Posts filed under 'Sleep Disorders'
July 16th, 2009
People of all ages of sizes can devolp sleep apnea, a disorder in which people actually stop breathing in their sleep. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may contribute to daytime fatigue and behavior problems. According to a recent study in the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, children who snore loudly were twice as likely to have learning problems. Following a poor nights sleep, children are more likely to be hyperactive and have difficulty paying attention. These are also signs of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sleep apnea may also be associated with delayed growth and cardiovascular problems. If your child is exhibiting symptoms of sleep apnea, talk to your doctor.
During the night, a child with sleep apnea may:
*Snore frequently and loudly.
*Have pauses in their breathing, gasps or snorts.
*Be a restless sleeper or sleep in abnormal positions.
*Sweat heavily in their sleep.
During the day, a child with sleep apnea may:
*Have behavioral, school and social problems.
*Have headaches during the day, but especially in the morning.
*Be irritable, agitated, aggressive and cranky.
*Fall asleep during the day.
*Speak with a nasal voice and breathe regulalry through their mouth.
January 21st, 2009
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which people stop breathing or have periods of shallow breathing during sleep. These episodes are stressfull and lead to a release of stress hormones. The effects of these hormones are an increase in sugar production and a reduction in the effectiveness of insulin, which can lead to diabetes.
The International Diabetes Federation(IDF) estimates that up to 58% of diabetics may have some form of sleep disorderd breathing. If you are diabetic and have been told that you snore, if you feel tired during the day or you wake up with headaches in the morning, talk to you doctor. You may have sleep apnea, which could also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. Treatment of sleep apnea has been shown to reduce the risks of these diseases. For more information, contact the SwedishAmerican Sleep Disorders Center at 815-489-4429.
November 25th, 2008
Snoring is caused by a vibration of the soft palate frequently associated with narrowing of the upper airway. The narrowing may be caused by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, uvula or a deviated septum. Snoring may also be associated with a more serious health problem known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  It is estimated that more than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea and most are undiagnosed. OSA occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but there are a number of factors that increase the risk. Having a small upper airway(large tongue, tonsils or uvula), being overweight, having a small jaw, recessed chin or a large overbite, a large neck( 17 inches or greater in a man, or 16 inches or greater in a woman), smoking and alcohol use, being age 40 or older, having diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and daytime tiredness. OSA is a disorder in which people actually stop breathing while they sleep. Muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. You arouse yourself with a snort or a gasp for breath to resume breathing and this typically disrupts your sleep. This pattern repeats itself throughout the night and can cause fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels.  This may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, mood and memory problems. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of automobile crashes and can be life-threatening.  Contact your doctor or SwedishAmerican Sleep Disorders Center if you feel that you suffer from it.
October 1st, 2008
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder that is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs when they are at rest. This urge to move is usually, but not always, accompanied by unpleasant sensations that are described as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling. This is quite different then a muscle cramp. The movements usually are worse when sitting or lying still. You can find temporary relief by stretching or moving the legs. The sensations usually appear in the calves, but some people have symptoms in the arms or other parts of the body. RLS occurs more often in women and in older people ans is also hereditary.  It is unsure what causes RLS, but some medical conditions increase the chances of having it. Diabetes, arthritis, low iron levels in the blood, poor blood circulation in the legs, nerve problems in the spine or legs, alcoholism and certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies to name a few.  Some medications like over the counter allergy and cold medications may trigger RLS. Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco use may make the condition worse.  Some home remedies may help people with occasional or mild RLS. These include hot baths, massage, pain relievers, regular exercise, the elimination of caffeine, heat or ice packs. When symptoms are severe or home remedies do not work, you can take prescription medications to treat RLS. Contact your primary care physician or SwedishAmerican’s Sleep Disorder Center at 815-489-4429.
August 12th, 2008
Getting a good nights sleep may not be on the list for back to school items, but should not be forgotten. Did you know that preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) need 11-13 hours of sleep while children up to 12 years of age need approximately 10-11 hours of sleep? Teenagers should get at least 9 hours of sleep every night. A child who doesn’t sleep well may not function well during the day. They may experience development or behavior problems, irritability, headaches or falling asleep in school. The first step in getting them a good nights sleep is to follow a consistant routine of bedtime and waking up. Establish a relaxing bedtime ritual. Do not substitute television watching for personal interaction at bedtime. Screen television programs, videos and games for age-appropriate material. Avoid letting your child fall sleep with a bottle, being held or rocked. Avoid giving your child food and drinks with caffeine or other stimulants (cough medicines and decongestants) at bedtime. It is also important to make sure your child does not have disruptions in their sleep caused by snoring or pauses in their breathing, called sleep apnea. If your child has problems sleeping, snoring or sleep apnea, talk to your doctor or contact a sleep specialist at SwedishAmerican Sleep Disorders Center.
June 16th, 2008
1. Keep regular hours- Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, even on weekends.
2. Develop a sleep ritual- Whether it is to take a hot bath, have a cup of herbal tea, or read a book, doing the same things each night before bed cues your body to settle down for the night.
3. Cut down on caffeine- Coffee and colas may interfere with falling asleep and prevent deep sleep. Try to eliminate caffeine eight hours before bedtime.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation- You may fall asleep faster, but drinking alcohol shortly before bedtime interrupts and fragments sleep, leading to poor quality sleep.
5. Exercise regularly- This can help relieve tension, but finish your workout at least three hours before bedtime.
6. Create a restful sleep environment- A dark quiet room is more conducive to sleep. Sudden, loud noises or bright lights can disrupt sleep. (TV’s should not be left on all night)
7. Use your bedroom only for sleep- Clear your bedroom of distractions such as computers and phones in order to create a positive sleep association with your bedroom.Â
8. Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress- It is difficult to get deep, restful sleep on a bed that is too small, too soft or too hard.
9. Unwind early in the evening- Deal with worries and distractions several hours before going to bed. Try relaxation exercises, like slow rhythmic breathing, once in bed.
10. Make sleep a priority- Getting optimal sleep allows you to feel your best and be productive. You’ll feel healthier, refreshed and ready to take on the day.
If you are experiencing a sleep problem, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or if you suffer from daytime sleepiness despite allowing adequate time for sleep, talk to your doctor or call the SwedishAmerican Sleep Disorders Center at 815-489-4429.
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May 16th, 2008
For millions of Americans, shedding unwanted pounds is a top priority, especially as the swimsuit season approaches.
People tend to forgo sleep in order to make time for a work-out or other daily activites and it is often overlooked as an important factor in the battle of the buldge. “Many do not realize that skimping on sleep can actually make it harder to lose weight,” says Meir H. Kryger, MD, Chairman of The National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) Board of Directors. “Research suggests that even a modest amount of sleep deprivation can increase appetite by altering the behavior of the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which are responsible for regulating metabolism. As a result of sleep loss, people experience stronger cravings for carbohydrates and calorie-rich comfort foods such as cookies and chips, which can lead to weight gain.”
Resent research suggests that people who sleep less may also produce more insulin, which puts them at higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetes and obesity are both on the rise in the U.S., causing many Americans to suffer serious health complications. SwedishAmerican Sleep Disorders Center and the NSF want to remind people that sleep is as important as diet and excercise, only easier!
