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.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Ethnic Differences In Sleep Quality And Blood Pressure Studied

In the United States, African-Americans have higher blood pressure and a gr�ere risk of high blood pressure than whites. In addition, African-Americans report poor sleep quality and have a smaller nocturnal blood pressure than whites, a phenomenon called blood pressure "dipping."



"These ethnic difference in the blood pressure dipping may explain why African Americans are a gr�ere risk of high blood pressure," says Dr. Joel Hughes, Kent State assistant professor of psychology " , as a small step in nighttime blood pressure was associated with an increased Left Ventricular Mass and wall thickness in the heart. "



In this month the issue of American Journal of Hypertension Hughes and his colleagues are exploring the possibility that sleep may contribute to the quality of ethnic differences in blood pressure dipping. They noted that African American students, in comparison to whites, spent less time in bed, slept for a shorter time and took longer to fall asleep. Thus, ethnic differences in the quality of sleep seemed to accompany ethnic differences in blood pressure diving procedures; Whether it is not shown that these differences in the quality of sleep causes ethnic differences in nocturnal blood pressure.



"Obviously, more research is needed," says Hughes. "There are too few studies on ethnic differences in sleep, and the importance of sleep for health is increasingly recognized."



----------------------------< Br> Article adapted from Medical News Today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



Source : Melissa Edler


Kent State University

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Sleep Diagnosis In One´s Own Bed

A multisenorial outpatient sleep system for the diagnosis of neurological diseases of the respiratory tract and is currently in the framework of a research cooperation. The system allows for a medical examination sleep. Through the use of wireless data transfer, the patient mobility and the comfort, it will be considerably improved. The pilot study for this purpose in autumn 2007 in a sleep laboratory. Several signal concentrators, the components for the wireless data transmission and the acquisition of the signals, based on the patient. The system covers 14 signals (of the DGSM Sleep-German Society for the fixed network), and allows for a much wider range of testing in the outpatient area than in the past. In addition to the overnight stay in the sleep lab, which reached scope of the audit provides a compelling outpatient diagnosis, and for the symptoms unclear. The wireless connection of the concentrators improves patient mobility and thus sleep comfort during the examination. Therefore, test results are realistic. The sensors are installed before going to sleep. The installation is powered by a user guide and can be used by the patient him-/herself or a helper for some instructions from the doctor. This system is also suitable for the realization of other medical studies sleep like daytime sleepiness in the professional drivers.

Fraunhofer IPMS

Maria Reiche-Str. 2

http://www.ipms.fraunhofer.de

Monday, October 29, 2007

Can't Sleep? Sleep Expert Has The Answers

Where ever wondered why you are tired during the day, if you thought you sleep at night? Why your spouse snores so much? Sleep, whether your problems could be related to other health issues? Dr. Aparajitha Verma, neurologist with the Sleep Disorders Center at the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, Texas, is here to answer those questions and help you, a good night's sleep.

, Q & A ,


, Q: How do I know if I have problems with severe sleep? ,


A: If you do not fall asleep within 30 minutes lying if you eberm�igen daily fatigue, or if you sleep seven or more hours and still wake up tired, you perhaps a sleeping bag disorder. We recommend people with these symptoms undergoing an overnight sleep study at a center, the accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as our center in the Methodist.

, F: My spouse says to me, I loud snoring or I sometimes stop breathing during the night. What could be the cause? ,


A: Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which, if untreated, can be life threatening. If an overnight sleep study results in a diagnosis of sleep disorders, we follow the philosophy that the patient should be the opportunity to choose. For example, good candidates for the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat patients with sleep-disordered breathing disorders break upper airway resistance syndrome, OSA, and central sleep apnea. The C-FLEX with CPAP is a good option for patients who breathes a hard time or complain that "air is always stuck in my chest or neck."

, F: I sleep all night and wake up in the morning tired. Sometimes I even fall asleep at work or, even worse, while I was driving. What am I doing wrong? ,


A: This could be a sign of narcolepsy, or OSA, which is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain is unable to regulate sleep cycles - to normal. In some patients with narcolepsy also experience cataplexy, which is a state with loss of muscle function, ranging from slight weakness (such slackness in the neck or knee, sagging facial muscles, or the inability to speak clearly) to the body to collapse.


, Q: If I see a sleep disorder, I am at a higher risk for other health problems? ,


A: People with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, leading to a higher risk for stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, also known as "mini-strokes"), coronary artery disease , heart failure, unregelm�iger heartbeat, heart attack and high blood pressure. Although there is no cure for sleep apnea, successful treatment may reduce the risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

, Q: Is there a connection between sleep deprivation and weight gain? ,


A: The risk of weight gain increased the number of hours a person sleeps every night. If you sleep less than six hours a night, you are 50% more likely than someone overweight who is sleeping seven to eight hours per night. Two hormones play a role in weight management. Leptin is associated with appetite and ghrelin It was noted that an appetite stimulant. During sleep deprivation, leptin and ghrelin levels are rising, which leads to increased appetite.

, Q: What are a few tips I can follow to help me sleep better? ,


: I say that the patient good "sleep hygiene" is just as important as diet and exercise: ,

-- sleep in a quiet, dark environment, and the thermostat to a slightly cooler temperature


-- Do not allow pets in bed


-- No reading, eating or TV in bed


-- Do not o'clock hour


-- Set a "wind" before bed time
< br> -- Do not take over the counter sleep aids, how can they disrupt sleep stages instead, try drinking tea or milk is heated to increase your body temperature, which helps to induce and maintain sleep

-- Exercise is good for sleep, but not within two hours to go to sleep


About the Methodist Neurological Institute ,


The Methodist Neurological Institute (NI) houses the practice and research activities of the departments of neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neurophysiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation at The Methodist Hospital. The mission of the NI is the discovery of the causes, mechanisms and treatment of neurological disorders and a comprehensive care for patients with disorders and injuries in the brain and spinal cord.

Methodist is primarily in conjunction with Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital. Methodist is also in conjunction with the University of Houston. Methodist is the country a place among the leading centers in 14 specialties in U.S News & World Report's 2007 America's Best Hospitals. Methodist is in place more than any other specialty hospital in Texas, and is the 9th In the nation for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Methodist Hospital, Houston

6565 Fannin St.

Houston, Tx 77030

United States

http://www.methodisthealth.com

Friday, October 26, 2007

Oral Surgery Can Reduce CPAP Needs In Patients With Sleep Apnea

A procedure known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) can help some patients to improve or even eliminate their obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study. The research at CHEST 2007, the 73rd Annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), says the procedure, which removes excess tissue in the throat or mouth to the respiratory tract, the amount of treatment needed by patients with OSA. In addition, researchers say UPPP can also completely eliminate OSA in some patients.



"continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, is a well-established treatment for sleep apnea," said lead study author Akram Khan, MD, Assistant Professor at the University of Florida Jacksonville " and while most patients tolerate it well, some are not in a position to Tolerate or not, and patients should be alternative ways of treatment. "



To determine whether UPPP the improvement in sleep quality parameters, Dr. Khan and his colleagues from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, evaluated the success of the procedure in 63 patients aged between 18 and 80, with OSA, over a period of 7 years. All patients were treated with UPPP polysomnographischen and were in a period of 6 months before and after the procedure.



The results showed that OSA UPPP removed in about a quarter and a third of patients, depending on the definition of success. Those who experienced residual value OSA CPAP and again, the setting was necessary CPAP moderately lower. In addition, the researchers reported that UPPP also reduces the mean apnea-hyponea index in patients.



"The apnea-hyponea index basically tells us the number of times a patient with sleep apnea stops breathing per hour," says Dr. Khan. "We have noticed that the surgical procedure reduces patient apenic (nonbreathing) episodes by more than half." According to Dr. Khan, UPPP, an improvement of oxygen, and other parameters of sleep, as well as.



In the 1981 first described UPPP was widely used with different results. Although researchers are not clear what characteristics make the ideal candidate UPPP, they suggest that patients with mild OSA, the still relatively young, slim and healthy, have the best results with this procedure. Researchers also believe that a decrease in the CPAP requirements would likely improve compliance in patients who do not have their OSA fully resolved.



"Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk for other diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, among other things," said Alvin V. Thomas, Jr., MD, FCCP, President of American College of Chest Physicians. "Patients and doctors must work together to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and to determine what kind of treatment is best suited."



----------------------------< Br> Article adapted from Medical News Today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



CHEST 2007 is the 73rd Annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians, between 20 and 25 October in the Chicago, IL. ACCP represents 17,000 members, the patient care in the areas of pulmonary and critical care medicine and sleep in the United States and throughout the world. The ACCP's mission is to promote the prevention and treatment of diseases of the chest through leadership, education, research and communication. For more information about the ACCP, please visit the website at ACCP http://www.chestnet.org/



Source: Deana Busche




American College of Chest Physicians

Thursday, October 25, 2007

15 Simple Tips for Dealing With Insomnia

It is the way to help you sleep better, or dealing with the fact that you are, in fact, have insomnia, here is a list of things to do or to think in terms of your insomnia: < br />


Less caffeine

you may not realize how powerful this substance, but it will always be your brain runs the whole night.



massage

It is not all fantasy, but a nice rubdown from your partner might just be what you need to feel at ease.



Check in with your doctor

If your sleep disorders for more than a week, it could be responsible for some medical advice on the next course of action.



Relax!

It might be easier said than done, but do not let the weight of the world on his shoulders. Weekly, the head to bed, and then save the worry for the daylight.



Stop Toy late into the night

If you feel hungry after dinner, then try a piece of fruit or a glass of water. But try to cover all of it at least three hours before going to sleep. It makes your body a chance to check the food properly in the time for you to rest.



You are not alone

It may comfort you to know that millions of people around the world struggling with some form of sleep disorder. It is a common occurrence. But



Do not write your problem as nothing!

While others share your nocturnal restlessness, this does not mean that it is healthy. Find the right outlets to ensure that you have a good night of eight hours of sleep.



Stop taking Siesta

Sometimes the power nap is all you fits, but you do more harm than good in a long time. Your body must complete rest, including rapid eye movement. You can not achieve that end in 20 minutes eyes.



let the TV or radio

Many people have the feeling that they just sleep with background noise, but it is extremely disruptive to sleep patterns. Unless it is very reassuring, low volume music, it is highly discouraged.



Aromatherapy

It is fast, painless, and very pleasant. Breathe in a nice s�en odor on your sheet to weigh direct you to sleep.



Full main tasks of the time

clutter in your life can provide a tidy mind, which will certainly keep you in the night. Completion important things during the day, so you can rest easy and a new start in the morning.



meditation

This will not only help clear the mental disorder, but it will also bring your body to a relaxed state, and you will be more the rest comfortably.



Turn distraction

Simple things like closing the door or the wearing ear plugs or blinders can make a big difference, and allow external forces impact your sleep.



Try mattress / bedding

Perhaps your sleep problems are compounded by a clot or old mattress and some coarse leaves. It's all about the soft bedding.



discontinuation of the drug itself techniques

If you popping Over the counter sleep aids on a regelm�igen base, it's time to call it ended. This is not a healthy dealing with insomnia, and may your symptoms overall.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

How To Get Adequate Sleep - 5 Tips To Beat Insomnia!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Genes Responsible For Sleepy Feelings

Genes responsible for the 24 o'clock hour body affect not only the timing of sleep, but also appear to be of crucial importance for the proper remedial measures process of sleep, according to research in the online Open Access journal BMC Neuroscience . The study identifies changes in the brain, leading to a greater desire and need to sleep during the time awake.



"We still do not know why we benefit from their sleep, or why we believe that when we are tired" missing "sleep, but it seems likely that sleep serves some basic biological function of the brain, such as energy for the restoration of brain cells and memory consolidation. , "explains Dr. Bruce O'Hara of the University of Kentucky, a neuroscientist who led the research. "We have noticed that clock gene in the brain is highly correlated with the development of the sleep debt, while the earlier results, these genes to energy metabolism. Together, this supports the idea that a function of sleep is associated with energy metabolism. "



To the connection between the expression of clock genes and sleeping, 03 inbred strains of mice with different genetic tests were used, and the previously demonstrated differ in their response to sleep deprivation from lead author, Dr. Paul Franken of Stanford University and the University of Lausanne. In this study, mice were first deprived of sleep during the day time mice normally sleep then recovery sleep. Changes in gene expression for genes were three in the whole brain during the two phases. Clock gene generally increased the more the mice were kept awake and went to sleep if allowed, the support that these genes play a role in regulating the need for sleep. Generally, the expression of genes-hour period - Period 1 and 2, increased at a faster mouse strains with the poorest quality of recovery sleep that the detailed dynamic changes in the expression May underlying individual differences in sleep duration and quality of sleep. The changes in gene expression were also shown that in many different brain regions support the idea that sleep is a global brain.



A handful of genes as period - Period 1 and 2 were previously based on our circadian rhythms (behavior and physiology, a 24-hour cycle). The big advantage of circadian rhythms is that the animals and plants to forecast and prepare for the regelm�ige changes in the environment. The anticipatory rise of the clock-gene may be, at the molecular level, an animal in the preparation for the activity. Variations in May clock genes underlying rhythmic characteristics affect our preferred wake-up time, but the clock genes' role in the direct regulation of sleep, as in this study, may also influence sleep duration and human performance with different amounts of sleep . The research could also help shed light on the biology of mood disorders, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or bipolar disorder, which appear in connection with both sleep and circadian rhythms.



----------------------------< Br> Article adapted from Medical News Today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



article : A non

role for the circadian clock genes in sleep homeostasis: a burden compared

Paul Franken, Ryan Thomason, H. Craig Heller and Bruce O'Hara F

, BMC Neuroscience , (in press)



All articles are available, free of charge, according to BioMed Central Open Access. Click here to access the published article.



Source: Charlotte Webber




BioMed Central

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Get Rid of Insomnia Expeditiously: No Muss, No Fuss

If you are sick and tired to stay for hours, lie in bed and try to finally drift into a deep sleep, and there are ways to go about fixing the problem quickly and easily.

attempt to combat insomnia is all about, in the right frame of mind. The main thing is to begin, with a strong dose of positivity, and the rest will be in the right position. It may seem like a difficult thing for the free spirit of fear and stress, but once you realize it is necessary in order to liberate your life, the sleepless nights, then try very hard to overcome.

First and foremost, you should own up to the fact that you actually sleep. Something in your life you can prevent quietly lie in your bed and gently doze in a deep slumber for eight hours per night. As soon as you deal with this realization, it will be much easier to find a solution for your insomnia.

Before you go to bed, get ready mentally and convince you that you are in fact slept stay for at least seven hours a night. Make healthy sleep habits more of a target, and not as something that you have to force yourself to do every night. From this point on, you can do more of a step by step process of really good feeling to want to sleep.

Put an excerpt from eating and drinking, which allows you to head to bed without fear of the digestive or break a pot to interrupt your rest. Make sure that you do not consume any substance, caffeine or otherwise, is the slowing of the body for bedtime. Putting limits on some of your habits is such a difference in your life to undermine your insomnia and once for all.

Engage in a relaxing conduct next, which is a variety of things. Everything you are, you will be at ease, in terms of the right feel for a good night sleep. Some people may choose to implement a nice, hot bath. Others can be a soothing massage from a partner, they should be committed. Still others find that a deep meditation is the way to the view that inner peace. A combination of all three can work as well as. As always, the best for your body is good for you.

Once you are in harmony with your body needs for relaxation, focus on the positive energy. Harp not on a fight with an employee, or anger over the execution of the food business dinner for products, or the bills pile up. The end of the day is not the time to focus on all the stressors in your life. It is a question down to a healthy amount of sleep. Now, if you feel good, is it not time that your head rested gently on the pillow?

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Sleep Disorder

During normal breathing, air through the throat on his way into the lungs. The air travels past the soft palate, uvula, tonsils and tongue. When a person is awake, the muscles in the back of the throat tighten, these structures will be able to prevent them from the collapse and / or vibration in the respiratory tract. During sleep, the soft palate and uvula often vibrate, the unmistakable sounds of snoring.

The LAUP procedure is a laser surgical procedure to trim sequentially and shorten these structures, and thus prevent or reduce snoring.

ComplicationsYou risks and have the right to be informed that the operation risks of unsuccessful outcomes, complications, or violation of both known and unforeseen causes. Because people in their transport and tissue healing, and anaesthesiology reactions, which ultimately can not be guaranteed, as the outcome or potential complications. The following complications were published in the medical literature. This list is not inclusive of all possible complication. You are here to get your information only, not to frighten you but that you know, and more knowledge about this surgical intervention.

A. Failure to solve the snoring. Most doctors believe that about 85% of patients undergoing LAUP is a clear or complete resolution in their snoring; And an additional percentage of patients reduced levels of the notice that the snoring of their partners sleep is that it More is not offensive.

2 Failure to cure sleep apnea or other abnormal sleep disorders. Pathology sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, are health problems that may have associated severe complications. At that time, the LAUP procedure is not proven to cure these diseases.

3 Bleeding. In very rare cases, a need for blood products or blood transfusion. You have the right, you should decide to have appointed or autologous blood donors directed pre-arranged. They are encouraged to contact your doctor if you are interested.

4 Nasal regurgitation, a change in the voice, or velopharyngeal insufficiency when liquids May in the nasal cavity during swallowing (rare).

fifth
Failure to resolve adjacent sinuses, almonds, nose or problems.

sixth
Need for the revision, or further and more aggressive surgery.

seventh
Prolonged pain, impaired healing, and the need for inclusion in a hospital

Monday, October 15, 2007

Recipes For Insomnia

Insomnia is a common problem for the health. insomnia is a sleep disorder. insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence rises with age. insomnia is a condition in which you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Some people with insomnia May asleep easily but wake up too early. Other people have the opposite problem, or they have problems with falling asleep and staying asleep. types of sleep disorders, the most common type is called secondary insomnia. More than 8 in 10 people with sleeping disorders consider that secondary insomnia. Secondary means that the insomnia is a symptom or a side effect of another problem.

Three types of sleep disorders exist: temporary, acute and chronic. insomnia a common problem that can be temporary or chronic. Chronic insomnia means that the symptoms for at least three nights a week for more than a month. is enough sleep varies from person to person. Though 7 1 / 2 hours of sleep is about average some people also have four to five hours of sleep. Other people need nine to 10 hours of sleep per night. Transient insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks. Most people suffer occasional sleeplessness by temporary factors such as Jet Lag or anxiety.Acute short-term insomnia is the inability to sleep well consistently for a period of three weeks to six months. The causes of sleep disorders are usually associated with disturbing situations and stress. Sleep loss affects the quality of life and well-being.

Lavender can also help the relaxation and drowsiness, but with a drop of more than 1-2, the opposite effect. Essential oils are never used undiluted, but in combination with a suitable base oils. Gentle rub body and the head can calm the nervous system and offer a pleasant experience. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine consumption, especially near bedtime. It is believed that diet rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and possibly helpful. Add 3 drops lavender oil, 1 drop of chamomile oil and 1 drop of Ylang Ylang oil directly to bathing and stir them to disperse. Stay in swimming for 15 minutes to the natural soothing properties of the essential oils to have effect and relax the body and spirit. Another relaxing technique reduces insomnia is aromatherapy massage.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Insomnia Cure

Insomnia is a sleep disorder. Sleep is a state of awareness of your body time to rest and build up your strength. It is characterized by an inability to sleep and / or the inability to stay asleep for a reasonable period of time. insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence rises with age. Sleeping can be a symptom of physical disease, although for most of us it is the result of tension, stress and anxiety -- and of course, the more concerned we are about our insomnia, the worse it gets. It is often the result of fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs, caffeine, depression, bipolar disorder, or sometimes for no apparent reason. One overactive mind or physical pain can also cause. insomnia may be how long the symptoms are present. Transient Insomnia the rule is limited to situational changes such as travel and stressful. It takes less than a week, or until the stressful event is resolved. Short-term insomnia lasts for 1-3 weeks, and the long-term insomnia (chronic insomnia) to continue for more than three weeks. Chronic insomnia is often the result of depression or drug abuse. It is important to know that almost everyone has insomnia at a certain time or another, and it is assumed that one-third of the population in the United Kingdom have struggles of insomnia. newborns can sleep 16 hours a day, while the children of school age need an average of 10 hours. Adults usually need an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night. As we get older, it's normal to need less sleep. Most people over 70 have less than 6 hours of sleep per night; And they are usually light sleepers.





Three types of insomnia first is a temporary insomnia second is acute insomnia and last is the chronic insomnia. It is not defined by the number of hours of sleep every night. Poor quality sleep may occur as a result of sleep apnea or depression. Transient insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks. Most people suffer occasionally transient insomnia by causes such as jet lag or short-term fear. Acute insomnia is the inability to sleep well consistently for a period of three weeks to six months. Chronic insomnia is the most serious; Furthermore, almost nightly for at least a month. Chronic Insomnia can lead to psychological problems such as depression or abuse of alcohol or other drugs to sleep. sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a sleeping person breathing is interrupted, so that disruption of the normal sleep cycle. With the obstructive form of the condition, part of the threshold of the respiratory tract loses muscle tone and partially collapses. people with obstructive sleep apnea are often not all, but they complain of excessive sleepiness during the day. Central sleep apnea interruption of normal breathing stimulation of the central nervous system, and the individual must be actually wake up to the breathing. Sometimes between (the time until menopause) women have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep; hot flashes and night sweats often can disturb sleep. Pregnancy also can influence how well a woman sleeps. <>



treatment of insomnia should be individually based on the type and severity of symptoms. Most cases of insomnia inability to sleep, or the inability to sleep well at night. diazepam, a short-acting benzodiazepine generally used for the treatment of insomnia. Rozerem is the first insomnia treatment drugs on the market, as a melatonin receptor agonist. Rozerem is only one of many insomnia drugs on the market available. It is important that you discuss with your health care, when prescription drugs for the treatment of insomnia right. Benzodiazepine drugs are members of diazepam (Valium), as aids to sleep. Other drugs such as ethchlorvynol (Placidyl) are likely to produce neurological side effects if it. barbiturates were previously the standard sleeping pills, under names such as sleeping pills and strychnine. Nonpharmacologic treatments for insomnia are effective when they sleep onset latency decrease or increase total sleep time of 30 minutes. Most studies used treatment of the patient-reported sleep diaries to measure results. criteria the total also sleep, sleep-onset latency and the number of nighttime awakenings. A meta-analysis of 48 different studies of behavioral therapy found Impulse control of the therapy to be effective and to consider gradual relaxation, imagery training, and paradoxical intention. Develop a timetable regelm�igen sleep disorders. Avoid sleeping during the day and stimulating activities just before bedtime. Avoid alcohol-it is one of the main causes of poor sleep. Drink a cup of warm milk.

Sleep Difficulties and Insomnia: A Practical Guide


On average, we need about seven to eight hours of sleep per night to function optimally. In today's fast and high burden on the society, a third of the population reports difficulties with sleeping, and about 10% of people reporting chronic insomnia, a condition with trouble falling or staying asleep , wake up in the middle of the night or even in the early morning hours, the persistently poor sleep quality, and ease of operation the next day.

There are many reasons why people have difficulty sleeping. A high degree of stress, anxiety and / or depression are often the culprits. Other possible causes are health problems or conditions, chronic pain, the use of certain medications, eberm�iger consumption of alcohol, nicotine or caffeine, or the existence of a complex sleep disturbances (such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome).

To address sleep difficulties, it is important to identify the specific cause. It is advisable to look at your family doctor for medical problems the cause could be poor sleep.

sleep, when problems are depression, anxiety, or high levels of stress counseling with a psychologist is a good idea how psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy therapy has been shown very effective in decreasing anxiety and depression, and helping people to improve how they cope with stress. Certain drugs, the fear and depression may also from your doctor. If an underlying depression or anxiety disorder is treated properly , sleep problems often improve.

Some people have sleep disturbances or insomnia in the absence of other psychological problems, such as depression or anxiety. In these cases, that a psychologist can still be very helpful how certain psychological interventions have proven to be effective in addressing poor sleep directly. psychologists can teach you to learn how to relax, how to deal with stress, and improve your sleep hygiene "(or habits). psychologists can also other behavioral abnormalities strategies to help with the orientation of insomnia. About 75% of people with sleep disorders significantly improved sleep after such a psychological treatment.

family doctors often prescribe hypnotic drugs to help people sleep. These medications are often helpful for people who are in a stressful time. It is recommended that only those drugs in the short term as they become addictive and less effective, if you do at night over long periods. In addition, some of these drugs can to drowsiness and difficulty concentrating on the following day. Over the counter sleep complemented were generally found to be ineffective.

As a general rule, insomnia medication can be helpful in the short-term, but less effective in the course of time, while psychological treatments are effective in the long term.

For more information on sleep disorders and insomnia, go to National Sleep Foundation Web site.

Dr. Jeremy Frank-www.drjeremyfrank.com

AASM: Improve Your Sleep And Reduce Your Risk Of Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. 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. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (Senegal) reported, there is evidence that an increasing sleep deprivation and sleep disorders on the development or aggravation of diabetes. The therefore encouraged those who regelm�ig not to a sufficient quantity of sleep to seek professional help for their sleep problems, in order to assess their risk for the development or further aggravating their diabetes.


Lawrence Epstein, MD, medical director of the Sleep Health Center, an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, consequently, a former president and member of the Board of Directors joins, so that several large studies show 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 (OSA), the probability of developing diabetes. Treatment of sleep disorders improved glucose metabolism and diabetes. These studies underscore the fact that sleep is integral to good health. "

According to Donna Arand, PhD, of the Sleep Disorders Center in Kettering Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, while the exact mechanisms by which sleep loss affects glucose tolerance are not known, a number of compounds have been identified.

"Sleep loss has significant effects on the endocrine system, for the release and inhibition of various drugs, including insulin," says Dr. Arand. "It does so through two channels: the autonomic nervous system and the pituitary gland. The autonomic nervous system consists of an activation or excitatory system called the sympathetic nervous system, and a system called inhibiting the parasympathetic system. During sleep, activity in the sympathetic nervous system decreases, while the parasympathetic system. "Please


Dr. Arand warns that sleep loss reverses the activity.


"Endocrine systems, including pancreatic insulin secretion, are sensitive to this balance, it would be expected that any changes in the balance disrupt endocrine systems," says Dr. Arand. Sleep also affects the activity of the pituitary gland, the "master" of the endocrine glands in the body. If sleep occurs, a relay system to the pituitary gland, which then changed the pattern of the release of hormones. It is not exactly like sleep loss leads to insulin resistance, the autonomic nervous system and pituitary connections provide the underlying mechanisms, the relationship between sleep loss and the development of diabetes. "Please


Ronald Kramer, MD, medical director of the Colorado Sleep Disorders Center Englewood, Colo., says that most patients with diabetes are more than aware of the importance of proper diet and exercise in the management of their diabetes, regardless of if any, drugs their doctors recommend that people with diabetes must also in a healthy way of life are good sleep patterns, which ultimately lead to feelings of the optimum attention and daytime work. Everything else can further burden on the medical and potential problems of patients with diabetes faces, "says Dr. Kramer.


Dr. Kramer adds that there are numerous ways that disturbed sleep for some why can the diabetics.


"Direct effects of poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue or sleepiness, or both, and this is the direct consequences make it difficult for the individual to be motivated, time to do, and the corresponding exercise, "says Dr. Kramer." fatigue and / or sleepiness makes it difficult for individuals to keep their appetite and motivation to keep under control, to ensure proper nutrition and to avoid the wrong types of food. In other words, poor sleep or poor sleep patterns can rob yourself - control when it comes to maintaining a reasonable lifestyle. "Please


Dr. Kramer warns that the patients, their families and caregivers and medical providers should be aware that the amount of sleep required for the maintenance of a healthy way of life for diabetics unlike is not for all people, regardless of whether they have a Chronic disease.


Several studies, outline the connection between poor sleep and diabetes were at risk SLEEP 2007, the 21st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, this past June:


- Measured sleep predicted changes in glucose metabolism. This result is consistent with the experimental research that sleep affects risk for diabetes.


- Mexican-American veterans with type 2 diabetes are a greater danger to the restless legs syndrome (RLS) are significantly more likely to snoring and OSA. The RLS could be associated with diabetes associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Please
-both short and long maturities are sleeping with an increased incidence of high hemoglobin A1c, which indicates an increased risk for diabetes.


- There may be a higher prevalence of OSA in the Hispanic population with diabetes.


Similar studies have shown that those who report the loss of OSA symptoms have a lower incidence of diabetes. In addition, men with little sleep (up to five or 6 nightly hours) or a lot of sleep (more than eight hours per night) are more likely to develop diabetes than men with m�iger quantities of nocturnal sleep. Finally, there is an increased risk for diabetes and high blood pressure in pregnant women with sleep apnea. <>

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


-Follow a consistent bedtime routine.

-creation of a relaxed attitude before bedtime.

-Get a complete sleep every night.

- Avoid food or drinks, caffeine, and all the medicines, a stimulant before bedtime.

-you do 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.

On average, most adults need seven to eight hours sleeping per night to feel alert and well rested.

Those who have a sleep problem will be encouraged to deal with their primary care physician or a specialist in sleep in a sleeping system, the joins. detection , and treatment of sleep disorders can lead to a dramatic improvement in your sleep. In this way, you can send your best sleep at night and feel it is best during the day.

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

Friday, October 12, 2007

Is Chronic Insomnia Dangerous?

Author: Rene Graeber

Chronic insomnia usually happens because there are s
ome underlying ailments that may trigger sleepless nights. It usually arises from asthma, some mental disorders, arthritis, constant back pains, and so on. The difference between chronic insomnia and acute insomnia is that the latter does not need any underlying reasons and it strikes only so often.

Is chronic insomnia dangerous? Take a look at this example: the child suffers from chronic insomnia and every night she finds it difficult to go to sleep. Oftentimes she is up the whole night, playing computer games or watching TV. As the child´s mind does not rest, the child finds it difficult to concentrate during the daytime. Soon she starts yelling at people, especially if they ask her to handle some task or becomes extremely frustrated at school, here's where the first problems begin. The more time the child suffers from insomnia, the worse the results, up to the point of dropping out (or being expelled) of school. As you see, chronic insomnia is more than the lack of sleep, there is much more than that. If the child does not receive any help, she will begin enduring severe health problems: chest pains, nervous disorders are among the less acute.

If not treated, chronic insomnia may lead to heart strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and eventually to premature death. The lack of sleep causes the mind and body to cease function as soon as any problems arise. The deterioration, health and mental, is prolonged but steady, slowly making its way toward the end.

Chronic insomnia treatment should be started from finding out what the problem is by searching for professional medical treatment. If the doctor can't find any physiological reasons triggering insomnia (uncommon, but possible), then seeking out a psychologist is the next necessary step.

There are lots of mental disorders and ailments that may be responsible for insomnia. Post-Traumatic Stress Disease (PTSD), various sleeping disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or such problems as schizophrenia, some psychoses, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Impulsive Control Disorder (ICD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), all of them may be an underlying cause of chronic insomnia.

The point is that the underlying sources of insomnia have to be treated before it is possible to cure the insomnia itself. This may require pharmacological treatment or a psychotherapy. For the better part of the treatment, most of the work is up to the doctor who will need to create a working strategy which may require the patient to setup a schedule for dieting or exercise, but will also bring fast results.

However if a patient is found having Antisocial Personality Disorders, Oppositional Defiant, schizophrenia, severe psychosis of one kind of another or any other major mental disorders, he will need a constant advisor, because such patients are able to become violent for no reason at all. Especially if the patient is suffering from chronic insomnia, his mind is prone to falling apart at any time and for any reason. In such case a long-term psychotherapy and may be even inpatient care will be necessary

The Common Symptoms of Chronic Insomnia – Nervousness – Anxiety – Attacks of panic for small reasons or no reason at all – Problems with concentration – Increasing frustration – Increased aggression level – Incoherent thoughts – Periodic hyperactivity or restlessness – Problems with following even the simplest directions – Increased muscles' tension – Feelings of indifference

If you or your loved ones show any of the symptoms above, you have to seek out some professional help: immediately.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/is-chronic-insomnia-dangerous-58228.html

 
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