Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep despite the opportunity. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. Both organic and non-organic insomnia constitute a sleep disorder.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year. Insomnia tends to increase with age and affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Reversing Sleep Deprivation With A Whiff Of Orexin-A

This article could appeal to the beleaguered hospital intern or student of the week during finals, both in times of the need to combat sleep deprivation. The loss of neurons that produce the hypothalamic orexin-A causes narcolepsy, and the administration of orexin-A produces excitation and increased attention.


This week, Dead Wyler et al . Further evidence that orexin-A can combat the effects of sleep deprivation. Adult rhesus monkeys were deprived of sleep for 30-36 h with a combination of video, music, sweets, soft rattling their cages, and the constant monitoring by laboratory employees. Sounds a lot like a college dormitory.


The monkeys were then tested on a delayed match - to-sample short-term memory task. Monkeys received orexin-A, in particular by intranasal spray, showed a better performance.

The differences were apparent for most experiments, as a strong strain of cognitive processes. The superiority of intranasal delivery May be useful for potential clinical applications.


"Calcium and Recruitment vesicles at the calyx of Held"

Nobutake Hosoi, Takeshi Sakaba and Erwin Neher < br>
The Journal of Neuroscience ", 26 December 2007, 27 (52)

Click here to view abstract online


Sara Harris

Society for Neuroscience

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Cause of Insomnia

Almost all experience insomnia at some point in their lives. If it is rare and short-lived, it is usually a secondary issue to another problem. A kind of insomnia, when it difficult for you to fall asleep and another is when you wake up asleep, but just after 2 or 3 hours and can not return to sleep.

The most common problems associated with this type of intermittent insomnia, pain from an injury or chronic disease, situations that increase the anxiety and situational depression.

pain from an injury or chronic condition

When the body in pain from an injury, it may be uncomfortable and difficult to fall asleep . Especially in the night, painful injuries seem vergr�ert disrupt, and the ability to sleep and / or stay asleep. Chronic diseases whose symptoms ebb and flow can disrupt sleep when symptoms flare up. Often, learning relaxation techniques, you can easily fall asleep when dealing with these symptoms. You can also detract from your mind to the pain, by going to your favorite soft music or read something Feeling anxious boring.

Situations leads to a higher level of excitement can sleep elusive. If you are worried, grieving, or find feeling anxious, stressed or not in a position to settle down, this can disrupt your normal sleep pattern. Approaches you worry about relaxing and enter into the process of grief can be at this interruption in your sleep. Biofeedback device for use at home, such as the stress emWave Eraser and you can calmly your fears by teaching how to therapeutically relax.

Situational depression is

Medication advertised as the cure for all types of depression. But sometimes depression is the appropriate response to something that happens. If you have a friend who move to a new school for your senior years, you change jobs or get a divorce are just a few examples. These are all situational events that make sense to have depression as part of the experience. But things are generally better. So, with a natural remedy for insomnia sense.

If makes more than 2 or 3 nights, where it is not the rest you need, or find experience of fighting insomnia, it is a good idea to do something about it. It is also a good idea, with an insomnia remedy, natural and non-invasive, before you become medication.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Medicare Announces Proposed Policy For Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (Cpap) Therapy For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), USA

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed to Medicare for the continuous reporting positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment to beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a result of a Type II, III or IV home to sleep Test (HST).


OSA is a condition in the period of temporary suspension of breathing (apnea) during sleep. In most cases, OSA is diagnosed by the number of sleep disorders, during a certain period. Up to 4 million Medicare beneficiaries suffer from OSA.


CPAP devices provide air pressure through a mask to the breathing during sleep passages open. Medicare current political reporting CPAP provides only for the beneficiaries, the OSA diagnosed about polysomnographischen (PSG) in a sleep laboratory setting.


"Our policy proposed that the coverage of the continuous positive airway pressure provides more options for Medicare beneficiaries and their doctors," said acting CMS Administrator Kerry Weems.


CMS also proposes to expand coverage of the CPAP under the cover with Evidence Development (CED) process for beneficiaries who are diagnosed with OSA either on a clinical evaluation alone, or on another as a diagnostic test PSG or Type II, III or IV HST. The CED under participation in a study is not required. Such investigations should be the standards in CMS 'Clinical Trial Policy.


Moreover, CMS is proposing to the current requirements for a period of at least two hours of uninterrupted sleep collected during tests, recognizing that some patients with very severe OSA is not in the able to fulfill this requirement. The proposed policy considers a positive test if the total number of sleep disorders reached over two hours, regardless of whether two hours of uninterrupted sleep occurred.


Finally, CMS proposes that all initial coverage of CPAP for OSA is limited to twelve weeks, to determine whether the recipient is on the CPAP treatment.


"The proposed policy encourages and supports the development of additional evidence to determine other means of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea," said Weems. "CMS will continue its commitment to the ongoing monitoring of the utilization of continuous positive airway pressure devices."




CMS plans for a final determination of the national reporting in March 2008. CMS invites public comments on the proposed decision, which may be found here. instructions for the submission of comments can be found here.

http://www.cms.hhs.gov

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Can Yoga Help Cure Insomnia?

People with sleep disorders are on the lookout for ways to overcome their problem, or at least some of the supporting organizations. During a visit to your doctor is a must, there are some everyday activities and habits, which also help. In most cases, you can choose one type of natural treatment. On hearing the words "natural drug for the treatment of insomnia, most people immediately think of herbs, but there is another, very useful, natural treatment - Yoga.

Yoga is a great way to stress and fewer effects of insomnia, or not be able to sleep or stay asleep at night. First regelm�ige movement, and after a vigorous regime of yoga, like Ashtanga, or power yoga, at least three times a week, can help the body to relax and drift to sleep better.

However, you must be careful to do when your yoga exercises. The exercise within three hours before bedtime can cause overactive blood flow and increased brain activity, promoting the body to stay awake, so plan your exercise early in the day.

Following the three sub-breathing techniques, yoga In general, helps with the clear head stresses of the day, and thus with sleep and relaxation. The changing nostril breathing technique called Nadi Sodhana is a wonderful way to relieve stress. It allows the body to absorb oxygen to promote positive energy and relaxation to relieve nervousness, depression and other mental and physical stress situations.

Some yoga positions were considered very effective support for the people affected by insomnia. One of them, called Happy Baby, can be in bed, they will alleviate tensions in the lumbar spine and hips, as you hug your knees or F�en while on the back.

Another very useful position is the Corpse pose, if the person lies flat on his back gently breathing - that is one of the final notes during a yoga class to give relaxation. Another is the Supported Forward Bend, where you breathe, breathe, and then turn from the hip, without the bent back, moving her head from side to side, slowly raising a knee on the chest muscle to support the release and enter a quiet feeling by the body.

For experienced participants yoga or adventurous first-timers posing in the Shoulder Stand and after the Plow also increases the blood flow to promote a restful feeling in the person by which the muscles.

Located on the ground, crossing your legs over your body and gently pull it in the other side of the body, while the breathing is a confrontation Side Twist.

All these positions encourage and train the muscles and body to respond to daily stresses and to promote a healthy body rested. Yoga promotes blood circulation, and the removal of toxins, chemicals and body stress, which can help with relaxation and ultimately with sleep. With the release of Yoga, the body is allowed to rest, which in turn means a further sleep feeling and the possibility of a cure for the problem of insomnia.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

AASM: Resolve To Get More Sleep In 2008

As we approach the new year, we also approach the new season years resolutions. But even the firmest resolutions made at the beginning of the new year, are difficult to maintain. As the year progresses, you may not have the physical energy and mental strength to your commitment for the long haul. One reason is that you may not always have the amount of sleep you need to feel your best. Making sleep your top priority in 2008 will contribute to achieving all the other goals - you have more energy, more and more feel happy and optimistic.

Ron Kramer, MD, of the Colorado Neurological Institute's Sleep Disorders Center in Englewood, Colo., admits that everything we have done, and perhaps even kept two of the most common resolutions: perception and more weight to lose. But, says Dr. Kramer, before you make these resolutions, perhaps an easier - and probably more pleasant - the solution is all that is needed to secure a three-for-one solution: The solution is to have enough sleep for the optimization of your own health.


"There is growing medical literature shows that many of us in the heutigen'24 / 7 'society is not the fundamental sleep do we need every day," says Dr. Kramer . "At the same time, there is increasing evidence from human sleep researchers, that a chronic lack of a few more hours of sleep per night can lead to serious health consequences. These consequences are an increased risk for accidents, fatigue, you are prone to depressive symptoms, or not enough energy to exercise and even chemical changes suggest that your brain to eat more and more to eat, salty and sugary foods. "


In an effort to help people realize that they do not have enough sleep in the night, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) outlines seven signs that a May need more sleep:


1 You depend on an alarm clock.


If you have enough sleep, then you should be able to wake up on time without an alarm clock. When the snooze button a couple of times before getting up is a clear sign of sleep loss.


2 You're drowsy driving.


asleep at the wheel is a sign that you are too tired. It is also dangerous. Drowsy driving is a common cause of fatal auto accidents.


3 You at the coffee pot.


A cup of coffee to start the day is not a big deal. But you should not have to drink coffee all day long to stay awake.


4 You're making mistakes.


It is difficult to focus when you are tired. They are easily distracted, and you are less likely to detect and correct errors.


5th You are forgetful.


Sleep loss may explain why you have a hard time to remember things. Otherwise, not getting enough sleep hampers your short-term memory.


6th Struggling with depression.


As tired can have a negative effect on your mood. It's more likely to feel depressed, anxious and frustrated.


7th You are sick.


Without sleep, your immune system is not at full strength. It is harder for your body in the fight against the disease.


The good news, notes Dr. Kramer is that the majority of these changes are reversible with the implementation of good sleep practices.


"Resolve to sleep and again this year, you can find that the energy in movement and self-control for the healthy diet can be more easily follow," adds Dr. Kramer.


On average, most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night to feel alert and well rested. Adolescents should be about nine hours of sleep per night, in the school-children aged between 10-11 hours in the night and children in the school, between 11-13 hours in the night.


The AASM offers the following tips on how to get a good sleep:


- Follow a consistent bedtime routine.

- Establishing a relaxed setting before bedtime.

- Get a full night sleep every night.

- You do not go to bed hungry, but do not eat a large meal before bedtime either.

- Avoid alcohol, food or drinks, which contain caffeine, and any medicine, a stimulant before bedtime.

- Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours after your bedtime.

- Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little cool.

- Get up at the same time every morning.


SleepEducation.com, a Web site created by the AASM, offers information on various sleep disorders, the forms of treatment available, recent news on the subject of sleep, sleep disorders studies, which were conducted, and a List of sleep.


AASM membership is a professional organization, working for the advancement of sleep medicine and sleep research.

http://www.aasmnet.org

Monday, December 17, 2007

Intensive Care Quality Of Sleep Improved By New Drug, Reports Study

A new depressant medication has been shown to improve sleep quality and comfort levels of intensive care patients, compared with the most commonly used drugs, according to research published in the journal JAMA .



USA and the UK researchers compared the effects of the new drug Dexmedetomidine with the commonly used sedatives lorazepam, both the pain and fear of mechanically ventilated ICU patients, which will help them to tolerate invasive procedures such as the inclusion of catheters and feeding tubes.



While routinem�ig administered Lorazepam successfully reduces discomfort, it was also associated with an increased risk of brain dysfunction, including coma and delirium, which extend patients' time in hospital and increase the chance of death.



now studies led by researchers at Vanderbilt University schools of medicine and nursing in the United States have shown that dexmedetomidine can better analgesia and sedation at the same time reducing the instances of coma and delirium.



The double-blind randomized controlled trials either dexmedetomidine or lorazepam for up to 120 hours to 106 volunteer adults mechanically ventilated ICU patients.



They noted that about 30 percent fewer patients in the group experienced Dexmedetomidine coma, and that this group also experienced an average of four more coma-free and delirium-day study on day one to 12 than those with lorazepam.



Dexmedetomidine also proved to be effective sedative, with 80 percent of the group Dexmedetomidine sedated at the desired level in the course of the trial, compared with 67% of lorazepam group.



The study, conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, builds on the pioneering work of Professor Mervyn Maze of Imperial College in London, discovered and patented the sedative and hypnotic properties of dexmedetomidine in the year 1986, while he was at Stanford University.



"This study is a very big step forward," said Professor Maze. "Although it is not a big trial, in relation to the number of patients, it shows conclusively that some sedatives have a positive effect on sleep than other ways."



doctors assume that an intensive care patient under sedation is usually about two hours of sleep, which all 24 hours. Professor Maze adds:



"Good quality sleep, both coma and delirium-free, it is of crucial importance for a patient to the intensive care unit, as we know, can increase their chances proposed before other diseases and infections, and, ultimately, their survival. The study shows that dexmedetomidine could be very good news for the very sick patients in ICU.



"After 20 years of study, and that understanding the mechanism of action and successfully predict the application, it is wonderful to have a demonstration of how the molecule actually improves patient quality of life. It is a great example of how translational medical research brings benefits to the patient. "



After the discovery of the molecular mechanism for the sedative effect in rodents, Professor Maze, in collaboration with Professor Nick Franks, of Imperial College, London, to understand how alpha-2 agonists Dexmedetomidine drugs like benzodiazepines are different from drugs such as lorazepam through studies of human volunteers.



The researchers hope that future studies measuring the quality of sleep, from ICU patients with different types of calming a better understanding of the effects of various drugs on brain dysfunction.



------------------------- ---
article adapted from Medical News Today from the original press release. ,
----------------------- -----



Source: Laura Gallagher


Imperial College London

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Short Sleep Times In Patients With Chronic Medical Diagnoses Are Associated With An Increased Risk Of Obesity - JCSM

A study in the December 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) shows a relationship between short sleep and obesity in patients with chronic medical problems.

The study examined 200 patients at the internal medicine clinic to determine sleep habits, lifestyle characteristics, and medical diagnoses.

According to the results, the subjects with short periods of sleep (less than seven hours) had a significantly increased likelihood of obesity with a body mass index of more than 30 kg/meters2 compared to the reference group of eight to nine hours. It was a U-shaped relationship between obesity and sleep time for women, that women who are not only with short and long periods of sleep were more obese. This relationship was not present in men. Other factors that predict obesity in this clinic patients, the young age (18 to 49 years), not smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea.

"Our study shows that the short sleep times have an association with obesity in adults with chronic medical problems and chronic diseases and related therapies, and / or changes in the physical activities may not the fact that relationship, "said Kenneth Nugent, MD, from Texas Tech University, head of the study. "This study suggests that adults should sleep eight to nine hours per night for optimal weight. Whether the manipulation sleep time in adults will prevent additional weight gain or weight loss easier, is unclear. This issue is a therapeutic studies in which During sleep hygiene weight loss studies. "


A strong relationship between weight and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the neck is thicker, as you gain weight. This increases the level of fat in the back of the throat, narrowing of the airways. With more fat in the throat, your airway is more likely to be blocked.

people with OSA are often obese and have a neck Size of more than 17 inches. Many people with OSA have high blood pressure.

It is estimated that four percent of men and two percent of women have OSA, and millions more remain undiagnosed.

For the first time as an option for the treatment of OSA in the year 1981 continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common and effective treatment for OSA. CPAP provides a steady stream of pressurized air to patients through a mask, that while they sleep. This airflow keeps the airway open, preventing pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea and restoring normal oxygen.

CPAP Central, a website created by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the public comprehensive, accurate and reliable information about CPAP. CPAP Central includes expanded information on OSA and CPAP, as OSA diagnosed, the function of CPAP, the benefits of CPAP and an overview of what to expect when beginning CPAP, the position of experts on CPAP and tools for success. CPAP Central also brings up an interactive presentations that the public about the warning signs of OSA.

Those who think they may have OSA, or other sleep disorders, are asked to be with their primary care physician or a sleep specialist.

, JCSM is the official publication of the AASM. It contains publications related to the clinical practice of sleep medicine, including the original manuscripts, such as clinical studies, clinical reviews, comment and debate clinical, medical economic / practice prospects in series and novel / interesting case reported.

more information on OSA is available on the AASM here.


, SleepEducation.com, , a site provided by the AASM, provides information about the various sleep disturbances, the forms of treatment available, recent news on the subject of sleep, sleep disorders studies, which have been conducted and a list of sleep.

http://www.aasmnet.org

Friday, December 14, 2007

New Pharmaceutical Approach For Sleep Disorder Treatments

The University of California, Irvine researchers have found that the chemical switch triggers the genetic mechanism to regulate our internal body clock.



The statement, which covers the specific information regarding the establishment of circadian rhythms until today identified a precise target for new drugs, the treatment of insomnia and a number of complaints. The study appears in the December 13 issue of Nature .



Paolo Sassone Corsi, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pharmacology, found that a single amino acid activates the genes that regulate circadian rhythms. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and Sassone - Corsi was surprised to find that only a single amino acid activates the body clock mechanism, because the complex genes involved.



"Because the triggering action is so specific, it seems a perfect target for the links, the regulation of this activity," said Sassone - Corsi. "It is always amazing to see how molecular control is so precise in biology."



Circa Diane rhythms of the body inner-time tracking system, the expected changes in the environment and adapt to a given time of day. They regulate a variety of body functions, from the sleep patterns and hormonal control on metabolism and behavior. About 10 percent to 15 percent of all human genes are circadian rhythms. This rhythm disturbances can have profound impact on the human health and has been linked to insomnia, depression, heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.



CLOCK The gene and its partners BMAL1 trigger circadian rhythms. Sassone - Corsi and his research team discovered last year that CLOCK functions as an enzyme that is altered chromatin, the protein architecture of a cell DNA.



In this current study, which Sassone Corsi team learned that a single amino acid in the BMAL1 protein through an amendment resolves that the genetic chain of events associated with circadian rhythms.



Sassone Corsi-points out that if these amino acid change is impaired in any way, the switching mechanism can be thrown out, which is the genetic basis of circadian rhythm-related with complaints. Currently Sassone Corsi-antibody tests, the target group of these BMAL1 amino acids.



----------------------------< Br> article adapted from Medical News today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



Jun Hirayama , Saurabh Sahar, Benedetto Grimaldi and Yasukazu Nakahata UC Irvine, and Teruya Tamaru and Ken Takamatsu of Toho University in Tokyo in the study, support for Cancer Research Coordinating Committee of the University of California and the National Institutes of Health.



About the University of California, Irvine: The University of California at Irvine is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing campus of the University of California, with more than 27000 primary and graduate students and about 1800 professors. The zweitgr�te employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $ 3.7 billion.



Source: Tom vasich


University of California - Irvine

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

News From The Journal Chest

Blood pressure decreased compliance with CPAP ,



A new study suggests that patients with obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure could benefit from good continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment compliance. Researchers from Spain monitored the blood pressure of 55 patients with obstructive sleep apnea for 24 hours before and after CPAP treatment CPAP treatment. They noted that the long-term CPAP therapy reduces blood pressure modestly in the whole group, patients who initially higher blood pressure and good CPAP agreement marked drop in blood pressure. This study is published in the December issue of the journal Chest .



Oral Predisolone Preferred for the treatment of COPD Exacerbations ,



New research from the Netherlands to suggest oral prednisolone that is as effective in the treatment of COPD exacerbations as intravenous counterpart. Prednisolone, which is a corticosteroid, was on 435 hospitalized patients, 107 received the drug intravenously and 103 he received orally. More than 1 week, researchers found improvement in the health and spirometry related to the quality of life for both groups. The study's conclusion that the two treatments are equally effective, but because of the method of administration, oral prednisolone is preferable. This study is published in the December issue of the journal Chest .



Predictors and prevalence of daytime Hypercapnia ,



Hypercapnia is a condition in which a person experiences a person involved carbon dioxide in the blood. In a new study, Japanese researchers studied the prevalence of daytime hypercapnia by patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a sleep clinic and was polysomnographischen. Of the 1227 patients in the study, 14% exhibited during the day hypercapnia, and all of these patients had a significantly higher body mass index and apnea-hypopnea index. Researchers also found that after 3 months CPAP therapy, daytime hypercapnia was corrected in 51% of patients. This study is published in the December issue of the journal Chest .



----------------------------< Br> article adapted from Medical News today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



Source: Amy Jenkins


American College of Chest Physicians

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Beyond The Abstract Effect Of Tolterodine On Sleep Structure Modulated By CYP2D6 Genotype

UroToday.com-Our new study1 presented a novel genotyping analysis of the data in the two previous studies on the effect of tolterodine on sleep in healthy sleepers2, 3 In previous studies, we have a significant reduction of REM sleep, when the single dose of tolterodine compared to placebo2. This effect was particularly pronounced in healthy volunteers aged 50 years3 compared to young healthy volunteers.

The new study with the aim to investigate whether tolterodine impact on the structure of sleep could be further explained by another CYP2D6 metabolizer. To this end, we pooled data from the two earlier studies in a retrospective analysis, and were able to use 44 volunteers in total. Analysis for the CYP2D6 alleles 3, 4, 5, 6 and the reproduction. We found 19 extensive metabolizer with two active alleles of CYP2D6, 20 intermediate metabolizers a defective allele, 4 poor metabolizers with two alleles defective, and a ultrareapid metabolizer with a CYP6D2 gene duplication, combined with a wild type allele.
>
The analysis showed a significant reduction in REM sleep duration in the group with one or more defective alleles (ie, in the intermediate and poor metabolizers). Additionally, in the poor metabolizers all 4 subjects showed a reduction of REM sleep. The clinical significant reduction in REM sleep in the sub-group could explain some of the reported side effects such as drowsiness, although no significant differences between the groups in the context of this subjective sleep parameters were observed. We must admit that our subgroup analysis suffers from the small sample size and limits of the interpretation of our results somewhat. To have enough poor metabolizers a much gr�ere study would be required, and only then conclusions could be drawn if the metabolizer status can be conclusively explain the side effect of sleepiness in patients with tolterodine.


1 References Diefenbach K, K Jaeger, Wollny A, Penzel T, Fietze I, Roots I. effect of tolterodine on sleep modulated structure of CYP2D6 genotype. Sleep Medicine (2007) doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2007.07.019 (Articles in the press).



2 Diefenbach K, F Donath, Maurer A, Quispe Bravo S, Wernecke KD, Schwantes U, Hazel Mann J, Roots I. randomized, double-blind study on the effects of oxybutynin, tolterodine, trospium chloride and placebo on sleep in healthy young volunteers. Drug Clin Invest 23: 395-404 (2003) .



3 Diefenbach K, Arold G, Wollny A, Schwantes U, Hazel Mann J, Roots I. effects on the sleep of anticholinergics for overactive bladder treatment in healthy volunteers aged > = 50 years. BJU International 95: 346-349 (2005).


Written by Constance
Diefenbach, MD, Katrin Jaeger, MD, Agnes Wollny, MD, Thomas Penzel, MD , Ingo Fietze, MD, and Ivar Roots, MD, as part of the Beyond the summary at UroToday.com. This initiative provides a way for the publication of the professional Urology. writers are a possibility on the circumstances, restrictions, etc.. . your research by referencing the published abstract.


Link to full Abstract


, UroToday - the only urology website with original content by global urology key opinion leaders active in clinical practice.


To access the latest press releases of Urology UroToday go to:
, www.urotoday.com

----------------------------< Br> Copyright � 2007- UroToday
Reproduced for Medical News Today with the permission of UroToday .
-------------------------- --

Monday, December 10, 2007

Getting Enough Sleep Will Make The Holidays More Enjoyable For Everyone

During the holiday season, it is easy to get caught in the bustle of hanging up decorations, shopping, packing presents, cooking and hosting. Due to the limited time to all these activities, many people feel that they want to buy more time by less time in bed. To make this an enjoyable season, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) encourages people to not allow any hassle at a damper on a good sleep.

Alejandro D. Chediak, MD, AASM president, says that our sleep patterns can be affected in other ways during this time of year. For example, we stay up late visiting with the family and friends that we might not have seen in a long time. Many people travel
During the holidays, which disrupts their normal sleep schedule. Travel in an airplane over several time zones can be Jet Lag, which can in turn cause daytime sleepiness.

The Christmas period is known to a lot of stress on people. One of the best ways to prevent the stress of the holidays is always the best of you is to plan ahead, "says Dr. Chediak.


" To best enjoy the holiday season, and anticipate the budget needed additional time to make your holiday "to do", "says Dr. Chediak." Getting an early start and make a little every day to save time and stress. Delay your 'to do' list until the last minute possible, not only leads to sleep loss, but also contends with severe road and gr�er And aggressive crowds in the shops. "


Recent studies show that sleep loss may interfere with the functioning of the day, increase the risk of diabetes, contributes to obesity, strain relations and lead to depression. The simplest measure of protection can take is that always an adequate amount of nightly sleep, says Dr. Chediak.


Dr. Chediak offers these suggestions for a better sleep during the holiday season:


-Take They take the time to relax. Even if you have a lot to do, allow you to stop at a certain point in the evening. your brain time to wind before bedtime will help you better.


- Keep your sleep quality in the timetable. Maintain an regelm�ige bedtime and wake-up time. other regelm�ige rituals, like a warm bath, a snack or a few minutes to read can help.


Plan for the holidays. take time earlier in the day to wrap presents, decorating the house, plan your holiday menu and similar tasks. course, write the "appointment" in your daily planner.


- If you are sleepy while driving, pull off at a rest area and a short nap, preferably 15-20 minutes.


-Do not eat heavy meals before bedtime. This could lead to heartburn or discomfort, which prevents you from sleeping or severely disrupt your sleep.


-Love eggnog? Avoid too much alcoholic eggnog or coffee in the evening holiday parties. alcohol and caffeine inhibits can your normal sleep pattern.


Those who think that they may have a sleep disorder are asked to be with their primary care physician or a sleep specialist.


AASM is a professional membership organization dedicated to the promotion of sleep medicine and sleep disturbances connected with the research.


American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Are Herbal Remedies The Answer To Insomnia?

Grandpa, more and more people suffer from insomnia begin worry about the dangers of taking drugs to solve their problems. You can understand that many insomnia drugs have dangerous side effects, while others until the end of May to addictive or habit forming.

For this reason there is a growing search for natural insomnia remedies, including herbal remedies. Herbal medicines are a safe option in the search for a comfortable natural way to help, to put an end to suffering from insomnia. Natural Products a non-addictive way to control that the imbalance between your body can experience by many different factors.

These environmental factors can play a big part of the problems of the disturbed sleep patterns. Or a hormonal imbalance can add to the tension, or the beginning of the renewal of passion not sleep well, in some cases for a short time or over a longer period of time, sometimes for months or even years. Insomnia, if an imbalance in the hormonal issues can be any number of disorders in the nervous system.

Before actually also in terms of herbal remedies (or any type of corrective measures), it's a good your idea to know your body and his first problems. Consultation with a doctor can help to understand the answers, if the reason for the insomnia is based on stress, or if your body is trying to tell you there is a shortage in some regions.

It is also necessary to add any herbal remedies you are contemplating with a good, healthy diet. After a balanced diet of healthy food, rich in vitamins and minerals, but low fat and sugar, can help the body to main content of a constant blood sugar level to normalize the body and promote sleep. Interactions with a multi-vitamin rich in calcium and magnesium each day helps the body to combat everyday stress and the immune system to strengthen. Detoxification, to purge the body of toxins that many present, is a good start to a healthier body.

Once you know your body and your balanced diet, you can add to your herbal remedies, and you can be sure that they do much better work. Melatonin, for example, is a non-habit natural sleep aid, which helps the body to produce serotonin, the body in the bedroom-to cycle. Lysine, in tea or in pill form to promote calm and reassuring to come. St. John's wort helps to combat the feeling of depression that can promote insomnia, and is easy to take tea, capsules or vegetable mixtures. Passion Flower, called Passiflora, relieves anxiety and nervousness, so that the body back in the state of relaxation to promote sleep. Melissa Officinalis also known as Lemon Balm can provide a reassuring feeling has excellent remedial measures properties and helps to lower blood pressure.

As you have seen, there are many different herbal products, which can be very beneficial aid Certain types of insomnia. However, as with any medication (and herbs as a cure insomnia are just that, although they are natural medicines), it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a herbal treatment of insomnia, especially if you are taking any other medication or are pregnant, .

Friday, December 7, 2007

Getting Enough Sleep Will Make The Holidays More Enjoyable For Everyone

During the holiday season, it is easy to get caught in the bustle of hanging up decorations, shopping, packing presents, cooking and hosting. Due to the limited time to all these activities, many people feel that they want to buy more time by less time in bed. To make this an enjoyable season, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) encourages people to not allow any hassle at a damper on a good sleep.

Alejandro D. Chediak, MD, AASM president, says that our sleep patterns can be affected in other ways during this time of year. For example, we stay up late visiting with the family and friends that we might not have seen in a long time. Many people travel
During the holidays, which disrupts their normal sleep schedule. Travel in an airplane over several time zones can be Jet Lag, which can in turn cause daytime sleepiness.

The Christmas period is known to a lot of stress on people. One of the best ways to prevent the stress of the holidays is always the best of you is to plan ahead, "says Dr. Chediak.


" To best enjoy the holiday season, and anticipate the budget needed additional time to make your holiday "to do", "says Dr. Chediak." Getting an early start and make a little every day to save time and stress. Delay your 'to do' list until the last minute possible, not only leads to sleep loss, but also contends with severe road and gr�er And aggressive crowds in the shops. "


Recent studies show that sleep loss may interfere with the functioning of the day, increase the risk of diabetes, contributes to obesity, strain relations and lead to depression. The simplest measure of protection can take is that always an adequate amount of nightly sleep, says Dr. Chediak.


Dr. Chediak offers these suggestions for a better sleep during the holiday season:


-Take They take the time to relax. Even if you have a lot to do, allow you to stop at a certain point in the evening. your brain time to wind before bedtime will help you better.


- Keep your sleep quality in the timetable. Maintain an regelm�ige bedtime and wake-up time. other regelm�ige rituals, like a warm bath, a snack or a few minutes to read can help.


Plan for the holidays. take time earlier in the day to wrap presents, decorating the house, plan your holiday menu and similar tasks. course, write the "appointment" in your daily planner.


- If you are sleepy while driving, pull off at a rest area and a short nap, preferably 15-20 minutes.


-Do not eat heavy meals before bedtime. This could lead to heartburn or discomfort, which prevents you from sleeping or severely disrupt your sleep.


-Love eggnog? Avoid too much alcoholic eggnog or coffee in the evening holiday parties. alcohol and caffeine inhibits can your normal sleep pattern.


Those who think that they may have a sleep disorder are asked to be with their primary care physician or a sleep specialist.


AASM is a professional membership organization dedicated to the promotion of sleep medicine and sleep disturbances connected with the research.


American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Childhood Sleep-disordered Breathing Disproportionately Affects Obese And African-Americans

As the obesity epidemic grows in the United States, doctors discover more and more far-reaching health concern for overweight children. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), the various behaviors sleep, in the severity of snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), unverheltnism�ig severely affected are children, obesity and African-Americans, according to a new study in the December 2007 issue of , neck, nose and Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery . Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be serious threats to health, including high blood pressure and increased risk for heart disease.



researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond studied 299 children aged 2 to 18 years old. The main study group consisted of children scheduled to undergo adenotonsillectomy for the treatment of SDB. The control group consisted of children presenting to a primary care clinic for children and the child, to visit randomly selected dates.



Each child was to chart the demographic data, the age, sex, race / ethnicity, height and weight. Body mass index is calculated from the height and weight of each child.



The results showed that 46 percent of the children for surgery for SDB were overweight, compared with 33 percent in the control group. This ratio is much less than would be expected in the general population, where obesity in children with SDB would occur about ten times more likely than obesity in the general population children. One possible explanation for the small proportion of obesity in children with SDB compared to controls is that there may be a lack of awareness of the links between obesity and SDB between primary health care and caregivers.



The results also showed that children who are African-Americans and have SDB were more obese.



"The need to promote awareness of the association between SDB and obesity, particularly in African American children and adolescents, including teachers, nurses, elementary school care providers, and the general public enough stress, "said study lead author Emily F. Rudnick, MD.



authors noted that, in general, there is a complex role that race and ethnicity play in the prediction of obesity and SDB, and encouraged further research into this issue of public health.



----------------------------< Br> article adapted from Medical News today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



neck Nose - Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery is the official scientific journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO - HNS). The authors of the study are Emily F. Rudnick, MD, Jonathan S. Walsh, BS, Mark C. Hampton, PhD, and Ron B. Mitchell, MD.



, over the AAO - HNS ,



The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org ), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, more than 12000 physicians and allied health professionals specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy offers its members by facilitating the promotion of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by the representatives of the specialty in governmental and social issues. The organization's mission is: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."



Source:

Jessica Mikulski

American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

Monday, December 3, 2007

Short, Long Sleep Duration Raises The Risk For Diabetes

The most common factors believed to contribute to diabetes are in a decrease in the amount of physical activity and access to highly processed foods palatable. However, there are more and more indications that another aspect of our modern way of life, short duration of sleep, is also a contribution to the diabetes epidemic. "

The study, by James E. Gangwisch, PhD, from Columbia University in New York, explores the relationship between sleep duration and the diagnosis of diabetes about one of eight to 10-year follow-up period between 1982 and 1992 among 8992 subjects participated, in the epidemiological follow-up Studies of the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The subjects' age of 32 to 86 years.

According to the results, subjects who reported insomnia five or fewer hours and subjects who reported insomnia nine or more hours were significantly more, complaining about the incident diabetes follow-up period, as volunteers , which reported seven hours sleep, even after taking into account the variables as physical activity, depression, alcohol consumption, ethnicity, education, marital status, age, obesity and hypertension in history.

The effect of short-term sleep on diabetes incidence is likely related in part to the influence of short-term sleep on body weight and high blood pressure, said Dr. Gangwisch. Experimental studies have shown that sleep deprivation to reduce glucose tolerance and compromise insulin sensitivity by increasing sympathetic nervous system activity, the increase in the evening cortisol and decreasing cerebral glucose utilization. The increasing burden on the pancreas of insulin resistance can, over time, compromise β - cell function and leads to type two diabetes, warned Dr. Gangwisch.

"If short sleep duration functions to increase insulin resistance and reduce glucose tolerance, then interventions, the amount and improving the quality of sleep could possibly as a primary treatment and preventive measures for diabetes" said Dr. Gangwisch.


It is not known how long sleep duration of diabetes, although increased time in bed to compensate for poor sleep quality is a possible explanation, said Dr. Gangwisch.

Recent estimates show that at least 171 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, and that by the year 2030, this number is projected to double.

Lawrence Epstein, MD, medical director of the Sleep Health Center, an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, a past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), and a member of the AASM Board of Directors, said that this study is one of several large studies have shown that people who do not get enough, sleep higher diabetes.

"The restriction on four hours of sleep per night for only a few days causes abnormal glucose metabolism, which is on the mechanism for the increase in diabetes in sleep deprived individuals," says Dr. Epstein. "In addition, sleep disorders, sleep disturbance, such as obstructive sleep apnea, including the likelihood of developing diabetes. Treatment of sleep disorders improved glucose metabolism and diabetes. These studies underscore the fact that sleep is integral to good health."


On average, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested. Young people should sleep about nine hours per night, in the school-children aged between 10-11 hours per night and children in preschool and between 11-13 hours per night.

The AASM offers the following tips on how to get a good sleep:

-effects of a consistent bedtime routine.
- creation of a relaxed setting before bedtime.
- Get a complete sleep every night.
- Avoid food or drinks, caffeine, and all the medicines, a stimulant before bedtime.
- not go to bed hungry, but do not eat a large meal before bedtime either.
- Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime
-Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little cool.
- Get in the same time every morning.

, SLEEP is the official journal of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, a joint venture of the AASM and the Sleep Research Society.

SleepEducation.com, a patient education site created by the AASM, provides information about the various sleep disorders, the forms of treatment available, recent news on the subject of sleep, sleep disorders study, which has been carried out and a list of sleep.

http://www.aasmnet.org

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Uncovered: The Causes Of Insomnia

Nien is a sleep disorder, caused by problems in falling asleep, difficulty in staying asleep.

If you are an insomniac You are not alone, there are millions of people worldwide suffer from insomnia And it is a condition that tends to be worse in older people than in younger.

The three types of insomnia:

1 - Temporary insomnia - this is a temporary insomnia, you may suffer for a night or for a week or so.
2-Acute insomnia - that is, if you are not able to sleep well for a period between three weeks and six months.
3 - Chronic insomnia - this is the most serious type of nocturnal insomnia and continue for a long time.

insomnia can:

1-stress, anxiety, fear, any kind of psychological tensions
2-stimulants such as drugs, alcohol, caffeine and smoking
3-Hormonal changes
4-depression, or any kind of mental illness
5-Medical conditions, as sleep apnea, and other Hypo
6-eberm�ige of insomnia drugs can cause a rebound insomnia and then
7-Parasomnie - including nightmares and sleepwalking

If your insomnia is getting to the point that it is in your daily work by the extreme exhaustion, you need to seek help and to the bottom of the cause.

To treat insomnia need to treat the cause. Taking drugs insomnia is not the cause resolve and may lead to more problems.

relying on sleeping tablets to rest, you represent that you may always physically dependent on the medication leads to withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking the medication.

Psychologisch also, the sleeping tablets can lead to a dependency when you start to focus on the drugs and can not accept that you sleep without drugs.

Are there natural resources you can use to help you sleep is not addictive but you can still end up with a psychological problem is not in a position to accept that you can sleep without the medication.

knowledge of natural medicines for a short time can help to the habit of sleep, as long as you are sure to accept that you will be able to sleep without it, if you take them .

How Stress is a major factor in causing insomnia, it is important to try to deal with stress in a better way. There is a lot of stress management books and courses available, and if you are on top of the stress in your life, then it will make a big difference, as you sleep.

If you go to bed stressed, your mind is not in a position to rest. They lie in bed thinking about the stressful situation over and over the prevents you from sleeping. If you fall asleep in your opinion is still active, and you are not in a position to a deep sleep.

It is important to relax, before sleep, so that a deep level of sleep.

They can help you relax by practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga, which also help you to deal with your stress more effectively.

 
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