How to Get a Good Night's Sleep
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-04-19/how-get-good-nights-sleep
Insomnia, snoring, apnea and restless leg syndrome prevent millions of Americans from getting a good night's sleep. Why sleeping is so important to overall health and advice from experts on how best to battle mild to severe sleep disorders.
Guests
David Neubauer
associate professor in the department of psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and associate director, Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center.
Helene Emsellem
director, Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders, and associate clinical professor of neurology, George Washington University; author of "Snooze ... Or Lose!"
Michael Twery
director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health.
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Comments
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Hi,
I have both periodic limb movement and restless leg syndrome.
1. Does the prevalence of one or both of these seem to be increasing?
2. Is there evidence of environmental, chemical, or behavioral causes of one or both of these?
Thank you.
Cathy
I have been sleeping only 3-5 hours per night since 1992 when I began rising at 3am to care for a partially disabled diabetic son. I was not successfult with a the CAFM machine following diagnosis with severe sleep apthnea several years ago. I am now over 60 and have been wondering what long term effects I should be looking for? I go to bedd about 10pm but am not allepy most of the time during the day.
Could you please tell my boss that I do need more than 5 hours of sleep a night and all the work I am required to take home is killing me? Thanks.
You have spoken to the sleep needs of babies, adolescents & adults. I have 7 year old children, can you suggest sleep my kids need?
? I use Ambien (zolpidem) (2-5 mg, I break up the pills) to help me sleep a few times a week. I was told that there are concerns for long-term use. Can you discuss those please.
I have been using sleep aids for over a year now. How do I get off them - both my husband and I use them -I had bad insomnia at menopause and my husband due to restless leg syndrone. I don't think it is good to be dependent on these medications but my doctor doesn't think it is a problem.I was taking Lunesta but too expensive so now taking Ambien.
I have always been a night owl and have trouble sleeping. As a long time computer user I have found studies indicating that the light from a computer screen is bright enough, and centered enough in enough our central field of vision, to decrease or stop melatonin production thus keeping you awake. I believe that is why it is so easy for so many people, even those who are not normally night people, to stay up so late on the computer. Most notably as soon as they step away from the computer, or just close their eyes long enough, that bright light goes away, the brain kicks in the melatonin production and they quickly realize just how exhausted they are. Interestingly television is relatively dim and far enough away to not take up enough of the field of vision to suppress melatonin production hence why in contrast so many people can fall asleep watching TV.
To get to the point, it seems to take a surprisingly little amount of light to wake up most brains, down to the bright white and blue lights on electronics and clocks so many keep near their beds or simply in their rooms. I have found a great deal of success both keeping my bedroom completely dark and making sure to get away from the computer 30-60 minutes before I want to sleep, if at all possible.
Interested in your guest's responses.
Love the show!
What about the surgical option known as the pillar procedure? How effective is it in treating sleep apnea?
sorry experts: CPAP is tantamount to water boarding
I've been using a CPAP for years and love it! The person worried about it should try it out.
CPAP...
I was also very hesitant about using CPAP, but Apnea was just too obnoxious. I found it VERY easy to adapt to and the difference is remarkable - and I use the mouth / nose mask. The nasal pillow is even more comfortable but my sinuses are too frequently uncooperative.
Try it, you'll be surprised how quickly you adapt....
To the man who is afraid of the CPAP: I shared your fear, but I persisted. I now sleep so much better that I think of my CPAP with the same affection as I did for my teddy bear when I was a kid. Keep trying.
Can you comment on Singing for Snorers-an alternative treatment for snoring, which may also help sleep apnea.
Alise Ojay has developed this program.
I am 39 years old and have been treated with CPAP for severe sleep apnea for 2 years. When I use CPAP, it works well. It makes travel more cumbersome, especially in airports at security checkpoints. In order to improve or cure the sleep apnea, I'm being considered for surgery to remove my tonsils and adenoids. Is this surgery a good idea?
I have used a dentist made mouthpiece for sometime. It was $1000.00 I liked it for a while but I eventually felt I needed more and had another sleep study (didn't use the mouthpiece in the sleep study- probably should have) I was finally prescribed CPAP (after 4 sleep studies) - don't like it much but have only had it 2 weeks so hope to get used to it - and lose some weight so I won't have to use anything!
I sometime shoot out of bed because I cannot breath, I've taught myself to sleep on my stomach so it doesn't happen until I inadverantly roll over.
I went for a sleep test but I never really fell into a deep sleep so it didn't happen so they decided I didn't have the symdrome. Argh!!!
I am supposed to go for a colonospy but I'm afraid because if i'm on my back and they put me out I'll quit breathing. What would happen if I got in an accident and was knocked out, would my airway close up?
Can you comment on shift work and sleep? The problem of shift work and the added problem of shift work employees trying to have a "normal" day with the family who is on a different schedule.
Alicia
My father, now 78 years old, worked at night for years in the health care field and developed sleep apnea from sleeping odd hours. He is being treated now with the breathing machine, however he has experienced two episodes of TIA's.
My questioin is: By using the breathing machiine at night on a regular basis, will his risk of a possible stroke go down?
Thank you, iin advance for your resonse!
Is the quality of sleep the same as natural sleep when using sleeping pills?
Hello Diane, I am a big fan of your show, and am so glad you are addressing this topic.
I am a 25 year old female, and my mother was diagnosed with sleep apnea approximately 4 years ago. She uses the CPAP device nightly. When I stay the night with her, I can still notice her snoring! It seems the device works to reduce her snoring but in fact does not completely eliminate the problem. We have both checked online and with her doctor and she does seem to be using the device correctly. I would be interested to see what your panel recommends.
As my mother's health issues have increased since this diagnosis, I am interested in preventative steps for myself if it is indeed a hereditary condition. I have also been told I snore - as a young and otherwise healthy female, is there anything I can possible do to prevent sleep apnea?
Thank you for your input!
Lauren
Tulsa, OK
I have a cpap which works very well. My problem is that I would like to go back-packing and need a small, non-electric alternative which I can use where there is no power. Is there any such thing?
Kudos to your experts for indicating there are alternatives to CPAP...but as usual, it requires inquiry by informed patients to get professionals to bring up the alternatives. I have discussed snoring/sleep problems with various doctors for years and they only suggested CPAP and surgical procedures...never any mention of oral appliances. (I do not have sleep apnea, but do have very interrupted sleep).
Oral appliances (ordered over the internet) are certainly much less expensive than surgery or CPAP. What I have not been able to find out is whether the oral appliances ordered over the internet are safe since they are not regulated in the US. When keeping a rubber appliance, which is not regulated, in your mouth 7 hrs/day, you certainly want to make sure it will have no adverse effects.
Gentle treatment methods, derived from the osteopathic medical community over 100 years ago, can significantly improve sleep in patients. These treatment effects are most rapid and dramatic in babies and toddlers. When musculoskeletal and soft tissue restrictions are lessened, vascular, lymphatic and endocrine systems can function more normally. One result is improved sleep. Lynne
Hi Diane, A sleep expert called Michael Krugman is giving a Sleep Seminar this weekend (April 24 & 25) in Arlington at the Hampton Inn near Reagan airport. You can check out the website at www.soundersleep.com. I did the workshop two years ago and it is really good. Michael teaches people mini moves to help fall asleep, relax and fall asleep again if they wake up in the middle of the night. It's very powerful stuff!
Chrish
I have tried every possible CPAP apparatus and have still not been able to get fitted with a well fitted, tolerable device. I am desperate -- with Severe Sleep Apnea -- as many as 70 events per hour.
The nasal pillow causes irritation to my sinuses and severely dry mouth and throat resulting in my waking more than 20 times a night.
I NEED help. Working with a neurologist, EMT specialist AND lung specialist, but so far, no solution.
I don't mind wearing the CPAP. I just wish there were some more creative people trying to make it more effective and comfortable.
I have a small face and high cheek bones and the apparatus either "leaks" or must be tied on so tightly that it is so painful it wakes me up. I am not willing to take drugs every night to tolerate the pain.
Question, if an initial sleep study does not show apnea, but snoring persists, how long should you wait for another study?
Jacksonville, FL
Is the surgical option known as the pillar procedure effective for treating sleep apnea? If so, why is it not covered by insurance companies?
I have experienced both obstructive and central sleep apnea for years with 60 stoppages per hour. I had cp3 surgery but still suffer from many stoppages. I hate using a cpap machine and don't sleep well becuase of the mask and air hose. Is there any cure for CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA?
One year ago I went to a sleep clinic due to very loud snoring, being told I stopped breathing while asleep and the fact my finance needed something 'done' before saying "I do". I snored in college, throughout my first marriage but it seemed I was more of a truck driver than a bride to be. Although not romantic to look at, my husband and I now say how much we LOVE the "mask". It did take some getting to use and there are at least one or more nights each week I don't wear it, but it is a must to get through most nights when sleeping with my husband. Incidentally I too, did not feel tired during the day but as the ENT I recently saw told, it is a life long commitment so get use to. And I have taken on this attitude. Good luck to those who are beginning to use it.
Hi Diane,
Regarding cpap costs:
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a list of cpap equipment providers by the hospital sleep clinic; they ALL charged $2,000 for ANY cpap machine. On line, I was able to easily find a selection of machines for under $400!
I have just started using a dental device that moves my lower jaw forward, like the self-mold products from Canada. It seems to be working well and frees me from the mask and hoses that make some claustrophobic.
Thanks for touching on this topic.