Sleeping problem information and
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Sleep aid tips about sleeping problem for information and remedies for your better sleep which may also cure any mild sleep disorder you may want sleeping problem remedies for.
A simple and common sleep problem is the neighbour’s dog or rooster as the case may be making to much noise and causing sleep problems. Then we have more serious sleep problems such as not sleeping because of stress or physical pain which cause sleep problems. One quick solution would be to shoot the offending animal that is causing your sleep problems, only kidding then you'd really have sleep problems only they would be prison related, but we wont go there. As far as stress and pain related sleep problems drink large amounts of alcohol, oops that’s not right either that never solved any problems. Ok lets get serious about sleep problems. Unfortunately a lot of people suffer from true sleep problems or if you want to be technical they're called sleep disorders, but we'll call them sleep problems. Sleep problems such as sleep walking, night terrors, apnea just to name a few these problems require true medical solutions. Many people suffer with various sleep problems. There are such a multitude of sleep problems that I can’t even cover half of them. Let’s take a look at a few sleep problems. Sleep problems come in many shapes and sizes.
Sleep Tips for Teens Teens may be able to adjust their circadian clocks for the school year through gradual, consistent steps outlined below. The process may take several days to several weeks. Go to sleep and awaken about 15 minutes earlier each day until you reach your desired sleep and wake times. Ideally, teens should strive for 8- 1/2 to 9-1/4 hours of sleep each night. You must make these incremental schedule changes every day, including weekends. Also, avoid naps during this process. While adapting to your new sleep schedule, avoid caffeine, alcohol and other substances that can affect your sleep. Also, open blinds or shades or turn on bright lights as soon as possible after waking to help reset your internal clock. Avoid bright light in the evening. Maintain the new schedule and practice other good sleep habits, such as relaxing before bed time. Remember, it is critical that the new sleep/wake schedule is followed daily, especially during the first few weeks. Beware of Weekends Teens appear to be affected more easily than adults by erratic sleep schedules; they are also more likely to vary from their sleep/wake schedule on weekends and holidays. For the adolescent's circadian clock to stay on track, it is essential that teens remain on the new schedule every day, especially during the first several weeks. Afterwards, staying up late or sleeping in periodically may be an option as long as the following guidelines are met: Do not go to sleep more than one hour later on the weekend than you do during the week. Do not go off schedule for two or more nights in a row.Experts also strongly recommend against delaying sleep time by more than one hour from the schedule. Wake up no more than two or three hours later than your normal schedule (for example, if your normal wake time is 6 am, you should not sleep later than 8 am). Take a nap in the early afternoon if you are sleepy. "Helping a teenager prepare for the school year with more appropriate sleep and wake schedules benefits the entire family," explains Gelula. "As a teen becomes less sleepy during the day, the likelihood of falling asleep or losing concentration at critical times, such as while driving or studying, is significantly reduced. An alert teen is more likely to be a happier, more emotionally stable and socially competent individual than a sleepy teen."
Snoring is a breathing noise that occurs during sleep. It is a common problem among all ages and both genders, and it affects approximately 90 million American adults — 37 million on a regular basis. Persons most at risk are males and those who are overweight, and it usually becomes more serious as people age. Snoring can cause disruptions to your bed partner's sleep and is also associated with cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, headaches and diabetes. While breathing in, the air passage between the upper soft palate, or uvula, and the throat or base of the tongue may open and close. During sleep, the muscles surrounding these structures relax and the air passage may narrow or close — causing a blockage of the airway. Air cannot flow through easily and may need to be drawn between these structures. The tissues then vibrate — resulting in the familiar sound of snoring. Snoring represents abnormal breathing during sleep. The loudness and tone of the noise is affected by how much air is going through the passage. The greater the obstruction, the greater is the effort to draw air and the louder the noise. As it becomes harder to breath and snoring becomes worse, you may actually stop breathing. This is a sign of a serious condition called apnea (meaning "want of breath"), which requires medical attention and may lead to other serious conditions. What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a chronic (long-lasting) neurological (affecting the brain or nerves) disorder that involves your body's central nervous system. The central nervous system is the "highway" of nerves that carries messages from your brain to other parts of your body. For people with narcolepsy, the messages about when to sleep and when to be awake sometimes hit roadblocks or detours and arrive in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is why someone who has narcolepsy, not managed by medications, may fall asleep while eating dinner or engaged in social activities - or at times when he or she wants to be awake. Recent discoveries indicate that people with narcolepsy lack a chemical in the brain called hypocretin, which normally stimulates arousal and helps regulate sleep. They also discovered that there is a reduction in the number of Hcrt cells or neurons that secrete hypocretin. This may be due to a degenerative process or an immune response. How this occurs is unknown. About one in 2,000 people suffers from narcolepsy. It affects both men and women of any age, but its symptoms are usually noticed after puberty begins. For the majority of persons with narcolepsy, their first symptoms appear between the ages of 15 and 30.
Major symptoms Excessive daytime sleepiness is usually the first symptom to appear, and often the most troubling. It is an overwhelming and recurring need to sleep at times when you want to be awake. In addition to sleepiness, key symptoms of narcolepsy can include regular episodes of: cataplexy - a sudden loss of muscle control ranging from slight weakness (head droop, facial sagging, jaw drop, slurred speech, buckling of knees) to total collapse. It is commonly triggered by intense emotion (laughter, anger, surprise, fear) or strenuous athletic activity. Most persons with narcolepsy have some degree of cataplexy. sleep paralysis - being unable to talk or move for a brief period when falling asleep or waking up. Many persons with narcolepsy suffer short-lasting partial or complete sleep paralysis. hypnagogic hallucinations - vivid and often scary dreams and sounds reported when falling asleep. People without narcolepsy may experience hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis as well. automatic behavior - familiar, routine or boring tasks performed without full awareness or later memory of them.
Diagnosing Narcolepsy In addition to a medical history and physician examination, a diagnosis is made from polysomnogram tests in an overnight sleep laboratory to measure brain waves and body movements as well as nerve and muscle function. A diagnosis also includes the results of the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), which measures the time it takes to fall asleep and to go into deep sleep while taking several naps over a period of time. Many physicians are not familiar with identifying the symptoms and diagnostic procedures specific to narcolepsy. Often, these symptoms are associated with other disorders. Asking for a referral to a sleep specialist or sleep center will avoid the delay in both diagnosis and treatment so often experienced by those who suffer from this serious disorder.
Treatment options The best treatment plan is the one that works for you. Treatment with medications is the first line of defense. The goal in using medications should be to approach normal alertness while minimizing side effects and disruptions to daily activities. Changes in behavior combined with drug treatment have helped most persons with narcolepsy improve their alertness and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Common medications and side effects Doctors generally prescribe stimulants to improve alertness and antidepressants to control cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Common stimulants include: dextroamphetamine sulfate (DexedrineTM), methylphenidate hydrochloride (RitalinTM), and pemoline (CylertTM). Methamphetamine hydrochloride (DesoxynTM) is prescribed less frequently for narcolepsy. Some of the most common side effects of stimulants are headache, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, irregular heart beat, and mood changes. A wake-promoting drug, modafinil (ProvigilTM) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 for use in treating the excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. It does not act as a stimulant for other body systems and studies have shown that modafinil is effective in improving alertness with few side effects and low abuse potential. Several classes of antidepressants are prescribed to treat cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis. One class, multicyclics, includes imipramine (TofranilTM), desimpramine (NorpraminTM), clomipramine (AnafranilTM), and protriptyline (VivactilTM). Another class are selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include fluoxetine (ProzacTM), paroxetine (PaxilTM), and sertraline (ZoloftTM). Side effects vary from one class of antidepressants to another. Those most often reported are drowsiness, sexual dysfunction and lowered blood pressure. In a small percentage of patients, SSRIs cause overexcitement, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and reduced sexual drive. Sodium oxybate (XyremTM) is the first and only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of cataplexy associated with narcolepsy. It produces consolidation of sleep and improvement of disturbed nighttime sleep characteristic of narcolepsy. It is sedating and should only be used at night. Xyrem is a Schedule III controlled drug substance with abuse potential that is available by prescription. Narcolepsy patients who have other health conditions (like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes) should ask their doctor or pharmacist how medications for those conditions may interact with those taken for narcolepsy. If you take over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, keep in mind that they may make you sleepy. Sleep aid tips about sleeping problem for information and sleeping problem remedies for your better sleep which may also cure any mild sleeping problem disorder you may want sleeping problem remedies for. Look on our Navbar or Direcory for other natural sleeping problem tips and simple sleeping problem remedies.
Sleep hygiene and naps Doctors generally agree that drug treatment is only one element of narcolepsy symptom management. Changes in behavior to encourage good nighttime sleep are important too. Try to: avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the late afternoon or evening, exercise regularly, but at least three hours before bedtime, not use your bed for any waking or unrelaxing activities, establish a routine time for going to bed and getting up & and follow it regularly, and get enough nighttime sleep - eight hours nightly. Some sleep specialists recommend several short daily naps along with drug treatment to help control excessive sleepiness and sleep attacks. Others report that a single, long afternoon nap works well to improve a patient's alertness. If naps help you, set aside at least 20-40 minutes for sleep. Be sure you have time to wake up fully. Living with narcolepsy The symptoms of narcolepsy can often be effectively managed so that you do not miss the normal activities of life. NSF experts recommend the following: Discuss any changes in your symptoms and possible side effects of medications with your doctor. Develop your own ways to cope with symptoms and cataplexy triggers. Looking for safe situations, places and supportive persons when cataplexy is likely may prove helpful to avoid injury from falls. Schedule regular nap times. Join a well-informed support group where you can share experiences and coping strategies (See resources at end of brochure). Help others by supporting research or lobbying for legislation. Seek out counseling, alone or with your family. A mental health professional, familiar with disabilities, can be helpful when you need to discuss personal, family and employment matters. Learning with narcolepsy Because symptoms of narcolepsy may appear as early as age ten, some persons with narcolepsy must learn early on how to deal with the disorder while in school. With a good treatment plan and support from family, friends, and teachers, persons with narcolepsy can do well in school. Educating teachers and classmates can help. The school nurse or health center should know about narcolepsy symptoms and medications as well. Many schools have strict guidelines for where a student may keep his or her medications (in the school nurse's office rather than in a student locker or backpack) and when he or she may take them (only under supervision). All schools that receive federal funds must, by law, offer the same basic programs and services to all students. Young people with narcolepsy can enjoy the same advantages as their peers while receiving any needed special assistance. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) directs schools to plan for "disabled" students' success in school. It requires public schools to focus on improving rates of secondary school graduation, college attendance and job placement of students with special needs. Parents can help by bringing their child's needs to the attention of school personnel (teachers, principal, school nurse or guid-ance counselor) as needed. The special education services available to children with narcolepsy differ from state to state and, in many cases, from school to school. Many of the same academic challenges that gradeschoolers face apply to students at the high school and college level. At these levels, however, peer pressure and questions about the future multiply. To manage narcolepsy and school better: speak with your instructors so they will understand if you experience symptoms of narcolepsy during class, schedule classes to avoid most sleepy periods of the day and nap just before classes, find a reliable classmate to share notes, audiotape classes to review later (ask permission first!), choose small classes over larger ones in lecture halls, and study in a group to help you retain more knowledge and increase your circle of friends. Working with narcolepsy Persons with narcolepsy can find career success and job satisfaction. Treated persons with narcolepsy can work in almost all areas of employment from unskilled to professional. Look for jobs that will allow you to manage your symptoms. For many, a job requiring regular driving and/or long commutes is troublesome. Also, look for jobs that keep you active and busy, let you interact with others, keep you on the move, and allow a flexible schedule. Thanks to federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your employer must make reasonable accommodations for you at work so you can adequately do your job - modifying your schedule, changing your work location or job duties and providing permission for short naps, for example. And while it is not necessary to inform your employer of your narcolepsy, you must do so before your symptoms begin to interfere with your duties or if you take prescriptive medications on a job with required drug testing. (An uninformed employer cannot be said to discriminate.) The ADA applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, leave, termination, and compensation. If you work for a company employing more than 50 people, the Family and Medical Leave Act may allow you up to 12 weeks away from work without pay to care for your own health condition or that of an immediate family member. If you are unable to work at all, you (and sometimes children under age 18) may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The former is based on age, number of years worked, and salary during those years. The later is for those without sufficient prior earnings. Your doctor, lawyer, and/or company personnel administrator can help you determine which laws, if any, apply to your situation, as well as when and how to file claims.
Narcolepsy and driving You may need to drive to school or work, or as part of your job. The good news is that diagnosed and medically treated persons with narcolepsy appear no more at risk for crashes than the general public. If your state restricts driving by people with narcolepsy, proving that you can remain alert may help you get (or keep) your driver's license. This may require a letter from your doctor, whom you should keep informed about your ability to drive safely. All drivers should be concerned about sleepiness behind the wheel and plan ahead for proper breaks as follows: Stop driving Find a safe place to stop for a break or for the night. Pull off into a safe, well-lighted (if at night) area away from traffic and take a brief nap: 15-20 minutes is best. Drink coffee or other type of caffeine drink to promote short-term alertness if needed. Caffeine is also available in soft drinks, chewing gum and tablets. Caffeine and a nap together offer short-term benefits. Get off the road if you hit shoulder rumble strips. These are deep grooves that are placed on high-speed roads to alert you when you are leaving the road.
Narcolepsy and personal life The symptoms of (and some of the drugs taken for) narcolepsy may affect your sex life. Sexual problems, such as low sex drive and impotency, may result from severe sleepiness, depression, medications or cataplectic attacks. These problems, especially any resulting from a new medication or changed dosage, should be discussed with your doctor. The risk of having a child with narcolepsy has been reported to be 1 to 2% or a 10-40 fold higher risk than the general population. A woman with narcolepsy who is pregnant (or is thinking about becoming pregnant) should speak to her doctor about the possible effects of her medication on the fetus. Although the emotional, physical and psychological demands of having a child should be considered, many parents with narcolepsy do have healthy children and manage parenting successfully. Narcolepsy symptoms can also result in a change or loss of employment, physical restrictions and social withdrawal. Loss of self-esteem, learning difficulties and depression can result. Developing a combination of medical and behavioral treatments with your doctor is the key to successful management of your narcolepsy. Selecting a know-ledgeable and compatable doctor that best meets your individual needs, explores options and with whom you can communicate effectively will help you manage your particular symptoms and achieve a quality of life. Many people also benefit from support groups. Together, a healthy physical routine, ongoing medical treatment, and sharing your concerns can help you be one of the thousands of Americans coping and living well with narcolepsy. Sleep aid tips about sleeping problem for information and sleeping problem remedies for your better sleep which may also cure any mild sleeping problem disorder you may want sleeping problem remedies for. Look on our Navbar or Direcory for other natural sleeping problem tips and simple sleeping problem remedies. What is Restless Legs Syndrome? If you have restless legs syndrome (RLS), you may recognize these symptoms: An urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, usually described as a creeping or crawling feeling, but sometimes as a tingling, cramping, burning or just plain pain. Some patients have no definite sensation, except for the need to move. (The arms may also be affected, but that's much less common.) The need to move the legs to relieve the discomfort, by stretching or bending, rubbing the legs, tossing or turning in bed, or getting up and pacing the floor. Moving usually offers some temporary relief of symptoms. A definite worsening of the discomfort when lying down, especially when you're trying to fall asleep at night, or during other forms of inactivity, including just sitting. A tendency to experience the most discomfort late in the day and at night. Sleep disturbances are common with RLS and are a major effect. The sleep disturbances can range from mild to severe, but sleep problems are often the reason that people suffering from RLS seek a doctor's help. If leg twitching or jerking is also present, a related disorder called periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) may be the cause. With PLMS, the leg movements may be severe enough to awaken you. In RLS, PLMS-like symptoms can sometimes occur during wakefulness, as well as in sleep.
How common is RLS? According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, "restless legs syndrome is a common, under diagnosed, and treatable condition." Recent research suggests it affects about 10% of adults in North America and Europe with rates increasing with age. Lower prevalence has been found in India, Japan and Singapore, indicating that racial or ethnic factors are associated with RLS.
What causes RLS? The cause of RLS is still unknown, but the symptoms tend to worsen over the years and become more severe in middle-to-old age. The fact that it occurs three to five times more frequently in first-degree relatives of people with RLS than in people without RLS suggests that heredity may be involved. Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS symptoms. Some cases of RLS are associated with iron deficiency anemia or nerve damage in the legs due to diabetes, kidney problems, alcoholism and Parkinson's disease. Stress, diet or other environmental factors may play a role for some people. All of these cases are said to be secondary RLS. If there is no family history of RLS and no associated condition causing the disorder, RLS is said to be idiopathic, meaning without a known cause.
Because RLS patients were found to respond positively to treatment with levodopa, scientists have been investigating whether RLS is caused by dopamine deficiency. Dopamine is a chemical found naturally in the central nervous system where it largely functions as a neurotransmitter. RLS can begin at any age and many individuals with RLS can trace their symptoms back to childhood, when their symptoms may have been called "growing pains" or attributed to hyperactivity because they had difficulty sitting quietly
Is RLS serious? The symptoms of RLS can range anywhere from bothersome to incapacitating. Fluctuations in severity are common, and occasionally the symptoms may disappear for periods of time. Anxiety as bedtime approaches, frustration with nighttime awakenings, moodiness and depression, difficulty concentrating and excessive daytime sleepiness have all been reported in association with RLS. It also can affect marital, family and social relations as well as having an adverse effect on school, work or other activities. Another effect can be increased drowsiness while driving or great difficulty performing overnight shift work. How is RLS diagnosed? The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group has established the following clinical criteria for diagnosis of RLS: A compelling urge to move the limbs. Motor restlessness; for example, floor pacing, tossing and turning, and rubbing the legs. The symptoms may be worse or exclusively present at rest, with variable and temporary relief by activity. Symptoms are worse in the evening and at night. Other associated features commonly found in RLS include: Sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue. Normal neurological exam in primary RLS. Involuntary, repetitive, periodic, jerking limb movements, either in sleep or while awake and at rest.
Can RLS be treated? Most cases of RLS respond well to medical treatment. According to NCSDR, there are a number of pharmacological treatments for RLS, including: Dopaminergic agents, which include dopamine precursor combinations such as carbidopa-levodopa. These may be used on a one-time basis and are useful for persons with intermittent RLS because dopamine agonists may take longer to have an effect. Dopamine agonists such as ropinirole, pergolide, and pramipexole. These are useful in moderate to severe RLS, and recent reports indicate dopamine agonists are highly successful, but the role of long-term use is unknown. Opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, propoxyphene, and ramadol, which can be used intermittently, but they also have been used successfully for daily therapy. Benzodiazepines such as clonazapam and temazepam, which are helpful in some patients when other medications aren't tolerated, and they may be prescribed to help improve sleep. Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and gabapentin, which can be considered when dopamine agonists have failed. They may be useful in those with coexisting peripheral neuropathy and/or when RLS discomfort is described as pain. Iron (ferrous sulfate), which is used in patients with serum ferritin levels of <50 mcg. Clonidine may be useful in hypertensive patients. NCSDR notes that dopaminergic agents are the first-line drugs for most RLS patients. They are usually used to treat Parkinson's disease, but they also help to relieve RLS symptoms. What are Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS)? Periodic limb movements in sleep are repetitive movements, most typically in the lower limbs, that occur about every 20-40 seconds. If you have PLMS, or sleep with someone who has PLMS (also referred to as PLMD, periodic limb movement disorder), you may recognize these movements as brief muscle twitches, jerking movements or an upward flexing of the feet. They cluster into episodes lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Are PLMS accompanied by symptoms? Individuals with PLMS may also experience restless legs syndrome (RLS), an irritation or uncomfortable sensation in the calves or thighs, as they attempt to fall asleep or when they awaken during the night. Walking or stretching may relieve the sensations, at least temporarily (see the RLS fact sheet). However, research also shows that many individuals have PLMS without experiencing any symptoms at all. It's not unusual for the bed partner to be the one who's most aware of the movements, since they may disturb his/her sleep.
How common are PLMS? Thirty five percent or more of people aged 65 and older experience PLMS. It also occurs in younger people, though less commonly. Men and women are equally affected.
What causes PLMS? The exact cause of PLMS is still unknown. Scientists believe that the underlying mechanisms probably involve factors in the nervous system, although studies have not revealed any consistent abnormalites.
Are PLMS serious? PLMS are not considered medically serious. They can, however, be implicated as a contributing factor in chronic insomnia and/or daytime fatigue because they may cause awakenings during the night. Occasionally, PLMS may be an indicator of a serious medical condition such as kidney disease, diabetes or anemia.
Can PLMS be treated? A number of medications have been shown to be effective in treating PLMS, but treatment is only necessary when PLMS are accompanied by restless legs (RLS), insomnia or daytime fatigue. See the RLS Fact Sheet for treatments.
Where do I go for help? Seek professional medical advice. You may wish to begin by consulting your family physician or by making an appointment for an evaluation at an accredited sleep disorders center in your area. For a listing of accredited centers, write to the address below: The National Sleep Foundation, 1522 K St., NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20005. Phone (202) 347-3471 or fax (202) 347-3472
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Sleep aid tips web directory is the best way to find information about sleep disorder remedies and sleeping problem information. This web page takes the legwork out of finding great sleeping problem information resources. We have compiled great links to sleeping problem information and sleep aid remedy information and pages dedicated to sleeping problem information here. . . On this directory page you will find links to various sleeping problem information and sleep aid remedy related pages. There you will find great information about sleeping problem information. sleeping problem information site links sleep aid
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Sleep aid tips about sleeping problem for information and sleeping problem remedies for your better sleep which may also cure any mild sleeping problem disorder you may want sleeping problem remedies for. Look on our Navbar or Direcory for other natural sleeping problem tips and simple sleeping problem remedies.
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