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How Sleep Apnea Affects Women
wp:paragraph You probably know by now that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) mostly affects older adults, and/or individuals with pre-existing health issues. While over half of the sleep apnea diagnoses each year are in men, let’s not forget that OSA affects a lot of women too, and unfortunately, a lot of OSA cases in women are left undiagnosed. This is because some of the common sleep apnea symptoms are slightly different in women than they are in men and can easily go unnoticed. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How the symptoms are different /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Research has shown that men’s OSA symptoms are different and more prevalent thanks to the structure of their neck muscles, which are longer and can collapse more easily, leading to loud snoring and more visible apnea episodes. Women, for the most part, tend to display OSA symptoms much differently than men. They don’t snore as much and the apnea episodes are usually much shorter and not as frequent. Instead, women with OSA typically show symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, headaches, mood swings, lack of energy, and depression that affects them more during the daytime. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Additional risk factors for women /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Menopause has actually been known to have a very strong link to sleep apnea. The body is going through many hormonal changes during this stage which can greatly affect your sleep. Post-menopausal women are actually three times more likely to develop sleep apnea than they would have been before menopause. Pregnant women also have a greater risk of developing OSA. If left untreated, it can lead to some serious complications during pregnancy, including high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and premature delivery. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It is important for women to pay attention to any symptoms or sleep troubles that may be ongoing and affect how they function overall. Be sure to speak to your doctor if you think you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea for further testing and treatment. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep Tips for Halloween Night!
wp:paragraph The spookiest night of the year is coming up in just a few short days. If you have kids, chances are, everyone’s sleep routine may be a little off that night thanks to all of the excitement surrounding Halloween. Whether you are going trick-or-treating with the kids or staying at home to hand out candy, here are a few tips to keep everyone’s sleep routines in check. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Plan ahead /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Halloween can be overstimulating for children with all of the sights and sounds in addition to the outdoor physical activity from trick-or-treating. And oftentimes, the night tends to run a little later than usual. If possible, start your Halloween rituals earlier in the evening or the late afternoon, especially if you have small children. Taking a short nap in the daytime may also be beneficial for your child so that they are well rested for the evening’s festivities and not overstimulated. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Stick to your normal routines /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While there is certainly a lot happening on Halloween, the best thing you can do for yourself or your children is to stick to as much of a normal routine as possible. Maintain the same bedtime, follow the same sleep routine, and stick to healthy diet and exercise habits during the daytime. It will help to give your child some time to read or do a quiet activity before bedtime to help them wind down from the day’s events. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Go easy on the treats /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s easy to want to let your kids indulge in their Halloween candy or to sneak a treat or two for yourself, but be careful. Too much candy can interfere negatively with your sleep, especially close to bedtime. Have your child pick out just a few small packages of their favorite candy and leave the rest for another day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Have fun! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Remember that Halloween only falls on one night each year and slip-ups can happen. Maybe you or your children ate a little too much candy before bed or maybe bedtime happens a little later than normal. If your schedule is off, don’t sweat it! Be sure to get back on track the next night. /wp:paragraph
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Are Changes in the Weather Affecting your Sleep?
wp:paragraph Now that the weather outside is becoming cooler and the hot summer nights are behind us for another year, you may find that some of your sleep habits are a little different these days. This is completely normal. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your body does a lot of work in regulating your 24-hour sleep-wake cycle and the temperature outside actually has more of an effect on your sleep than you may think. Regulating your body temperature while sleeping is incredibly important for a good sleep overall, but all of the changes in the weather can affect your internal clock and melatonin production more than you think. Here are a few ways that you may find your sleep is affected by the weather. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Cooler nights /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Now that fall is officially here, so are the cooler nights. While experts recommend slightly cooler temperatures for sleeping in general, it is important to find a happy medium. You don’t want to find yourself so cold that you are shivering or uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to put the heat on at night or put on an extra layer just to be comfortable while sleeping. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shorter Days /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Now that it gets darker earlier, you may find you are either feeling tired earlier, or you are having trouble sleeping. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also common around this time thanks to the shorter hours of sunlight. Sticking to a regular bedtime and getting as much sunlight as you can during the daytime will help with this. Make sure you are also getting regular exercise in as well. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Changes in air pressure /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are finding yourself waking up with mild headaches, body aches, or very minor cold-like symptoms, you are not alone. Whenever there is a change in barometric pressure (which is the change in the weight of the air that occurs whenever there are drastic weather changes) it can take your body some time to adjust. Fatigue is extremely common because of this, as are the symptoms mentioned above. Just know that this will pass, and make sure you practice good sleep hygiene to help with this. /wp:paragraph
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Does Insurance Cover Your CPAP Machine?
wp:paragraph If you suffer from sleep apnea and use CPAP therapy to help you sleep at night, then you will probably know that the machine and all of the necessary parts for it can be extremely costly. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your sleep is vital to your overall well-being, therefore investing in it is worthwhile, however, your wallet may not be feeling the same way. Luckily, you may be able to get some or all of the costs of CPAP therapy covered by health insurance or government assistance programs, but it is important to do your research and double-check to see whether this is something that applies to you or not. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What kind of coverage could I get? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Most provinces in Canada have programs in place that can assist with some or all of the cost of a CPAP device. In Ontario for example, there is a program run by the Ministry of Health called the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) which typically covers 75% of the costs of the CPAP machine and parts. Other provinces may only cover certain CPAP parts while others offer no coverage at all. You may also be eligible for some funding at a national level, such as Veterans Affairs. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you have your own health insurance, there are many policies that can cover some or all of the costs of a CPAP device. Be sure to read your policy carefully and/or contact your insurance agent to find out what is covered and what is not. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What is required? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For any government-funded coverage, you will require a valid health card in your name. Also, you must have a prescription or a doctor's note stating that you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and require a CPAP device for treatment. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What if I need a part replaced? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph CPAP parts do wear out after some time and will need to be replaced, but only within a specific timeframe. Make sure you read into how often you are allowed to replace your parts and still have it covered. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Hold on to ALL receipts from the purchases of any new CPAP parts, even if it’s covered. It will also help to write down the dates that the parts were purchased, that way you can keep track of how long you have had each part and when it is time for them to be replaced. Keeping your CPAP machine and parts clean on a regular basis will help to extend their lifespan as well! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Be sure to visit papsmart.com for your CPAP therapy needs. /wp:paragraph
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Is your Teen Getting Enough Sleep?
wp:paragraph Teenagers can be known for sleeping very long hours, but it doesn’t mean that they are lazy. Teens actually need more sleep than adults as they are going through a significant period of growth and transition at that stage in life. Teens in the age 12-18 category can be very busy between school, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs, and maintaining a social life. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Experts recommend at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night for teenagers, but most teens actually get less sleep than that. Many teens are what you would refer to as “night owls,” and prefer staying up late and sleeping the day away, but this is not necessarily a good thing. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Why do teens need more sleep? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are many reasons for this. It is important to remember that teens’ brains are developing and changing significantly in the adolescent years, and this will have an effect on their thinking, emotions, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. Much like diet and exercise, sleep is important for the overall function of anyone, but especially for teenagers as they transition into adulthood. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Navigating a late bedtime with an early school start time is no fun, and teens need the proper amount of sleep in order to be able to focus on school and everything else in their life. Poor concentration due to lack of sleep can, unfortunately, lead to many mental health issues for teens, which is why sleep is so important. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How to help your teen get a good night’s sleep /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While your teen may fight you on wanting to stay up late, it is important to encourage them to get to bed at a reasonable time, especially if they have school the next day. Practicing good sleep hygiene habits is important to make the most out of their sleep, including keeping the room cool and dark. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Also, while many teens tend to be attached to their electronic devices for most of the day, it is important to limit the use of technology, or stop it all together right before bedtime as the blue light from the devices can cause disruptions with their REM sleep, which is vital to getting a good night’s sleep. /wp:paragraph
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Breast Cancer and Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph October is breast cancer awareness month, and there are many initiatives happening to raise awareness for this devastating disease. Breast cancer affects thousands of women in Canada every year, and chances are, you may know someone who has been affected by it. Did you know that sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can increase your risk of developing breast cancer long-term? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The link between breast cancer and sleep apnea /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Although it’s not really talked about a lot, many studies completed over the years have shown that there is indeed a connection between breast cancer and poor sleep in general, including insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. While OSA is more common among men, don’t forget that OSA still affects many women each year. And for women over age 30, the chance of developing breast cancer does increase for those with sleep apnea, especially if it is left untreated. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While this may sound scary, especially with the young age gap, it may help to know that taking steps to improve your sleep can help to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How to lower your risk for breast cancer /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, or if you are dealing with chronic insomnia, be sure to speak to your doctor to get the proper treatment. This is extremely important as this will help to lower your risk for a lot of long-term health problems, including cancer. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Ladies, don’t skip your regular mammograms and checkups! This can be crucial in screening for breast cancer. Completing regular breast exams at home is important as well, and if something doesn’t feel right, speak to your doctor. Early detection is easier to treat than if it is caught in the later stages. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Finally, practicing good sleep habits is very important to getting a good sleep every night, which in turn will be beneficial for staying healthy long term. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep Tips for Thanksgiving
wp:paragraph Canadian Thanksgiving is coming up in just a few short days. Maybe you are planning on gathering with loved ones and eating a big dinner complete with turkey and pumpkin pie. Or perhaps you are keeping the celebrations low key this year, but still plan on indulging in a delicious meal. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Whatever your plans are, it is important to note that many people experience disruptions in their sleep around Thanksgiving. This is caused by many things including over-eating, drinking too much, or a disruption in your routine from traveling and/or gathering with other people. Here are a few tips for getting a good night’s sleep during Thanksgiving. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Pace yourself at dinner: Over-eating is very common at Thanksgiving, and there are many people who find themselves unable to sleep as a result. After all, the food is just too delicious! But eating too much can cause insomnia and other sleeping problems. Keep your portions on the smaller side and stop eating when you feel full. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keep your nap short: While turkey has been known to make people feel sleepy, it may not necessarily be the only reason you may have an urge to nap after the big meal. Digesting a large meal can take a lot of energy, which may have you feeling the need to nap during the day. If you absolutely need to take a nap, keep it under 30 minutes and try and do so earlier in the day, so that it doesn’t interfere with bedtime. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Limit alcohol: Many people tend to drink alcohol a little more than normal at Thanksgiving. There is nothing wrong with indulging in a few beverages but be smart about it. Drinking too much can interfere with your sleep cycle and cause a restless night. Enjoy a beverage or two but drink water throughout the day to help you stay hydrated. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Get exercise: A walk after dinner can not only promote family bonding time, but it can also help to promote good digestion to help you sleep better. Exercise also helps your body’s internal clock to wind down once it is bedtime. /wp:paragraph
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How Seasonal Affective Disorder Disrupts your Sleep
wp:paragraph Seasonal Affective Disorder (otherwise known as SAD) is a form of depression that typically occurs each year around the time when the seasons' transition. A lot of this is because of the shorter hours of sunlight, which can lead to a hormonal imbalance. This is extremely common in the fall months, and lots of people are finding that their sleep habits are being affected by SAD. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How SAD can affect your sleep /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A few of the common symptoms of SAD include mood swings, anxiety, sadness, decreased interest in activities, and social withdrawal. SAD can also affect your sleep in many ways as reduced sunlight can disrupt your biological clock, which in turn can affect your sleep cycle. Many SAD patients find themselves experiencing insomnia or restless nights, or they are sleeping for longer than normal. This can also affect how you function during the daytime and can lead to difficulty concentrating, feeling sluggish or tired, and having low energy. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How SAD patients can get a better sleep /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If your SAD symptoms have reached the point where your mood is down for as much as several days, you have no motivation to do activities you normally enjoy, or your sleep patterns have changed drastically, then you should speak to your doctor for further treatment. They may recommend medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, or light therapy. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A few other ways that you can get better sleep without medical intervention include maintaining the practice of good sleeping habits; stick to the same bedtime, keep your bedroom an inviting place to sleep, and limit the use of technology before bedtime. You can also try taking melatonin before bedtime to help reset your sleep cycle. Keeping up with good habits during the daytime, including a healthy diet and exercise, can also be helpful. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Finally, get outside! Go for a walk in the daytime before it gets dark. Getting in some sunlight can be extremely beneficial to your internal clock. /wp:paragraph
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Is Smoking Making your Sleep Worse?
wp:paragraph You probably know that smoking cigarette can have a negative impact on your overall health, but did you know that smoking can be the cause of many sleep problems for adults? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The effect of smoking cigarettes on sleep /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Smoking cigarettes can not only affect your body’s internal clock in a negative way, but it can also raise your risk of developing sleep apnea and can also cause your sleep to be fragmented, meaning your overall sleep is restless, or you experience insomnia. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph This is because of nicotine, which is the active ingredient found in cigarettes. Nicotine has been known to have a stimulating effect, but not one that is beneficial for sleeping. Cigarette smoking has been known to temporarily reduce anxiety and help people to feel more awake and alert. This is, however, a temporary effect, which is not exactly beneficial for getting a well-rested sleep at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For this reason, doctors typically advise against smoking if patients are experiencing sleep problems. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are planning on quitting smoking /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Quitting smoking is not easy and can take some time. It is best to speak to your doctor if you plan on quitting smoking, as they can help you come up with a plan that works best for you and your overall health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While the process of quitting smoking may be frustrating, it is important to remember that the long-term effects can be extremely beneficial for your sleep. In fact, sleep apnea patients who quit smoking after being diagnosed have reported substantial improvements in their sleep quality from quitting smoking. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Don’t expect your sleep to improve right away. Typically, the first few days of quitting can have some unpleasant side effects, and the withdrawal symptoms can continue towards the evening hours when it’s time for bed. Be prepared for the fact that you may experience a few sleepless nights in addition to the cravings and irritability. Make sure you surround yourself with a good support system, practice good sleep hygiene, and be patient. /wp:paragraph
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