Is Sleep Apnea Treatable?

Apnea is referred to as a pause in the normal breathing cycle. The pause in the breathing cycle during sleep is called sleep apnea. The gap between the breathing cycles for ten or more seconds is included in sleep apnea. There are two main types of sleep apneas. The pause caused due to the failure of the breath control system in the brain is known as central sleep apnea. The second type is obstructive sleep apnea caused due to failure of the throat muscle keeping the airway open. The supply of oxygen to the body is interrupted in both types. Resultantly, the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the body is reduced.

What does happen in Obstructive sleep apnea?

The pause in the breathing cycle leads to a deficiency of oxygen to the body tissues. Less energy is required for the smooth functioning of body systems during sleep. However, with the breathing pause, the oxygen level further decreases. The decrease in oxygen to the body tissues necessitates an increase in the heart rate which causes awakening the sufferer. Sometimes, the patients awake with a jerk. It happens in the deep phase of sleep. The repeated pause in the breathe causes disturbance in sleep. This disturbance generates different types of sleep disorders. The people suffering from OSA are more prone to develop snoring while asleep. Snoring results from the obstruction in the airway.

What does cause obstructive sleep apnea?

The obstructive sleep apnea occurs either through narrowing the airway or completely closing the airway. The pattern of disturbance varies in both cases. The main causes of OSA may be tonsil problems and overweight. Some of the individuals with a large neck, small chin, small jaws, and large bite have also been found with such problems. The habits like smoking and drinking alcohol are also the known causes of OSA. Old age, especially above 40 can also be a reason for developing OSA. Along with age factor, ethnicity is also a factor for developing such sleep disorders. The people of Africa, America, Pacific Island, and Hispania have been found with OSA. According to a study, more than 18 million adults in America are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Complications caused by obstructive sleep apnea

Many sleep disorders are associated with OSA. Repeated episodes of OSA lead to sleep deprivation. Feeling sleepy and lack of interest in daily activities are the major drawbacks of sleep apnea. Lethargy, apathy, and dizziness have been noticed in the patients during the daytime. Other complications associated with sleep deprivation like depression, hypertension, loss of appetite and heart problems may also develop.

Management of obstructive sleep apnea

Management of OSA depends on the causative factors. In some cases, the treatment is short whereas in other cases it takes long term procedures and surveillance. Reliance on alcohol and tobacco is the known reason for developing obstructive sleep apnea. Discontinuation of alcohol and tobacco can b helpful to minimize the occurrences. Most of the obese and overweight people develop with symptoms of OSA. Reduction in weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet are recommended for overweight people. Remember! Here weight reduction doesn’t mean dieting. The congenital abnormalities of upper and lower jaws can be treated through surgery depending upon the condition. The concerned surgeon can decide the suitable procedure in this regard. Infected and enlarged tonsils are also treated through surgical procedures. In some cases, the continuous positiveairway pressure device has been proved helpful to reduce OSA. With CPAP the air passage remains open and allow the required amount of air to the lungs. The consultant can recommend the CPAP device for a patient of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep Disturbance and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a common issue for most of the international population. However, the specific finding directly related to sleep disorders is still unknown. But it is also a fact that noise pollution causes a grave disturbance in sleep. Noise whether it is due to road traffic, air traffic or even public place, it causes a disturbance in sleep. A dark and quiet place is ideal for sleep which refreshes your body organs and systems. Noise disturbs your sleep and impairs the functions of body systems that are associated with different stages of sleep.

Sources of noise pollution causing sleep disturbance

Noise can disturb your sleep at any stage. The severity of disturbance depends on the nature and period of exposure. In daily life, we face different types of noise pollution. However, the nocturnal noise is the most dangerous because it affects our routine sleep which is necessary to refresh body systems and to process the memory. Usually, we are exposed to three types of noise. An intermittent noise caused by road traffic. Every passing by vehicle leaves noise along with other environmental pollution. More traffic produces more severe noise. A sleeping place near to the public gatherings like amusement parks, concert halls also impairs sleep.

Air traffic is also a cause of sleep disturbance for the people who live in the aircraft conduit areas. The noise during landing and takeoff creates disturbance in sleep. The noise produced by industrial machinery is one of the major noise pollution of the current era. The industrial noise pollution also affects the sleep of the resident population of those particular areas. Although, the people get used to with the routine noise; however, it leaves long turn sleep disorders to the people who are continuously exposed to the noise. Open railway traffic also a major source of noise pollution for the general public residing close to the railway track.

How does noise ruin your sleep?

Noise impairs sleep in different ways. The continuous noise irritates the sensory systems which usually go on rest during sleep. The disturbance of sensory systems leaves bad effects on sleep in different ways. For example, the brain registers and processes the memory during sleep. Due to noise, the brain cannot perform this action which is directly associated with different stages of sleep. So, the continuous noise is also a factor of sleep deprivation because you cannot go in a deep sleep. The intermittent noise causes sudden awaking from any stage of sleep. Along with awakening, the air traffic sound also impairs the hearing sense. The effect of high pitch sound is more harmful during sleep than awake.

Effect of sleep disturbance on body systems

The above-mentioned sources of noise are unavoidable for every person in society. The noise leaves short term or long term effects on our different body systems. The sleep is helpful for the proper functioning of endocrine and metabolic processes in the body. The perturbation of these functions further causes impairment of cardio-metabolic and psychiatric disorders. The impairment of cardio-metabolic function leads to different types of mood disorders. Stress and different types of biological changes are the outcomes of nocturnal sleep disturbance.

As per research, the heart rate slowdowns during sleep. The sudden awakening with noise necessitates the sudden increase in the heart rate. This effect on noise on the heart generates different types of cardiovascular problems.

The effects of noise pollution on the sensory systems also leave different types of psychiatric problems on sufferers. Prolonged stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are also the known outcomes of deprivation of sleep.

The disturbance in the digestive system is associated with sleep. The quiet deep sleep allows the digestive system to work properly.

Recommendations:

The above discussion proves that noise pollution is a solid cause of sleep disturbance. Especially, the disturbance of nocturnal sleep leaves more adverse effects on human health. Therefore, exposure to noise during sleep should be minimized or avoided.

Sleeping in the dark and soundless room is preferably recommended. However, if a suitable environment is not accessible, the earmuffs can reduce the effects of noise. The other measures to reduce the intensity of noise can be practiced as per the availability. The basic aim of taking measures is to avoid or minimize the effects of noise pollution.

Sleep Disturbance with Smartphone and Tablet

The purpose of this post is to highlight the sleep disorders caused by the misuse of the Smartphone. No doubt, Smartphone is a handy and useful device to access the information. Being a portable device, it keeps you connected 24/7. However, misuse of this useful invention is causing different types of sleep disorders, especially in the young generation. Over the night use of Smartphone ruin the sleep of user which results in sleeping daytime. In the subsequent paragraphs, you will read about the possible health issues especially sleep disorders associated with misuse of smartphones and tablets.

How do Smartphones impair your sleep?

The smartphone is a useful device with lots of applications of daily use. However, most of the people use this device beyond the requirements. The first impact of the excessive use of this electronic device affects your sleep. The following bullet points highlight the factors affecting sleep with the use of a Smartphone.

v    Sleep is impaired with excessive use. Many youngsters use tablets and smartphones to play different types of games. Along with the judicial use of getting information, the students spend the additional time on the smart devices. The time specified for sleep is used to play games that cause deprivation of sleep.

v    The blue light with a short wavelength is not only dangerous for eyesight but it also impairs your sleep as well. Continuous watching the blue light screen disturbs the body hormone (melatonin) which maintains the sleep and wake cycles.

v    Smartphone and tablets provide uninterrupted connectivity through social media websites. Connecting with new friends and business partners in overseas countries is the best feature of these smart devices. However, this connectivity urges people to stay connected without caring for their sleep. Even many people have been found sleeping with headphones in ears. This practice leads to sleep deprivation which further generates different types of sleep disorders.

v    Uninterrupted use of smartphones can also cause depression and anxiety due to different reasons. Breakup is one of the social issues which cause depression/anxiety. And 24/7 connectivity is one of the major reasons for a breakup.

v    The music lovers also misuse the Smartphone. Many youngsters have been found listening to music in bed. This practice also leads to sleep deprivation in youngsters.

v    Smartphone is also harmful to babies. The rays and light produced from the screen also disturb the children's sleep.

Measures to be taken to regularize sleep

Considering the proverb “excess of everything is bad” the use of smartphones and tablets should be restricted only to the requirements. The needs for using the devices vary with different communities. However, daily sleep hours must strictly be observed. Every elderly need 6-8 hours of deep sleep that never should be compromised. The use of screen filters must be ensured to minimize the effects of blue light. The researches prove that the use of the phone in laying position shifts more rays to the eyes. So, staring at the screen in the bed must be avoided.

Sleep Walking | Causes and Precautions

Sleep walking is known as one of the most dangerous sleep disorders. Basically, the individual does not know about his/her act of walking during sleep. It can cause a serious situation with the sufferer himself or any other person due to this act of walking. Therefore, susceptible should be kept under surveillance once found walking while sleeping.

Causes of sleep walking

The causes of sleepwalking and sleep talking are almost the same. Sleep deprivation is a common reason leading to such sleep disorders. The other associated causes are the use of sedative drugs including alcohol. The psychiatric and psychological problems also lead to sleepwalking. The children are more susceptible to the sleepwalking problem and the main reason is sleep deprivation. Nightmares are also a cause in the children’s sleep walking. In the current era, the burden of studies leads to sleep deprivation in the children which further causes the sleepwalking problem.

Possible hazards of sleep walking disorders

Sleepwalking is a hazardous issue because the individual does not about the condition. Actually, he/she sleeps but moves towards an unknown direction. Even a blind person knows about his/her moving activity but a sleepwalker doesn’t. So, walking while asleep is more dangerous than a blind person moving without an attendant. A sleepwalker can meet any unforeseen incident unavoidably. Here are some possible hazards that a person can face while walking during sleep. It will help you to understand the severity of such sleep disorders.

v                 A person sleeping on the roof of the building is more prone to meet an accident while walking during sleep. Especially, a roof without boundary walls is more dangerous for such a person.

v                 Naked electric wires, switchboard are also the hazards. Moreover, electrical appliances, like fans, heaters, and geezers are also unsafe for a person walking during sleep.

v                 Fire can also be a serious hazard for the sleeping person at the near location.

v                 A location near to the habitat of exotic animals is also risky. For example, a person sleeping in the vicinity of a zoo can face any incident when walks to the cage of an exotic animal.

v                 A person with sleep disorders of walking can also create a critical situation for the roommates or partner.

v                 Children can fall from the bed or swing. Moreover, the baby can also move outside the house as a result of sleep walking.

Precautionary measures against sleep walking

People susceptible to walking while the asleep need to be kept under surveillance. The motivation is the very first important step you must take in this regard. The individual must know about his condition and severity of the hazards related to this problem. The following precautionary measures can help to minimize the risk of hazards. However, close surveillance is necessary even after treatment.

Ø                  Sleeping on the roof of the building without boundary walls must be avoided.

Ø                  Placing obstacles in the vicinity of susceptible can minimize the risk of incidents. He/she may awake while striking the obstacle. However, the obstacle must be a safe one.

Ø                  All the electrical points and appliances must be kept out of reach.

Ø                  Preferably, the susceptible person must not sleep in an open area where he/she can free walk in different directions.

Ø                  The children should be induced in the studies gradually as per their capacity and age. They must be allowed sufficient time to complete their normal sleep.

Treatment/management of sleep walking

There is no significant treatment for sleepwalking disorders. This problem is caused as a result of other sleep disorders. So, treating the causative factor is helpful to control over sleep walking problem.

ü                  Sleep deprivation is one of the major problems of sleepwalking syndrome that can be treated with sufficient sleep.

ü                  For psychiatric and psychological problems, the management can minimize the episodes of this problem.

ü                  Special care and management are necessary in the cases of children because it can lead to other sleep disorders and health issues if the problem continues for a prolonged period. The individuals known cases of drug and alcohol dependence must be treated in rehabilitation centers. Till the completion of treatment, the patients must be kept under close surveillance.

Sleep Disorders | Sleep Talking

Sleep talking is one of the interesting but troublous states in which the individual is unaware of his/her condition. Episodes and patterns of talking occur during different stages. During the initial few hours of sleep, the individual talks clearly that a person close to him can easily understand the wording. In deep sleep, the listener cannot understand the words. Talking is one of the most interesting sleep disorders which most of the listeners enjoy. Asleep talker becomes the focus of roommate’s discussions and a source of humor for them. On the other side, the condition is embarrassing for the individual himself. The sufferer does not know what happens with him/her.

To some extent, the roommate or partner feels uncomfortable because of loud sounds. It also causes disturbance for them as well. The frequent talking awakes the partner which causes the development of different types of sleep disorders to the partner. In some cases, the interruption in the sufferer has been noticed. In the first or second stage, when the individual is in light sleep, he/she can hear the sound himself. This sound also causes disturbance of the sufferer as well. 

Types of sleep talking

There is no specific type of sleep talking however it can be categorized as per severity criteria. The severity of talking during sleep also depends upon the cause.

1.        Mild condition

The episodes occurring with more than a week interval are categorized as mild. The condition is negligible and usually cannot be included in the sleep orders. 

2.        Moderate condition 

The episodes occurring less than week duration are categorized as moderate. This condition creates an irritating environment for roommates and partners. The moderate condition must be considered as a sleep disorder and a physician must be consulted.

3.        Sever condition 

Episodes occurring every night are considered as sever. Even the repeated episodes over the night are more critical and irritating for the roommates or life partner. The immediate consultation of a physician is strongly recommended.

Probable causes of sleep talking

 Usually, the causes of talking during sleep are unknown. Still, no clinical or pathological change specifically related to this problem has been observed.  In some cases, the family history of talking has been noticed. It happens with the families during deep sleep. Interesting thing is that everyone sleeping in a single room does not know about the scene. However, a guest or stranger spending a night with the sleep talking family can notice this horrible situation. In most of the cases, the reason is unknown; however, the people with the following health issues have been noticed with this kind of sleep disorders.

• Stress is one of the reasons for developing the symptoms. Especially, a person with prolonged stress is more prone to develop such sleep disorders. The factors causing frustration and apprehension lead to stress in the people which may further cause talking during sleep.
• The patients suffering from depression and anxiety have been noted with sleep talking problems. Prolonged sleeplessness is one of the symptoms of depression/anxiety which may develop talking disorders as well. However, depression is not the specific cause of this problem.
• Some medical conditions like high-grade fever leads to drowsiness which may also cause uncontrolled or involuntary talking problem. However, this condition is critical and must be treated immediately. The decrease in body temperature can be helpful.
• Different types of sleep disorders also lead to night talking in the patients. Nightmares, sleep apnea, rapid eye movement (REM sleep behavior disorders) can cause talking during sleep.
• Dependence on sedatives is also a major cause of talking during sleep. The use of alcohol also either causes or aggravates the condition. The majority of drug dependents and alcohol users have been noticed with this disorder.

Who is more susceptible to developing sleep talking disorders?

 There is no specific category or age group involved in the sleep disorders of talking. However, children are more prone to develop this problem. In addition to the above, overwork is also a reason for talking. After day hard work, a fatigued person is more likely to develop the symptoms. 

Treatment of sleep talking

Talking during sleep is not itself a disease. It may be resulting from other disorders or illnesses. Treating the cause can decrease the onset. Along with the treatment of the cause, the change in sleeping habits and posture is also helpful. Usually, the people sleeping in a supine position have been noticed with talking or snoring. Sleeping on the lateral position can reduce the severity of such sleep disorders.

In a medical condition like fever, immediate consultation is recommended. In case of delay, cold sponging, use of anti paretic medicines should be given.