Trucking With Sleep Apnea

In the recent years, more and more studies have shown that sleep apnea has been a leading cause in fatal traffic accidents. More so within the population of people who drive and work long hours.

Truck drivers are at a high risk because a lot of them spend days on end without getting proper sleep, proper diet and exercise. One such case has recently made headline news as a family was awarded over 3 million dollars in a case which proved sleep apnea was the culprit. A truck driver, who was untreated for sleep apnea rear ended the family on a busy Texas highway.

The problem was not just that the driver had untreated OSA, it was that the trucking company had promised to comply with the current standard of sleep apnea education which held the drivers accountable to get proper treatment if they were in fact diagnosed with the disease.

This particular driver was not given the proper education of the dangers regarding sleep apnea and therefore had dismissed his symptoms. Unfortunately the wake-up call had come after the accident, however this sheds much needed light on trucking companies to heighten their education regarding sleep apnea and insist that drivers get treatment.

To learn more about sleep apnea and treatment please visit:

www.N2Sleep.com

Sleep Apnea And Pre-Teen Diabetes

When we think of Sleep Apnea, we usually think of adults as the most common demographic to suffer from the disease. However, recent research shows that Sleep Apnea is no longer just plaguing the older population, it has affected teenagers as well as kids and has caused much worry for parents.

In recent studies, doctors have found that Sleep Apnea in children causes their glucose levels to rise. Medpagetoday.com stated “Diabetic children with more nightly apnea events had significantly higher glucose levels and spent more time in hyperglycemia than young type 1 diabetics without sleep disturbances”. Within children that already have type 1 diabetes this was posing a higher risk for complications and for those kids who did not yet suffer from diabetes were at increased risk for developing diabetes as young adults.

This is an important bench mark in the study of this disease due to it’s rapid increase in diagnosis. It is important to know exactly how Sleep Apnea can affect our youth so that proper treatment can be instilled at an early age. It is much easier to form a habit for a child then an adult so why wait till your apnea is fully developed. Parents should not hesitate to get testing for their kids as well as themselves,

To learn more about Sleep Apnea and treatment please visit: www.n2sleep.com

 

 

Sleeping Along Side A Snorer

It is now known that snoring is a tall tale sign of sleep apnea. Those who suffer from sleep apnea don’t have it easy when it comes to a good night sleep. Many have to deal with severe drowsiness, fatigue and even memory loss. This is due to the repeated apneas that occur throughout the night wich cause a pause in breathing. This pattern tends to wrestle people out of deep sleep through out the night.

Even though it is simple to understand how sleep apnea can affect the patient, it can also have adverse affects on their bed partner.

Sleeping along side someone who snores can cause health risks similar to those which come with sleep apnea. Those who sleep with scorers report getting less and less sleep through out the night. Constantly waking up to nudge or turn over their partner is also very disruptive as well as stressful.

Studies have also shown that if untreated, sleep apnea and the repeated snoring would cause problem within the relationship. Once the apnea was treated, spouses reported better sleep and improvement in energy, stress levels and mood.

If loud enough, snoring can even disrupt the whole house hold. Although not as common, studies have also reported others who live or share walls with loud scorers have had sleep disruptions on a regular basis.

For more information on snoring and sleep apnea please visit:

www.n2sleep.com

The Law And Sleep Apnea

Within the recent years, sleep disorders have been put in the lime light. Sleep Apnea averaging the highest among many other sleep disorders has consumed a large population.

Sleep Apnea is now known to be a cause for heart disease, hypertension as well as sudden death. This disease also leaves patients sleep deprived, moody and irritable. In-fact it been shown that many fatal car crashes are attributed to the lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea.

A new study reveals that even a larger problem is in the rise. More than a third of police officers are now reported to suffer from sleep apnea. Law enforcement is a demanding and vigorous occupation. The men and women serving on the force already are pre-disposed to high stress situations as well as working long, odd hours. Sleep apnea increases drowsiness, memory loss and anxiety. These are dangerous combinations when police officers have to deal with driving, dealing with high impact situations and handling weapons.

There is a high demand for testing within law enforcement due to the increased risk this poses for the public. Treatment is also highly encouraged, although many are resistant to think that this is as large of a problem.

To find out more about the dangers of sleep apnea, as well as lab testing, at home testing and homecare for your treatment visit:

www.n2sleep.com

www.n2sleephomecare.com

Making New Year Resolutions

The New Year has arrived and it is time for us to make and keep our New Year resolutions. This year is a good year to focus on health. Sleep Apnea is on the rise every year so educating ourselves about testing and treatment should be on the priority list.

Here are a few tips to help you with your resolutions this year.

1. Educate yourself on the topic of sleep disorders and sleep apnea. There are many reliable sources online that can provide you with the best information. One such source is www.N2Sleep.com, this site can provide you with information and facts about sleep disorders, testing and much more.

 

2. Be aware of signs and don’t be afraid to get tested. Sleep Apnea testing can be a life changing decision. This will determine if you are in the clear or if you may need treatment. If you happen to need treatment, it is better to know as soon as possible because this can drastically improve the quality of your life.

 

3. If you have already gotten tested and have been diagnosed, but have not yet gotten a CPAP machine for treatment, this year make it happen! Don’t hesitate or make excuses for your health.

 

Make this year a better year. You will feel better and be thankful that this is something you did for yourself.

 

For more information on testing and Sleep Apnea please visit: www.n2sleep.com

 

 

A Few Tips On How Your Sleep Apnea Could Be Worse

It is difficult enough to suffer from sleep apnea and its direct effects that it takes on your body. Study’s show that there are  certain things that may go un-noticed which can make your sleep apnea even worse.

Alcohol: Most of us like to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer now and then. Although this is probably not too harmful, making sure a patients limits the number of drinks is important. Sleep Apnea causes an obstruction in the airway and alcohol, which acts a muscle relaxant can cause this obstruction to be worse.

Sleep Position: If you are using a CPAP device for treatment, this may not matter too much, however, if have not yet attained a CPAP, sleeping on your side may better your condition rather than sleeping on your back. This has to do with the way your weight is distributed and where it puts pressure on your airway.

Smoking: Cigarettes and other smoke inhibitors are said to irritate the airway, the throat, the uvula and soft palette which over time can make the area swell.

Anatomy: Although this is not something you may directly be able to control, it is always a good idea to know if your anatomy may have something to do with your sleep apnea and the obstruction. This may range from enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or a smaller-than-normal airway.

For more information on sleep apnea and treatment please visit:

www.n2sleep.com

Also, check out our podcast to review other services by N2Sleep: Click here – N2Sleep Billing Service Podcast

Build A CPAP Network

Being diagnosed with sleep apnea can be a huge life changing event. The treatment prescribed for sleep apnea, a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure), is also no ball park. Of course it is good news that with the use of a CPAP, a patient who has moderate to severe sleep apnea can go from having the disease to being sleep apnea. However, there is a catch that the CPAP has to be used constantly, for life. The CPAP is considered a therapy treatment and only with the use of this machine can a patient recover to having no symptoms and getting a good night sleep, however discontinued use or periodic use will unfortunately do no good in this case.

A new study from Penn University showed that there are many factors that contribute to regular adaptation and use of the CPAP. This has a lot to do with the persons age, character, psychological well-being and social factors.

For example, the study showed that in half of newly diagnosed apnea patients would not use the CPAP because they felt claustrophobic. Others reported not being able to sleep or discomfort when using the mask. These are all very relevant factors, yet they are not ones that patients can’t over come. The study also showed that intervention from a parent, partner or a friend helped tremendously.

N2Sleep Homecare is a service which can provide a patient with all of their CPAP needs. From adjustments to education, they will provide one on one care as well as set you up with a compliance counselor. If you are someone who still feels that they need more support, N2Sleep Homecare can help coach your partner or spouse on CPAP methods, this way patients will feel that they have constant and consistent support.

To learn more please visit:

www.n2sleephomecare.com

Don’t Put Your Sleep Apnea Under The Knife

When dealing with the diagnosis of sleep apnea, there are many factors to consider. The number one most important thing to think about would be treatment. This usually involves the prescription for a CPAP machine. However, when patients learn that the use of a CPAP is an ongoing solution, they try to find a quick fix.

Unfortunately there is no quick fix for sleep apnea and although there are some online remedies and at home cures that promise to help, their  results are all unlike the CPAP . There is also a surgery option that is sometimes an option for severe OSA but before you jump on the train, you may want to read the side effects.

Sleep Apnea surgery often requires the removal of adenoids, tonsils and the uvula. This could be very painful and recovery time can take a while. In the example of patients who had their uvula removed, healing was 1-2 moths and was an extreme nuisance considering you are not able to swallow anything! Including your own saliva. This surgery does not cure the patient of sleep apnea but only provides relief and is only suitable for a small percentage of sleep apnea suerers. In addition to healing time, you must remember that even though your symptoms may get better, within a few years sleep apnea can once again worsen.

Another side effect that was also found in patients who underwent uulopalatopharyngoplasty, or the removal of the uvula was the dangerous accumulation of fluids in the throat area. The uvula, which helps control the production of saliva which is compromised and it may actually cause choking or even drowning.

So before you decide to say no to CPAP because it seems like too much of a commitment, consider that surgery, although may seem like a quick fix may not be worth it.

To learn more about sleep apnea and sleep disorders visit:

www.n2sleep.com

Check out our ebook, YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE   YOU SNORE, YOU (COULD) DIE – EVARISTO P. BADIOLA, M.D. : AuthorHouse  available at www.n2sleep.com

Don’t Let The Flu Stop Your CPAP

If you suffer from sleep apnea, it is likely that you already deal with congested airways, dry nasal passages and trouble breathing at night. These are all symptoms that are not easy to live with, but with the help of a CPAP machine, they can be manageable.

However, when the cold weather hits, not all of us are able to fight off the cold or the flu. The question is, what do you  do if I you find yourself sick with the flu and suffering from sleep apnea. Usually, all of the over-the-counter flu remedies help with congestion, but they contain cough suppressant as well as sleep aids, this could be extremely dangerous to those who suffer from sleep apnea. Anything that can interfere with your bodies natural response to breathing or the slowing down of the respiration rate is not recommended for apnea patients.

The key is to not get discouraged and it is especially important to not stop using your CPAP machine. Instead of disregarding your mask, and taking NyQuil, opt to using the CPAP to your advantage, use some saline drops to loosen mucus in your sinuses. A neti-pot can also help clear our access congestion. Then try a heated humidifier for your CPAP, this will also help relieve the extra congestion. For the symptoms try natural remedies and cough suppressant. Hot tea, lemon and honey.

If you still have questions, it is a good idea to ask your doctor or converse with your compliance counselor sponsored by N2Sleep Homecare. They are able to help you answer all your questions and help adjust your CPAP to times when you may feel a little bit more under the weather.

www.n2sleephomecare.com

Nightmares May Not Be All Bad

Have you ever woken up from a bad dream that has left a funny feeling in your stomach for the rest of the day? Or, you have been waking up from a reoccurring nightmare because of your increased stress at work?

This has most likely happened to everyone and although, most of the time it is nothing to think twice about, studies have suggested that this may be contributed to a sleep disorder. On the contrary, it is not necessarily connect to the one sleep disorder people think of the most, sleep apnea. Patients with sleep apnea have very disrupted sleep, as well as lucid dreaming is common due to the level of sleep that is not reached in apnea patients. Yet, due to the fact that they are so sleep deprived the next morning, this causes almost an amnesia effect, and they simply don’t remember their nightmares. This may seem like somewhat of an upside, but this is not really the case because it is, in-fact just another side effect of sleep apnea.

Although no one enjoys waking up to nightmares, not all dreaming is bad. Some dreams can be very good and sometimes almost spiritual. Just as a nightmare can ruin your morning, a good dream can emphasize a happy start to the day, leaving you feeling fulfilled. If you are waking up and having trouble recalling the previous night as well as any dreaming, it may take a toll on your psyche.

For more information on sleep and the study of sleep visit:

http://www.n2sleep.com/