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Sleep Apnea and your heart
wp:paragraph By now, you know that sleep apnea can have some negative effects on your body if it is left untreated. One of those effects has to do with one of the most important organs in your body: your heart. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph According to an interview with Dr. Virend K Somers with the National Sleep Foundation, the connection between sleep apnea and heart disease is evolving very rapidly. This means that many people with heart disease, high blood pressure or other similar cardiovascular issues often have sleep apnea as well. Left untreated, this could cause a massive heart attack at any time, causing even worse problems for your body. It could even kill you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Although it may sound scary, the good news is that once you treat the sleep apnea, it will significantly improve the heart risk and improve your quality of life. That’s serious motivation to seek treatment if you think you have sleep apnea! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph More specifically, the CPAP machine can help quite a bit with improving any pre-existing cardiovascular problems you may have. For example, obstructive sleep apnea tends to raise your blood pressure if you already have another heart condition to deal with. But the CPAP machine can actually help to lower your blood pressure at night, in addition, it can also work or lowering your blood pressure throughout the day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you think you have sleep apnea, seek treatment! Your heart will thank you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-apnea-and-heart-disease /wp:paragraph
Learn moreHistory of CPAP
wp:paragraph Can you believe that the CPAP machine is 34 years old? When you look at the original, it’s probably hard to believe that technology has come such a long way. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Let’s go all the way back to 1970. Around that time, sleep was not as commonly studied medically as it is today, despite being one of the most important human functions. What we know today as sleep apnea, was known at the time as Pickwickian syndrome (named after a character from Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers who is obese and tends to fall asleep standing up). The only known symptoms for that condition at that time was snoring, and chocking and gasping in your sleep. This was all a big mystery in the medical profession, and not much was known about it. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3584,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph If you had sleep apnea at this period of time, your only hope was for a tracheotomy. In other words, doctors would cut a hole in your trachea and insert a breathing tube to help you sleep better at night. Sounds painful, right? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph This would all soon change, thanks to an Australian doctor named Colin Sullivan. He had spent many years studying sleep medicine in depth and essentially, changing the way that we look at sleep problems. In 1980, he invented a machine that would end up saving many lives from sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph This was called the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine (or CPAP for short). It is a machine and mask that is worn by people with sleep apnea to help them breathe at night. He invented it by connecting a number of different hoses to a vacuum cleaner and glued it to the snout of a dog. When he saw his first human patient, a construction worker with severe OSA, the results of the mask spoke for itself as the man said he hadn’t felt so well rested in ages. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Although it took some time to be accepted in the medical market, the CPAP machine has come a long way, and still continues to save the lives of many people who suffer from sleep apnea. If you are a proud user of this device, you have an Aussie doctor and a vacuum cleaner to thank. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.resmed.com/ch/assets/documents/resmedica/resmedica14.pdf /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.cpap.com/blog/the-history-of-cpap-therapy/ /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.easybreathe.com/blog/cpap-history-aussie-doctor-vacuum-cleaner/ /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Image source: http://www.wikihow.com/Perform-a-Tracheotomy /wp:paragraph
Learn moreIs it sleep apnea?
wp:paragraph When you hear from your partner that you have a snoring problem, it’s easy to think the worst. I have sleep apnea, I’ll have to wear that big ugly mask, my partner will never sleep with me again etc. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, snoring is just one symptom of sleep apnea, and just because you are a snorer does not automatically mean that you have sleep apnea. Close to 90 million Americans have night time snoring, but sleep apnea actually only affects about half of those people, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3580,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph If you want the snoring to stop for the sake of both you and your partner, it is important to have an idea of whether your noise at night is just noise, or if it is something more serious. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some factors that may determine whether or not you are at risk for sleep apnea: /wp:paragraph wp:list If you are choking or gasping for air in your sleep If you wake up feeling tired, and feel tired throughout the day If you feel restlessness at night If you are obese, middle-aged and/or male /wp:list wp:paragraph Whether or not you exert any of these symptoms, it does not hurt to make an appointment with your doctor. If you are not a likely candidate for sleep apnea, your doctor can help you to figure out if there is anything that can be done to curb your snoring at night, even if it’s just for the sake of your partner’s sanity. Even a lifestyle change like losing a little weight can go a long way. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are a likely candidate for sleep apnea, don’t fret. It is not the end of the world if you do have this condition. There are many options for treatment available that can give you an infinitely better quality of life and leave you feeling more rested and energised throughout the day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.sleepapnea.org/is-it-snoring-or-sleep-apnea.html /wp:paragraph
Learn moreIntroducing the Z1: A new travel CPAP unit that will actually wow you.
wp:paragraph As great as your CPAP machine may be for when you sleep, it’s no secret that most machines are rather large and not the best travel partners. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Pack your bags and get ready to get off the grid. The Z1 Unplugged is a brand-new, smaller CPAP machine that is smaller, quieter and comes with everything you need for a perfect night’s sleep. For those that love to travel, this is already approved for air travel and it not big or clunky in any way. Just bring along your CPAP mask to go with it and you’re all set to get away. It also has a backlit, LCD display so you can still see how you’re sleeping, even when it’s dark. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3577,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph There are many features about this new machine that set it apart from other devices: /wp:paragraph wp:list It is very quiet: when in use, it makes only 26 decibles of sound, which makes it one of the quietest CPAP machines on the market Battery powered: the machine can operate for one full night without a cord, using a system called the PowerShell, which is an integrated battery that gives you a night of uninterrupted sleep. Extremely light: this is considered the lightest CPAP machine out there, weighing in at only 10 ounces. This makes it a fantastic machine for everyday use and is perfect for travelling. Data capable: the machine records all events and can track your sleep progress, even when you’re on the road. /wp:list wp:paragraph For more information about this machine and to purchase, visit PapSmart.com /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Order the Z1 Travel CPAP Machine NOW! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSleep tips for runners
wp:paragraph For all you runners out there, the night before a marathon run can feel like the night before Christmas. On the one night where getting enough sleep is crucial to your performance the next day, it’s easy to forgo sleeping in favor of tossing and turning and lying awake in anticipation. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph This is no time to skimp out on the shut-eye. Tired and groggy are two things you do NOT want to feel on the day of a big race that you’ve spent countless weeks training for. Sleeping right is just as important as eating right and it is very important that you make sleep a priority, especially the week before the race. Don’t feel bad if you have to pass on some other commitments in order to get the proper 8 hours per night that you need. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3574,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing for your next big marathon: /wp:paragraph wp:list Make sure your room is the perfect sleeping environment: keep the room cool and dark and keep your electronic devices out of the room Before you go to sleep, take 5 minutes to yourself and relax. Get yourself into a position that is comfortable for you and focus on your deep breathing. Take this time to mentally compose yourself and push away any negative thoughts that are dragging you down before the race. Get organized. The week before the race, plan out exactly what you’re going to wear and exactly what you’re going to eat so you won’t have to think of it the morning of. Take it a step further by making yourself a to-do list so that you don’t forget anything. Don’t stress! While being a little bit nervous is not a bad thing at all, stressing about a race too much can impede on your final race time. Stay calm and relaxed and just imagine the pride you’ll feel once it’s all over with. /wp:list wp:paragraph Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.runnersworld.com/health/eight-tips-for-improving-pre-race-sleep?cid=NL_TrainingExtra_1836764_09092014_EightTipsforImprovingPreRaceSleep /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSleep and Risk of Disease
wp:paragraph The relationship between sleep and your overall health is a very important one. It’s one that we all cherish. When things get rocky with that relationship, it begins to affect how you live your daily life, much like any other relationship. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Having a bad night’s sleep can put you in a bad mood and it can also cause you to lose focus on many simple daily tasks. Healthwise, however, having consistently bad sleep patterns can put you at risk for more serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3565,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph According to a study from Harvard University, there are many factors about your overall health that can put you at risk for developing chronic diseases. Just a few of these include: /wp:paragraph wp:list Obesity: insufficient sleep has a very strong link to weight gain. Your body recharges itself as you sleep, so the less sleep you get, the more weight you are likely to gain. Heart disease: studies have found that just one night of bad sleep can elevate your blood pressure the next day. Keep this up night after night and you can find yourself at risk for heart disease and stroke. Mood disorders: most of us tend to find ourselves in a bad mood after we’ve had a night of bad sleep, but keeping this up consistently can lead to more serious mental illness such as depression and anxiety Immune function: when you have a bad cold, your Mom always told you to get some rest right? Well it rings true as sleep when you are sick can do wonders for your body to fight off illnesses /wp:list wp:paragraph Find the right CPAP Machine Today >> /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences/sleep-and-disease-risk /wp:paragraph
Learn moreRelaxation strategies for a better night’s sleep
wp:paragraph Do you find yourself feeling wound up before you go to sleep, or do you frequently experience bouts with insomnia? You are not alone. In today’s busy, on-the-go world we live it, it’s easy to have a lot on our minds. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When you go to sleep, however, it is important to be completely relaxed so that you can have a full, well-rested sleep throughout the night. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3562,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Aside from sleep hygiene, which refers to creating the perfect sleep environment, how well you sleep at night all depends on you and you alone. If you have too much on your mind and you’re not at all relaxed by the time your head hits the pillow, chances are you won’t be getting a great sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some brief exercises from Sleepfoundation.org that will help you to make your body fully relaxed for a better night’s sleep: /wp:paragraph wp:list First of all, lie down and make sure you’re in a position where you feel comfortable. Be aware of any sensation you feel in your body and relax any tension. Focus your mind solely on your body and don’t let your mind wander to anything else. This may take some getting used to but it is important to focus your attention on your body. Next, pay attention to your breathing patterns, take note of where you feel your breathing (in your chest, abdomen etc.) and take slow and full deep breaths. The act of simply breathing deeply can do wonders for relaxing your body as you go to sleep. It is also a great thing to do if you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night. Finally, be sure you’re practicing some good sleep hygiene. Stick to a regular bedtime routine every night and keep your bedroom cool and comfortable. /wp:list wp:paragraph If this all seems like a lot, think about taking a yoga class. They are a great place to practice the art of deep breathing and can help in relaxing your body and keeping your mind free from the stresses of life. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now! Use Promo Code: LaborDay /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/diagnoses-treatments/relaxation-exercise/ /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sleep-newzzz/201210/yoga-can-help-insomnia /wp:paragraph
Learn moreHow much sleep do you really need?
wp:paragraph Ever seen those conflicting news articles that tell you exactly how much sleep you need? One day you need 8 hours, and another time you’re told that just 6 hours is sufficient. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So the question of the day is this: how much sleep do you REALLY need? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3559,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph The truth is; there is no magic number. Even though doctors recommend 7-8 hours of sleep per night, it’s all a matter of your lifestyle and your health because everyone functions differently. Some adults can function normally with only around 6 hours of sleep, while others may require 9 hours sleep just to get though the day. Either way, it is important to pay attention to your own needs when it comes to how much sleep you get per night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So how many hours of sleep do YOU need in order to feel well-rested throughout the day? Well there are a number of factors that can determine the number that is best for you. Here is a list of factors that may alter the amount of sleep that you may need: /wp:paragraph wp:list Your age: This is one of the biggest contributing factors that determine the amount of sleep you need. Children generally require more sleep than the average middle aged adult, but even some adults need more sleep than others, especially as they age. The older you get, the more your sleeping patterns are likely to change (for example, taking more naps and/or sleeping for shorter periods of time) it all depends on your lifestyle If you are pregnant: Needless to say, sleep becomes very important when your body is going through so many changes, like it does when you are pregnant, this is why doctors recommend a little more sleep for pregnant women than they may normally be used to. If you are already sleep deprived: Well this one is a no-brainer but if you still feel tired and unable to function throughout the day, it is best that you make sleep even more of a priority and stick to a routine every night that will help you get more shut eye and feeling well rested throughout the day. /wp:list wp:paragraph All in all, you are the only one who knows exactly how much sleep YOU need to have a happy and productive life! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our summer sale is on at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898 /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need /wp:paragraph
Learn moreAlcohol and Sleep- What you need to know
wp:paragraph If you think that just one beer or wine will help you fall asleep at night after a long day, think again. While it’s easy for people to nod off after a few drinks, alcohol actually has negative effects on your quality of sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It is estimated that over a third of adults have used alcohol as a method to help them fall asleep at least 3 times a month. Insomnia is common among many adults and there are ways to sleep easier at night without the negative effects of alcohol. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3556,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Here are four ways that alcohol can mess with your sleep: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} It can affect how deep your sleep is: rapid eye movement (or REM) is a stage of sleep where people dream. Researchers call it the “mentally restorative” state of sleep. Alcohol affects this by interfering with REM stage, so you are not getting as deep of a sleep as you would without alcohol in your system, and it has also been known to induce nightmares. This makes you feel exhausted the next day, and let’s face it, nightmares will not help you get a good night’s sleep. You will find yourself waking up frequently throughout the night: alcohol makes you feel dehydrated as it encourages the body to loose extra fluid, so you may be running to the toilet in the middle of the night a few times, which is never any fun. It makes you snore loudly, even if you have never snored before: alcohol relaxes the muscles in your body, which also means that your breathing patterns will not circulate properly, which means you are likely to snore Alcohol shortens the length of time that you sleep for: as mentioned above, that important “REM” stage of sleep that is affected when you drink will also cause you to wake up after only a few hours of sleep. As the alcohol starts to wear off, your body will easily go out of that deep sleep cycle you may think you’re getting and it will cause you to wake up easily too, thus affecting your quality of sleep /wp:list wp:paragraph The bottom line is this; alcohol should not be used as a method to fall asleep. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a drink or two at the end of a hard day, but be sure to quit a few hours before it’s time to go to sleep. See your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping and need help. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our summer sale is on at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph
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