Tommy C asked:


I HAVE SLEEP APNEA IS THERE SOMTHING OVER THE COUNTER TO HELP?

tammy asked:


I can’t take any prescriptions, i’ve been told by my ob… i’ve tried the light exercises before bed, warm bath, chamomile tea, increased iron, etc… i’m going f’n nuts! i usually don’t fall asleep until 3am, from exhaustion. i have a full-time job and a 3yr old at home. long mtgs at work are impossible and the sleep deprivation is really starting to wear on my sanity. help!

illumistream asked:

Over twelve million restless legs sufferers want to know…what causes the symptoms of my sleep-depriving condition?Watch More Health Videos at Health Guru: www.healthguru.com … restless legs syndrome rls sleep insomnia tired idiopathic hiv requip dopamine medication pregnancy bed awake ache itch medicine health fitness

S@r@h asked:


I’ve been having trouble waking up in the mornings.
I’ve usually woke up at about 8:40 every morning.
But I don’t go to sleep untill 11:30.

Tonight I fell asleep at 11:30, but at 9:40 I FORCED myself to get up, even though I was still VERY tired.

Is this narcolepsy? Or something else?
Also, I haven’t been having any dreams..

I also can’t force myself to fall asleep at a specific time.

TARAJA asked:


Can we die during sleep, if we have sleep APNEA? I mean, in severe cases. Thanks. Can anyone give me tips of how to avoid it? I know some, but I would like to know if there is a cure for it.

Insomnia or sleeplessness as it is commonly known is a little understood affliction. In fact, you will find that insomnia is both a symptom and a malady by itself – and hence, its diagnosis is a bit troublesome. There have been so many myths and fables connecting to insomnia. If you are suffering from this condition, it is really very important to get the right information on insomnia to understand and treat your condition well. If you have been suffering from lack of sleep and do not have any idea what to do about your situation, it would be a good idea to seek information on insomnia from reliable sources such medical journals, your doctor or from websites of reputable organizations.

When you consult your doctor about your sleeping problems, you should ask him or her to discuss the different aspects of this disorder. When discussing information on insomnia with your doctor, you should also ask about the different options of treating the disorder. Note that natural treatments are generally preferred over the sleeping drugs available in the market. The natural treatments do not have the unwanted side effects like those of the pharmaceutical drugs. The natural treatment process is cost effective too. Another way of getting reliable information on insomnia is to go online and browse through some websites. When you do this, make sure that you only use websites of organizations that are authoritative on the topic.

Insomnia or lack of sleep can be of two types, i.e. (i) transient and (ii) intermittent. The former is when one experiences sleeplessness for a period of maximum 2-3 weeks; while the intermittent insomnia is when this gets repeated every now and then. This will mostly be a projection of an underlying problem, such as anxiety, depression, drug abuse, etc.

Childhood Insomnia

Insomnia is something that affects the old and young alike. Studies have shown that childhood insomnia has continuously risen all over the United States in the past few years. Experts attribute the increase in cases of childhood insomnia to many factors at home, school and the neighborhood. If you have a child who is struggling with childhood insomnia, you should try to help your child get some sleep. The first thing that you need to do to help your child get some sleep is to find out what is keeping him or her awake at night. If your child could not sleep because of some unfounded fear, you should try to be patient with him.

Children have very rich imaginations and the things which you think are so unreasonable and unreal, could be very real for them. Never for one moment belittle your child’s fear. One of the best ways to put a child to sleep is to read them some gentle and soothing bedtime stories. The soothing sound of your voice actually helps cure childhood insomnia. The human body responds well to schedules and rhythm. To help your child overcome childhood insomnia, you should set a specific time for your child to go to bed.

Hyper Insomnia

Generally speaking, there are two major types of insomnia, i.e. acute insomnia and chronic insomnia or hyper insomnia. You will know that you are suffering from acute insomnia when you cannot sleep because of some apparent reason like noise, bright light, too much of heat or cold, incoming illness, recovering from illness, uncomfortable bed, and so on. The other causes of acute insomnia are erratic sleeping schedules, i.e. working on night shifts, working late night, watching TV which interferes with the body’s normal biological clock. Normally, removing the irritants and minor home remedies would be sufficient to cure this type of insomnia.

The hyper insomnia or chronic insomnia is quite difficult to manage or cure. This is usually the result of a serious underlying problem, or a disease by itself triggered by some anxiety or serious health problem (which could be neurological, medical and/or psychiatric). Most of the times, the hyper insomnia would be connected with some psychiatric problem or other and hence would require long and careful tests for proper diagnosis. Reports show that hyper insomnia accounts for more than 45 percent of the cases.

The other major cause for hyper insomnia is drug abuse, not necessarily narcotics. There are many drugs some as innocent as decongestants and antidepressants that can cause long term insomnia. The other culprits could be coffee (and any caffeine consisting drinks), steroids (prescribed by the doctor), beta blockers, and even sleeping pills (withdrawal symptoms when they are discontinued). It is best to take medical advice and treatment for hyper insomnia.

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is a complicated condition in which the patient has difficulty in sleeping or getting refreshing sleep for more than a month. Depression is a major cause of chronic insomnia. Other causes include diseases like arthritis, heart problems, kidney problems, respiratory diseases, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, and several other conditions. Constant experience of mental stress and excessive use of stimulants like caffeine (coffee, tea etc.) are also responsible for causing chronic insomnia.

Treatment of chronic insomnia consists of diagnosing and eliminating the underlying medical/psychological disorders. Stopping or minimizing behaviors that aggravate insomnia are also part of the treatment plans. Sleeping pills may be prescribed by the physician for temporary use but they are not allowed for long-term use. Different behavioral techniques are employed to treat chronic insomnia. These include techniques like relaxation therapy, sleep restriction therapy, reconditioning, and using bright light.



By: Cindy Heller

About the Author:

lancasterangel03 asked:


Okay well i have insomnia i can not absolutley not sleep let alone if i do stay a sleep for more that 3 hours . My upstairs where my bed is it is boiling hot and i share teh upstairs with my sisters so i have to keep it warm and cant turn it down . ( the tempreture is like76 degrees ) . i can not fall a sleep i have a tv i turn it off i try to sleep . doesnt work . i cant go to sleep please some one help me !! oh and the warm milk before bed doesnt work for me i have a bad stomach . thank you please help im so tired
Okay im only 11 my mom would not let me take pills and i wouldnt want to . and 36 hours guy that is not a very good idea there .
No pills …

Some researchers estimate that Restless leg syndrome affects as many as 12 million Americans.

RLS was once thought to be due to disease in the blood vessels of the legs or in the nerves in the legs that control leg movement and sensation. Both of those suggestions have been rejected. RLS occurs in both genders, although the incidence may be slightly higher in women. Symptoms may begin at any stage of life, although the disorder is more common with increasing age.

Restless leg syndrome usually begins slowly. Over time, the legs become more affected. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. When RLS is advanced, a person may feel these symptoms in the hands and arms.

Certain medications-such as anti nausea drugs (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), anti seizure drugs (phenytoin or droperidol), anti psychotic drugs (haloperidol or phenothiazine derivatives), and some cold and allergy medications-may aggravate symptoms. Other triggering situations are periods of inactivity such as long car trips, sitting in a movie theater, long-distance flights, immobilization in a cast, or relaxation exercises.

Because moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed. Exercise and relaxation techniques may be helpful to relieve the discomfort. People combat the sensation of restless legs in a number of ways – by stretching, jiggling their legs, pacing the floor, exercising or walking.

There are herbal supplements such as LegCalm that will help to eliminate the crawling and uncomfortable sensations experienced in RLS. This particular herbal supplement will also aid absorption of minerals from the diet, preventing deficiencies and anemia. as well as improve circulation.

RLS is often unrecognized or mis diagnosed. In many people the condition is not diagnosed until 10-20 years after symptoms begin. Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully.



By: Tommy Thompson

About the Author:

For light sleepers, insomnia can be an annoying problem. The barking dog outside. The ticking of the alarm clock. Even the sound of your partner shifting in the bed can disturb your Zs.

If you’re tired of awakening at every little sound, maybe it’s time you tried some natural sleep techniques coupled with a non-addictive sleep aid such as Rozerem. Although being a light sleeper is annoying, there’s no reason you can’t ease your insomnia with a few sleep-enhancing tricks.

Insomnia Overview

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which the patient either has trouble falling asleep or cannot remain asleep for an extended period of time. Although most people have experienced a sleepless night or two during their lifetime, often it’s connected to a specific stress-related event such as the loss of a loved one or a job related anxiety. Doctors refer to patients in this category as temporary insomniacs. The insomnia symptoms will usually disappear when the underlying stress is resolved.

Patients with chronic insomnia are those who have battled sleeplessness for a period of six months or longer. In these insomniacs, doctors may have a difficult time pinpointing the exact cause of the condition.

Left untreated, chronic insomnia can lead to other serious problems such as depression. Due to fatigue, people with chronic insomnia may also experience a total lack of motivation or enthusiasm. As the body becomes worn down, insomnia sufferers have trouble concentrating. Performing daily routine tasks can be difficult. They may even undergo behavior changes.

Although sleep aids can help patients achieve better rest, chronic insomniacs can become addicted to certain prescription sleep aids. While they may be sleeping longer hours than before, their bodies can experience a number of unpleasant side effects related to the long-term use of sleep aids.

Today a greater number of people suffer from insomnia than ever before. Did you know that before the invention of electricity, the average American slept around nine hours a night? Only a small fraction of the current population acquires this much sleep on a regular basis. In fact, our current society might view individuals who sleep nine hours as lazy or unproductive.

How Your Work Schedule Can Aggravate Insomnia

In order to function properly, our bodies must be in tune with their internal clock or circadian rhythm. Most folks acknowledge they feel more productive after a restful night’s sleep. But for patients with insomnia, getting enough sleep and feeling refreshed is a rare occurrence.

In today’s hectic workplace, an increasing number of employees are being forced to toil during hours that conflict with the body’s natural sleep schedule. Insomnia sufferers who work afternoon or night shifts have an additional burden to overcome. These light sleepers must deal with sunlight disturbances as well as noise issues. For them, falling asleep and staying asleep may seem next to impossible.

Fortunately, there are a number of effective natural techniques that can help insomnia patients relieve their condition. You may wish to try these natural methods first before seeking relief from prescription sleep aids like Rozerem. These helpful methods can even lessen your long-term dependence on sleep aids.

Natural Methods to Help Light Sleepers Combat Insomnia

Before attempting to treat insomnia with natural sleep aids or methods, you may wish to consult with your physician first. Neurologists who specialize in sleep disorders are highly qualified to assist you in determining the cause of your insomnia. Patients who can first identify the reasons for their insomnia are more likely to have a successful outcome.

Helpful Tips for Light Sleepers



Keep a sleep diary that includes the following:



 



total hours slept each night,

number of awakenings during the night,

approximate amount of time needed to fall asleep.



 

Over time you can identify any specific patterns or events that may be contributing to your insomnia.



Try to go to bed around the same time each night. This will help your body regulate its sleep schedule. If you simply cannot fall asleep, you may have to reduce your sleep time until your body becomes fatigued and sleep is inevitable.



Earplugs are an inexpensive way for light sleepers, especially travelers, to combat insomnia. If you’re fed up sleeping with your head tucked under the pillow, this tip may be just the cure you need.



Although noise is the enemy, many light sleepers can tolerate a consistent noise such as a fan, air conditioner, etc. During the summertime, this is the perfect way for insomniacs to drown out disturbances such as automobiles, televisions, or loud neighbors.



Soothing classical background music is a great way to eliminate other noises while relaxing your mind and body. Try listening to some of your favorite music in order to beat insomnia.



Watch your diet. If you’re an avid coffee drinker, set a specific cutoff time for your last cup of java. Caffeine aggravates insomnia and can increase your anxiety level.



Avoid eating a heavy meal before bedtime. Digesting all that food is hard work that can keep your system active and awake for hours.



 

Natural Herbs and Supplements Can Lessen Insomnia

Natural herbs are a great way to fight insomnia. Many of these natural sleep aids are also inexpensive to purchase. Like all drugs, you should consult with your doctor or a qualified herbalist before attempting treatment.

Most natural herbs can safely be used to treat insomnia. However, ask your doctor first if you are taking any medications or plan on using prescription sleep aids along with natural herbs.



A herb called valerian has proven especially effective in helping insomnia patients. This natural sleep aid allows patients to fall asleep quicker and helps them achieve a sounder sleep state necessary for dreams and restful sleep to occur.



Corydalis is a herb that both relaxes insomnia sufferers and lessens physical pain due to other illnesses that may be the root cause of insomnia.



Chamomile is a well known herb that can be consumed in the form of tea or as an extract. In addition to treating insomnia, chamomile helps reduce stress and depression.



Light sleepers may want to try lemon balm to lessen the effects of insomnia. This natural herb is popular for treating mild insomnia cases since it effectively reduces stress and anxiety levels.



 

Rozerem, a Non-Addictive Sleep Aid for Light Sleepers and Insomniacs

If you’ve suffered from insomnia for an extended period of time, you may be familiar with a new prescription sleep aid called Rozerem. Rozerem is unique from other sleep drugs as it does not cause dependence or harmful side effects.

Rozerem can be taken safely by most insomnia patients for an extended time. However, it is not necessary to take Rozerem on a daily basis. Simply take the Rozerem tablets on the days you have trouble sleeping.

Although Rozerem does not cause excess grogginess, insomnia sufferers should refrain from potentially harmful activities like alcohol consumption while using this sleep aid.

In order to learn more about Rozerem and decide if it’s the right sleep aid to treat your insomnia, visit our Rozerem facts page for more details.



By: Mark Smith

About the Author:

Jules asked:


Anyone that has sleep apnea and is using a c-pap machine. Have you had better sleep? Are there tips that you did to get use to your mask? I have been using my c-pap for almost a year and still feel very sleepy when I get up in the morning. I don’t know if this is normal or is there other issues. Is there people that have noticed this with their sleep as well?