Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder caused by pauses in breathing during sleep. Each pause is called apnea that can last from seconds to a few minutes. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed with a test called a polysomnogram also known as “sleep study”. Whilst migraine is a condition where moderate to severe headaches and nausea occur and is sometimes followed by vomiting and fainting.

Dr. Jin Zhou, DC at PainUSA.com celebrates seventh year of Zhou’s Hypoxicology Therapy (ZHT) clinical research for possible solutions to more medical conditions than sleep apnea, such as migraine headaches, due to the same possible causes: baroreflex dysfunctions and tracheal caudal displacement (TCD). Today, Dr. Zhou announced a new ZHT program for migraines in the wake of satisfactory ZHT observation for the patients with sleep apnea, as a result of very satisfactory ZHT benefits for migraine headaches.

“Never claim for cure for any modern medical diagnosis, a natural solution with mother nature human body functions will be the most powerful protections against migraines and sleep apnea,” Dr. Zhou, the Inventor of Zhou’s Hypoxicology Therapy (ZHT), who coined the word, “Hypoxicology”.

Migraine headache is a common medical condition without well-known etiology, and sleep apnea is a deadly condition with increasing medical attentions and public awareness. A patient may often have both conditions at the same time without realizing that both migraine and sleep apnea may share the common causes or even be the same problems. Sleep apnea is a deadly illness if without timely diagnosis and proper treatment, however, the current standard medical treatments are only focused on the surgeries and expensive, or lifetime devices, with very limited clinical results and they are only for less than 30% of the sleep apnea population. A significant number of populations worldwide suffer from life long chronic debilitating migraines without successful solutions. In recent years of clinical ZHT work, Dr. Zhou noticed surprising clinical improvement of both if the common causes were eliminated for the same patient in working with either one of them.

A patient with migraine headache typically presents with recurrent severe headache associated with autonomic symptoms, including unilateral pain, sub-occipital and para-orbital, pulsating in nature, lasting from 4 to 72 hours, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. Very often a patient developing migraine headaches may perceive an aura – unusual visual, smell, or other sensory experiences that are a sign that the migraine will be soon forthcoming. Migraine is aggravated by routine physical activity, psychological and environmental factors. Migraines are generally considered to be a neurovascular disorder, without clear understanding of original causes or etiologies. With obvious and satisfactory clinical benefits from ZHT in early clinical observations for sleep apnea and migraines, Dr. Zhou developed a new pathophysiological hypothesis and simple clinical solutions for migraines: Baroreflex dysfunctions and tracheal caudal displacement (TCD), and clinical ZHT.

http://SleepapneaUSA.net

Are you feeling tired? Do you get enough sleep everyday?  Sleep is an  important part of our daily activities which helps us recharge, grow and rejuvenate for the next day. Sleep is helpful to humans as well as animals for it helps our bodies conserve energy. Sleep is a natural cycle that we take part in whilst being conscious or semi-conscious of our surroundings. Without adequate sleep sleep, we live an unhealthy life and feel weak all the time.

With the daily stresses of life continually piling on and not enough hours in the day to get everything done, one of the most common things that people tend to cheat themselves out of is a good night’s sleep. Spoonk acupressure mats offer a natural way to get a deeper and more restful sleep at the end of the day, enabling its users to break this cycle and make sleep deprivation a thing of the past.

The Spoonk mat uses over 6,000 firm plastic points which stimulate circulation and oxygenate the body and brain. In just 20 minutes, the Spoonk acupressure mat can help lead to deep sleep for its user. While others turn to sleeping pills that come with a long list of side effects and can sometimes become addictive, Spoonk’s natural remedy to sleep deprivation offers its users a wide range of benefits. In addition to better sleep, regular users of the Spoonk acupressure mat report improved blood circulation, boosted energy, a deeper sense of relaxation, eased muscle tension, reduced back, neck, hip and joint pain, increased oxygen flow, improved digestion, strengthened immune system, stimulated libido and an overall improvement of balance in the body.

Both portable and light, the mat requires nothing to plug in or heat up, making it a convenient and energy efficient product. Better yet, Spoonk is dedicated to offering a sleep technique that is not only natural, but is made of natural materials as well. The mat consists of a 100% cotton cover, recyclable non-toxic ABS plastic points and a plant-based eco-foam which does not contain off-gassing chemicals (created with Variable Pressure Foaming™ technology), a process that sets the standard in environmentally responsible foam manufacturing. Spoonk’s commitment to the environment, in addition to its dedication to achieving deeper relaxation, is just one more reason to help you sleep at night!

We all know that sleep is essential.  It is an opportunity for our body to rejuvenate itself, to heal sore muscles, repair cellular damage and improve our immunity.  Sleep calms down our emotions and reduces stress.   It clears our minds and improves our memory and concentration.  It makes us feel better and function better.  Not everyone knows this, but sleeping can also burn calories.

Research has shown that listening to restful, nature sounds can provide relaxation and can help us achieve sleep.  Nature sounds generate positive vibrations that may aid in sleep.  The soothing effect of music provides mental comfort, calms our nerves and emotions, decreases respiration and heart rate, relaxes our emotion and brings us to a more peaceful state.  Relaxing music can improve sleep efficiency, quality and length.

Do you know that eating influences sleep? Sleep can be affected by the kind of snack you eat, the amount of food, the time of your meal, etc. Various hormones send signal to the sleep center of the brain and activate the body’s circadian rhythm. Food contains tryptophan which is converted to serotonin. Serotonin induces sleep. Tryptophan is high in milk, eggs, meat, nuts and cheese. A high intake of carbohydrates can also stimulate sleep. Avoid caffeine for several hours before sleep, if you want to sleep calmly. Do not eat huge meals before sleeping, but do not go to bed hungry either. So, munch wisely to have a superb slumber.

A good night’s sleep is important for attentiveness, alertness, memory and body repair.  Chronic sleep deprivation makes you prone to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infections and some cancers.

An inability to initiate and maintain sleep is also one of the major symptoms of depression.  Lack of sleep plays a role in the causation of depression and can worsen it.  Depression causes you to feel gloomy, desperate, insignificant and powerless for long periods of time, and the infirmity can impair in the activities of daily living.  The negative attitudes associated with depression can disrupt sleep.

Take medical advice to avoid this vicious circle. Get your insomnia cured to treat depression and alleviate depression by sleeping better.

White noise machines or sleep machines are becoming popular nowadays with many of us leading hectic lives and finding it difficult to fall asleep. White noise is not a noise per se but a random signal with flat power spectral density.  Appreciable frequencies are combined and produce a sound like that of a wind blowing, falling rain or the soft hum of an air-conditioner.

White noise lets you sleep better by toning out background noises.  These appliances eliminates commotion and offer solitude, even though the sound is described as noise.  Sleeping better means you get an adequate uninterrupted, peaceful rest.  This makes waking up effortless and invigorating.  A relaxing sleep translates to a cheerful mood and sound intellect.  Enough sleep also keeps you healthy, protects you from various ailments and lessens stress.  So, have a good sleep now!

For those who have difficulty achieving and maintaining sleep, stress may be the major culprit.  Yoga helps relieve stress, reduce anxiety bringing calmness into your being resulting in a good night’s sleep.
Sleep can be improved by exercising regularly or doing vigorous yoga such as power yoga.  However, avoid doing intense work out near your bedtime.  The Three-part breath clears the mind to prepare the body for sleep.  The Corpse pose is a good way to end a busy day.  In preparing for sleep, you must focus on each part of your body starting with the toes and soften it before moving on.
Good night and sleep tight!

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is characterized by crawling or tingling leg sensations during periods of inactivity such as sleep. It has been associated with pregnancy, obesity, anemia, hormonal imbalance, kidney failure smoking, alcohol and some medications. RLS may frequently lead to sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep has a negative impact on our mental ability, on immunity, on stress handling and emotion control.

Have you asked yourself “Am I Sleep Deprived”? If you don’t have a regular bedtime, are caffeine obsessed and a workaholic then consider yourself deprived of sleep! After a dreadful time at the office, all I want to do is to head home and relax, but unfortunately because of family demands, this is usually not possible. Sleep is an important part of our wellbeing. As a child, I was taught to sleep 8 hours everyday to grow up healthilyand to have good memory and attention span. Lack of sleep can be harmful and lead to chronic illnesses. If you are sleep deprived, you might consider doing the 10 commandments for a better sleep!

“A good night’s sleep” has long been the intention of millions of people suffering from sleep disorders around the world.  However, this objective is scarcely met with ease.  The reality of this scenario is that many will not seek the professional help to address the serious sleep disorders that plague them, resulting in numerous health consequences.  The World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) will be holding the third annual World Sleep Day on Friday, March 19, 2010.  The event is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee and is regarded as a platform for medical professionals to deliver the message of the importance of healthy sleep to the public.

Sleep is a function in which all vertebrates and some invertebrates participate, however the physiological purpose of sleep has yet to be discovered.  While sleep is necessary to be alert to optimally navigate daily tasks, research shows sleep may also be a factor in growth, regeneration, and memory.  With an estimated one third of adults suffering from clinically recognizable insomnia and approximately 80 additional sleep-related disorders, there is significant concern for the health consequences that occur with the lack of quality sleep.  Studies suggest that a lack of sleep is detrimental to health in ways such as the development of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and other chronic ailments in those who consume less than 6 hours nightly.

The 10 Commandments of Sleep Hygiene listed below make common sense recommendations that are rarely complied with fully.

1. Fix a bedtime and an awakening time.
2. If you are in the habit of taking siestas do not exceed 45 minutes of daytime sleep.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol ingestion 4 hours before bedtime and do not smoke.
4. Avoid caffeine 6 hours before bedtime. This includes coffee, tea and many sodas, as well as chocolate.
5. Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4 hours before bedtime. A light snack before bed is acceptable.
6. Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
7. Use comfortable bedding.
8. Find a comfortable temperature setting for sleeping and keep the room well ventilated.
9. Block out all distracting noise and eliminate as much light as possible.
10. Reserve the bed for sleep and sex. Don’t use the bed as an office, workroom or recreation room.

Violation of these commandments causes poor quality of nocturnal sleep, short duration of sleep, fragmentation of sleep and serious sleep deprivation.  These infringements may lead to poor alertness, lack of attention, reduced concentration, decreased work and academic productivity, and even motor vehicle accidents.  Physical health problems come next.

It is due to the widespread effects of sleep disorders and increasing number of sufferers worldwide, that World Sleep Day dedicates its efforts in 2010 to educate the world on important sleep topics.  The day’s events will take place online, featuring the organization of local groups promoting sleep health, presentation of educational materials, an award presentation to the best creation and exhibition of historic videos.

The third World Sleep Day is co-chaired by Antonio Culebras, MD, professor of neurology at SUNY, Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, and Liborio Parrino, MD, of Parma, Italy, and WASM’s Executive Director Allan O’Bryan.

World Sleep Day 2010 partners are pharmaceutical companies H. Lundbeck A/S and UCB.  More information regarding partners and affiliates may be obtained at www.worldsleepday.org.

Have you ever had the most tiring day and all you wanted to do was to lie down and sleep? I have!  But sometimes I get disrupted by loud snoring and I wonder if I made that irritating noise or my roommate? But regardless, it is quite alarming during somber moments and most importantly snoring can disrupt your sleep! Based on Medical explanations, “Sleep Apnea is a form of disrupted breathing that often results in snoring and gasping for air while sleeping. As the body fights for air, the sufferer is forced to awake again and again throughout the night. These repetitive episodes result in constant tiredness and a broad spectrum of serious medical conditions”. Having these symptoms, if you are anything like me, you may be embarrassed to discuss this type of sleeping problem with a medical specialist. It is therefore perhaps a good thing there are sites that offer complete information on this condition. However, don’t be afraid to talk this over with your doctor too.

With more than a decade of clinical practice and research, SleepQuest, Inc. has announced the introduction of a comprehensive new website dedicated to the millions of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

MySleepQuest.com brings all aspects of Sleep Apnea together in one website by offering important information about this life-long chronic condition. News, videos, educational content, therapy selection and an opportunity to discuss Sleep Apnea with a Sleep Care Specialist are all found on the site.

Most importantly, visitors across the country will be able to find out if they are at risk for Sleep Apnea by submitting an online questionnaire that will be reviewed by Sleep Specialists and Sleep Physicians.

The website is supported by Dr. William Dement, often referred to as the “Father of Sleep Medicine.” Dr. Dement is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and the Division Chief of the Stanford University Division of Sleep.

The doctor is on a decades-long crusade to help people identify the symptoms of Sleep Apnea and dismiss the apprehensions they may have with the diagnostic or therapy process. After helping to establish the first sleep testing center and the field of sleep medicine, Dr. Dement has been supporting the use of at-home diagnostic and therapy services. For more than a decade, Dr. Dement has been the Chief Scientific Advisor for SleepQuest, Inc. and was instrumental in the development of MySleepQuest.com.

Dr. Dement has made exhaustive efforts to educate the public about the importance of a good night’s sleep and how each of us can increase our awareness of sleep deprivation and sleep disorders to help ourselves live a more productive and happier life. “We share a similar vision for better, less expensive and more convenient diagnostic and therapy access for the millions of undiagnosed patients with Sleep Apnea,” said Koenigsberg.

SleepQuest, Inc. is a national provider of comprehensive Sleep Apnea services, with Board Certified sleep medicine physicians overseeing diagnosis, therapy and ongoing clinical support.Accredited by the Joint Commission, their comprehensive and clinically validated “Continuum of Care” approach includes screening, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing patient management to achieve high compliance rates and successful medical and quality-of-life outcomes. For additional information, visit http://SleepQuest.com

Sleep Apnea affects the body at every level,” says Robert Koenigsberg, President and CEO of SleepQuest, Inc. “The person is under constant stress all night and never gets the critical rest necessary for a healthy life. This stress can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions, such as a harmful accident, a heart attack, a stroke, or cardiac arrest.”