emotions and learning ability.

The report was shared in relation to the celebration of World Sleep Day which fell on a Sunday.

(Source) China Daily

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Just in case you missed it, yesterday was World Sleep Day. Sponsored by the World Association of Sleep Medicine, this event was meant to raise awareness on sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea. More than 1/3 of adults suffer from sleep disorders and much of this was addressed at this event.

For the sleep-deprived, here are some 10 Commandments of Sleep Hygiene shared. They may sound simple but check them out because you may have missed some of them in your daily routine.

1. Fix a bedtime and an awakening time.
2. Limit daytime naps to 30-45 minutes.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol 4 hours before bedtime and do not smoke.
4. Avoid caffeine 6 hours before bedtime. This includes coffee, tea and many sodas, as well as chocolate.
5. Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4 hours before bedtime. A light snack before bed is acceptable.
6. Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
7. Use comfortable bedding.
8. Find a comfortable temperature setting for sleeping and keep the room well ventilated.
9. Block out all distracting noise and eliminate as much light as possible.
10. Reserve the bed for sleep and sex. Don’t use the bed as an office, workroom or recreation room.

(Source) Local 2 KPSP

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Sleep Apnea, if left untreated can be life threatening. It can develop roots in your airway passage which are the culprits to snoring. So the next thing you would want is to seek some medical attention, finding out what you doctor or sleep specialist would have to say about it.

For the record, here are some recommended questions you may want to consider when you visit the sleep specialist:

• What exactly is sleep apnea and what type of sleep apnea do I have?
• What will be the line of treatment (especially medication) the doctor will follow?
• Will the treatment also require physiotherapy or an invasive procedure like an operation/surgery?
• Will I be fitted with a breathing device? What sort of device is it and how will it help me?

Normally, people would either panic or be left clueless on what to ask. The best thing to do is be focused and ask these questions and some related to them to make sure you get the proper diagnosis and remedy for this killer sleep apnea disease.

(Source) EmpowHer

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Vidya Balan has been picked to be the brand ambassador for sleep awareness month this March. This month, people will be made aware on the sensitivity of sleep disorders through the various symptoms which are normally taken for granted. Sleep disorders are increasingly becoming rampant among Indians leading to a call for more regular checkups.

The sleep awareness month will see Indian Sleep Disorders Association (ISDA) and pharmaceutical company Abbott India organize various awareness programs, including camps, with healthcare professionals who are experts in the field of insomnia and other sleep-related issues in metros and smaller cities across India.

(Source) India Times

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For the people who have been having problems with snoring and Sleep Apnea related issues, the New AveoTSD should be something to help. TSD stands for Tonge Stabilizing Device and is pretty much comfortable to use.

The New AveoTSD has been clinically proven to treat mild to moderate OSA, this oral appliance has been further refined by orthodontic sleep medicine specialists and engineers in New Zealand to help chronic sufferers achieve a comfortable night’s sleep. You can find out more about the AveoTSD at their website.

(Source) Press

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The human tongue has a bearing when it comes to sleep apnea problems, most likely pointing to the blockages that occur when we are asleep due to air blockage. But now a surgical procedure may yet address this issue, an implant that is placed near the tongue and is programmed to keep parts of the tongue awake and avoid blockages.

Called Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation (THN) Sleep Therapy, the technique consists of a small electrical device implanted under the skin near the lower jaw and along the Hypoglossal (12th cranial) nerve, then connected to a programmable implantable pulse generator (IPG) implanted near the surface of one’s upper chest.

The surgery takes less than 45 minutes to perform and will heal after a couple of days. Something that should be checked out, especially for people who have been suffering from sleep apnea. Check out the video.

(Source) CNet

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Sleep Apnea victims be forewarned. It seems that sleep apnea will do more than deprive you of sleep. Knowing that the brain will be severely affected by obstructive sleep apnea, it seems apparent that the more serious it grows, so does your health.

Brain damage is being wooed as the possible result from continuous sleep apnea due to reduced concentrations of gray matter in the brain. A gray matter refers to the brain’s cerebral cortex, where the majority of information processing takes place. These changes in brain structure may help explain the memory, cardiovascular and other problems experienced by people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The researchers said further research is needed to determine whether reduced gray matter concentration is caused by sleep apnea, or whether preexisting abnormalities contribute to the development of the problem.

(Source) Business Week

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It seems that sleep loss is more serious that we thought. While we all know that chronic sleep loss does affect the memory, it seems that reflex action and other brain function can severely be affected as well. A study over at the Harvard Medical School can attest to that when they put nine volunteers on a specialized sleep-wake schedule made of 33 hours of wakefulness and 10 hours of sleep.

Using a series of tests, the researchers measured the subjects’ reflexes, motor skills, memory, decision making, and other brain functions. The results have yielded conclusions that may overturn commonly held misconceptions about sleep. Several weeks into the study, the subjects’ average reaction time at night had slowed from a quarter of a second to almost four seconds.

(Source) The Crimson

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Snoring has been a problem among couples and if you value your marriage, addressing the issue with a compact device may be a great way to save it and yourself as well. The device is called the Apnex System which is still undergoing testing. Over three million Britons are affected by snoring and hopefully this new contraption can resolve that problem.

Sleep apnea is common in middle-aged men who are overweight, because excess fat around the neck puts pressure on the airways during sleep. If left untreated,it can raise the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks.

(Source) Daily Mail

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For the people who don’t want to invest in sleep-related machines to determine if they are suffering from sleep apnea, here is a sleep app for the iPhone which you can use. The Sleep Aid is a handy iPhone app that should help determine if you have a breathing problem. Great for snorers, this app can aid you in determining if you are lacking in oxygen or analyze your breathing patterns.

It actually records the user’s snoring, and stores them each night to compare them in a graph, to see if there are any major changes in the cycles. It also contains examples of what people suffering from sleep apnea sound like when they’re sleeping, so you can compare your own against the case studies. The app is available now for only $2.99.

(Source) Gizmodo

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