Jul
18

Daytime Exhaustion

By | Health, Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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Naruto Sleeping

Image by lyk3_0n3_tym3 via Flickr

Daytime fatigue is a problem that affects many people, for a variety of different reasons. Combating sleepiness during the day is important for those who are employed or in school and need to be alert and focused during the afternoons. There are a few tips given by medical professionals to avoid exhaustion during the day.

The first tip is to make sure to get plenty of sleep every night. Most adults require the standard eight hours, but many do not give themselves enough hours of shut-eye. Those who suffer with insomnia may consider meditation, prescription or over the counter sleep aids, or relaxation techniques. The second tip is to start the day off with a good breakfast. This will help the body to begin the day properly. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can also increase energy levels, since a large afternoon meal can cause the brain to shut down.

Some may think that caffeine will help to fight the feelings of sleepiness, and will sip coffee or energy drinks all day. This can be a good option in moderation, but caffeine in large doses can actually cause the heart to race and eliminate good sleep habits. Depression can also be a cause of fatigue, so obtaining help from a licensed professional may help with this issue. Those who struggle with sleep apnea might not be getting enough sleep at night without even knowing that this is a problem, so getting treatment for this can be helpful.

Being tired all day every day is not normal. There are ways to fight this and enjoy plenty of hours of productivity all through the afternoons.

May
23

The Treatment of Narcolepsy

By | Health, Medication, Sleep Disorders

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Everyone has been there: the eyelids are drooping, the head is bobbing up and down softly and repetitively as the tired person drops in and out of sleep. At each dropping of the head, some unconscious reflex jerks the head upright again. It’s as if the person in question is guilty of sleeping somewhere and they know they shouldn’t be doing so. This is all fine and normal behavior, especially after a long night. However, one might wonder if they’re napping too often, or if that napping habit could spell serious trouble. It’s when one’s napping becomes unpredictable that it’s time to worry – the habit could be a sign of narcolepsy.

As you might imagine, narcolepsy has incredibly dangerous implications for its sufferers. Dozing off at unpredictable times is unsafe at almost any point in the day. Whether operating a vehicle or riding a bike down a hill, there are few times in the typical day where it is actually safe to fall asleep at random. Neurologists, which are some of the highest paying jobs, can help treat Narcolepsy.

Getting the problem fixed is important. It is the way to advance all aspects of one’s life. Sleep medicine specialists or neurologists are the ones to talk to about getting this problem fixed and returning to normal functioning. With their experience and training, they have the best chances of helping you deal with the issue. Otherwise, try to find a clinician willing to expend the time and energy in helping you deal with this area, even though it may be out of the realm of their expertise.

 

May
15

Home remedies for treating Insomnia

By | Sleep Disorders, Tips for Sound Sleep

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Main complications of insomnia (See Wikipedia:... 

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People live increasingly hectic lives today. Between busy work schedules, long working hours, time lost commuting in heavy traffic, spending time with the family as well as on household chores, a person tends to get far too tired and stressed to sleep peacefully at night. People who lead such lifestyles often suffer from sleeplessness or insomnia.

 

Not getting enough sleep and rest eventually results in a person feeling drowsy during the day. Prolonged sleeplessness can lead to reduced focus and attention and even lapses in memory. Although there are several treatments that require people suffering from insomnia to take heavy medication, these often have several side-effects. Prolonged intake of such medication can lead a person to become dependent on them and develop an addiction. Here are some simple home-made remedies that can help you sleep better!

 

  1. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables as these detoxify your system and prepare your body for better sleep.
  2. Having a glass of cold or hot milk before going to bed calms your digestive system and is known to help induce sleep.
  3. It is a popular myth that reading a book before going to bed help you sleep. On the contrary, reading stimulates your mind and reduces the quality of your sleep. So avoid reading or watching television just before you sleep!
  4. Avoid taking long naps during the day. If your body is well rested during the day, you will have difficulty falling asleep at night.
  5. Don’t have high sugar or caffeine rich foods like chocolates or coffee just before going to bed. These foods increase the energy level in your body and disturb sleep.

 

Apr
13

Treating Insomnia

By | Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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Insomnia is the most complaint about sleep ailment by adults.   If the cause of the insomnia is an underlying condition,  such as depression, stress or chronic pain,  once the condition is treated,  the insomnia should subside.   For insomnia that is not due to an underlying condition there are treatments.  It is usually best to start with the least aggressive form of treatment.

One of the easiest treatments for insomnia that is not medicinal in nature, are simple lifestyle changes.  There are different things one can try to induce relaxation such as meditation, breathing exercises and guided imagery.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that can help people understand why they are having insomnia.    It helps people deal with sleep issues and reduces disturbances in sleep cycles.  It deals with positive and healthy thinking.

Lifestyle changes can help such as keeping a normal, routine bedtime and wake time.   Avoiding caffeine at least three hours before bed is also a good idea.   Avoiding naps during the day will help insomnia as well.   Studies have proven that vigorous exercise not only helps with stress which may be causing the insomnia, but can also help induce a good night’s sleep.

When non medicinal methods don’t work it is sometimes necessary to take an over the counter or prescription drug to treat insomnia.  Doctors recommend these medications be used only occasionally.   The more sleep medications are used, the more chance there is of becoming dependent on them.  These types of medications can also cause withdrawal symptoms if they are used long term and usually become less effective the more they are used.   A person should never try someone else’s prescription sleep medication that has not been prescribed for them.

There are alternative natural sleep aids that can bought over the counter.  Melatonin is a natural sleep remedy that is sold in most discount chains and pharmacy.  Valerian is an herbal sleep remedy that improves sleep patterns over a one to two week period.

A person should never try someone else’s prescription sleep medication that has not been prescribed for them.

Mar
24

A Possible Cause to EDS – Circadian Rhythm Disorder

By | Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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Studies have shown that a possible cause of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness may be due to a system located in the brain. A hypothalamus area in the brain houses a “body clock” known as circadian rhythms. All humans are born with a circadian rhythm that regulates the day/night cycle. A misaligned circadian rhythm results in complications of the night/sleep and day/awake system.

The Circadian Clock

Circadian rhythms regulate our mind, body and behavioral cues to work within a twenty-four hour day/night cycle. Other functions that circadian rhythms regulate include body temperature, release of hormones and mood disposition.

The body’s inner clock is affected by natural hormones and outside stimuli. The presence or absence of light starts the production of certain hormones to help maintain eating, sleeping and replenishing of cells.

Factors

Although all causes of circadian rhythm disorder are not known, scientist have found factors that correlate with the impairment. A chronic illness, surgery and trauma are known to alter the body’s inner clock. Lifestyle behaviors such as repeatedly staying up late, smoking and eating unhealthy foods can disturb natural rhythms.

Management

The area of sleep science has improved itself over the years on how to best care for faulty circadian rhythms. Chronotherapy is a treatment option that sleep and wake times are shifted in an attempt to reset the body’s normal clock. In light therapy, a specialized type of light given at specific times are used to reset the sleep/awake schedule. Behavioral modifications and medications are frequently used.

Summation

Those with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness may want to consider treatments used for circadian rhythm problems. Patients should speak with their physician if lack of sleep becomes a long term problem.

Mar
20

The Importance of the Sleep Study

By | Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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Persons who exhibit signs of excessive daytime sleeping may want to participate in a Polysomnography (PSG) or sleep study. The study is a diagnostic tool used to diagnose or exclude various kinds of sleep disorders.

Sleep Study Candidate

Persons recommended for a sleep study are those with distinguishable characteristics. Obese persons that snore loudly, people who sleep but are never rested and those with severe fatigue should participate in a sleep study. Many times people are not aware that they have a sleeping problem.

Location and Professions

A sleep study is performed in a facility built for investigating sleep medicine. The structure can be located in a hospital facility or free-standing lab clinic. The sleep lab contains several small rooms for testing. A sleep lab employs the use of technicians. The sleep physician analyzes the findings of the study to create a report for the patient’s physician.

Procedure

A sleep study is a complex technology based session that records specific information while the patient sleeps. Multiple wires are attached to various places on the patient’s skin and records data on various channels. Brain and breathing activity, muscle activity and heart rate data are monitored and recorded during the study.

Benefits

PSG is beneficial due to the monitoring of various body systems recorded simultaneously. The large amount of data guides physicians to a clearer understanding causing sleep problems. A result from a study makes the diagnosis of a sleep disorder more precise. A sleep study can diagnose problems such as narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder and sleep apnea.

Mar
09

What is Sleep Apnea?

By | Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by patients having a temporary cessation of breathing while sleeping.    When a patient stops breathing during sleep for a longer than normal period of time the brain is deprived of oxygen.  If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to serious complications even death.    Sleep apnea is more common in obese people.

There are two types of sleep apnea.  The first kind is called obstructive sleep apnea.    This is the most common form of sleep apnea.  It is caused by a blockage in the airway.  It usually occurs when soft tissue collapses in the back of the throat during sleep.  The other type is called central sleep apnea.  This type occurs when the brain fails to signal the body to breath. This type is usually caused by instability in the respiratory control center.

Sleep apnea can occur at any age but is more common in males.  It is also more common in those over the age of 40.   Patient’s having a large neck, jaw, tonsils or tongues are more prone to sleep apnea.  So are those people who have a family history of it.  People with nasal obstruction due to conditions such as allergies, sinus or a deviated septum are more likely to develop sleep apnea.

If left untreated sleep apnea can contribute to stroke, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, heart failure and heart attacks.

Sleep apnea can be treated several ways.  In mild cases lifestyle changes can be effective such as losing weight, sleeping on the side and quitting smoking.   Custom made mouth pieces can be used as well.  The mouth pieces allow the patients airway to stay open better.    Adults with severe sleep apnea are usually treated by using a CPAP machine.  This machine is used at night.  It is a mask that fits over the patient’s mouth and nose or just the nose.  The CPAP machine gently breaths oxygen into the patient’s airway at night.  CPAP settings are different for every patient and must be set by a professional.

Feb
03

Tips to Manage Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

By | Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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Living with Excessive Daytime Sleeping can make life difficult, but there are ways to help. Begin by making bedtime consistent and easier to achieve a high quality rest. Determine a plan to optimize a sleeping schedule. Use the tips below to help manage the affects of Excessive Daytime Sleeping.

Restrict Stimulants

Limit the use of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine during the day. Coffee, tea and energy drinks contain stimulant ingredients. Stimulants are a type of drug that triggers the body to alert status.  The body can not prepare for sleep when in this intense wakeful state.

Create a Routine

Start a nightly pattern before sleeping that relaxes the mind and body. Include a bubble bath, a book or other practices to do nightly before bed. Keeping a routine trains your body to slow down and prepare for slumber.

Build the Right Atmosphere

The main activity in your bedroom should be sleeping, remove distractions. If a computer or television will keep you awake, then remove it. Add candles or potpourri that is calming to set the mood for sleep.

Make a Bedtime and Stick to It

Select a bedtime for yourself and follow it to assist in your sleep. Create a doable bed time for the weekend that works for your schedule. Soon your body will become adjusted to resting at that time. Feel free to adjust bedtimes when needed.

Talk to Your Doctor

Many people still have difficulty obtaining a restful sleep even after trying other methods. Discuss with your doctor treatment options related to daytime sleeping to help in reaching a deeper restoring slumber.

Record sleep details.

Start a sleep diary to record everything related to nightly slumber. Include feelings before and after, quality of sleep and length. Periodically, compare contributing factors that result in a restful sleep. Share information found from sleep diary to your doctor.

Feb
01

Conditions Related to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

By | Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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The most notable characteristic of Daytime Sleepiness is the inability to stay awake during daytime hours, but other conditions are just as difficult for those that suffer. Problems associated with EDS can add to the already difficult circumstance of living life with a sleep disorder.

Loss of Thinking Skills

An associated condition felt by those with excessive sleepiness is cognitive deficiency. Decrease brain function results from having lack of restful sleep during the night. The human brain is affected when it can not rejuvenate itself during a normal sleep cycle.  Individuals experience increased irritability and impaired thought processing that disturbs daily life. The result is an easily annoyed person who can not think at a normal capacity. Both symptoms influence work and family relationships by making interpersonal relationships tense and temporary loss of informational knowledge.

Extreme Fatigue

Although patients with EDS may sleep at night, they experience intense fatigue during the day. People that experience fatigue have a feeling of a lingering lack of energy.  Excessive tiredness results in a reduction of activities previously enjoyed. Work performance is compromised when a feeling of alertness is not achieved during job duties.

Depression

Persons that go through increased periods of EDS can experience the onset of depression. Depression is a mood ailment of extreme sadness for an extended period that disturbs lives. Depression can be experienced when regular life activities are not continued from complications due to Excessive Daytime Sleeping. Increased feelings of sadness are felt as the number of Excessive Sleepiness occasions increase.

A Last Remark

Remember that minor ailments may occur due to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. If you have instances of EDS, then you may exhibit impaired thinking, extreme fatigue and depression.  Consider how they influence your life and make adjustments to fit your needs. Knowing more about health-related sleep problems help sufferers cope with malady.

Dec
07

Power Nap to Energize Yourself

By | Health, Medication, Sleep Disorders, Sleepiness

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Power naps are small instances of sleep which have the ability to freshen up in the same way that a good nights sleep can. A short sleep which is not let to go into the slow wave sleep phase is known as a power nap. Most people do not get time to even sleep in the night and their productivity slowly comes down. These types of naps are very important to get in the day time between extreme work loads to get in tune with the body. The body needs more than 7 hours of sleep daily to stay in shape. But today’s work loads prohibit people from getting full nights sleep, then there are also the nightclubs which stay open till 4 am in the morning and beyond that. Working with all this is impossible and the mind has to recharge.

A power nap has multiple benefits. It is like a massage to the brain that calms the nerves of the brain. It has the potential to reduce stress load, depression, increase a persons reaction and reflexes, increases efficiency and learning ability and many other factors. If a person sleeps for 9 hours, his chances of getting into a car accident double than usual. A small 30 min power nap can restore the reflexes of the mind to levels which are at the 8 hour sleep stage. If one keep shortening her hours of sleep, she will keep building a sleep deficit which will only cause problems such as bad and blurry vision, reduced performance, reduced physical ability, reduced reaction times, bad judgments, short term memory and even problems in processing information i.e understanding important things. Hence a small power sleep during work periods can reduce the stress levels and increase productivity of a person to satisfactory levels. That is one very good way to energize yourself quickly and effectively.

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