Archive for 'Treatment'
Review - Respironics ComfortGel Mask
I was at first turned off by this mask because it seemed heavier than other similary sized masked. The mask is heavier because the gel is dense (compared to a light weight form or other comfortable material). I quickly got over this - it was very comfortable to wear throughout the night. It was definately a nice mask to wear after my previous mask pinched me in areas around my nose and upper lip.
This mask is also more customizeable than some other masks. There are two places that you can adjust the mask so that it better forms to your face. The gel also coforms to the your face, so it is easy to become attached to this mask.
If you are looking for a mask that is simple, comfortable, and will last you a long time, I definately reccomend the ComfortGel CPAP mask.
Book Review: Good Night
I was very excited when I learned that Michael Breus, Ph D. had published a book. Breus is the sleep expert on the popular site WebMD, an has other sleep sites Soundsleep Solutions and The Insomnia Blog.
The Sleep Doctor really deserves credit for giving us practical suggestions for better sleep in Good Night. Often when I read books about health improvement, I feel like the author is a doctor writing for the audience of another doctor. Those types of books have a lot of wonderful information - it is too bad you have to go to med school to understand it, and even then it may not have an application in your life. The Sleep Doctor’s book is not like that - it is gives doable advice, and quick hints on getting better sleep.
This is an excellent book if you are not familiar with sleep health because Breus discusses the most common sleep disorders, as well as the common things that disrupt your sleep. Even if you are well read in sleep health, Breus includes latest healthcare discoveries and makes hard concepts easy to understand.
The book starts off with discussing the most common causes of sleep problems, and gives us a solution to those problems. For example, the sleep problems caused by having young children, by smoking, using caffeine, stress, and business needs. What I really like about Breus is that he does not try to make us sacrifce the rest our lives in order to have perfect sleep. He is not going to tell you not to have your Starbucks fix, or convince you to quit smoking. He realizes that people do not have perfect conditions, and he encourages to break down a big problem (never feeling well rested) into smaller problems, and make small adjustments in order to get maximum results.
After these quick fixes, the Sleep Doctor goes into depth about why sleep is so important, and the pontential results of not getting enough sleep. This leads us into the best part of the book - your own 28 day program to getting better sleep (the full title of the book is Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health
The last part of the book recognizes there are times when good habits may not be enough, or are not right at a point in time. He briefly presents medications, and other sleep aids that may help us as a last resort.
Overall, and excellent book. I definately reccomend that you buy this book, or check it out at your local library. Breus also has information on his website Soundsleep Solutions.
GoodKnight 420G CPAP Machine
Steven K. Roberts has written a review of the the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight 420G CPAP machine. Steven does not have a lot of experience with other units, but he is happy with his CPAP machine. Steven says that he had picked the machine because:
- The small size works with his nomadic lifestyle. The size (2.9″ X 5.6″ X 7.7″) of this CPAP unit is great if frequent travel is needed.
- It was simple to operate. Steven gives some instructions on his review.
- The 420S and 420E have more complex functionality, but for price concerns, the 420G will do the job.
Sleep Enuresis: Causes and Treatments
By: Jared Winston
Sleep Enuresis, more commonly known as Bedwetting, refers to the lack of ability to maintain urinary control during sleep. This recurrent involuntary urination is also called Nocturnal Enuresis, which is characterized by at least two occurrences per month in 3 to 6 years old infants and at least one occurrence per month for older children.
Though it is considered normal for children below 7 years old to have enuretic episodes, 5% of 10 year old and 3% of 12 year old children, and as many as 1-3% of 18-year-old teenagers may continue to experience this disorder.
Primary and Secondary Enuresis:
Primary Enuresis is involuntary urination that occurs from infancy with at least two episodes a week, and comprised of 70-90% of all cases. Secondary Enuresis, on the other hand, refers to a relapse after experiencing an extended period of dryness. Adults are more likely to suffer from the secondary type.
Causes of Sleep Enuresis:
Sleep Enuresis can be caused by many factors including hormonal, dietary, or emotional factors.
One of the most common causes of Sleep Enuresis is the inability to develop the antidiuretic hormone cycle in some people. In this cycle, which is typically developed by individuals by the age of 2 to 6, the pituitary gland releases a hormone at night that promotes water retention in the kidneys, thereby reducing urine output till sunrise. Failure to develop this hormone cycle naturally leads to Sleep Enuresis.
An overactive bladder can also cause Sleep Enuresis in many children. By nature, muscle spasms occur in the bladder during urine retention and removal. When these spasms become too active or uncontrollable, the bladder is incapable of holding the normal amount of urine, which eventually results in accidental urination during sleep.
Another common hereditary factor is failure to develop an awareness that enables a person to awaken before urinating on bed. This awareness is normally developed by children during the natural process of learning how to control the bladder while awake.
Besides these common causes, medical disorders such as diabetes, urinary tract infection, sleep apnea or epilepsy and psychiatric disorders may also cause individuals to develop Sleep Enuresis.
Treatments:
Simple behavior modifications can be very effective treatments for children with enuretic episodes. For example, intake of liquids and dietary bladder irritants such as citrus products should be discouraged before bedtime. Taking note of when the enuresis actually occurs, and waking and taking the child to toilet before that hour, can also be very helpful.
Psychological treatments such as encouragement of self-reliance, participation in management, inculcation of self-respect and responsibility are also recommended by many experts. Physical punishments and coercion, on the other hand, are considered to be the most counterproductive measures and should be avoided at all costs.
Using devices such as bedwetting alarms and moisture alarms, combined with bladder muscle exercises, dietary changes, retention control training etc can also be helpful remedies in treating Sleep Enuresis.
For some of the more severe cases that cannot be treated by behavior modification, alarm devices and other treatment methods, using medications such as Desmopressin, a synthetic substitute for the missing antidiuretic hormone discussed earlier, is found to be very effective. Desmopressins such as DDAVP, Stimate, and Minrin can easily be administered nasally or intravenously.
Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Enuresis affects those both young and old, but the problem can be conquered. Receive effective bedwetting advice and enuresis tips at Bedwetting Relief.
Tags: [Bedwetting, Nocturnal Enuresis, Sleep Enuresis Treatment]Vocal Exercises for Snoring
National Public Radio has an article on vocal exercises that can help with snoring. I do not know how effective these excercises are, but what bad could come out of singing?
Tags: [Sleep Apnea, Snoring, Treatment vocal exercises]Barbie has a CPAP
I was reading Dave’s Sleep Apnea Guide, and I came across this hilarious post. A woman had made a CPAP for her Barbie! It is frustrating to deal with the CPAP and sometimes uncomfortable mask… so it is good to be about to laugh at myself. Check out Minx Kelly’s website for more funny pictures of this Barbie.
Lunesta …… miracle sleeping pill?
Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen
Lunesta! What’s all the fuss about?
It even sounds festive doesn’t it ? And it appears that
with this sleep medication, there may well be cause for
celebration!
It’s been some months now since Lunesta first appeared on
the scene and was blessed by the FDA. So how has this
non-narcotic, non habit forming sleep aid been performing?
Well from the information I have gathered, it seems Lunesta
is stacking up very well compared to the other available
forms of prescription sleep medication.
Lunesta (generic name Eszopiclone) was brought out by a
company called Sepracor which has done extensive tests on
the medication, the majority of which have had positive
results so far, although the tests are still ongoing.
One of the greatest advantages of Lunesta is that it is
the only sleep medication approved for long term use. This
is a boon for those with chronic insomnia. In some cases
the insomnia has been known to disappear altogether. Tests
have shown those who have stopped taking Lunesta haven’t
suffered any rebound insomnia or withdrawal, both well
known problems for those taking the benzodiazepine
medications.
Another major advantage is that Lunesta is useful for both
sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. Meaning it will
work as well for those who for have trouble falling asleep
as for those who have trouble staying asleep. A caveat here
though, Lunesta should be taken just before going to bed as
it a fast acting medication. Don’t take Lunesta and then
take a trip to the movies! Also make sure you have eight
hours set aside for sleep as it is also long lasting (no
driving the car please before that time!)
Lunesta is available in 1, 2 and 3 mg tablets. It’s best to
start with a low dose and increase if needed.
Possible Side Effects
Every medication can have it’s side effects and those that
are possible with Lunesta include:
Next day drowsiness
Dizziness
Headaches
Uncoordination
Lunesta should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding
women as the effect on infants is not yet known. See your
doctor first.
Lunesta and Depression
If you’ve ever been depressed, you’ll remember those
agonizing hours between 2 and 4am tossing and turning and
worrying about everything! What can you do when your
depression medication precludes taking any form of sleeping
aid? Never fear! Tests have shown that Lunesta is well
tolerated by those taking Prozac (an anti-depressant drug)
A ten week survey was done comparing patients on Prozac
and Lunesta with patients on Prozac and a placebo (sugar
pill)
Results found the Lunesta patients showed significant
improvements. They fell asleep more quickly, stayed asleep
longer and were more alert during the day.
Lunesta is available on prescription in the US. It’s not
yet available in Australia (that’s why they call us “down
under”!) Those in other countries would need to ask their
doctor.
———-
This article is for informational purposes only and should
not replace individual medical advice from you health care
provider.
Want to cure insomnia and have better sleep? Find out how.
Check out
http://www.insomnia-connection.com your resource for
detailed information on better sleep and curing stress. The
author, Wendy Owen, has had a lifetime interest in general
and alternative health as well as being an ex insomniac
Lunesta Side Effects
By Ian Mason
Before you decide to buy Lunesta, make sure you have read over all pertinent information about how Lunesta works, and what side effects you might experience.
Let’s go over Lunesta Side Effects
If you notice any of the following side effects, stop taking Lunesta immediately and contact your local emergency room. They include allergic reactions; symptoms of which include breathing problems; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; closing of your throat; and hives.
Consult with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any other, less serious side effects such as confusion; drowsiness, clumsiness, or dizziness during the day; aggressive behavior and violent mood swings; any unusual behavior; amnesia (memory loss); agitation; depression or hallucination.
A few other less serious side effects are those which you may have to deal with on a more common basis. These common Lunesta side effects include headaches and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If these side effects become annoying or persistent, please get in touch with your doctor to see what could be done about this.
Another thing you should know about sleeping pills in general is that a certain inconvenience could occur when stopping treatment after prolonged use of the medication. This is known as “rebound insomnia,” and it’s a term for when someone has even more trouble sleeping after they’ve stopped treatment, than they did before they starting taking the sleeping pill. Don’t worry, though. The problem usually stops by itself after the first or second night.
Althought Lunesta is not a narcotic or an opiate like many prescription medications, it may still be habit-forming. This means that you could become addicted to it, as your body becomes dependent on the medication to feel good. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking Lunesta suddenly, as you could experience withdrawal symptoms after taking Lunesta for several weeks or longer. A simple chat with yor doctor will give you all the information you need about taking this sleep aid safely.
As with all medications, side effects other than those listed in this article may occur. If you notice any other unusual symptoms that are especially bothersome, please alert your doctor as soon as possible.
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Ian is a fat-to-fit student of health, weight loss, exercise, and several martial arts; maintaining several websites in an effort to help provide up-to-date and helpful information for other who share his interests in health of body and mind.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Mason
How To Treat Sleep Deprivation Using CPAP
by: Jason Rickard
Treating sleep deprivation using CPAP is considered as an effective treatment strategy. Sleep derivation is the condition in which the patient cannot experience a continuous sleep. It is considered to be one of the serious disorders since it may lead to many other risky medical conditions. The usual sleep deprivation treatment methods focus on the cure of the underlying cause of the disorder and its associated symptoms, to give a permanent cure for the patient. However, the discovery of the cause will not be easy most times, hence, the medical field has been constantly searching for a solution for sleep deprivation. Today, CPAP is considered as one of the best solution for sleep deprivation.
CPAP, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a treatment method for sleep deprivation mainly for the types caused because of breathing problems such as sleep apnea and hypnoapneas. The breathing problems while sleeping may be due to obstructions such as relaxed muscles in the air passage while normal breathing pressure will not be sufficient to overcome these obstructions. The principle of CPAP is based on this fact and it is designed in such a manner to provide compressed air with necessary pressure, which will be sufficient to induce the normal respiration.
In CPAP treatment, a mechanical device is the main part, which can control the air pressure. The CPAP apparatus includes the machine and air outlet, which looks like a mask. The modern versions of CPAP are designed in convenient shapes such as pillows. While lying on the bed, the mask has to be put on the face and air path will be directed straight into the nostrils. During the sleep it will provide the air in the required pressure continuously, as its name indicates, and avoids the disturbances in the sleep.
The amount of pressure to be used for air supply, called titrated pressure, is the most important factor in the CPAP treatment. It has to be determined from overnight sleep studies in the laboratory. Sleep technician can program the particular titrated pressure value in the machine and the machine will deliver air in the particular value every night. There are different types of machines available in the market. In automatic CPAP machines, the usually recommended pressure values will be already recorded in it and the sleep technician has to just choose the value. In some models humidifiers are integrated in CPAP apparatus to avoid the dryness of the compressed air.
CPAP is considered as a successful treatment method for sleep deprivation since in most cases, patients can completely recover from their sleep problem. However, it will be uncomfortable for some patients to start the treatment as the masks will be disturbing for them. In conclusion, the evidences show that they will soon get ride of the uneasiness and will become comfortable with it. CPAP in sleep deprivation treatment can thus, attribute a good quality sleep to many people and save them from the danger of serious risks.
In addition to sleep treatment in adults, it is also useful to treat premature infants.
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Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_5401.shtml
Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health - http://www.hapahapa.com for more articles.
Tags: [air passage, cpap, cpap treatment, Sleep Apnea, sleep deprivation, Treatment treatment strategy]