SleepCrunch

Dr. William Dement - Father of Sleep Medicine -on Sleep

2010-01-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

Information on Curing Depression, Anexiety and Insomnia

2010-01-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

Maternal Smoking Impairs Arousal Patterns in Sleeping Infants

2009-04-22T16:18:00.003-04:00

Here is a great article on how a mothers smoking can effect the sleeping and arousals in Infants

sleepjournal.org

Great Appliance for Sleep

2009-04-13T12:41:00.000-04:00

So You Want to Do Sleep Research!!

2008-12-06T08:52:00.007-05:00

Need more revenue for your lab? How about considering doing Sleep research.

More info found with this link

Fee Schedule Bans DMEs from Performing Home Testing

2008-11-26T09:39:00.003-05:00

2009 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule sets provisions that essentially take DME suppliers out of the home testing equation

Read More Here

BUYERS GUIDE: Actigraph

2008-11-15T11:10:00.001-05:00

ActiGraph LLC

15 West Main StreetPensacola, FL 32502 Phone: (850) 332-7900Fax: (850) 332-7904
linkEmail('acti_service', 'theactigraph.com');

acti_service@theactigraph.com

www.theactigraph.com

The ActiGraph is a reliable and valid tool for detecting sleep in normal, healthy adult populations. The GT1M ActiGraph uses a digital, solid state accelerometer to collect and record frequency and intensity of motion. When worn on the wrist, the GT1M can determine amount of sleep, number and frequency of awakenings, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency. The ActiGraph can be used in clinical applications to objectively determine the patient's sleep hygiene as a tool in aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia, circadian-rhythm disorders, and other sleep disorders. The ActiGraph can also be worn on the ankle to aid in the detection of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.

Oh No !!! The OIG Will Probe the payments for CPAP and Sleep Studies

2008-11-15T11:00:00.001-05:00

As part of its Work Plan for FY 2009, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) will investigate the appropriateness of Medicare payments for both sleep studies and CPAP devices

Wallet Woes Limiting Americas Sleep

2008-11-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

The economic crisis is hitting Americans where it hurts most - in the wallet and under the sheets. It appears the financial stress is curtailing Americans' sleep as well as their budgets. Reports of sleeplessness in the U.S. increased from 48 percent in 2007 to 52 percent in 2008, according to survey results reported by USA Today.

In addition, the results revealed that recent economic stress has left more than half of Americans experiencing anger, fatigue, and sleeplessness. Chronic stress is a known contributor to many health problems, including insomnia.

New From the BRPT the Application Process via Webcast

2008-11-10T10:43:00.006-05:00

New from BRPT: A free, on-demand, 30-minute webcast,

Information on the process of filling out the Application from the BRPT

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Be patient for the webcast to load, happy listening

For Aspiring RPSGT - BRPT Webcast

Contour Products Upgrades CPAP Pillow

2008-11-09T09:13:00.004-05:00

Contour Products, a manufacturer in the sleep support and ergonomic body comfort industry, improved its Contour CPAP Pillow designed to ensure sleep apnea patients are comfortable and in compliance.

The new version has a more precise molded design. Hollowed-out areas on the pillow accommodate all major masks and hoses. The pillow alleviates mask pressure, helps prevent leaks, and has a thicker, more comfortable cover. A new accessory kit is available and the pillow has a 5-year warranty. Learn more here

http://www.contourliving.com/p-71-contour-cpap-pillow.aspx

2008 - Medicare approves Home Sleep Testing

2008-03-15T10:27:00.003-04:00

Well They did it - Medicare has approved the Home Sleep Test. What this means for the sleep community. Will see.

Read more here http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/news/2008-03-13_01.asp

Don't Forget !!!

2008-02-18T09:03:00.003-05:00

March 3-9 is National Sleep Awareness Week.

I think the best way for me to Celebrate is to sleep all week :)

Kim

Sleep Problem Issues

2008-02-08T14:56:00.001-05:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Normal EKG -

2008-02-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

Regular Sinus Rhythm
A heart rhythm that originates in the sinoatrial node and is normally conducted is called a Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR). The characteristics of a normal sinus rhythm are a regular rate between 60-100 beats per minute, a narrow complex, preceded by a P-wave where all the complexes look the same.

Yikes - The Pillar Procedure

2008-02-02T04:02:00.000-05:00

In short, this treatment is less invasive, takes only one short visit to the doctor's office and has FDA approval for the treatment of both sleep apnea and snoring. Nearly 80% of patients treated with the Pillar Procedure reported their sleep apnea was reduced.

Democratic Debate -What a Yawn!

2008-02-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

I Almost Fell Asleep on this Debate
Both democratic candidates played nicey, nice at the CNN debate. It was a feel good moment and both of them look very presidential.

Hillary still refusing to apologize for the Iraq war still makes me mad. (WHY CAN"T SHE COME DOWN OFF HER HIGH HORSE AND SAY - SHE WAS SORRY AND SHE MADE A MISTAKE, SENATOR EDWARD DID)

I think Obama missed an great opportunity to hit Hillary over the head with the facts on the Iraq war.

"SHE VOTED FOR THE WAR! Now, thousands of American soldiers are dead. Barack was RIGHT about the Iraq War and Hillary was WRONG for voting for it. She doesn't deserve to be president.

The new song for OBAMA (Yes We Can) by THE BLACK EYE PEAS - www.yeswecansong.com

My opinion
shirise

Desperate for Sleep

2008-01-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

Alarm bells ring as insomniacs are rudely awakened to dangerous drug cocktails after Heath Ledger's death

Safe when taken as directed.

But Xanax, Valium, Lunesta, Restoril and Ambien, the various and assorted sleeping and anti-anxiety medications found near the corpse of Heath Ledger in his Manhattan apartment last week
might have conspired to kill the troubled 28-year-old actor. In
combination, in the wrong person, they may not have been safe at
all. (sleepdt.com)

Read via thestar.com

2008-01-29T13:33:00.000-05:00

Don't fall asleep on the road
Check out this video: Dont sleep

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep--A Tired Mother's Prayer

2008-01-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my sanity to keep.

For if some peace I do not find,
I'm pretty sure I'll lose my mind.

I pray I find a little quiet
Far from the daily family riot

May I lie back--not have to think
about what they're stuffing down the sink,
or who they're with, or where they're at
and what they're doing to the cat.

I pray for time all to myself
(did something just fall off a shelf?)
To cuddle in my nice, soft bed
(Oh no, another goldfish--dead!)

Some silent moments for goodness sake
(Did I just hear a window break?)
And that I need not cook or clean...
(Well heck, I've got the right to dream)

Yes now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my wits about me keep,

But as I look around I know...
I must have lost them long ago!

Author Unknown

Why we sleep?

2008-01-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

By: StevePoceta MD

A new study
has provided evidence that during sleep there is a weakening of brain connections. The brain learns and changes by forging new connections between neurons, called synapses. Synapses allows neurons to affect each other by releasing a neurotransmitter (a chemical or protein) which travels the short distance to bind to a receptor on the next neuron. The binding at the receptor then produces a change in the membrane of the neuron to stimulate or decrease an action potential.

Making the neurotransmitter involves energy, storing it involves energy, releasing it takes energy, but this is what the brain has to do to get its job done. As we learn, or even as we experience passive activities during waking, the synapses are active and are forging patterns that allow for long-term memory of all types. Repetitive synaptic activity and the changes that can occur are part of the concept of "plasticity."

One of the theories about the function of sleep is that sleep allows the brain to reinforce its patterns from the daytime, which enhances learning and memory. This is especially true for REM sleep, or dreaming sleep. During this stage of sleep the brain waves (EEG) look somewhat like the EEG of waking. However, in non-REM sleep, brain waves are slow and rhythmic, not dissimilar to what we see in anesthesia or coma. Non-REM sleep represents most of the time of our sleep, about 70 to 80 %.

Researchers Tononi and Cirelli assessed various measures of synaptic activity in rats and in rat brain slices. These measures included glutaminergic activity (a neurotransmitter), phosphorylation (a measure of energy use), and electrical activity. These measures were less strong after sleep than after waking, suggesting that during sleep, synaptic activity decreased.

Well, I'm glad to see evidence for this "new" concept. After all, it has been common sense forever that sleep is a period of brain rest. The "dynamic nature" of sleep and "sleep as an active process" is probably not the whole story. In fact, sleep itself is not sleep—REM and non-REM are very different, and REM is an active state that probably somehow assists learning and memory. But as I lay me down to sleep, I want my brain to shut down for a while, and get ready for the next day of work. Tononi and other researchers are going to figure out eventually exactly how that happens.

Terry M. Brown, DO, ABSM, Puts Positive Spin on Clinton Nap Media Fiasco

2008-01-27T14:04:00.000-05:00

By: Theresa Shumard

There must not have been anything sensational going on with Paris or Brittney earlier this week. I was most pleased to see a board-certified sleep specialist weigh in with a scientific explanation regarding the recent Bill Clinton nap that was followed by a mainstream media fiasco.The former president participated in tribute services at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, New York to honor slain Civil Rights Leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday. News outlets appeared to go after the human frailties of the former president with even more gusto than usual -- except for the Monica Lewinsky scandal, of course. Internet video outlets reported that the Clinton microsleeps incident was viewed by an estimated half million people worldwide within 12 hours of the Dr. King tribute. Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King III delivered a speech about his father as Clinton fought sleep.Kudos to Terry M. Brown, DO for being the voice of reason as he commented in a news clip that appeared on WSIL-TV this week. The station’s viewing area encompasses Southern Illinois. Dr. Brown is a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) and medical director at the Sleep Disorders Center at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, Illinois.Dr. Brown told reporters,“If you don't get enough sleep, it could lead to an accident, embarrassing situations. Your cognitive functions are diminished. It's one of those things that may worsen your health in the long run...If you know you've been sleep deprived, you can take a short, preventative nap. Then you'd be more ready for a meeting. More able to stay awake. There are some studies that show cognitive function improves after a nap, almost as much as a full night's sleep."Dr. Brown also advises that individuals will know when they are sleep deprived because cognitive function is slower, and they might get the urge to take unintentional naps.Likely, the former president is fatigued from sleep deprivation due to the rigorus schedule he keeps supporting his wife Hilary on the presidential campaign trail. Other celebrity sensationalisms have clearly taken the place of the Clinton nap story, and it is unlikely that his very public nap will weaken his standing or wound Hillary’s campaign in the least. Some politial rhetoric watchers theorize that Clinton’s human slip gained even more favor with supporters as they may ask, 'who among us has not fought the same fight (sleep) and lost'.How can the Sleep Community advocate for napping in the frenzy of this non-stop world? I guess it all boils down to our clinical professionals taking the high road and carrying the positive nap message forward through interviews -- such as Dr. Brown did – stating that napping is not a crime. In the words of William Anthony, author of The Art of Napping, “Nappers are never caught napping, because there is no crime to catch. Nappers are merely seen napping.”As we begin to gear up for National Sleep Awareness Week, it would be responsible of us to also give our attention and support to National Napping Day on March 10, the first Monday after the beginning of daylight savings time.Be well, Sleep well,Theresa

When Life Gets “Crazy-busy,” Even a Little SLEEP Goes a Long Way

2008-01-27T12:54:00.000-05:00

By Michael Breus, Ph.D
Everyone loves a good confession. They are typically much more fun to listen to than someone’s boring, unrealistic New Year’s resolution. Catherine Lloyd Burns’s had an entertaining write-up for Self magazine last week, available here. Her piece is titled “Confessions of a Lapsed Exerciser,” with the subtitle, “When life gets crazy-busy, even a little exercise goes a long way.”

Burns, an avid exerciser in years past, chronicles how life gets in the way of her ability to take regular time to exercise, and how she struggled to get back on track by joining a local gym. She writes, “My life, it seems, is a balancing act perpetually on the verge of tipping over. Exercise is one of the items on the scale, along with work, chores, eating and making contact with other humans; all of these things threaten to throw everything off kilter. What’s changed is that now I accept this idea. My foray back to the gym has made me more flexible, physically and mentally.”

Sound familiar?

Burns is right about one thing: exercise affords you tremendous health benefits, and it can also help you feel better and have more energy. “On the days I do go to the gym,” she admits, “I can’t write as much, and we may well run out of toilet paper. But everything has to give a little, even muscle tone. What’s important is that exercising here and there has made me feel stronger and more energetic.” (That boost of energy, by the way, translates to getting more done throughout the day, even if time is spent working out.)

But what she fails to mention is this: sleep—not exercise—is the stronger common denominator to feeling and looking better. Sleep is what will restore you from the inside out and fuel your next workout. It will boost your immune system, maintain your memory (so you can recall how the trainer showed you how to use the sit-up machine), and keep certain hormones in balance, including the ones that, when they run amok, will sabotage any efforts to lose weight because you won’t be able to keep your hands out of the feedbag. Imbalanced appetite hormones, for instance, can set the stage for gorging on high-calorie sweets and unhealthy carbs. Yet getting restful sleep can help keep your body’s hormonal system in balance (not to mention prepare your body for burning up those calories at your next workout).

At the end of the article, a question is raised: What’s the first thing to go when you get busy?

My guess is many people would report one of two things: 1) “sleep” or “my diet, or not eating well.” (And if they say exercise, it’s with an understanding that they don’t get enough sleep anyhow!).

But how about putting the two together—sleep and exercise. Now that makes for a powerful punch. A recipe for the kind of vibrant health we all dream about at the beginning of each year. Something else Burns left out of her article is the fact her new activity level probably allows her to sleep better.

Besides, “crazy-busy” can become “crazy-manageable” when you put sleep at the top of your priorities. It good night can go a long way to keep you at the top of your game—at work, home, and of course, in the gym or whatever physical activity you do.

My Official Comment on Home Testing

2008-01-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

By http://sleepdoctor.blogspot.com/

Although several posts ago I stated that I was not going to comment on home testing for osa at the official CMS comment site, I changed my mind. Here is what I posted a few minutes ago:

Comment: I am against home testing for osa, but if home testing is to be implemented, allow me to make the following suggestions:
1. DME companies should not be allowed to provide home testing, due to the conflict of interest in providing a qualifying test for a product the DME company provides.
2. Any licensed physician should be able to provide home testing for osa. I am not aware of any precedent limiting a diagnostic test to a particular specialty, and I do not believe that limiting a safe test such as portable monitoring for osa to sleep specialists is justified.
3. Related to point #2, home testing should NOT be limited to sleep labs. One of the main rationales of home testing for osa is to expand diagnosis of osa to areas/populations currently not being served by sleep labs, and limiting home testing to sleep labs would defeat this purpose.

I am against home testing for osa. With the rapidly expanding number of sleep labs, I think that most of the US is now within convenient location of a sleep lab, and I don''t see the need for a test that is inferior to in-lab polysomnography. However, now that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has signed off on home testing, I don''t see any point in arguing further against it, and hope that you will consider my suggestions for implementing home testing.

Having Trouble Sleeping? Your Cell Phone may be to Blame

2008-01-27T11:42:00.000-05:00

By snoozester

According to a recent study of 35 men and 36 women between 18 and 45 found that cell phones may interfere with our sleep. According to a BBC article about the study, one group of participants in the study was exposed to radiation similar to that emitted by mobile phones; the control group was not emitted to the same radiation. Participants that were exposed to the radiation were not able to reach the deep stages of sleep as quickly as the control group.