You are currently browsing the archives for the Sleep Disorders category.

Interact with Ballywho Now!

Translation

FrançaisEnglishAfrikaansShqipالعربيةՀայերենazərbaycan diliEuskaraБеларускаяবাংলাБългарскиCatalà中文(简体)中文(漢字)HrvatskiČeštinaDanskNederlandsEsperantoEesti keelSuomiGalegoქართულიDeutschΕλληνικάગુજરાતીKreyòl ayisyenעבריתहिन्दी; हिंदीMagyarÍslenskaBahasa IndonesiaGaeilgeItaliano日本語ಕನ್ನಡ우리말LatīnaLatviešu valodaLietuvių kalbaмакедонски јазикBahasa MelayuMaltiNorskپارسیPolskiPortuguêsRomânăРусскийCрпски језикSlovenčinaSlovenščinaEspañolKiswahiliSvenskaTagalogதமிழ்తెలుగుภาษาไทยTürkçeУкраїнськаاردوTiếng ViệtCymraegייִדיש
 Edit Translation
by Transposh - google translate and bing translate plugin for wordpress

Follow us on Facebook

What’s up on Twitter?

Profilactic

Archive for the ‘Sleep Disorders’ Category

Sleep Disorder Treatment Options

Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 12:08 PM Ballywho News

No one wants to spend their days feeling tired and their nights awake. Sleep disorders can rob our bodies of necessary rest and affect our lives in negative ways. Luckily, there are treatment options available for the various sleep disorders that plague millions of people. Each disorder is different and as a result is treated differently. One behavior pattern however, is useful in treating nearly all sleep disorders.

Good Sleep Hygiene

Just like we must maintain some habits with our personal hygiene to keep our bodies clean, we need to follow some rules to make sure we sleep well.

  • Go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day. Having a schedule will help your body regulate itself.
  • Set your bedroom up for sleep. Set the temperature so it is cool yet comfortable for you and dim the lights to darken your bedroom.
  • Turn off televisions and radios, they make it harder to go to sleep and will wake you up during the night.
  • DO NOT have any caffeine for at least four hours before bedtime. This will only help to keep you awake.

Once you understand that sleeping takes preparation, especially if you have a sleep disorder, then you can think about treatments that are available. There are multiple sleep disorders and treatments but it’s a good idea to know about some of the most prevalent.

Insomnia- A disorder where it is very difficult to fall asleep, insomnia is treated with medication and behavioral therapy.

· Drug Therapy- Your doctor will decide on medication but may also suggest other interventions.

  • Stimulus Control- This treatment focuses on using your bed only for sleep. Patients learn not lie in bed to read or watch television; basically the body needs to think about being in bed and sleeping as being the same thing. Also, do not take naps during the day or stay in bed if you can’t sleep after 20 minutes. If you really can’t sleep, get up and go to a different room for a while and try again later.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation- This option aims to relax the body physically. Patients learn to divide their muscles into groups (say feet, legs, abdominals, arms and shoulders). One by one the patient goes through each group, tensing the muscles for 30 seconds then relaxing them. This will loosen up the whole body making the patient more comfortable and ready for bed.

Sleep Apnea- A disorder where you stop breathing periodically during the night, sleep apnea can cause snoring and other physical side effects.

  • Drug Therapy- Sometimes doctors prescribe medications that open up your nasal passageways, making it easier to breath.
  • Surgery- In some cases, physicians recommend surgery to widen the nasal passageways. Once this is done it is easier to breathe and reduces, if not eliminates, sleep apnea.
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine - This device hooks up to your nose and makes sure that your body gets oxygen all night. Some even have a chin strap to keep your mouth shut during the night so your nose and mouth aren’t competing.

Narcolepsy- This disorder that causes people to fall asleep suddenly and leaves them tired throughout the day.

  • Drug Therapy- Medication often includes a combination of stimulants and anti-depressants as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Sleep Scheduling- A sleep schedule is often helpful. Sleep a full 8 hours at night but take 2 naps during the day. Take your naps at the same times every day. A quick nap before lunch and another before dinner is one suggested schedule.

A trained physician will assess your situation and prescribe treatment. In many cases, you will be prescribed one of the options mentioned here. If you have any questions visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7692.

SOURCES
http://www.aventurahospital.com/
http://www.aventurahospital.com/CustomPage.asp?guidcustomcontentid=392EE578-B120-11D3-AD18-00508B91A0DD
http://www.healthcentral.com/sleep-disorders/insomnia-introduction-000027_7-145.html
http://www.healthcentral.com/sleep-disorders/insomnia-introduction-000027_7-145_2.html
http://www.healthcentral.com/sleep-disorders/understanding-narcolepsy-000098_6-145.html
http://www.sleepdisorderandinsomnia.com/
http://www.sleepdisordersguide.com/sleep-hygiene.html

0 comments
Tags: , , , , , ,

Is Your Bedroom "Sleep Friendly"?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 @ 03:08 PM Ballywho News

A good night’s sleep is a cornerstone of good health. It allows the body to regain energy and the mind to relax. Sleep disorders come in many varieties. Some keep you from falling asleep (insomnia) while others disrupt your body’s ability to take advantage of the benefits of sleep (sleep apnea). Regardless of what it is that is keeping you from getting proper rest, there are several treatment options that can help. One that is often overlooked can be instituted by you; it doesn’t require therapy or medication. This overlooked option is setting up your bedroom for proper sleep. It may sound basic or even unimportant, but you would be wrong to think either.

Proper planning and preparation pays off with anything you do. Thinking what you are going to do out in advance sets you up for better results when you actually do something. This applies to sleep just as much as it applies to planning a home remodeling project. Your bedroom is your haven, it is where you can go to relax and recharge. You should definitely set up your sleep environment so that it is conducive to rest. Even if you are not having trouble sleeping, you may be surprised about how much better you feel if you follow some guidelines in preparing your bedroom for sleep.

Tips to make your bedroom sleep friendly

  • Set the temperature- It is recommended that you sleep in a cool, but not cold environment. While everyone’s comfort level is different, 65° is a suggested temperature. Sleeping in either hot or cold environments tends to wake people up during the night, disrupting sleep patterns, so find a comfortable medium.
  • Turn out the lights- Your room should be dark. Our bodies are naturally inclined to associate sleeping with darkness. Use this natural association to get a good night’s rest. Turn off lights, computer monitors, televisions and anything else that puts off unnecessary light. If outside light comes in, put up curtains to block it out.
  • Keep it quiet- Some people prefer background noise, they even feel it helps them sleep. This is a common misunderstanding. Noise serves to keep us awake more often than it puts us to sleep. You might stay awake longer watching television or listening to the radio. You might also be woken up in the middle of the night, think about how television advertisements are sometimes purposely transmitted at blaring volumes.
  • Make your bed- We don’t mean that you have to tuck your sheets in every morning. We mean that your bed should be comfortable for you. Choose bedding that is soft and inviting, we like cotton. Also your mattress should be to your liking. It should be supportive but met your personal preferences. If you sleep with a partner, make sure that the mattress is big enough so that both of you have room to move around.
  • Remember the bed is for sleeping- Our beds are comfortable. As a result we like to watch television or read in them. This is a bad idea. If you want to do these things in your bedroom, bring in a comfortable chair or other piece of furniture to sit in. Better yet, read or watch television in another room. The idea is to get your brain to associate your bedroom and your bed itself with sleeping. Once this link is made it will be easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

If you are having trouble sleeping, try these tips. You might be surprised how something as simple as arranging your bedroom can help you rest. If you have any questions about sleep disorders, visit Raulerson Hospitals Sleep Center online. If you need to ask a sleep or medical related question right away, call our Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-449-8642 hotline and talk to a trained medical professional.

0 comments
Tags: , , , , ,

Do I Need A Sleep Study?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 @ 01:07 PM Ballywho News

While lots of folks have an occasional restless night, falling asleep and staying asleep is an ongoing battle for some people. If a lack of sleep persists over an extended period of time, it can cause serious problems, including impaired judgment, slower reflexes, irritability and mood swings and forgetfulness.

Eye-opening symptoms

Feeling fatigued and drowsy are just two indicators that you aren’t getting the rest you need. Here are some other signs:

  • Your partner notices that you gasp, snore, or thrash around in your sleep.
  • It takes you a half-hour or more to fall asleep every night.
  • You wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.
  • You doze off during the day at your desk and in meetings.
  • In the evenings, your get unpleasant sensations in your legs while at rest.
  • While driving, you lose track of how much time has gone by.
  • Strong emotions like laughing, crying and anger cause muscle weakness.

Consulting a doctor

If you have tried making your bedroom a comfortable and cozy place to sleep and given up caffeine and eating late meals, and you’re still constantly tired, it’s probably time to seek medical advice.

Your physician may suggest a visit to a sleep disorders center, like the one at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, for a sleep study. The Sleep Disorders Center at AHMC has two suites outfitted with data collection and diagnostic equipment. Each room includes a queen-sized bed, TV and private bathing facilities.

The Sleep Disorders Center at Aventura is an open sleep lab, so any physician may refer a patient to the center if he or she feels the patient has a sleep disorder.

The sleep study process

Treating a sleep deficiency begins by asking the patient about sleep habits. Sleep partners, or parents in the case of young patients, may also provide information about the patient’s sleep history.

Typically, a patient reports to a sleep lab in the evening just before bedtime. Before retiring, electrodes are attached to his/her body to record their brain waves, eye movements and heart rate. Other monitors record airflow from the nose and mouth and breathing, while blood oxygen levels are measured via a finger clip.

All of these measurements are non-invasive. A technologist reviews the information relayed from the devices and observes the patient, who is being videotaped, while sleeping.

The next morning, the patient leaves the center, and the data is sent to a sleep specialist, who analyzes the findings. The specialist then prepares a report, which can take about a week to 10 days. The doctor who ordered the sleep study receives the report and shares it with the patient.

Depending on the results, the following treatments may be recommended:

  • Supplements such as melatonin: This hormone, which helps trigger sleep, normally builds up in humans and is strongest around 9 p.m., then stays elevated for about 12 hours.
  • Bright light therapy: People tend to be tired when it’s dark and awake when it’s light outside. For people whose internal clock is off, light therapy can help reset it.
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (CPAP)j: A CPAP machine produces air flow into a mask worn by the sleeper, pushing air down the nasal passages and throat to prevent breathing stoppage and snoring.

Steps to sleep

The staff of the Sleep Disorders Center at AHMC is available to help people with chronic sleep problems. (Please note that you must obtain a physician referral to undergo a sleep study here, as we cannot accept self-referrals.)

Most health plans cover sleep studies, but check with your insurance provider to verify this.

If you would like to learn more about sleep disorders, give us a call at (305) 682-7216. If you do not have a doctor and would like a referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7692, or visit Aventura Hospital and Medical Center online.

0 comments
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Types of Sleep Disorders

Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

It’s official: the United States is a nation of sleepyheads.

A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in 2008 revealed that 11.1% of adults told researchers that during the previous 30 days, they didn’t get enough sleep or rest on all 30 of those days. Furthermore, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans have continuing problems falling asleep and staying asleep, a 2006 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, found.

Nearly 30% of adults say that they get less than seven hours of sleep per night, the CDC reports. This puts them at an increased risk of injury or death; reduces their productivity on the job and makes them more vulnerable to mental and physical health disorders.

So if you consider a good night’s sleep to be a luxury, this is your wake-up call.

Barriers to restful sleep

The following are three common disorders that prevent or interrupt sleep, and one that causes the sufferer to have problems staying awake:

  • Sleep apnea: This disorder is characterized by an obstruction of the airway in the throat that causes the person to snore and awaken frequently, gasping for air.
  • Restless leg syndrome: This is a creepy-crawly sensation or aching feeling in the legs that often occurs at bedtime and is relieved by moving the legs or getting up and walking around.
  • Insomnia: It’s an inability to fall asleep or to sleep through the night, or to wake up early in the morning and not be able to resume sleeping.
  • Narcolepsy: Symptoms include uncontrollable daytime sleepiness and muscle weakness that may be triggered by surprise, anger or laughter.

Clues to help you snooze

Getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night is recommended for adults. Some ways you can improve your chances of getting the rest you need are:

  • Make your bedroom a place you can relax in. You may want to read in bed before you go to sleep. Ensure the temperature is comfortable, and all light sources are turned off when you retire.
  • Do not eat a big meal prior to bedtime. You could wake up with a bad case of heartburn.
  • Stop drinking caffeinated beverages after mid-day.
  • Go to sleep at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning.

The Sleep Disorders Center at AHMC can diagnose and treat a variety of sleep-related health conditions. To learn more about the center, call (305) 682-7216.

If you would like a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7723, or visit Aventura Hospital and Medical Center online.

0 comments
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Sleep Tips For The Night Shift

Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 01:07 PM Ballywho News

Every day we move closer to being a twenty-four hour a day world. As this happens there arise more and more jobs that require employees to work at night or other non-traditional schedules. No longer is the night shift limited to health care workers, police officers or other positions that you would traditionally associate with night shifts. Now there are manufacturing jobs, service industry positions and even white collar positions like overnight traders that require employees to work when most people are in bed.

Shift Work Disorder Basics

Following a non-traditional sleep schedule can sometimes cause problems for the body and mind. Shift Work Disorder is a condition that develops when there is a difference between your actual sleep schedule and the one that your body wants to naturally maintain. Those who experience this disorder are prone to: being tired during the day (or even at night when they need to work) and often find themselves mentally groggy or slowed down. They also tend to sleep one to four hours less than people who do not have trouble with their sleep schedule.

Suffering from this or a related disorder that is caused by working nights can be a drain on one’s health and personal life. When your body is tired and on a confused sleep schedule, you are more likely to be irritable and seem aloof to those around you. Unfortunately this can distance you from friends and family.

Meanwhile, lack of sleep wears on the body. It inhibits natural immune responses and prevents the body from “recharging its battery” each night. Failure to get sufficient sleep actually increases your risk for heart disease and other serious health conditions.

Preparing Your Body for the Night Shift

It is a good idea to prepare yourself for a night schedule. Here are some suggestions that might help.

· Exercise- While exercise has multiple health benefits, you can make it part of your schedule by doing it at appropriate times. It will help you to be tired when it is time to sleep. Also, some suggest small bursts of energy during your night shift to provide yourself with some natural energy.

· Limit Shift Rotation- Constantly working various hours makes having a schedule impossible. Eliminate this if you can. Also, rotate your shifts forward if your situation mandates you rotate shifts. Go from night to evening, evening to day and so on.

· Limit and Be Aware of Stimulants- Coffee, caffeine pills and energy drinks seem like great ways to keep us going. Realize though that they are temporary solutions to a permanent schedule problem. They can make it hard to fall asleep, especially if consumed within four hours of bed time.

· Prepare your Bedroom- Sleeping during the day isn’t always easy. Find a cool, quiet and dark room. Use: curtains, eye masks ear plugs or any other aids that will help you get quality sleep.

· Get on a Schedule- Your body will want to be awake during the day and asleep at night, this is natural. If you work nights it is not possible so change your life to meet your schedule. Do not be a night person on work days and a day person on off days. This confuses your body and makes sleeping difficult regardless of which schedule you are on that day. Your schedule should include working shifts that are the same length. Request eight hour shifts, twelve hour shifts in succession can harm your well being.

· Watch what you consume- Make healthy food choices. Eat light easily digestible foods, especially before beds, as opposed to heavy and/or greasy meals. Also, limit alcohol. While some think that having a few drinks will help them sleep well, research has shown that alcohol consumption can deplete the quality of your sleep.

If you are having trouble adapting to a new schedule or feel that you are suffering from a sleep disorder, visit us for more information. Our specialists can diagnose and treat a variety of sleep related issues.

0 comments
Tags: , , , ,

What is Circadian Rhythm?

Thursday, July 22, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

Every day we must schedule our time. Our work, family and social obligations demand that we divide the twenty-four hours that we have in the day in a manner that will best meet our needs. While we do this blatantly in an attempt to maximize our time, our bodies are simultaneously planning out the day. The twenty-four hour biological cycle that your body goes through every day is called a circadian rhythm. It is as necessary for your body to follow a daily schedule from a biological stand point as it is for you to follow a schedule in order to meet your daily obligations. Circadian rhythms involve your mind, body and even behavior. Patterns of light and darkness play distinct roles in circadian rhythm as our bodies tend to respond to these external changes that we encounter every day. You have heard people talk about circadian rhythm before; however they might have been referring to the “internal clock” that we all have.

Why be concerned with circadian rhythm?

You have probably noticed that you wake up, get tired and even feel hungry at about the same times every day. This is your circadian rhythm at work! Realistically, a well maintained circadian rhythm can be more important than your personal schedule. In order for you to fulfill all the needs and wants that you have in your daily schedule, your body must be prepared. The condition of your body is vital to getting everything done during the day. Sleep is a vital part of circadian rhythm. Most often, we are awake for about sixteen hours a day and asleep for about eight. While everyone’s schedule is a little different this is the schedule that physicians recommend. Sleep patterns are vital to a healthy life and to being prepared to meet your daily demands. Your body re-energizes during sleep. Following a regular sleep pattern is a cornerstone of good health. Your “internal clock” that we mentioned before will help you regulate sleep.

What are circadian disorders?

People who are experiencing sleep difficulties may in fact have a circadian disorder. Circadian disorders fall into two categories. Transient Circadian Disorders are often due to changes in your personal schedule and often go away in a short period of time. Chronic Circadian Disorders are longer lasting and may be attributed to personal or biological changes. Here are some examples of both:

Transient Circadian Disorders

  • Jetlag- As you travel across time zones you need to adjust. It is harder to travel east because your body will want to go to sleep at it’s regular time but your personal schedule will demand that you wake up earlier to be on time.
  • Illness- When we are sick we tend to nap more and this will throw off our sleeping patterns slightly
  • Changed Schedule- If our work schedules change, we will need time to adjust. People who work nights tend to have trouble with this the most as they are constantly changing schedule between work nights and days off.

Chronic Circadian Disorders

  • Delayed Sleep Phase System- to qualify you must have symptoms of not being able to sleep at regular hours for at least six months
  • Advanced Sleep Phase System- a condition where you fall asleep and then wake up toearly, your sleep pattern is occurring at the wrong time of the day
  • Irregular Sleep Wake Cycle- this is where you sleep a regular amount of time but your sleep is intermittent and broken up throughout the day

Following a schedule in your daily life that matches your circadian rhythm is essential for overall health. It is important to pay attention to how your schedule, especially your sleep schedule, plays out on a daily basis. Watch out for certain signs in your sleep pattern that might signal sleep related issues which can throw off your circadian rhythm.

Warning Signs of a Bad Sleep Pattern

  • Inability to fall asleep at a regular time and then stay asleep for 7-8 hours
  • Regularly being tired during the day
  • Poor concentration or difficulty paying attention
  • Seemingly impaired physical reflexes
  • Headaches

Raulerson Hospital is an available resource for you if you are having issues with your circadian rhythm. Our hospital has a Sleep Disorders Laboratory where you can speak to experts who can diagnose and treat you. There is no reason to have your life affected negatively due to sleep. Ask your physician to refer you to us and call 863-824-2742 to schedule an appointment.

0 comments
Tags: , , , , ,

Types of Sleep Disorders

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 @ 06:07 PM Ballywho News

It’s official: the United States is a nation of sleepyheads.

A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in 2008 revealed that 11.1% of adults told researchers that during the previous 30 days, they didn’t get enough sleep or rest on all 30 of those days. Furthermore, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans have continuing problems falling asleep and staying asleep, a 2006 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, found.

Nearly 30% of adults say that they get less than seven hours of sleep per night, the CDC reports. This puts them at an increased risk of injury or death; reduces their productivity on the job and makes them more vulnerable to mental and physical health disorders.

So if you consider a good night’s sleep to be a luxury, this is your wake-up call.

Barriers to restful sleep

The following are three common disorders that prevent or interrupt sleep, and one that causes the sufferer to have problems staying awake:

  • Sleep apnea: This disorder is characterized by an obstruction of the airway in the throat that causes the person to snore and awaken frequently, gasping for air.
  • Restless leg syndrome: This is a creepy-crawly sensation or aching feeling in the legs that often occurs at bedtime and is relieved by moving the legs or getting up and walking around.
  • Insomnia: It’s an inability to fall asleep or to sleep through the night, or to wake up early in the morning and not be able to resume sleeping.
  • Narcolepsy: Symptoms include uncontrollable daytime sleepiness and muscle weakness that may be triggered by surprise, anger or laughter.

Clues to help you snooze

Getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night is recommended for adults. Some ways you can improve your chances of getting the rest you need are:

  • Make your bedroom a place you can relax in. You may want to read in bed before you go to sleep. Ensure the temperature is comfortable, and all light sources are turned off when you retire.
  • Do not eat a big meal prior to bedtime. You could wake up with a bad case of heartburn.
  • Stop drinking caffeinated beverages after mid-day.
  • Go to sleep at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning.

The Sleep Disorders Center at AHMC can diagnose and treat a variety of sleep-related health conditions. To learn more about the center, call (305) 682-7216.

If you would like a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7723, or visit Aventura Hospital and Medical Center online.

0 comments
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Having Trouble Sleeping?

Thursday, July 15, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

A proper night’s sleep is crucial for everyone. It is estimated that 40 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders and that another 20 million experience occasional trouble sleeping. At Raulerson Hospital we focus on the most predominant sleep disorders

  • Sleep Apnea- is a breathing disorder that wakes you up periodically and makes it hard to sleep through the night
  • Narcolepsy- is a condition that causes one to sporadically fall asleep for periods between thirty seconds and a half hour
  • Periodic Limb Movement- is a sleep disorder where you move your limbs vigorously while asleep. Generally it is the legs that move, but sometimes it is the arms
  • Insomnia- we do not view insomnia as a disorder, rather we see it as a your body’s way of registering a complaint. There can be multiple causes for insomnia

Research has shown that getting enough sleep is tied in directly with: a healthy immune system, healthy heart and increases in brain function. It is commonly recommended that adults get between seven and eight hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. Younger children generally need a little more time so it is best for your children to sleep anywhere from eight to ten hours per evening depending upon their age.

Uninterrupted sleep is important because it is necessary for your body to go through five stages of sleep per night. Interruptions eliminate this possibility and cause your body to start over or get stuck in a particular stage for too long. Your body will naturally cycle through these stages several times each night. The first four stages of sleep are generally grouped together and do not involve eye movement. The fifth stage, REM sleep, is commonly heard of and is characterized by Rapid Eye Movement. REM sleep is the stage in which you dream so it is often the stage people think about. It is also a vital stage to experience during your sleep patterns.

Not sleeping enough can carry negative side effects. If you don’t sleep enough you may experience:

  • Depression
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Weight Gain
  • Shorter life span
  • Increased risk of multiple forms of cancer
  • Greater chance for developing heart disease

If you think you may have a sleep disorder, or would like to help us learn more about sleep by participating in a sleep study, please contact us at Raulerson Hospital. Visit our Sleep Disorder Laboratory online, or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-800-449-8642 for answers and free physician referrals.

0 comments
Tags: , , , , , ,
Ballywho News is proudly powered by WordPress
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS)