My Life and Sleep Apnea

Can losing a few pounds help with your sleep apnea?

2025-02-03T08:00:00.009-05:00

If you have done any research on sleep apnea and what causes it then you know the connection between it and being overweight. In fact most folks realize that being overweight increases your chances of developing sleep apnea. Excess fat around the neck and face area contribute to the blockage of your air way which in turn causes the apnea. While there are other reasons for sleep apnea such as an enlarged tongue and a round face, being overweight is one of the main reasons why folks have sleep apnea.

Will weight loss cure your sleep apnea?

Not all the time, but it will decrease the severity of it. According to Webmd.com “ Researchers found that people with severe obstructive sleep apnea who lost the recommended amount of weight were three times more likely to experience a complete remission of sleep apnea symptoms compared with people who didn’t lose weight.”

That is certainly good news and a definite reason to try to lose some weight. Unfortunately as we all know losing weight and keeping it off can be quite an endeavor especially for those with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea zaps you of most of your energy (which isn’t much because of the lack of sleep you get!) making it very difficult to keep up an exercise program which is has to be a part of any weight loss program along with a proper diet.

There are things that you can do like joining a weight loss program where you will be losing weight slowly which is very important and also make sure the program has a detailed exercise plan as well.

The government also has a wonderful site about all things dealing with nutrition and eating right, definitely checks it out.

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Hearing loss and sleep apnea

2025-01-18T08:00:00.005-05:00

It sometimes seems that sleep apnea can be connected to just about any kind of health problem that you can imagine, and that is certainly understandable, considering how it affects the body. Not getting enough or any rest makes you susceptible to injuries because of your lack of concentration.

It is well known about all the things that can happen to your body when you don’t get enough oxygen (caused by an obstruction in the back of the throat), such as heart disease, diabetes, and blood pressure problems. I just found out that there might be a connection between hearing loss and sleep apnea.

A study done in Taiwan suggests that there could be a link between OSA and hearing loss, according to Rueters.com. Sudden hearing loss was also found in people who had sleep apnea, although the percentage wasn’t that high. A Doctor is quoted in the article as saying that the problem of sudden hearing loss may be due to plaque in the blood vessels, which can occur with sleep apnea.

The vessels of the brain that control hearing may also be affected by plaque, causing hearing loss. While nothing can be substantiated or definitely proven, this opens up another area to study regarding sleep apnea.

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Sleep apnea and pneumonia

2025-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

As most folks with sleep apnea have found out, this disorder can cause more problems than just a lack of sleep. In previous posts, I have written about the major danger of sleep apnea, which is the blockage of air in the back of the throat, which means that oxygen is cut off, which in turn forces your body to wake up. There are other major health issues that can also be associated with sleep apnea, such as Diabetes, GERD, and high blood pressure. Sleep deprivation due to this illness can also cause memory and concentration problems as well. Something that I didn’t realize, though, was that there is a connection between sleep apnea and pneumonia.

According to the National Library of Medicine pneumonia is “a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. It is also a common illness affecting millions of people yearly in the United States. Germs called bacteria, viruses, and fungi may cause pneumonia.”

Connection between pneumonia and sleep apnea

According to a study, there is a connection between community-acquired pneumonia and sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. That certainly makes sense because pneumonia is caused by a lung infection, and sleep apnea also has an adverse effect on the lungs. Bronchitis is another disorder similar to pneumonia and has also been connected with sleep apnea.

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How many apneic episodes equal sleep apnea?

2025-01-10T08:00:00.005-05:00

Before I went to my first sleep study I had no idea if I had sleep apnea or not. My wife thought that something was wrong because my snoring was very loud and strange sounding, more like a grunt than the typical sound of someone snoring. At the time I knew little about sleep apnea other than the fact that it keep you up most of night, and making you feel exhausted during the day. One of the first things that I found out about this sleeping disorder was that the number of times that you wake up from it is a good indicator of how bad your sleep apnea is.

At the sleep study you are attached to many wires that record many things regarding your sleep. One of the main issues is how many times that you will awake in a given hour. This is referred to as apneic episodes, which happen after your breathing stops and you gasp for air which triggers you awake.

If you have had 5 to 15 apneic episodes than your sleep apnea is considered in the mild range, if the number of episodes 15 to 30 then it is considered moderate whereas 30 episodes is severe. I can’t remember what my number was but I believe that it was in the high range.

Of course at a sleep study they check quite a few things out but the number of apneic episodes is one of the most telling findings.

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Sleep apnea and cholesterol

2025-01-08T11:53:00.001-05:00

Sleep apnea can be a trigger for many ailments, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses. It can also have an adverse effect on your cholesterol level.

First, there are 2 types of cholesterol, the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol. It used to be that you would be given just one number to tell where your cholesterol level was. Not now, you also have to take in consideration that some cholesterol is good.

LDL is the bad cholesterol. It clogs up the arteries with plaque, which could eventually lead to complete blockage, which could kill you.

HDL is the good cholesterol. It helps send cholesterol and fats back to the liver for recycling.

Sleep apnea can reduce the level of good cholesterol. Apnea affects lipid metabolism, which has a direct effect on good and bad cholesterol, according to a German study done in 2006. The same study found that CPAP helped raise HDL cholesterol.

Of course, being tired all the time can lead to poor eating habits. I know that I gravitate toward foods that have a lot of sugar in them, I imagine because it gives me a temporary pickup that I need to get through the day. I am also sure that if I exercised more, I would probably have better eating habits, but as tired as I am during the day, it is hard to get motivated to exercise.

Once again, there is another reason to find relief from your sleep apnea.

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Sleep apnea and sleep deprivation

2025-01-06T04:00:00.004-05:00

While there are many harmful side effects to sleep apnea such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, gout, depression and many more, the most immediate problem is being tired or being sleep deprived.

This is one side effect that you see constantly from early in the morning to late at night.

What is sleep deprivation?

Sleep deprivation is simply receiving a lack of sleep regularly or even occasionally. The causes of sleep deprivation are many besides sleep apnea

. It could be emotional issues that aren’t dealt with or medications or something simple like eating too late at night. But the consequence of lack of sleep can be very dangerous or even fatal in the case of sleep apnea.

One of the things that I have written about is adrenal fatigue which can also be caused by other sleep disorders such insomnia.

Brain damage is also a concern if you don’t have the right amount of rest. But the most damaging and serious side effect of lack of sleep is heart disease. Sleep apnea with its cessation of breathing and limiting of oxygen is a big factor in heart troubles.

Sleep is a vital time that the body uses to rest and restore functions like memory and blood sugars. Try to make sure that you get your proper amount.

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aerophagia and sleep apnea

2024-12-31T22:30:00.004-05:00

It sounds inevitable that cpap users would swallow air, especially those with full face masks. But one of the problems of swallowing too much air is a condition called Aerophagia.

Aerophagia occurs when a person swallows too much air causing bloating, belching, stomach pain and gas.

What causes this condition?

Chewing gum
Drinking soda drinks
Smoking
Eating too fast
Hysteria
And for some wearing a cpap mask

Potential reasons for the cpap causing Aerophagia is the air pressure is too great on the machine, if the air doesn’t go to the lungs it goes into the stomach. Of course, that can be fixed by having the setting changed on your machine.

Another possible problem is air leaks. Make sure that your mask fits snuggly enough so no air escapes. (I know that isn’t easy)

Daytime drowsiness and sleep apnea

2024-12-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you had a bad night and couldn’t sleep at all, then a bad day when you were drowsy would follow. It is a miserable feeling when you don’t get enough sleep. Every little thing that you do during the day seems to take all of your energy (what little you have left!). This happens to most folks at one time or another, but if you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, it probably occurs every day.

It is challenging to be productive if your energy is sapped, and that is exactly what happens after a night of waking every few minutes because the apnea is choking you. It can also cause emotional problems such as depression and physical illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

Sleep apnea is caused by blockage in the back of the throat due to loose tissue or an enlarged tongue. Another type of sleep apnea called central sleep apnea causes you to wake every few minutes but isn’t due to blockage in the throat. This type of apnea doesn’t occur as much as obstructive sleep apnea.

Strangely enough, many people with sleep apnea don’t even know they have it, so they just do the best they can with the small amount of rest they get. Getting a sleep study done and seeing if you have OSA is essential. The most common type of cure for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine, which keeps your airway open by blowing air down your throat. Surgery is also an option but is usually saved until everything else has been tried and failed.

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Sleep apnea and fainting

2024-12-25T23:46:00.000-05:00

Passing out

If you have ever fainted or felt extremely light-headed you know how helpless that feeling is. You may black out which can be dangerous depending on where you are at or what you are doing (especially if you are driving). Falling can also be a result of fainting which may lead to serious injuries. It seems that sleep apnea and fainting do have a connection considering the causes of fainting and what sleep apnea does to your heart and general health.

What is fainting?

According to Wikipedia, fainting (syncope) is “a sudden, usually temporary, loss of consciousness generally caused by insufficient oxygen in the brain either through cerebral hypoxia or through hypotension, but possibly for other reasons.” So there is a lack of oxygen in the brain that causes fainting (although that isn’t the only cause of fainting), which certainly makes it understandable that sleep apnea could be connected to fainting because the obstruction of the airway in the back stops oxygen from flowing in the body and the brain.

A study on fainting

Another critical National Institute of Health finding concerns syncope and sleep apnea…

“A 73-year-old man who had recurrent episodes of syncope. An extensive work-up, including cardiac and neurologic consultations, failed to identify the cause. An objective sleep evaluation led to the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Accordingly, the patient was treated with continuous positive airway pressure, which resolved the syncopal episodes. This case report generates a potentially important hypothesis that recurrent syncope may be effectively treated, in part, by correcting apnea. In patients with recurrent syncope of unknown etiology, a diagnosis of sleep apnea should be considered.”

Most people know that Sleep Apnea, if left untreated, can cause many serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and high blood pressure. But does it cause dizziness?

Sleep walking and sleep apnea

2024-12-23T08:00:00.012-05:00

I remember having episodes of sleepwalking as a child. It really didn’t seem to bother me much until I woke up during a walk in the middle of the night in another room in the house. It was very disorienting to slowly realize that you don’t know where you are. My parents didn’t seem concerned, assuming that I would just outgrow it, and I did. I wondered whether my other sleep problem, sleep apnea, might have something to do with that.

According to Science Daily “Nearly 1 in 10 patients with obstructive sleep apnea also experience "parasomnia" symptoms such as sleepwalking, hallucinations and acting out their dreams,” which seems strange to me considering how little sleep folks with apnea get, but there is a study from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine to back it up.

Sleepwalking occurs during the “deep sleep” stage of sleep. The cause is unknown, but it might be caused by mental disorders, medications, fatigue, or alcohol. The majority of cases happen to children. Folks who sleepwalk have their eyes open, and they may do a number of routine activities around the house, although they wouldn’t remember them later.

According to webmd.com, a recent study suggests that nearly 30 percent of participants have had some kind of sleepwalking experience as adults or children. These numbers have dramatically increased over the past 30 years.

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Sleep Apnea and a deviated Septum

2024-12-22T00:00:00.002-05:00

A deviated septum can be a factor in developing sleep apnea. The septum is the area between the nostrils that separates the nasal passages. Any blockage can cause disruption of your breathing.

What causes a deviated septum?
You could be born with a deviated septum or you could have one as a result of an injury to the nose. Old age can also be a factor causing the septum to be crooked.

What is done to treat a deviated septum?
The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. It takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Working through the nose, the surgeon bends the cartilage to eliminate the blockage.

After the surgery there may be packing inside the nose, it will stay there for up to 3 days allowing the nose to heal.

Unfortunately, just having the surgery doesn’t correct sleep apnea for those who have severe OSA.

One ENT that I saw suggested that I have the surgery. He told me that although it wouldn’t cure my sleep apnea, it would certainly help. I declined, and I’m glad I did. I went to another ENT, and he said that I didn’t need the surgery at all. So it is always good to have a second opinion.

This isn't meant to be medical advice. Speak to your doctor.

Sleeping on your stomach and sleep apnea

2024-12-21T08:00:00.004-05:00

I slept on my stomach till I was in my late twenties. Until then, sleep wasn’t really an issue with me, and it didn’t seem to matter what position I slept in. Then, I had an injury to one of the discs in my back. The back pain was extremely sharp, and it seemed worse when I was on my stomach. After I had a nerve block done, the pain in my back left I also found that sleeping on my stomach was uncomfortable. Sleeping on my back seemed the only way that I could get any rest.

Of course, that’s pretty much when the sleep apnea started.

As I have written in the past, there are some things to consider when sleeping on your stomach…

You will find that many folks who have sleep apnea also have acid reflux or GERD. I do. Besides not eating before you go to bed, sleeping with your head propped is also a good idea.
Pick a good pillow if you have sleep apnea. I use a wedge pillow, and it seems to help my sleep apnea and my acid reflux.
Consider sleeping on your side. It could help the apnea.
Sleeping in a recliner instead of a bed may seem strange. The idea behind this is that your head is really propped up. I don’t know if I sleep in a recliner all night, but you might want to give it a try.
Positional therapy might be something that would help your sleep apnea.
Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, sleeping on your back is the best way to sleep.

Mayo Clinic Minute - What's the best sleeping position?

Check with your doctor and see what recommendations he can give you regarding the best sleeping position.

Sleep-related eating disorder

2024-12-18T08:00:00.009-05:00

Do you eat while you are asleep? I don’t but it appears that some folks do. Sleep eating is apparently just another sleep disorder that affects people.

According to about.com, “Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is characterized by repeated involuntary episodic eating that occurs during nighttime sleep. It is more than a midnight snack, and individuals with this disorder remain largely asleep while eating.”

And if eating while you are asleep is strange, it seems that what some folks are eating at night is even weirder. They eat odd combinations of foods such as salt, sugar, flour, and even—this is disgusting—cat litter. Foods that are high in calories (I don’t know what the calorie content is for cat litter) are also prevalent.

What makes this happen?

This usually occurs in people who have other sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, and periodic limb movements. There also seems to be a link between Confusional arousal and SRED. The demographic for this is women in their 20’s.

I have also read that there can be a link between sleep medication, like Ambien and Trizolam, and this sleep disorder

The first step, of course, is to go to your doctor and schedule a sleep study. This will determine which sleep disorders you have or don’t have. Treatment can include sleep hygiene and possibly medication.

Why would sleep apnea lead to carbohydrate cravings?

There are being numerous studies that show the connection between diabetes and sleep apnea. According to the International Diabetes Foundation, 40 % of folks with obstructive sleep apnea also have diabetes. That number is really extraordinary and troubling at the same time. Sleep apnea by itself is bad enough, but it also worries about becoming diabetic, which can make you want to give the CPAP another try.

Once again, according to the study…

"Previous studies have shown that sleep deprivation may lead to changes in hormones that regulate appetite and hunger” and “these hormonal changes can lead to significant craving for high-calorie carbohydrates such as cookies, candy, bread, rice, and potatoes. The current study supports previous findings by validating this in a community sample of diabetics."

They also imply that just treating the diabetes wouldn’t be enough to stop the craving; the sleep apnea will have to be corrected as well. Which, of course, is easier said than done.

Sleeping with your mouth open

2024-12-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

Before I went to my first sleep study, as a matter of fact, way before I went to a sleep study, I had a problem with my teeth grinding. I don’t remember for sure but I believe it was a dentist that told me that I was grinding my teeth at night. I believe they call that bruxism. I didn’t think that was the case, but I tried and tried to keep my mouth open while I sleep and it must have worked because I no longer grinded my teeth at night.

Instead, I slept with my mouth wide open, breathing through my big mouth. I suppose that isn’t bad if you don’t have sleep apnea. Although I think it is recommended that breathing through your nose is better.

Why? For a number of reasons, such as air leaving the nostril taking longer and giving the lungs a better chance to extract oxygen. The nose filters the air going into the lungs, which is a good thing that doesn’t happen when you are breathing through your mouth. The only problem that I ever had sleeping with my mouth open was that my mouth was very dried out in the morning.

However, the worst consequence of breathing through my mouth at night was trying to use the CPAP with a mask that just covered the nose. On my second overnight sleep study, the tech insisted that I tried a mask that didn’t cover my mouth (he didn’t have a full face mask) I couldn’t do it because when I opened my mouth the air would burst out, which is a very strange feeling. The tech even tried a strap around my head to close my mouth. It closed my mouth all right, but there was no way I was going to fall asleep.

When I received my first cpap machine, I did have a full face mask. It was very cumbersome and there was a great deal of air escaping. I eventually gave up on that.

Anyway, if you breathe through your nose, you will definitely have an advantage over a mouth breather when it comes to using a CPAP machine.

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Sleep disorders besides sleep apnea

2024-12-15T08:00:00.005-05:00

Besides sleep apnea, there are other sleep disorders. Like sleep apnea, they can be dangerous if left untreated.

Insomnia is a pervasive sleep disorder that affects millions of people. The inability to fall asleep even when you are tired is emotionally draining as well as hazardous to your health.
Narcolepsy can cause immense daytime drowsiness to the point of falling asleep at any point of the day and anywhere. Besides being embarrassing, it could be life-threatening if the narcolepsy patient is driving or operating heavy machinery.
Night terror, unlike nightmares, usually can’t be recalled after waking up. Nightmares are dreams of frightening events, whereas night terror is the feeling of fear.
Restless legs syndrome is the need to move your legs to stop uncomfortable feelings from happening while trying to sleep.
Sleepwalking is walking or engaging in wake-time activities while one is still asleep. Stress, fever, and alcoholism are known triggers of sleepwalking.

Can you have sleep apnea without snoring?

2024-12-15T08:00:00.004-05:00

One of the biggest signs of sleep apnea is snoring, but not just any kind of snoring. The snoring that sleep apnea sufferers experience is a kind of grunting and gasping for air. This is exactly what happens because your airway is blocked, and when you grunt, you wake yourself up to breathe; if your sleep apnea is pretty bad, then this occurs frequently through the night. That is why a sleep study is so important: the results of the tests will tell you whether you have sleep apnea or not. Lots of folk's snore, but not everyone has obstructive sleep apnea. But can you have sleep apnea without snoring?

I guess that would depend on what you consider snoring, whether it is the regular rhythmic snoring that goes without stopping or the grunting that I had earlier described. While I have read that it is possible to have sleep apnea with snoring, I think that it would be very rare and very dangerous. The loud grunting noise of sleep apnea is a great warning to you or your partner that something is definitely wrong.

But also keep in mind that there are other symptoms of sleep apnea, such as daytime drowsiness, which can be very dangerous, especially if you drive a lot. Being unable to concentrate and keep things in your memory can also indicate sleep apnea.

snoring) is a problem have it checked out by a doctor who may want you to go for a sleep study.

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Claustrophobia and the cpap mask

2024-12-13T13:46:00.002-05:00

One problem with the CPAP mask that I haven’t heard much about is claustrophobia. The mask can be cumbersome for most at the beginning because it is so unnatural to have a mask on your face while you are sleeping. I wrote about my experiences in an earlier post, but for some, the problems might be a little more frightening.

Claustrophobia is a panic disorder that causes anxiety from the fear of enclosed places. Most sufferers fear the lack of movement that a tightly enclosed place puts them in or they fear a lack of oxygen. Training the patients to identify their fears and change their behaviors is the most common treatments.

Sleep Apnea patients who are claustrophobic due to their CPAP mask can find relief by wearing it during the day for a few hours to adjust to the feel and the sound of the machine. They can also try out nasal pillows where tubes are inserted into the nostrils without having any straps on their face. Relaxation exercises might also be tried to control the anxiety of the CPAP mask.

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Sleep apnea and the immune system

2024-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

There are some things that we just can’t do without, such as air, water, and food (especially air!), but there is something else we have to have: sleep. Our bodies need to rest to recover our energy, and sleep also helps with our nervous system.

Too little sleep leaves us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. It also leads to impaired memory and physical performance and reduced ability to carry out math calculations. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings may develop. Some experts believe sleep gives neurons used while we are awake a chance to shut down and repair themselves.

Sleep deprivation can also affect our immune system, which protects us from getting ill. While we sleep, our bodies not only grow cells but also repair them.

Sleep disruption affects the immune system much like stress does. A study in the Netherlands and Britain compared the blood counts of 15 young men in normal and sleep-deprived situations. Sleep deprivation affects the white blood cells, similar to stress.

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the dreaded cpap mask

2024-12-12T22:02:00.002-05:00

Ten things I know about the CPAP mask...

My initial encounter with the CPAP machine at a sleep study. It wasn’t a good experience.
One of the best devices that now comes with the CPAP machine is a humidifier. The air that blows through the hose tends to become dry, which in turn dries out your mouth. The humidifier helps with that.
Having a beard and trying to use the CPAP machine isn’t a good idea. The beard can cause leakage, which is definitely something you don’t want.
Make sure to clean your CPAP machine if you are able to use it. Germs can build up without proper cleaning.
You lose a lot by not being able to sleep. Can you regain any of it by using a CPAP?
Wearing a mask at night can be uncomfortable, especially during the summer when it is hot.
Learning as much as possible about the CPAP machine before buying it is wise.
There are other things that can help with your sleep apnea besides using a CPAP.
With some folks, insomnia is the result of using a CPAP machine.
What is a hybrid CPAP mask? A combination of the best features of all makes of the mask.

I remember the first time I went to a sleep clinic there was another guy there waiting to get set up. He told me that he had used the cpap mask before and he was just having another study to get it adjusted. I asked him if it was hard to get used to. He said yes, but it was well worth it.

Unfortunately, that wasn't my experience; I never got used to it. Having a mask over your face and blowing air into your nose is very uncomfortable, at least to me. Some people get used to it. I wish I was one of them. The noise of the air pressure alone kept me up. And just try to turn it over in bed with it on.

What if the CPAP turns off?

When I first started using the CPAP machine, a thought occurred to me: If the machine turns off in the middle of the night due to a power shortage, will I continue to breathe?
Of course, it never happened because I didn’t use the CPAP machine when there was a storm, but what if I had not known about a storm coming?

You can buy back up batteries for your machines. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it makes perfect sense, especially if you get used to the machine and rely on it to get a good night’s sleep. If you have a CPAP machine, it will seem like a good investment.

As far as the CPAP machine breaking down in the middle of the night, I don’t think that there is much chance of that because they are pretty sophisticated and probably tested many times. However, I had a problem with the hose getting loose in the middle of the night. I toss and turn quite a bit, and I’m sure that is the reason the hose didn’t stay attached to the machine. I realized it came off immediately because of the roaring sound it made. That was another reason that I didn’t stay with the cpap that long.

What is Titration?

2024-12-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is using a CPAP machine where air is pushed through a tube into your throat to keep your airway open. While it sounds rather simple there are quite a few issues that are involved with this process with the biggest being the comfort of wearing a mask at night and having air forced into your throat. Not everyone can get used to the mask but many do. What does get a little tricky is how much air pressure is taken through the mask. This is called titration.

If you think that you have sleep apnea your first step should be to your general practitioner who will send you on to a sleep specialist, who are typically ENTs or pulmonologists (respiratory doctors). If the sleep specialist thinks that you may have sleep apnea then they will set up a sleep study which will determine whether you have sleep apnea or not.

In my case the first sleep study was just to determine if I had sleep apnea whereas some folks have a split study where the second half of the night the sleep technicians put a CPAP mask on you. The technicians will monitor your sleeping or lack of it from another room. They can also adjust the amount of air that is going through your CPAP mask. Hopefully at the end of the study the sleep techs will have enough information to send to your doctor to recommend a titration setting on the CPAP machine.

If you do decide to try the CPAP machine the titration rate will be adjusted for you by a sleep tech. usually a nurse or someone who specializes in CPAP setting will come out to your house with the CPAP and set it up for you.

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Can a Chiropractor help with your Sleep Apnea?

2024-12-08T07:00:00.010-05:00

There are a few well-known treatments for sleep apnea, such as the CPAP machine or the various types of positive air machines, such as bipap and apap. Some find relief with it, but many people just can’t get used to the feeling of wearing a mask in bed, and the noise is irritating, too. Surgeries are usually considered the last option for sleep apnea patients due to the long recovery time and the fact that it isn’t always successful. There are also unconventional treatments, one of which involves seeing a chiropractor.

The medical community usually frowns upon chiropractic. But a large proportion of the population has found their services invaluable and couldn’t do without them. I have known people who take their children to them at an early age to start treatments. So, chiropractic does provide an important service to many people. But can they help with sleep apnea?

I have read that one person found relief from sleep apnea by having his neck curvature adjusted. Others have claimed that they can open up the mouth’s airway by stimulating the nervous system. A chiropractor could also treat the muscles in the neck.

I haven’t read any conclusive evidence that a chiropractor can help with sleep apnea, but if you are interested, you might want to talk to one yourself.

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Nocturnal epilepsy sleep apnea

2024-12-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

Did you ever wonder if your sleeping problems were due to something else besides sleep apnea? Apparently there is one thing that is misdiagnosed as sleep apnea and that is nocturnal epilepsy.

What is nocturnal epilepsy?

I have written before about the connections between seizures and sleep apnea. But with nocturnal epilepsy, the seizures occur while you are sleeping. There is also nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy that originates from the frontal lobe. Signs that you have had an episode of this are bedwetting, tongue bite, headaches, and or being ill-tempered during the next day. Medications that are used for regular epilepsy can be used for nocturnal epilepsy.

Is it sleep apnea or nocturnal epilepsy?

Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing during the night due to a blockage in the throat (unless it is central sleep apnea), whereas nocturnal epilepsy is nighttime seizures. Apparently, there have been some cases where nocturnal epilepsy has been confused with sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and night terrors. Fortunately, sleep apnea can easily be detected by having a sleep study done.

For more information concerning epilepsy go to the epilepsy foundation website.

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No get up and go with sleep apnea

2024-11-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

Energy or the lack of it seems to be a major problem with just about everybody over the age of 50, maybe even 40. This has really become a hot issue due to the fact that the population as a whole is getting older. As we get older it our vim and vigor don’t last too long, and that is understandable because of natural causes and some things that we bring on our own like not eating right and forgetting about exercising. Another energy zapper is lack of sleep or lack of quality sleep. As you probably know, sleep apnea is one of the biggest sleep problems.

A night’s sleep can be divided into five stages, each one important. Sleep apnea can interrupt probably the most vital stage of sleep, rapid eye movement (REM). During this stage, the body’s muscles are rejuvenated, and the brain is active, which helps with memory and other functions. These factors can certainly help drain any energy that you may have.

What can you do about a lack of energy due to sleep loss?

The best thing you can do is work on eliminating your sleep apnea, either through a type of CPAP or even a dental device, depending on how bad your sleep apnea is. Losing weight may not cure sleep apnea, but it can lessen its effects, not to mention make you healthier. Surgery is also an option, but usually, it is a last resort.

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Sleep apnea study for women

2024-11-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

Sleep apnea is no longer a secret to most women and men; the effects on their health and mental well-being can be profound and even deadly. The lack of oxygen due to the blockage in the back of the throat not only causes you to wake up constantly throughout the night but is also bad for your heart. Sleep apnea is often found in folks who have weight issues (although not all the time), and it can also be found in children as well. A recent study came out with a shocking result, saying that over half of all women may have sleep apnea.

In a Swedish study of 400 women, half of them were found to have mild to severe cases of sleep apnea. According to an article in Reuters, “Among women with hypertension or who were obese - two risk factors for sleep apnea - the numbers were even higher, reaching 80 to 84 percent of women.”

That is really astonishing, considering the health risks involved in sleep apnea. What is even stranger is the notion that more men have sleep apnea than women; if that is true, then sleep apnea is more of a problem than most folks realize.

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Nocturia and sleep apnea

2024-11-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

Does the need to use the bathroom wake you up several times each night? If you are like me, you go quite a few times. This can be particularly irritating especially if you have sleep apnea. It seems that there is a connection between sleep apnea and Nocturia.

Nocturia is when you wake up to urinate. Bedwetting is called enuresis which is different because you don’t wake up.

The vast majority of people can limit their nightly bathroom visits to one time at the most; this is considered normal. Those who have severe Nocturia can go as many as five or six times. Two- or three-bathroom visits are about my average. Of course, since I have sleep apnea, I am usually awake anyway, so it really doesn’t bother my sleep routine.

I was always under the impression that the reason you had to go to the bathroom so many times each night was a full bladder caused by drinking too many fluids before going to bed. Apparently, there is another reason, and it has to do with sleep apnea.

Here is an interesting post from Sleepapnea.com about this subject.

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