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Sleep 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 moreProfessional Athletes with OSA
wp:paragraph We all remember Shaquille O’Neal. He is a retired basketball player and is known as one of the heaviest players to play in the NBA. His strength made him a dominant force on the basketball court and this made him a hero to many people. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What you may not know about Shaq, is that off the court, he has to deal with obstructive sleep apnea, and wears a CPAP machine to bed each night to control his breathing while he sleeps. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center"} /wp:image wp:paragraph So if you think you are the only one that has to deal with sleep apnea, you are definitely not alone. According to Christopher Winter, medical director of the Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, there are many athletes who suffer from sleep apnea, and have to take precautions in their sport. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Why you ask? Well, many athletes fit the list of contributions to the causes of sleep apnea, such as weight, having a thick neck, or having pre-existing allergies or other medical conditions. In other words, professional athletes are just as much at risk for sleep apnea as anyone else is. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Winter says that the condition can take a toll on their athletic performance, as well as their cardiovascular system, meaning they have to be extra careful and take their training very seriously. It can also throw an athlete off their regular sleep schedule, which is not good for training and overall performance. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph NFL Player Reggie White, NBA star Anthony Bennett and another NFL Player, Tony Dorset, are just a few well-known athletes who have to deal with sleep apnea in addition to their training. White, sadly, did not seek treatment in time and died in 2006, reportedly from causes related to sleep apnea. This is why seeking proper treatment for the condition is very important. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For O’Neal, however, he has said that he feels more energetic and that his quality of life has improved tremendously. It was his girlfriend who first started to believe that something was wrong and he sought treatment right away. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So if Shaq can wear the mask, so can you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our summer sale is on at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph
Learn moreOSA and Car Accidents
wp:paragraph If you think that your obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis has nothing to do with driving, think again. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Did you know that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to be involved in a car accident? A lot of this has to do with the fact that so many people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed and untreated, and as a result they feel extremely tired during the day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sleep deprivation is a cause of 100,000 car accidents each year. Your reaction time when you are sleepy is just as slow as if you were drunk. Scary, right? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3551,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Just last December, a Metro-North train in New York derailed, causing multiple injuries and four deaths. An investigation later revealed that the train engineer suffered from severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and had passed out at the time of the accident. His condition was, unfortunately undiagnosed at the time. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph This is why it is important for you to be aware of your symptoms and seek medical help if you think you are suffering from sleep apnea. Some of the effects that being sleep deprived can have on your driving are: /wp:paragraph wp:list Impaired coordination Delayed reaction times Impaired judgement Impaired your memory and ability to retain information If you have trouble focusing on the road and/or if you keep b Repeatedly yawning and rubbing your eyes Trouble keeping your head up Drifting from lane to lane Feeling restless and irritable /wp:list wp:paragraph Driving when you are sleepy is never okay, and has many repercussions with it. Recognising the signs and symptoms and being aware of your symptoms is extremely important in a proper diagnosis. It could save your life, or somebody else’s. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreThe connection between Sleep and Testosterone
wp:paragraph Testosterone: also known as the “male hormone.” It is known for stimulating the production of male sexual characteristics and is essential for building muscle mass, strength and bone density. It is naturally produced in your body. Even women are said have a little bit of testosterone (although not nearly as much compared to our male counterparts). But with that said, what does it have to do with sleep? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As hard as it may sound to believe, recent studies have revealed higher levels of testosterone result in a poor quality of sleep. In a study completed by The International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, the subjects (mostly middle-aged men) underwent a series of tests and evaluations to compare their testosterone levels with the quality of sleep. Interestingly enough, it was revealed that approximately 2/3 of the participants had moderate to severe sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3544,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Many studies done in the past have also revealed that the less amount of sleep you get, the lower your testosterone levels are. Sounds conflicting, right? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, what we have to remember is that today’s increase of prescription hormones may have a lot to do with these new findings. Eve Van Cauter, PhD, is the director of the University of Chicago Sleep, Metabolism and Health Center. She conducted the study of sleep and testosterone and said that it is very likely that there is relevance in a possible increase in testosterone prescriptions for middle aged men. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph All in all, the connection between sleep and testosterone is a balancing act. Having too much or too little can result in a poor sleep quality. So think carefully and consult a doctor if you feel you have the need for prescription testosterone. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So gentlemen, you’re no less of a man if you stick to a good sleep routine of 8 hours per night and if you leave the prescription hormones alone. Let your body do what it does naturally and you’ll be fine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our summer sale is on at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph wp:core-embed/wordpress {"url":"http://www.sleepdt.com/connection-sleep-high-testosterone/","type":"wp-embed","providerNameSlug":"sleep-diagnois-and-therapy","className":""} http://www.sleepdt.com/connection-sleep-high-testosterone/ /wp:core-embed/wordpress
Learn moreWhy a full moon may be the reason why you can’t sleep
wp:paragraph If you felt a little more tired than normal on July 13th, it’s probably because of the full moon from the night before. Seriously. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If that sounds crazy, researchers in Sweden have discovered a link between the lunar cycle and our sleep activity. Our brains are apparently more reactive whenever there is a full moon, which makes it harder for us to get to sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3541,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph In a similar study conducted a year ago in Switzerland, 47 healthy participants were observed as they slept in a window-less laboratory room on the night of a full moon. On average, it took them 5 minutes longer to fall asleep, and overall, they slept an average of 20 minutes less than they normally do. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Seeing as they were in a room without windows, it’s easy to ask how are these findings related to the moon? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The truth is that part is still up for speculation. While we tend to have more brain activity during a full moon (as mentioned above) they say more studies are needed before they can say for sure. One of the Swiss researchers, Dr. Michael Smith, has speculated that we may have an internal biological clock that follows the lunar cycle. But all of this is still up for speculation. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So next time there’s a full moon, it may be a good time to call it an early night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our summer sale is on at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://time.com/2973469/sleep-less-full-moon/ /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/struggling-to-sleep-blame-it-on-the-full-moon-1.1907537 /wp:paragraph
Learn morePregnant and Sleep Deprived? Find out Why.
wp:paragraph Congratulations, you’re expecting! For most women, pregnancy is an exciting time in your life with many new changes to come. However, your hormone levels are all over the place right now and this can have a great effect on how well you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Some of the sleep-related symptoms you may experience during pregnancy include: /wp:paragraph wp:list Insomnia: the stress of everything going on in your life, in addition to a kicking baby is not helpful for sleeping and can keep you awake at night. Restless legs: Your legs may feel tingly or achy, and it tends to strike at night time. Stretching may help relieve this. If not, have a chat with your doctor. Heartburn: a common symptom during pregnancy, but this often strikes at night and can potentially damage the esophagus while you sleep Snoring: if you didn’t snore before you were pregnant, there is a good chance that you will start when you are pregnant. Snoring is often caused by weight gain and nasal congestion, both things that are likely to occur during pregnancy /wp:list wp:paragraph Also, women who are pregnant are at higher risk of developing sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where your breathing is periodically interrupted while you sleep. It is most likely to occur in the third trimester of your pregnancy. This can pose significant risks for both you and your baby so it is important to recognise the signs and seek help when you need it. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3538,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Here are some important sleeping tips to keep in mind when you are pregnant: /wp:paragraph wp:list Make sleep a priority! Stick to the same bedtime every night and follow a routine. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day (unless your doctor advises otherwise) Sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to the fetus Avoid spicy and acidic foods in order to relieve heartburn Drink lots of fluids throughout the day Try to limit napping during the day, if you have trouble falling asleep, nap earlier in the day, or go to bed earlier If you are snoring more than normal, think about using a humidifier in your room at night to try and cut down on the nasal congestion Talk to your doctor if you are having a lot of trouble sleeping or if you think you may have sleep apnea. /wp:list
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Ten Tips for a Better Sleep this Summer
wp:paragraph There’s nothing better than those warm, relaxing summer days, but getting to sleep in the summer can be difficult. Between the hot and humid weather and vacation on our minds, it’s easy to have many sleepless nights.. Here are 10 tips for a better sleep this summer: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Create a normal bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to wind down such as having a cup of tea, taking a warm shower or bath, reading, or listening to soothing music. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even when you are on vacation. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol when it is close to bedtime. The effects can take hours to wear off and will disrupt your quality of sleep. Stay away from large meals close to bedtime. The discomfort you have from eating too much will only keep you awake at night Indulge in relaxing exercise such as yoga to help relax yourself before you sleep. Keep any vigorous activities such as running to earlier in the day, so you are not too wound up before bedtime. Associate your bed with sleeping only. Don’t use it as a couch during the day for reading or watching TV. Take one hour before you go to bed to wind down and de-stress yourself. Power down all your electronics and avoid any stressful conversations with your partner. Make this a part of your bedtime routine as mentioned in #2. Create an ideal sleeping atmosphere in your room. Ensure the room is cool enough to your preference and use earplugs and room-darkening shades if you need to. Avoid too much napping during the day as it may keep you up at night. Know when to seek help. Everyone has those nights where we can’t sleep no matter how hard we try, but if it happens consistently and it interferes with your daily life, then it’s time to see a doctor. /wp:list wp:paragraph Find the right CPAP Machine Today! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379 /wp:paragraph
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Sleep Apnea and the Middle Aged Man- What you need to know:
wp:paragraph Statistically, sleep apnea affects one in 25 middle aged men. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you find yourself in this age and gender category, it does not mean that you are doomed to get sleep apnea. It just means that you need to be more aware of your health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It is also estimated that about 82% of men with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea are not diagnosed, simply because they do not know the signs and symptoms. There are many ways to be more aware of the symptoms of sleep apnea and also how to make you less of a risk for it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph You are at greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea… /wp:paragraph wp:list If you are a smoker If you consistently have high blood pressure If you have other risk factors for heart failure or stroke If you are overweight If you snore at night If the size of your neck is large If you have a family history of obstructive sleep apnea /wp:list wp:paragraph Most people who have sleep apnea don’t know that they have it. It is usually a family member or partner who realises that their loved one is at risk for sleep apnea. This is why so many people with this condition go undiagnosed. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In order to lessen the risk of sleep apnea, some lifestyle changes you may want to think about making include: /wp:paragraph wp:list Staying active and attempting to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise program Cutting back on alcohol, smoking and other medicines that make you sleepy Sleeping on your side, instead of your back, in order to keep your airway open /wp:list wp:paragraph Most importantly, be vigilant. If you experience excessive drowsiness during the day or if you exhibit any other symptoms of sleep apnea, consult with your doctor. If you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, don’t wait to take action. Find a CPAP and mask that fits well and work to integrate it into your daily life. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Dad’s snoring keeping you up? Give Dad a PapSmart Gift Card this Father’s Day Buy a Gift Card Now! /wp:paragraph
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Can Snoring be dangerous for your health?
wp:paragraph It is commonly known how much of a nuisance snoring can be, but is it something that could be potentially dangerous to your overall health? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea, where there are repeated pauses in breathing at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A complete absence of breathing at night is referred to as an “apnea.” and a partial reduction is called a “hypopnea”. Individuals who have sleep apnea have frequent apneas and hypopneas throughout their sleep typically without knowing this is occurring although they may be told of snoring and might find their sleep non-refreshing. With sleep apnea, the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen which results in light broken sleep and over time may cause serious medical disorders including heart disease. . /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While sleep apnea can occur at any age (even children), people over 40 and people who are overweight are the most common recipients. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While loud snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, some of the other symptoms of sleep apnea include waking up with a sore or dry throat, occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, sleepiness while driving, morning headaches, restless sleep, forgetfulness, mood changes and a decreased interest in sex, recurrent awakenings or insomnia. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The two main types for sleep apnea are: /wp:paragraph wp:list Obstructive sleep apnea: where the throat muscles relax to the point where the airway closes or goes narrow, thus blocking air when you try to breathe in. When the brain senses the inability to breathe, people most often wake up when this happens in order to reopen the airway. This awakening is so brief that people often don’t remember it. Your partner may notice a choking, snorting or gasping sound when this happens. Central sleep apnea: when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. In this case, people often wake up with shortness of breath and they have trouble falling and staying asleep. People with central sleep apnea often remember the awakening. It is often caused by heart failure or a stroke. /wp:list wp:paragraph The most common treatment of this disorder is the CPAP machine, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It works by blowing a steady stream of air into the airway. The flow of air is adjusted until it’s strong enough to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is the most common treatment for adults with moderate to severe sleep apnea /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While not everyone who has sleep apnea snores, loud snoring that is followed by periods of silence is a cause for concern, especially if you wake up as a result from this. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Need a new CPAP or mask? Check out PapSmart.com – Canada’s Premier Online CPAP store." /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Learn More /wp:paragraph
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