Sleep education, Sleep study, Sleep Apnea: For sleeping well

There is much debate over whether school start times should be later and what effect this would have on children. It is estimated that only 20% of school children are getting the recommended amount of Sleep education, yet the school day remains earlier. Research indicates that optimal alertness in adolescents requires over 9 hours of sleep nightly. However, surveys have revealed that approximately 3,000 9th-12th grade students self reported that their school-night total sleep time was 7 hours.

Opponents argue that a change in start times would have little impact on the children but would create a number of problems for those working around the school days; the parents, the childcare providers, the after school programs, the bussing schedule and drivers, and many more. If the day started later, then parents may have to make different arrangement for daycare for their younger children. After school programs, such as athletics would have to rearrange practices and games. Bus drivers would have to change their work day schedule. Opponents feel that the cost associated with changing school times would outweigh any benefits that the children would experience.

Supporters of later start times believe that early class times are having a greater negative impact on the mental and physical health of students than many officials realize. A Sleep study was conducted with 47 eighth grade students separated in two classrooms. One classroom started at the typical time of 7:30 am, while the other class was pushed back to 8:30 am. The study evaluated the attentiveness and performance of the students in the two classrooms to assess which start yielded better results. The outcome of the study showed that the students who started at 8:30 am were more attentive, less tired, performed better, made less mistakes and were overall happier. Interesting how one more hour of sleep helped improve the overall performance of one classroom. But could this be an isolated situation? Many people don’t think so. The effects of shifting sleep patterns are compounded by the burdens older students face in academics, extracurricular activities, social occasions, after-school jobs, and other responsibilities. "Sleep isn’t a priority for teenagers, and it typically isn’t made one by parents or schools."-Jodi Mindell, PhD, Director of Psychology at St. Joseph’s University.

In addition to the children’s attentiveness, there is the growing concern of childhood obesity in America. Numerous studies indicate that a primary risk for obesity, behind diet and exercise, is inadequate sleep. Sleep Apnea is known to increase appetite while decreasing metabolism leading to the consumption of more calories than can be burned. Later class start times would likely lessen the negative effects of sleep deprivation.

Teenage sleep deprivation is largely driven by a conflict between teens’ internal biological clocks and the schedules and demands of society. Mary A. Carskadon, a PhD at Brown University in the Psychiatry and Human Behavior Department at Brown University states, "Given that the primary focus of education is to maximize human potential, then a new task before us is to ensure that the conditions in which learning takes place address the very biology of our learners.” Yet, despite the numerous studies that show how important it is for school age children to get enough sleep, and how detrimental starting classes at such early hours in the morning, many school days still begin before the sun comes up.

¹ Dubi Lufi, Ph.D., Orna Tzischinsky, Ph.D., Stav Hadar, M.A. (2011). Delaying School Starting Time by One Hour: Some Effects on Attention Levels in Adolescents. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 07(02), 137-143.

² Wolfson AR, Carskadon MA. Sleep schedules and daytime functioning
in adolescents. Child Development, 1998;69:875-87.

Sleep apnea, Sleep study, Sleep treatment: More on sleeping

The biggest reward that one can gain from living an active, healthy lifestyle is the gift of life. Obesity has become a dangerous epidemic in the United States and has led to a series of diseases and even death for many Americans. Amongst the ailments caused by obesity is sleep apnea, which is often linked with hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. The most effective method for combating Sleep Apnea is weight loss. Along with diet, exercise is a healthy, positive, and life changing habit that can reverse many diseases and improve a person's overall well being. Several exercise options, programs, and fitness communities can assist in establishing and continuing on a path to wellness.

Traditional exercise can be a simple start to lose weight and enjoy a good night's Sleep study. For instance, walking and running, for most, are safe ways to begin a fitness routine. They require no more than a comfortable pair of sneakers and a determination to get in shape. If walking and running don’t sound engaging enough, there are countless aerobic and weight-training programs to fit any interest. Aerobic and cardio workouts, in addition to those mentioned above include swimming, biking, Zumba, step and water aerobics, and really any exercise that increases the heart-rate over an extended period of time. Because of the increased heart rate, aerobic exercise burns calories and, combined with a nutritious diet, is an optimal way to lose weight. A consistent aerobic routine will also increase oxygen consumption while burning fat and cholesterol, control weight, reduce health hazards, lower blood pressure and so much more.

Weight lifting, if done correctly, will burn calories and increase your metabolism. It can also improve your immune system and decrease your chances of developing severe diseases. Types of weight training include squatting, crunches, shrugs, leg curls and presses, arm curls and presses; in fact the list goes on and on. There is a weight training exercise for nearly every muscle in the body. Because conventional weight lifting is generally associated with strength and muscle development it may not always result in drastic weight loss. However, decreasing weight, increasing reps and shortening the time between exercises will help to keep the heart rate elevated, therefore burning more calories.

For many, working out in a gym can be intimidating, expensive or even unavailable. If this is the case there are countless sports, hobbies and activities, aside from traditional exercise, that can result in weight loss. Swimming, biking, hiking, and rollerblading are fun ways to get fit and enjoy the outdoors. Yoga and dancing are fantastic examples of exercise that can be done in the home and allow for personal expression and stress relief. Joining a sports league, coaching a little league team, or just dusting off the football or basketball for a few minutes in the backyard with family or friends, can be fun ways to lose weight while enjoying the company and community of others. Even non-athletic hobbies such as fishing, building a car, remodeling your home can have a beneficial impact on your health. Don’t just sit on the couch and watch other people do the things you’re interested in, get out and do them yourself.

If weight loss is your goal, open your mind to the many different options and possibilities you have. People have even found ways to turn everyday housework into a beneficial exercise regime. More specifically, putting dishes away can turn into a squatting routine by merely using your entire body. In addition, vacuuming and washing windows can utilize numerous parts of the body, including calves, thighs, shoulders, arms, back and abdomen. Exaggerated motions and a little creativity can turn housework into a clean home, a daily workout and a full nights rest. Video games have also become a fun way to shed a few pounds. These games include the Wii fit, which offers a personalized fitness routine for any individual. Xbox, PlayStation and even Nintendo DS have games available that can help anyone lose weight. Games such as, The Biggest Loser, presents fitness routines geared toward each individual. There are many creative activities that can be enjoyable and improve health at the same time.

Still getting into shape may seem like an overwhelming task, especially when going at it alone. However, there are ways to stay on track while working with others. In particular, SparkPeople.com is an outstanding web community that tracks your progress, offers fitness and diet plans, allows you to contact dieticians and trainers, and links you to people who are also committed to making a change. Becoming part of community, such as this one, can be encouraging and beneficial motivators, especially during the hardships often associated with working out. Getting involved in fitness clubs can also boost your enthusiasm. Most clubs offer an assortment of classes, such as racquetball, kickboxing, cycling, yoga, and personal training. By setting goals and utilizing all of the options that are out there, it can be easier to get into gear and begin a longer and healthier life.

It is helpful to understand just how many calories are burned by some of the activities mentioned. To begin, just 30 minutes of housework such as vacuuming, doing dishes and washing windows can burn an average of 110 calories. Also, spending nearly 30 minutes skating, roller-blading or cycling can burn about 250 calories. A brisk 30-minute walk can burn approximately 90 calories. An hour of aerobic exercise can expend about 450 calories. Nonetheless, these are merely averages because height, weight and age are all factors that determine the exact number of calories burned. It is important to remember that 1 pound of fat is equal to roughly 3500 calories, which is why the combination of diet and exercise are imperative. For more on calories read the diet feature.

In essence, there are various exercise options and support groups available for anyone that is interested in improving their lifestyle. Getting fit does not have to include spending endless and grueling hours in the gym. All of the activities mentioned above could kick start an enhanced way of life that consists of weight loss and improved Sleep treatment. An early day exercise, hobby, or leisure activity is guaranteed to boost your overall health, which can insure an improved quality of sleep at night.

This article has been taken from http://www.ideamarketers.com/?articleid=2733006&wherefrom=LOGIN&CFID=72258069&CFTOKEN=95831316

Sleep apnea, Sleep study, Sleep treatment: Finding the Right Fit

Do you find yourself thirstier than usual, as well as hungry—even after eating? Frequently urinating or having a dry mouth? Fatigued or breathing more heavily? All of these are symptoms of diabetes, a disease that affects more than twenty-five million children and adults in the United States. In 2010, there were a little less than two million new cases of diabetes diagnosed among adults who were twenty years of age or older. It is roughly as common among men (11.8%) as it is among women (10.8%).

The key to understanding diabetes is to understanding the importance of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels and enabling the body to convert sugar (also called glucose) into the energy needed for daily functioning. Some people with diabetes are unable to make insulin, which is referred to as Type 1 diabetes. The more common form of diabetes, however, is Type 2. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes do produce insulin, but it is produced in either insufficient amounts or the amounts that are produced are not recognized by the body’s cells, preventing the insulin from turning sugar into the energy needed for functioning. The symptoms for Type 2 diabetes often take a long time to develop, and in addition to the ones mentioned in the beginning, can include slow-healing cuts or sores, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and impotence.

Sleep Apnea and Diabetes: An Unhealthy Pair

For a while, most observations about sleep apnea and diabetes were that they often occurred simultaneously in those who were already obese, a condition common to both sleep apnea and diabetes. However, further investigation of the two has found that there is likely a direct relationship between them.

A 2008 literature review examined eight clinical studies concerning Sleep study and diabetes and found an association between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and alterations in participants’ glucose metabolism that were consistent with an increased risk for diabetes. A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine evaluated sixty diabetic patients and found that 77% of them had sleep apnea. Among the participants, increasing apnea severity was associated with poorer glucose control as measured by hemoglobin A1C levels. These results held true even after controlling for other factors that could explain the conditions, such as age, race, sex, body mass index, level of exercise, number of diabetic medications, years of diabetes, and total sleep time.

When an apneic event occurs during the night, the airway collapses and oxygen levels drop because the person has stopped breathing. This lowered oxygen level is referred to as hypoxia. Apneic events can also lead to arousals that can significantly fragment sleep over the course of the entire night. The combined effect of hypoxia and sleep fragmentation can lead to altered glucose (blood sugar) metabolism, a risk factor for diabetes.

Compared to normal sleep, the body undergoes a stress response due to the hypoxia and sleep fragmentation. Blood pressure and heart rates can increase, and breathing can momentarily speed up, particularly during arousals. Other changes include altering levels of leptin—a hormone that regulates energy intake and expenditure—and an increase in insulin resistance. The result of these changes due to sleep apnea—altered glucose metabolism, leptin levels, and increased insulin resistance—is an elevated risk for glucose intolerance, or type 2 diabetes.

Once diabetes has developed, the body is unable to get adequate energy from blood sugar to function appropriately. This means the control mechanisms for breathing during the night can be altered, resulting in the impaired breathing patterns typical of sleep apnea.

CPAP: Resolve Sleep Apnea, Improve Type 2 Diabetes

While sleep apnea and diabetes have a significant and mutually deteriorating relationship, the good news is that the opposite is also true—treating or improving the symptoms of one can often lead to an improvement in the other. For example, using diet and exercise to control diabetes may improve a person’s sleep.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which involves using air blown into a mask at a set pressure to keep the airway held open and prevent it from collapsing. To better understand how using CPAP to treat sleep apnea could improve diabetes, it is helpful to know how each condition can cause the other.

How does using CPAP to resolve Sleep treatment affect diabetes? In a 2005 study of twenty-five patients with diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea, a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1C levels (used for measuring diabetes) was noted at the thirty and ninety day point of CPAP therapy. These decreases were correlated to the number of nights that participants used CPAP for at least four hours (the common standard for compliance).

The effects of CPAP in improving diabetes symptoms can occur fairly quickly. One study investigating the effects of CPAP on insulin sensitivity found that sensitivities were significantly improved after just two days of CPAP use. This effect was smaller in obese participants than non-obese ones, suggesting that insulin sensitivity for obese individuals may be regulated more by their obesity than by sleep apnea.

This article has been taken from http://www.zimbio.com/Insomnia/articles/V7Sjy1hG-q9/Sleep+apnea+Sleep+study+Sleep+treatment+Finding?add=True

Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea: know more

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is beneficial to many people in resolving the symptoms associated with their sleep apnea and disruptive snoring. From time to time, however, problems can develop that are often easily remedied. Studies have found that CPAP wearers who educated themselves about basic troubleshooting had greater success and compliance with CPAP long-term.

Below are some common difficulties CPAP users run in to and some suggested solutions for each. As a general guideline, it is helpful to have the contact information for a durable medical equipment (DME) or homecare company available—their experienced staff can be a valuable resource in correcting some of these problems.

Redness, Irritated Skin, Facial Sores

These are often signs that a mask may be strapped on too tightly—most masks are designed to produce the best seal with the mask secure on the face, but not tight. Try loosening the headgear for the mask. Rubbing a small amount of Vaseline, or a similar jelly-like substance, around the edge of the mask that contacts the skin can also help alleviate irritation.

In some situations, a different style of mask may help. For example, if you are using a nasal mask (triangular shaped mask that fits only over the nose), switching to a nasal pillow style mask may be beneficial. This can be particularly helpful for people who sleep on their side and press their head into the pillow. Contact your DME or homecare company to talk about trying a different mask style.

Dry Mouth in the Morning

Waking up with a dry mouth and throat is generally the result of Sleep Medicine with an open mouth while wearing a nasal or nasal pillow style mask, which will allow air to blow out of their mouth, causing the mouth to dry out over the course of the night. In this situation, a chin strap can be tried—this is basically a large elastic band or headgear designed to fit around the chin and over the back of the head to keep the bottom of the mouth held closed during sleep. If a chin strap doesn’t work, then switching to a full face style of mask may be considered—these masks are designed to fit over both the nose and the mouth, so air will still be delivered correctly even if the mouth is open.

Typically, the addition of a humidifier will resolve dry mouth symptoms. If a passover or cool humidifier is being used, switching to a heated humidifier (which adds a higher level of water moisture to the air) is a good next step to try.

Some medications can also cause mouth dryness. If this is the case, consult with your physician about possibly changing to a different medication if desired.

Nasal Congestion, Dryness, Nose Bleeds

Similar to mouth dryness, the addition of a humidifier, or switching to a heated humidifier from a passover model, can usually resolve these symptoms. Using a saline nasal spray or decongestant before putting CPAP on at night can also be beneficial. For people with fine nasal features or a thin nose, switching to a different style of mask may be helpful—for example, some people find a nasal pillow style mask, which delivers the air pressure directly inside their nostrils, dries their nose out faster than a more standard nasal mask, which simply delivers the air towards the nose.

Moisture Accumulating on the Face

In this situation, decreasing the level of humidity added to the air will likely resolve the problem. For patients who sweat easily at night, using the passover (cool air) humidifier instead of a heated model is helpful. Also, try having a small fan on a nightstand or dresser to keep the head cool during the night. A smaller style of mask (i.e., switching from a full face mask to a nasal pillow mask with a chin strap) may also be beneficial.

Claustrophobia

Switching to a smaller mask type (particularly a nasal pillow style mask) is often the best remedy for a feeling of claustrophobia or being smothered. If you’re having difficulty adjusting to the mask, ask your doctor about ordering a desensitization session—these can be done in a relaxed lab setting during the daytime, when a variety of masks and pressures can be tried without having to go through the anxiety-inducing process of being hooked-up to wires and equipment necessary when doing a titration at night.

Pressure Feels Too High: Sensation of Drowning or Unable to Catch Breath

This often occurs for people who have severe apnea and require a high pressure to breathe normally while asleep—but find the pressure is too high to be comfortable when awake or trying to get back to sleep. In this situation the use of a “ramp” feature is very helpful, and most CPAP machines have a “ramp” button on them designed to lower the pressure for a period of time (usually at least 15-20 minutes) to allow a person to get back to sleep.

Pressures can also feel too high for individuals who have had a significant health change, such as weight loss. Consult your doctor if this is the case. A repeat CPAP titration may be recommended to see if the pressure needs to be lowered. For some people, a trial of BIPAP may also be suggested. Compared to CPAP, which uses one continuous air pressure, BIPAP uses two different air pressures—a higher pressure when inhaling, and a lower pressure when exhaling. Patients with hypoventilation, difficulty exhaling, and some cardiac or neurological conditions often find BIPAP easier to use than CPAP.

Mask Comes Off or Becomes Loose During Sleep

Try tightening the headgear a little before going to apnea—but not too tight! If the problem persists, contact your DME or homecare company about getting a different brand or style of mask the fits the face more securely—sometimes a different brand of mask, despite being the same style as what you may currently be using, can be shaped just differently enough to provide a more secure fit during the night.

Some people find that they simply aren’t able to wear a mask the entire night, despite trying several different brands and styles. In this situation, it is important to wear the mask as long as possible each night—it may be necessary to start off with fewer hours at first while getting adjusted to sleeping with CPAP. Most studies show that people will receive a significant improvement to their sleep and overall health when wearing CPAP for a minimum of four hours a night.

Mask Leaks, Whistles During the Night

These typically occur because the mask seal is getting broken during the night. Adjusting the mask for a better fit or trying a different style of mask often will resolve these problems—contact your DME or homecare company to do this. Adding a humidifier can sometimes improve a mask’s seal. For individuals experiencing these issues with an old mask, it may be time to replace the mask, as the material masks are made of will break down over time, which can cause leaks and whistling. Most insurance plans will pay for a replacement mask every six months; check with your provider for details.

Continued Snoring While Wearing CPAP

This is often a sign that the pressure may be a little low—consult with your doctor about changing the pressure; they may order a retitration in the sleep lab to double-check the pressure. This is particularly indicated for patients with a significant health change, such as weight gain, since they’ve starting using CPAP.

Some individuals do still snore despite their pressure adequately resolving all of their Sleep apnea symptoms. In these situations, a referral to an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist may be helpful to determine if there are any structural issues in the airway that may be complicating how effectively CPAP is able to work.

This article has been taken from http://www.zimbio.com/Insomnia/articles/SL7OVN6oDYv/Sleep+Medicine+sleep+apnea+know+more?add=True

Sleep medicine, Sleep study, Sleep disorders: sleep disorders and so on

Sleep study also termed as polysomnography (PSG) is basically a multi-parametric test which is used to study sleep. In fact it is also used as typically a diagnostic tool in sleep medicine. Honestly, sleep study is basically an in depth recording of the biophysical changes during sleep where during the period of sleep, the body functions are typically monitored. This includes, brain, eye movements, muscle activity and also the heart rhythm. The focus of sleep study is however simple- to let you have a good night’s sleep.

Let’s accept the fact - deprivation of sleep can not only cause irritability but also it lowers performance level and reaction times while putting strain on the immune system. Well, many of us have had the odd night where we often pass the sleepless pillow for worrying about something like an impending exam or may be some kind of special event. However those’s occasional and now try imagine the situation if this goes for long – yes, you would be physically and mentally exhausted. Sadly, this is the situation of many people throughout the western world. Trust me; figures cannot go wrong and it is estimated that at least 40 million people in the United States of America suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders! Scary indeed!

Well, every patient that is suffering from chronic sleeping issues will start at the same place, a consultation with a sleep specialist. The sleep specialists are typically found in sleep labs or clinics. Once you meet with a specialist, they will review your symptoms and order additional testing such as a Sleep study, after which they will be able diagnose and treat your sleep disorder. They have the education and ability to treat many aspects of sleep conditions ranging from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to bedwetting with numerous sleep ailments in between.

After an initial consultation with a sleep specialist, they will likely order a sleep study that will provide a better look at your sleeping patterns. Sleep studies are usually performed at night while you sleep and are administered by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT). An RPSGT is a professional that has obtained credentials through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. In order to earn this title, a RPSGT must have attained the essential clinical hours (usually 18 months of paid clinical experience), have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification and passed an extensive examination and has proven proficiency in polysomnography. If a patient has been ordered to undergo a sleep study, they will visit a sleep lab or clinic and spend an evening or two being observed by the RPSGT. RPSGT’s are able to identify numerous irregularities in sleeping patterns and will then pass along this data to the sleep specialist, from which the sleep specialist will be able to prescribe a treatment.

Honestly, sleeps disorders are typically the conditions characterised by abnormal sleep patterns that interfere with normal physical, mental or emotional function. Anxiety and stress can cause serious sleep disorder, whether it be due insomnia, intermittent waking, or waking up much too early in the morning.

Needless to say that it is certainly the best time to check for any medical conditions that may contribute to a sleep disorder or anxiety disorder, and also to help determine which is the primary condition, i.e. is anxiety causing lack of sleep or is insomnia causing anxiety? Well, patients should always consider exploring the various options available for treating their sleeping issues.

The Nightly Grind – Coping with Sleep Bruxism

Nightly tooth grinding is a taxing problem that can result in chronic headaches, earaches, jaw pain, worn tooth enamel and sometimes flattened, shortened or even broken teeth and fillings. Also known as sleep bruxism, nightly grinding plagues as much as 10 percent of the adult population and as many as one-third of children. And yet, it is still unclear what causes it.

Some studies have connected sleep bruxism to sleep apnea. In fact, research shows that treating sleep apnea may help alleviate sleep bruxism. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and certain medications also have been linked to sleep bruxism, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Meanwhile, one recent Sleep study indicates that the “daily grind” also may contribute to nightly tooth grinding. In other words, people who are under high levels of stress or experience troubles at work may be more likely to grind their teeth at night. According to a report in Head & Face Medicine, gnashing teeth was especially common in those dealing with stressful work situations and it was particularly evident in people who cope with difficult situations by escaping. It is suggested then that tooth grinding is a way for the body to release pent up stress and anxiety.

If your sleep bruxism is related to stress, experts suggest trying to relax in the hours before bedtime to reduce stress levels and to maintain a regular soothing bedtime routine. Creating a sleep environment that is cool, dark, and quiet may also be helpful.

Other suggestions for coping with sleep bruxism include:

• Change sleeping positions. Tooth grinding has been linked to back sleeping. So, try to sleep on your side or your stomach to ease symptoms.

• Manage stress. Learn and implement relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga. If your stress is severe, counseling may be a useful tool in alleviating tension.

• Get adequate sleep and exercise. Sleep deprivation and lack of physical exercise may increase stress and exacerbate tooth grinding.

• Focus on relaxing. During the day, relax your jaw and facial muscles and at bed engage in a soothing bedtime routine like a taking a warm bath, reading a good book or listening to soothing music.

• Soothe sore muscles. Apply ice for pain or use a warm, wet washcloth to relax tight muscles.

• Change your habits. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, especially before bed. And if you are a smoker, consider quitting.

• Visit your dentist. Your dentist can help realign your bite, build up worn-down teeth and fit you for a mouth guard.

• Change your medication. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking to determine if they may be causing sleep bruxism. Additionally, doctors can prescribe muscle relaxants if needed.

• Have a sleep study. Talk to your family doctor about a sleep study to determine if you have sleep apnea. Correcting sleep disorders can help control sleep bruxism.

If you or someone you know have sleep bruxism, it is important to seek treatment before permanent dental damage occurs. A sleep specialist, a dental sleep specialist or your family dentist may be a good place to start. Your dentist may suggest that you be fitted with a night guard, a plastic appliance that you wear at night to protect your teeth. This is custom fitted to your teeth during a dental visit and is sometimes prescribed in conjunction with a muscle relaxant. For children with sleep bruxism, symptoms can be discussed with your pediatrician.

This article has been taken from http://www.zimbio.com/Insomnia/articles/teYZryl4Tcb/Nightly+Grind+Coping+Sleep+Bruxism?add=True

Sleep apnea: more on sleeping

Just like drinking and driving, sleepiness and driving do not mix. In fact every day, sleepiness is a major cause of motor vehicle crashes. What’s more, a higher percentage of those crashes involving a person asleep at the wheel result in fatalities than those attributed to other causes, according to the American sleep apnea Association (ASAA).

Typically, sleepiness is caused by sleep deprivation, untreated sleep disorders, shift work and jet lag. The most common cause of sleepiness, or falling asleep at the wheel, is sleep deprivation. In fact, recent studies done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that drowsy driving contributed to 100,000 crashes each year, ultimately killing more than 1,500 people and injuring another 71,000. And as many as 20 percent of serious car crashes involve some type of Sleep disorders according to New England Journal of Medicine.

In a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about half of truck crashes result in fatal or incapacitating injuries and in 87 percent of these crashes the truck driver was judged to be at fault. Furthermore, many accidents that involve buses and big rigs have been linked to drowsy operators who suffer from a sleep disorder. In fact, one study indicates that nearly 28 percent of commercial drivers have sleep apnea. Meanwhile, a separate study found that commercial drivers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were six times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than the average driver and seven times more likely to have multiple accidents. Finally, experts maintain that commercial drivers have a higher percentage of sleep apnea than the general population because as a group they tend to be more obese than normal – particularly at a young age.

Not surprisingly then, sleep apnea is a major health and safety concern among commercial drivers who spend hours behind the wheel at a time. When left untreated, sleep apnea can make it difficult for them to stay awake, to focus, to remain alert and to react to driving situations. Many people with sleep apnea say they never fall asleep at the wheel, but they do not have to fall asleep to cause an accident. Lack of focus or being inattentive, which is common with sleep apnea, can also contribute to auto accidents. As a result, lives may be lost needlessly because sleep apnea is a treatable condition.

For this reason, the FMCSA is studying the effect of sleep apnea and its potential impact on truck drivers. In August, it will consider recommendations from its Medical Review Board and its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee. Discussions will include testing all drivers for sleep apnea, how to treat the sleep apnea cases discovered and how this will impact driver certification.

The meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 29 in the Washington, D.C. area. It is hoped that they will be able to develop recommendations for agency action at this meeting. Although this meeting may not lead to actual rulemaking on sleep apnea, it does advance the issue. Currently, the rules do not explicitly require testing and treatment.

Initial reports indicate that the board believes that the diagnosis of sleep apnea should not necessarily bar a driver from certification. Instead, they would like for certification to be conditional based on the severity of the sleep apnea, its impact on a driver’s sleepiness and whether or not the driver is getting the treatment he or she needs.

Overall, both the sleep community and the commercial driving industry want to improve the health, safety and well-being of commercial drivers while minimizing fatigue-related accidents on the road. But what concerns the transportation industry is that in an effort to improve safety, they will be faced with a number of restrictions which can mean smaller paychecks and lower standard of living for drivers and less profitability for the industry as a whole.

The key then, is to find a solution that both sides can feel comfortable with. According to experts, the solution should ensure that public safety is improved, operational efficiency is maintained, and the individual driver's job security is not threatened by a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Additionally, there should be some type of process to ensure the driver is getting treatment, following the directions of his or her doctor and improving due to treatment.

For more information on this issue, visit the ASAA website (http://sleepapnea.org/) and the FMCSA website (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/).

This article has been taken from http://www.zimbio.com/Insomnia/articles/0OYfbGQx9u0/Sleepiness+driving+not+mix?add=True

Sleep Apnea: Sleep well

Maybe you realize that it is time to seek some help relating to your sleep complications. Where do you start and whom will you encounter along the way? Or maybe you’re interested in a career in sleep medicine. Let’s take a deeper look into the various professions of the sleep industry, as a patient would encounter them along their path to wellness.

Nearly every patient that is suffering from chronic sleeping issues will start at the same place, a consultation with a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in sleep medicine. This physician has completed a full medical education to earn either an M.D. or D.O. degree, as well as instruction and training in sleep medicine. He or she has been schooled exclusively in areas related to numerous aspects of sleep and sleep disorders and is likely a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Commonly sleep physicians will have a primary specialty that relates closely with sleep medicine, such as pulmonology (associated with respiratory issues, such as sleep apnea) or Neurology (dealing with the nervous system which relates to narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, etc.). However, it is not uncommon to find sleep specialists with psychiatry or internal medicine specialties. Sleep specialists are typically found in sleep labs or clinics. Once you meet with a specialist, they will review your symptoms and order additional testing such as a sleep study, after which they will be able diagnose and treat your sleep disorder. They have the education and ability to treat many aspects of sleep conditions ranging from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to bedwetting with numerous sleep ailments in between.

After an initial consultation with a sleep specialist, they will likely order a sleep study that will provide a better look at your sleeping patterns. Sleep studies are usually performed at night while you sleep and are administered by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT). An RPSGT is a professional that has obtained credentials through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. In order to earn this title, a RPSGT must have attained the essential clinical hours (usually 18 months of paid clinical experience), have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification and passed an extensive examination and has proven proficiency in polysomnography. If a patient has been ordered to undergo a sleep study, they will visit a sleep lab or clinic and spend an evening or two being observed by the RPSGT. RPSGT’s are able to identify numerous irregularities in sleeping patterns and will then pass along this data to the sleep specialist, from which the sleep specialist will be able to prescribe a treatment.

Sleep Apnea is one of the more common sleeping disorders and generally involves the treatment of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines are provided by a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company and will likely be set-up by a Respiratory Therapist (RT). A Respiratory Therapist is a trained and certified professional that specializes in cardiopulmonary and/or breathing disorders. In order to become accredited, the therapist must have at least attained an associate degree. In addition, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) has certain requirements that must be met in order to become a licensed Respiratory Therapist. The RT will set-up your PAP based on the prescription given by your doctor.

Not everyone is able to tolerate CPAP. If after a few months you haven’t adjusted to the treatment your sleep specialist may recommend you visit a Sleep Dentist. A Sleep Dentist is a trained, professional dentist or orthodontist that has received additional training in sleeping disorders that related to jaw, teeth and tongue position. Sleep Dentists are usually members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. For those patients that are not able to tolerate a CPAP machine the Sleep Dentist can offer a dental device or oral appliance that may help to improve their sleep apnea. There are two main types of devices. The first is the Mandibular advancement device, which pushes the lower jaw forward and down, allowing the soft tissue of the throat to open and the airway to remain clear during sleep. The second type of dental device is the Tongue retraining device. This apparatus fits around the tongue and holds it forward. There is also an orthodontic treatment option available that slowly widens the upper jaw by using a screw that is placed in the upper teeth. This screw is tightened regularly until the jaw is narrowed to its desired position. This procedure is known as maxillary expansion and it is another non-surgical method used for improving breathing during sleep.

If your sleeping disorder is not breathing related other forms of treatment would need to be explored. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a growing form of treatment that is provided by a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT). This therapy involves correcting faulty thoughts and behaviors that commonly result in insomnia. However, CBT has also proven effective for narcolepsy, RLS, and many other medical disorders. A great example of how CBT works is through the replacement of negative thoughts with positive thoughts; which will ultimately attract positivity and happiness in the patient’s life. A CBT must have attained a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology, psychiatry or counseling. They are then certified through the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Treatment by a CBT usually involves a series of one-on-one sessions during which they will work to slowly correct your thoughts and behaviors.