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.

Jun
13

The Need for Adequate Sleep

By | General, Sleepiness

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Despite the fact that the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has made it clear how important sleep is to a person’s health, millions continue to suffer from a lack of enough sleep. In fact studies reveal that over 40 million Americans are affected by 70 different sleep disorders.

A child sleeping. 

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As proof of how serious this has become, 60 percent of American adults admit to having sleep problems at least a couple nights a week. The majority of those who suffer from these sleep problems don’t realize it and therefore aren’t receiving treatment for them. What’s more at least a couple times a month 40 percent of American adults have incidents of sleepiness during the day hours that are so severe that it interferes with their daily routines and activities. For 20 percent of them, day-time sleepiness is a problem several days a week.

The amount of sleep an individual require varies from person to person. Generally it is found that the average healthy individual can be alert for 16 hours a day, needing 8 hours of sleep to maintain this level of energy.  In some cases there are those who suffer no sleepiness during the day requiring as little as 6 hours of sleep. On the other hand, many need as much as 10 hours of sleep if they expect to perform during the day at peak performance.

As a person gets older their need for sleep is as important as it is when they are younger, but they have difficulty sleeping for 6 to 8 hours at one time giving the impression that they don’t need the same amount of sleep. But that simply isn’t true.

 

 

 

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
28

Teenagers and Daytime Sleepiness

By | Sleepiness

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Most persons diagnosed with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness are adults, but studies show that teenagers are prone to this disorder. Sleep deprivation and a low level of alertness during the day are common in most high schools.

Symptoms

Teenagers with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) may exhibit some signs of sleep deprivation. An extreme feeling of daytime fatigue with a low level of concentration is typical symptoms. High schoolers may shows signs of depression or other mood disorder due to a lack of restful sleep.

Causes

The factors that attribute to EDS in teenagers are organic and conditioned.Natural issues that contribute to daytime sleepiness include biological and emotional changes that appear during adolescence. Students may train their bodies to avoid sleep by keeping inconsistent bedtimes with heavy family, school and job demands.

Diagnosis

Sleep scientists diagnose EDS by speaking with the patient, using a sleep test or performing a sleep study. Doctors will discuss with the patient past and present sleep habits as a diagnostic tool. Sometimes a Multiple Sleep Latency Test is given to record the time it takes for sleep to begin. A polysomnogram or sleep study records a person’s brain and body activities while sleeping.

Consequence

Experts believe there is a correlation between sleep deprived teenagers and academic performance. Lack of a rejuvenating rest is known to alter the effectiveness of memory and attentiveness. The results of decreased cognitive abilities are reflected in low academic reports and assessment scores.

Treatment

Many options are available for students that suffer from EDS. Replacing poor sleep habits with good ones includes changing the bedroom to a “sleep friendly” environment and maintaining a consistent bedtime. Doctors can prescribe stimulants to prevent daytime sleepiness and antidepressants for mood disorders.

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.

Mar
07

Taking Ambien for Sleep

By | Medication, Sleepiness

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Ambien is a prescription drug, prescribed by a doctor to help a patient get a good night’s sleep.  Ambien is also known as zolpidem.  Ambien is classified as a sedative, also known as a hypnotic.  It is usually considered a solution to short term insomnia.  Ambien helps the patient to relax, fall asleep and stay asleep.

Patients should never take Ambien during awake hours.  It should only be taken when the patient has seven or eight hours available for sleep.  It should not be used for naps.  Ambien should not be given to patient’s under 18 as a general rule.  If a patient thinks they may be pregnant they should inform their doctor of this possibility.

Ambien is taken about an hour before the patient is ready to go to sleep.  Patients should never attempt to drive or operate machinery after taking Ambien.   Patients should not consume alcohol while taking this drug.

Ambien should only be taken by the patient for whom it is prescribed.  Ambien should never be taken by someone who has a history of addiction.  It can be habit forming.  It should never be shared.  Ambien should be kept in a locked medicine cabinet where only the patient has access to it.

As with any drug, Ambien may have certain side effects.   These may include swelling of the face, lips or throat and hives.  If any of these side effects occur the patient should stop taking Ambien and inform their doctor.

Adults have taken Ambien and have driven, ate or made phone calls with no recollection of the events.  If this happens patients should immediately call their physician and cease the medication.

Ambien should only be purchased from a licensed pharmacist with a prescription.   Patients should ignore internet ads promising cheap forms of Ambien.  Ambien obtained over the internet has, in some cases, been shown to contain Haldol.  Haldol is an antipsychotic drug and may cause serious side effects for  those who take it and don’t have a prescription for it.

Feb
23

What to Expect During a Sleep Study

By | General, Sleepiness

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A sleep study is a test ordered by a physician to help diagnose a sleep disorder in a patient.  The study can be performed at home with portable equipment or in a sleep lab at a hospital.    A technician will monitor the test no matter where the location is.

Most sleep labs have the patient check in during the early evening or arrive at the patient’s house at that time.   Patients should avoid alcohol, naps and caffeine the day of their study so the test is not compromised.

Patients are usually encouraged to wear their own pajamas, bring their own pillows and their own blankets if the study is being completed in a sleep lab.  Generally, anything the patient sleeps with (except a pet or partner) is brought to the sleep lab.

Sleep labs usually have a bed, bathroom and a television.  The equipment needed to perform the test is usually also in the room.

After the room is set up and the patient is ready for bed,  the technician will place electrodes on the face and scalp.  These electrodes allow an EEG to take place.  A snore microphone is usually taped to the neck, sticky pads on the patient’s chest to monitor the heart rate and rhythm, cloth belts will be placed across the stomach and chest to measure the patient’s breathing and a nasal cannula that measures airflow.  All of the wires are portable as they are contained in a small box.  The patient is still free to move around.

When the patient is drowsy they will signal the technician so the study can start.  Before the patient goes to sleep,  the technician will usually have them open and shut their eyes, snore, take breaths in and out and move arms and legs to the test the equipment.

The patient simply sleeps and the technician performs the study.  The next morning the patient simply gets dressed, checks out and goes home.  The patient usually will get their results in about a week after the physician that ordered the test is able to review it.

Feb
16

What Is a Sleep Study?

By | General, Sleepiness

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Many people struggle with sleepiness on a regular basis.  Sometimes, it’s just a short period of time and the sleep patterns return to normal, other times it can cause major problems for the patient suffering from sleepiness.    A trip to the physician’s office may be called for and the physician may order a sleep study.

A sleep study is just what it sounds like.  It is a test to see what changes occur or do not occur when the patient is asleep. Sleep studies are used to diagnosis many different sleep disorders  or help with sleep problems such as insomnia (problems sleeping at night), narcolepsy (problems staying awake), sleep walking,  night terrors, bed wetting,  sleep apnea (when a patient stops breathing for ten seconds or longer during sleep) and periodic limb movement disorder (repeated muscle twitching during sleep).

The most common form of sleep test is called a polysmnogram.  This test involves recording different levels of body functions while the patient sleeps.  It records brain activity, eye movement, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, heart rate and rhythm, breathing rate and rhythm, the flow of air through the mouth and nose, snoring, body muscle movements, chest and belly movement.

Another form of sleep study is multiple sleep latency. This study measures how long it takes a patient to fall asleep and determines if you enter REM sleep.

A maintenance of wakefulness study measures whether a patient can remain awake during a time period they should be staying awake.

If a physician suspects the patient may have a problem with their internal clock (circadian rhythm) they may order a study called actigraphy.  This test requires the patient to wear a device on their wrist like a watch.  It records the patient’s movement when they are both asleep and awake.  It helps a physician to determine what times of day the patient is active and what times they are asleep.

Sleep studies are usually performed at a hospital by a certified technician in a sleep lab.  In some cases they may be performed in a patient’s home with portable equipment.

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