Natural Cure for Insomnia that Works

A difficulty in falling asleep and maintaining good sleep is how doctors describe insomnia. It is a symptom, not a disease or a diagnosis. The average person will experience insomnia once in their lifetime with up to 50 percent of people in the world suffering from it at one time or another for more than a few nights.

Many people do not like to take medications to help them sleep and look towards a more natural cure for insomnia. There are many things you can do to promote sleep, alleviate stress and reduce stimulation, the two major causes of insomnia.

One tried and true natural cure for insomnia is to drink warm milk before bed time. An alternative to milk is a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water or straight up. You could even eat a very light carbohydrate snack. 5-HTP delivered from tryptophan such as that found in turkey, is an amino acid that will help you fall asleep. 5-HTP boosts levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps to regulate sleep. Other foods that might contribute to a good nights sleep are starchy foods such as grains, potatoes, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice and oatmeal. However, you do not want to go to bed on a full stomach. These items should be eaten in moderation, as a light snack before bed. All of these methods should help you to gain a good night sleep and help you feel rested in the morning.

Don"t like milk? Drink herbal teas like passionflower, skullcap, lavender, valerian, California poppy, St. Johns Wart, hops and chamomile which all have sedative properties that can help your mind and body ready itself for sleep. Most can be found at health food stores and should be sipped about an hour before turning in at night.

Getting enough vitamins is another essential ingredient to a natural cure for insomnia. Several different B vitamins have been shown to reduce insomnia so a B complex vitamin would be a good choice taken daily would help with your insomnia. Other vitamins include magnesium, zinc and calcium has long been known to calm the nervous system which will help you fall asleep.

Melatonin is a natural occurring, sleep inducing hormone in the brain. Although some people may lack the ability to produce this and that may be a cause of their insomnia. Scientists have discovered a way to duplicate this naturally and without any side effects, it is a natural cure for insomnia. The recommended dosage is between 0.3 to 3 milligrams per night.

Some people believe in magnetic therapy and sleep with negative magnets on a magnetic pad either all over their bed or around their head. However, it can be difficult to calibrate the exact amount of magnets, the strength and the positioning needed to help be a natural cure for insomnia.

Avoiding caffeine after 2 pm and exercising early in the day are good advice and will help work together with the above suggestions for a natural cure for insomnia.


Autor: Paul Haughney

Paul Hockney suffered from Insomnia for many years. Having researched Insomnia Treatment he eventually found a cure that worked. Find Free Advice and Natural Sleep Aid reviews from Paul at http://www.HelpSleepProblems.com

Added: March 30, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Natural-Cure-for-Insomn~

Natural Sleep Aids Uncovered

There are many natural sleep aids that will help you if you have insomnia which is a chronic inability to sleep over a long period of time.

Herbs
Herbal remedies are on the rise and one in particular, valerian has long been used as a natural sleep aid to cure insomnia. Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany all sell this natural herb over the counter.

Exactly how valerian works in the system is a mystery to doctors but they know it works. Some studies propose that it works like other sleep aides in that it affects the calming neurotransmitter, GABA.

Valerian is not addictive like some pharmaceuticals nor does it cause grogginess. It is, however, not without side affects; dizziness, headaches, indigestion and heart palpitations can all occur while taking valerian. And valerian can not be taken with any other medications, particularly sedatives that depress the middle nervous structure.

The human body naturally produces a hormone called Melatonin. The pineal gland makes serotonin in the brain and then it is transformed into melatonin when it is restricted from light.

People with schizophrenia, depression or any serious illness, such as an autoimmune disease should not take melatonin.

An anti-anxiety herb, Kava could be helpful for anxiety related insomnia. Conversely, the FDA - Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers who use any type of products with Kava as a main ingredient because it can cause severe liver damage. There have been cases of severe liver damage in other countries but not here in the US.

Aroma therapy
The sent of many different flowers and essential oils have long been thought to bring about sleep in those who find it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Lavender is one of the most widely used aroma therapy oils for insomnia. Other oils that seem to help are ylang ylang and chamomile.

Acupuncture
A study by the University of Pittsburg suggested that the use of acupuncture maybe an effective cure for insomnia. The study showed that five weeks of acupuncture increased the production of melatonin in the brain during the evening hours and helped the patients fall asleep better.

Exercise
The lack of exercise can contribute to insomnia; however when you exercise can also have become a factor for lack of sleep. Exercising in the morning will help you to feel better throughout the day and help you sleep better at night. Exercising to close to bed time will increase your adrenaline and you will have trouble with your sleep.

Relaxation
Falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer, relaxation techniques are one of the best ways to get a good night sleep.

Visualization
this involves a relaxing scene your mind creates. You must be in bed and try to engross all your senses. Most people pick a tropical island and imagine the sand, sun, the water and just a relaxing time. You can smell the sea water and feel the spray of the ocean on your face. This is a good visualization and will help you relax.


Autor: Paul Haughney

Paul Hockney suffered from Insomnia for many years. Having researched Natural Sleep Aids he eventually found a cure that worked. Find Free Advice and Natural Sleep Aid reviews from Paul at http://www.HelpSleepProblems.com

Added: March 29, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Natural-Sleep-Aids-Unco~

How To Naturally Cure Insomnia

Late at night, you go to bed. You closed your eyes but can't seem to fall asleep. You might even try counting sheep, but to no avail. And your mind keeps on working, you keep on thinking on a lot of things. Looking at the clock, you noticed that hours had passed but your still awake.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, in 2007, that at least 20 million feel the same thing, experiencing occasional sleeping problems. What is commonly referred to as Insomnia has actually three types: transient insomnia which lasts from days to weeks; acute insomnia lasting for about 3 weeks to 6 months; and chronic insomnia which lasts for years.

Although the situation mentioned above is more common, called as onset insomnia, there are 3 other insomnia patterns. One is known as Middle insomnia, referring to the difficulty of falling asleep when waking in the middle of the night. Waking too early in the morning is another type of insomnia called as terminal insomnia. Another type of insomnia is called middle-of-the-night insomnia which cover both terminal and middle insomnia.

There are a lot of causes for insomnia. A common cause of insomnia would probably be a disease or disorder the person is under. Stress might also make it hard for a person to sleep; so as fear, anxiety or any mental or emotional problems that the person is experiencing. Hormonal shifts also causes insomnia, as well as the disruption to a person's sleeping pattern such as a change of shift at work.

Although most people would prefer taking pills and proceed into medication to aid them in their sleep, there are also alternative and natural ways of dealing with insomnia. One very familiar and common way of making it easier to sleep is by drinking warm milk before heading to sleep. Now some might be skeptical about this, but milk is basically been used for a long time to aid sleep. There is a scientific explanation to this. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan which acts like a mild tranquilizer.

Some also noted that its easier to sleep when you exercise hard before going to bed. This one makes sense since your body will be pretty tired and must need to rest after exercising vigorously thus makes you more inclined to sleep. Some methods of getting sleep faster is avoiding mentally engaging activities as well as exposing your eyes to light before going to sleep. Of course by avoiding mentally engaging activities, you are not "starting up" your brain's engines.

Another method used for a long time, is by using aromatherapy and taking a warm bath. The key to this is making the body relaxed, free from discomforts, and more inclined to sleep. Using lavender oils, or any other relaxing oils is just fine. A good way of doing this is by taking a warm bath before sleep. You can add you're favorite aromatherapy product, coupled with the essential oil while listening to relaxing music of your choice.

Autor: Elizabeth Boardman

The San Francisco Bath Salt Company's slogan is "Relaxing The World One Bath at a Time". We specialize in luxury bath salts for skincare and relaxation with the overall goal of improving health through bathing. Our website is a powerful resource of information about bathing and contains many more articles and our daily bathing blog. for more information visit http://www.sfbsc.com or to visit our complete resource section on bathing goto http://www.sfbsc.com/resource-center

Added: March 24, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/How-To-Naturally-Cure-I~

Insomnia Problems - Find Out EverythingYou Need To Know

Looking for some good insomnia information? Want to get those insomnia problems under control once and for all? Well then, you're in the right place, as you're about to learn some important facts about insomnia; including highly effective natural insomnia remedies.

Insomnia Causes

Insomnia can be caused by numerous things, most of which you wouldn't even think twice about. Some of the most common causes of insomnia are: uncomfortable environment (noise, room temperature, bed firmness, quantity of fresh air), work shift changes, stress, underlying illnesses, withdrawal from drugs and/or medications, depression, and a whole lot more. In today's world, it seems almost anything can lead to insomnia.

Insomnia Symptoms

There isn't a great deal of reliable insomnia information when it comes to identifying the symptoms of insomnia. Why not? Because insomnia symptoms are so incredibly similar to that of other disorders that it's quite difficult to accurately diagnose. However, here are a few of the more common insomnia symptoms that you'll likely notice:

- Exhaustion: A sincere feeling of not wanting to do anything. Everything seems to drain you of energy; be it getting up to go to the bathroom or just finishing the days work.

- Poor Memory: You have a brief recollection of events, but nothing remotely specific can come to mind.

- Poor Motor Skills: Speech, reaction time, critical thinking, you name it, it is all severely impaired. You can complete basic tasks and you might even be able to have a short conversation or two, but anything else is just too much for you to handle.

- Irritability: Everything annoys you. No matter who you're dealing with or what you're doing, you are annoyed.

Natural Remedies to Improve Insomnia Problems

When it comes to insomnia information, there is nothing more helpful than natural remedies for insomnia. Because of that fact, a few insomnia natural remedies have been listed below.

- Sleep in complete darkness. A dark room enables our bodies to produce a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin helps us to sleep more peacefully with fewer interruptions. Afraid of the dark? Get a small night light.

- Drink herbal tea before bed. A cub of herbal tea, which has strong relaxing and calming properties, right before bed will help out a great deal with your sleeping habits. Great herbal teas with sedative properties include passion flower, chamomile, valerian, and many others.

- Take a warm bath. A warm bath combined with natural oils (chamomile, lavender, marjoram, neroli, rose, jasmine, etc.) can be both soothing and calming, allowing you to achieve maximum relaxation much more quickly. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to go to sleep.

- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco: Caffeine is a stimulant which will simply keep you awake. Alcohol and tobacco, on the other hand, will actually upset your natural sleeping rhythm. Lessen your consumption of these during the day for better sleep at night. If it doesn't help, try eliminating them completely.

- Listen to sleep soundtracks. Specially composed soundtracks can help lull you to sleep in a matter of minutes. These soundtracks are relatively inexpensive and can be easily purchased online.

The above insomnia information should help you to understand your insomnia problems a bit more clearly. And, with help from the natural insomnia remedies above, you might just be able to sleep more peacefully at night.

Autor: Sean T Saunders

Do you want a guaranteed solution for insomnia -- one that will cure your sleeplessness once and for all? If so, you should visit http://www.SleepTracks.org, the one and only website that can guarantee an insomnia cure for you.

Added: March 22, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Insomnia-Problems---Fin~

Tea to Relieve Insomnia

There are several herbs that are known for their relaxation and sleep-inducing properties. Maybe one of the better known of these herbs is chamomile. Chamomile has been used for centuries as an herb that helps people relax. Relaxation is, of course, the key ingredient of going to sleep, as well as staying asleep throughout the night.

Chamomile tea can be purchased either in the form of tea bags or a loose dried herb suitable for making tea. The idea of making all tea is to boil water first and then to add the tea and let it steep. The longer any tea steeps, the stronger it will become. Usually steeping for about five minutes is sufficient for making chamomile tea that will provide the desired effect of inducing sleep.

Valerian is another herb that is also known for inducing sleep. Unlike other sleep-inducing herbs, however, valerian must be taken as a tea on a regular basis rather than just on the occasional sleepless night. Valerian root is the part of the plant that is used for making tea that has sleep-inducing properties. Tea made with fresh valerian root needs to be steeped at least 10 minutes. You should drink a cup or valerian tea once every day for it to be effective.

Lavender is an herb that can be made into a tea, and the essential oil of lavender can be used in a warm bath or in carrier oil and massaged into the skin. The essential oil of lavender should never be used to make tea. Tea needs to be made from either fresh or dried flower petals only. Even makers of baby products now make a baby bath product that contains a very small amount of the essential oil lavender. The product is recommended for use in bathing a baby just before putting him/her to bed.

Autor: Jeff Austin

For more important information on getting a good night's sleep be sure to visit www.sleep-good.com where you will find advice and tips on insomnia restless leg, sleep apnea, snoring, and more

Added: March 21, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Tea-to-Relieve-Insomnia~

Insomnia Symptoms, How to Cure Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the sleeping disorders which you are not able to sleep persistently. You might have a perception that people who suffer from insomnia are those who are having mental illnesses and old people. Surprisingly, insomnia affects all of us no matter how old you are. However, insomnia does happen more frequently among women than men. In this article, we will discuss some basic information about insomnia.

Anyone who has ever suffered from insomnia knows how miserable it can be to not be able to sleep. In most cases insomnia is the result of poor sleep habits. Fortunately there are a few simple things that you can do to improve your sleep habits and to beat insomnia.

Symptoms of insomnia are difficulty in falling asleep, waking up repeatedly during the night, waking up too early in the morning, feeling tired upon waking, sleepiness and sleep attacks during the day, irritability and problems with concentration or memory

We are living hectic lives in a hectic world and the reasons that most people are kept from sleeping are innumerable. There are means to help people sleep more, other than just sleeping aid medication but unfortunately some people only rely on the medication and are sometimes so desperate to fall asleep that they could run the risk of overdosing and never waking up! Needless to say, you should be very careful if you use any type of sleep aid medicine.

Cucumber helps to calm and cool the liver. It is beneficial for treating some specific kinds of sleeping disorders. Persons who complain that they face difficulty in falling asleep can largely benefit by taking cucumber in the night.

Refrain from inappropriate or untimely consumption of food and beverages containing caffeine, nicotine or alcohol. Those three are notoriously depriving many of better sleep. Most people habitually don"t give much thought about how the choice of food and drinks can affect their sleep. So just exercise more care to what you eat and drink as well as when you eat and drink and you would have less trouble going to sleep and staying asleep.

Proper use of Valerian Root is known to be quite effective for promoting ease of relaxation and quality sleep. This is certainly one natural cure for insomnia option worthwhile trying. But keep this in mind. One has to be fully aware of known possible side effects being experienced by certain users that are attributed to the use of Valerian Root.

Don"t like milk? Drink herbal teas like passionflower, skullcap, lavender, valerian, California poppy, St. Johns Wart, hops and chamomile which all have sedative properties that can help your mind and body ready itself for sleep. Most can be found at health food stores and should be sipped about an hour before turning in at night.

Autor: Peter Hutch

Read about Natural Cures. Also read about Shatavari and Female Libido

Added: March 20, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Insomnia-Symptoms--How-~

Here are a few shots from a recent shoot that I did for the flyer of Vampire Party (gothic, ebm stuff). Hope you like them...

Pictures made by Electrinity

Pencil striped top and vinyl kimono by Lip Service (not mine)

Hair and M/U by me

I'm leaving for the weekend, so see you next week.

xxx

What I wore

That's what I wore yesterday. Nothing major, was just going to the library. I wore my "leather look" jeans with the snake print.

They're from Cool Cat

Turtleneck: Zara

Blouse: Asos

Insomnia Treatment - Treatments of Sleep Disorder

We presently live in a very fast-paced world where energy and speed are valued commodities. It's no wonder that people try to cram everything they can into a single day, ending up having to get by on very little or no sleep at night. Because of this kind of lifestyle, a lot of people end up being unable to sleep at night because they are used to leading a very hectic schedule.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder faced by millions, and they are constantly trying to find the best treatment for this. Though some of them are successful, others are not. This may depend largely on the clinic treatment that is chosen, and also on the type of insomnia that the person has. To get things right when a person has this disorder, one must always ensure that the disorder has first been diagnosed properly.

The type of insomnia treatment recommended will likely hinge on the actual cause of the insomnia. There are many causes and the insomnia treatment recommendations generally vary with each. Let's look at some of the causes and the potential insomnia treatments that can go along with them.

The type of insomnia treatment that works best depends on the reason behind the insomnia itself. This sleep disorder can be caused by many different things. For some people, it is a physical condition caused by hormonal or chemical imbalances. For others, insomnia is caused by emotional or mental issues.

Insomnia or lack of quality sleep is divided into three categories based mainly on the duration of the problem - transient, intermittent and chronic. Transient and intermittent are temporary conditions and most of the times, correct themselves with minimal informed effort. Alteration of life style habits that cause the problem should suffice. There are quite a few OTC drugs, mostly sedative antihistamines that are useful.

If your insomnia is still fairly mild, you may be able to treat the problem on your own at home. This might include changes to your routine, like avoiding a heavy meal or strenuous exercise too close to bedtime. You may try following a regular evening schedule that includes a late night bath or other methods for relaxing.

Medication treatment for insomnia is usually prescribed by physicians but there are still some over-the-counter sleeping pills you can take. However, it is best advised that you consult a sleep expert to make sure that you are not just worsening your condition. Most of the time, the physician will try to find out the underlying ailment or disease that could be causing your insomnia. This is what you have to cure for you to get back to your normal sleeping routine.

Another natural insomnia treatment you can try is yoga. As being mentioned above, insomnia can be brought about by stress and yoga is a very good stress reliever. However, consider only yoga poses that do not strain your muscles too much.

Autor: Peter Hutch

Read about Natural Remedies. Also read about Arthritis Pain Relief and Back Pain Relief

Added: March 19, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Insomnia-Treatment---Tr~

Inspiration: The Skeleton

images via google & tfs

Busting The Top 10 Sleep Myths Wide Open

Sleep is the consummate target for myth creation. Whether it be curing insomnia with the latest snake oil - myth, or telling your child to stay awake so he'll be sleepy on your next road trip - myth. The themes and logical assumptions range from comical to tragic, and as we all know, there are so many out there circulating around the water coolers and clubs of this world. Below you can read about the most popular myths about a good night's sleep, and why they are absolute rubbish.

Myth 1: Sleep merely means to rest

Truth:
Sleep is much more than just a period of rest; it is an essential time for the body to perform routine maintenance, creating long-term memories, and repairing damage from your day. Getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each day ensures your body and mind will function well the next day.

Myth 2: Sleep Is A Passive Event

Truth:
Sleeping is not at all passive. The brain can be more active during dream sleep than it is in an awake state. Although the metabolic activity during dream sleep is high, it is essential in rejuvenation, memory rebuilding, and feeling refreshed.

Myth 3: The more I dream, the more tired I am.

Truth:
It is well accepted that dream sleep is important to rejuvenation, and to feeling refreshed. All dreams, even nightmares, are good for people.

Myth 4: Losing an hour of sleep is no big deal.

Truth:
When you get less sleep than you need, your ability to do certain cognitive and physical activities is greatly reduced. As sleep loss builds over time you develop a sleep debt. Having a sleep debt can interfere with hormones that monitor your appetite, change your moods and increase the risk of long term illness.

Myth 5: You can learn to get less sleep.

Truth:
There is absolutely no way to “train” yourself to get less sleep. Research has shown that restricting a person to only 5 hours of sleep per night for a period of weeks can severely effect performance, impair judgment and cause mood swings. There have been studies done in the late 1980's that have linked chronic sleep debt with depressive disorders.

Myth 6: Naps are wasteful.

Truth:
Naps are a great way to catch up on lost sleep. After taking naps people can accomplish cognitive tasks much quicker and feel refreshed. Naps are also an excellent way to train someone to fall asleep quicker, which is very beneficial to anyone with insomnia. It is worth noting that napping for longer than an hour or after 3pm can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.

Myth 7: There is such a thing as sleep “Catch up”.

Truth:
Simply put, when you don't get the proper 7 to 9 hours of sleep, you are accumulating a sleep debt. On weekends it would seem ideal to wake up later to catch up on lost slumber. However, it is much more efficient and healthier to develop a daily schedule that allows you a consistent 7 to 9 hours per night.

Myth 8: Snoring is normal and indicates a state of deep sleep.

Truth:
It's no surprise to know that snoring is very common, frequent snoring can be indicative of very serious sleep disorders. If someone has complained about consistent snoring, or noticed you are short of breath during sleep, you may have fallen victim to the disorder of sleep apnea. It would be very wise to head to a sleep specialist for a sleep evaluation. If you have sleep apnea there are many successful treatments that can help you sleep better and feel more refreshed during the day.

Myth 9: Children with less sleep will become more tired.

Truth:
Children have very different metabolisms than adults. If you think that by making your child stay awake in order to tire him/her out for an upcoming trip, e.t.c... think again. Children without enough sleep have a tendency to produce an excess of adrenaline and can end up more energetic, even hyper-active from a lack of sleep. Sleep deficits in children have successfully been linked with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder). Furthermore, children with sleep apnea have been linked with poor school performance and lower sports and health activities. Put bluntly, children need an incredible amount of quality sleep.

Myth 10: Older people need less sleep.

Truth:
Older people have a tendency to get less sleep than young and middle aged adults, but that does not mean they need less. The fact is that older individuals need the same amount of rest as the rest of us, only older people may not be able to achieve this easily due to lower melatonin levels circulating in the blood. This is why you may notice older people nap more throughout the day, as their bodies try to make up for the lack of sleep during the evening.

There you have it. My first Top 10 list. If you have any other myths that need dispelling, leave them in the comments, and I'll be sure to play myth buster and test the theories. As with sleeping itself, plenty of the most popular insomnia cures are also based on pure myth, just so you know. My mother used to say that well informed is well armed, and when it comes to curing a string of long, sleepless nights she was right on the money. The next time someone tells you that in order to fall asleep you should run naked in the woods or bathe in motor oil, check in to this site before you get arrested for streaking or catch fire. :)

Full Detailed Information on Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterised by the inability to fall asleep and/or the inability to remain asleep for a reasonable amount of time. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. Both organic and non-organic insomnia constitute a sleep disorder.

Types of Insomnia

There are two broad categories:

* Chronic insomnia - lasting for several weeks, months or even years
* Transient insomnia - lasting for a few nights or weeks only, usually connected to a stressful event e.g. an exam, a bereavement.

Within these broad categories insomnia usually takes one or more of the following forms:

* Difficulty falling asleep - more common among young people
* Sleeping lightly and restlessly, waking often, lying awake in the middle of the night - more common in people over 40. In younger people it may be associated with depression.
* Waking early and being unable to get back to sleep - this is more common in older people and anyone worrying about something in particular.

What Causes Insomnia?

Causes of acute insomnia can include:

* Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving).
* Illness.
* Emotional or physical discomfort.
* Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep.
* Some medications (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma) may interfere with sleep.
* Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example).

Treatment

Nonbenzodiazepine prescription drugs, including the nonbenzodiazepines zolpidem and zopiclone, are more selective for the GABA receptor and may have a cleaner side effect profile than the older benzodiazepines; however, there are controversies over whether these non-benzodiazepine drugs are superior to benzodiazepines. These drugs appear to cause both psychological dependence and physical dependence, and can also cause the same memory and cognitive disturbances as the benzodiazepines along with morning sedation.

Some antidepressants such as mirtazapine, trazodone and doxepin have a sedative effect, and are prescribed off label to treat insomnia. The major drawback of these drugs is that they have antihistaminergic, anticholinergic and antiadrenergic properties which can lead to many side effects. Some also alter sleep architecture.

Autor: Brain

Read out for Anxiety. Check out blood pressure and stress

Added: March 14, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Full-Detailed--Informat~

This weekend

Wearing a thrifted dress (something in the style of Ann D. (I wish :p)), H&M turtleneck and tights, Pimkie bolero and Etam belt. Don't remember what the brand of the shoes is...

Is Sleep Apnea A Silent Killer?

They say osteoporosis is a silent killer, as it's almost impossible to detect until the damage is done to your bone mass. It is usually discovered only after you've been hospitalized for a broken bone. Another condition that can lead to underlying serious illness is the condition known as sleep apnea. As insomnia cures develop over the years, more and more people are turning to sleep clinics and specialists to diagnose their sleeplessness - only to find out they have developed sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is caused by pauses in breathing during sleep. A standard definition of an apneic event will be 10 continuous second intervals between breaths. This can cause a blood oxygen de-saturation of 3 to 4%. This condition is diagnosed normally with an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram. Now, I'm not going to bore you with medical terminology, but it is worth noting that a decrease in your blood oxygen night after night, undiagnosed for years has many adverse effects on your well being.

I was actually inspired to write this article from a comment on my most recent post, titled Steve Martins Ambien Experience. While sleep apnea is not necessarily insomnia, it very much negatively affects the quality of sleep we get and thus I have studied it's causes and treatments often in my tenure. Of all the sleep disorders, sleep apnea can cause the greatest amount of direct physiological damage to our bodies, due to the reasons I listed above.

Sleep apnea occurs in two main types: obstructive sleep apnea, which is the more common form. This occurs when throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea is the second form, and occurs when your brain cannot send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Additionally, some people have complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of both.

Some medical problems that can result from sleep apnea are:

• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• sexual dysfunction
• learning/memory problems
• Cardiovascular problems
• Complications with medications and surgery

There are other areas that can be severely affected by undiagnosed sleep apnea, these just scratch the surface.

Are You At Risk?
If you can answer yes to any of the following human conditions, you may be at risk for developing sleep apnea.

1. If you have high blood pressure or hypertension, sleep apnea is not uncommon.
   
2. You may have inherited a naturally narrow throat or have enlarged adnoids and/or tonsils, all of which can block your airway.
   
3. If you are male you are statistically twice as likely to develop sleep apnea.
   
4. Sleep apnea occurs 2 to 3 times more often in adults over 65.
   
5. A family history of sleep apnea puts you at increased risk.
   
6. The use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers relax the muscles in your throat and can lead to blockage.

There have been remarkable advances in the treatment of this disorder, so if you are at all suspicious about this problem, see a sleep specialist to find out about the latest therapies, such as CPAP, oral appliances, or even surgery. The treatments will differ depending on the type of apnea you are diagnosed with, but all are ery effective.

Should you wish to try your own insomnia cure, or in this case sleep apnea cure, there are a few lifestyle adjustments you should make to alleviate the symptoms, but only until you get to a proper sleep specialist. These are not really cures (of course) but they can help.

1. Lose excess weight. Even a slight decrease in weight can help relieve constriction in your throat.
   
2. Avoid alcohol, sleep meds and tranquilizers.
3. Sleep on your side or abdomen rather than your back.
4. Keep your nasal passages open at night by using a saline nasal spray. My clinic has used this product as it contains aloe to keep from drying out the nasal passage. Decongestants and/or antihistamines work as well, but most of these types of medications are for short term use only.
5. Raise your torso and head 4 to 6 inches during your sleep. You can achieve this with a sleep aiding pillow, such as the one located here, which comes highly recommended. Other pillows come designed with people using CPAP therapy to assist their night time breathing. If you are already implementing a CPAP therapy, an excellent sleep aid pillow can be found here.
   

Remember, if you suspect that you or someone you love may have sleep apnea, don't wait for another insomnia cures post to nag you into doing something about it. Contact a sleep specialist and take a proper test now. You may add years to your life by being proactive.

Alexander McQueen fall/winter 2009

Am I dreaming, is this for real? He just outshined himself ones again. I'm really speechless here!

I see so many different influecences there, it just blows my mind. There's Japan, Africa and the far East, the 40's, fetish & bdsm, Leigh Bowery, over-consumption (stage piece and hats),... It's morbid and outrageous, it's avant-garde avant la lettre, it's everything that I love!

 

 

 

images via daylife and catwalking

Forgive me, Father, for I have Sinned

As often happens, fashion is the only religion fashionista's have. I leave the question about God behind, that's something everyone has to figure out for themselves. But if you track back, there're a  lot of beautiful things in every history of every religion. And for a long time it has formed a great inspiration source for painters, artists and designers. Also in fashion we see many religious details... Nuns get a new life at Rick Owens' catwalk, Madonna's stream down the runway at Jean Paul Gaultier, ...

My favorite shoot so far is the one of Alana Zimmer by Miles Aldridge for Numero. It's just beyond words.

Here's something I made today:

And some others from the shoot

This one, actually, didn't got used in the magazine

Also this POP issue was really outrageous, just look at how sexy Agyness and Magdalena are!

And I like to end with one of my favorite paintings: "Madonna" by Edward Munch

images via google, tfs, foto_decadent

The Elite Insomnia Hormone: Melatonin

Insomnia is commonly linked with a natural hormone produced by the body. This hormone is known as melatonin, and it makes the body feel physically tired and 'encourages' the sleep cycle. It is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. This insomnia hormone is also made synthetically and is used as an effective treatment for insomnia.

Melatonin: The Top Insomnia Hormone

Melatonin works in a series of ways to reduce the effects of insomnia. It has been proven to decrease body temperature, suppress stimulating hormones produced by the body, and promote relaxation. This soothing affect is the major attraction to the hormone.

The body responds to darkness or bedtime by producing melatonin to make us tired and go to sleep. However, there is another cycle at work here: the body needs sleep for it to function properly.

The Major Issue With Insomnia

If your body is producing an insufficient amount of melatonin and suffering from insomnia as a result, the body is at risk for much more serious problems. Sleep is necessary to rejuvenate the body and mind. Without enough sleep, it is far too difficult to stay alert and focused throughout the day. Lack of sleep also slows reaction time, which is a typical justification for car and machinery accidents.

When a person is suffering from insomnia, their body's immune system is also weakened. High-quality sleep is vital in building a strong immune system. This causes many insomniacs to be sick more often than most, too.

How Can Melatonin Help?

Melatonin is produced less as we age. That is the main reason insomnia is common in adults than in children. This steady reduction of melatonin can be supplemented by a person taking the insomnia hormone in pill form. By increasing the body"s levels of melatonin, a person can then overcome the insomnia because the body is responding naturally again to the cues form the hormone to induce sleep.

Melatonin is not a cure-all for insomnia, though. In some insomnia patients, Melatonin is not the cause of their sleeplessness. In this case, then melatonin supplements might not help at all.

The insomnia hormone Melatonin is essential to a person's sleep cycles. A person with low melatonin production will not only have problems sleeping, but can also get sick more often, can have more accidents, and usually has problems functioning during the day. This is why it is very important to keep melatonin levels constant. The medical community has worked very hard to create herbal synthetic Melatonin insomnia hormone supplements for this reason, and they very well could be the answer you've been looking for!

Autor: Benjamin Edwards

Wondering where to get a Melatonin supplement that's totally safe? Check out Melatrol: a doctor-recommended herbal insomnia remedy. Sign up for your free 14-part insomnia eCourse at http://TiredOfInsomnia.com!

Added: March 7, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/The-Elite-Insomnia-Horm~

Conventional Medical Treatment for Insomnia

Description

Insomnia is an extremely frustrating condition, during which normal sleep patterns are consistently interrupted-either when falling asleep, in the middle of the night, or very early in the morning. One, two, or three consecutive sleep deprived nights can make you less alert, easily confused, and unusuaUllifatigued. Four or more terfere with motor skills, physical coordination, and problem-solving abilities. It also can make you moody, prone to depression, and susceptible to infectious illnesses, such as the common cold and flu. In some people, prolonged sleeplessness can even cause hallucinations, psychosis, and delusions.

Insomnia is a very personalized condition; it can be caused by a multitude of factors, including job stress, money concerns, depression, alcohol or drug use, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, jet lag, caffeine, sleep deprivation due to having a newborn infant, and trying to sleep in a noisy environment.

Signs and Symptoms

Difficulty falling asleep

Inability to fall asleep after waking up in the middle of the night

Waking up earlier than usual

Anxiety over whether or not you will be able to fall-and remain-asleep

Daytime sleepiness

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you have not had a good night's sleep for four or more days in a row, visit your physician, who will examine you to ensure that a physical ailment, such as hyperthyroidism or sleep apnea, is not the cause of your insomnia. Insomnia is also a symptom of depression, which your doctor also may explore. If a medical or psychological cause of your insomnia is determined, it must be addressed in order for your usual sleep patterns to resume.

Often, there is no underlying medical factor behind a person's sleep difficulties. Instead, the problem may be rooted in poor "sleep hygiene." Sleep hygiene means following a fixed routine of activities that the body associates with sleep on set, including adhering to set sleep and waking times (even on weekends), avoiding stimulating activities (such as exercising, watching an emotional movie, or reading an upsetting book) within three hours of bedtime, avoiding all stimulants (such as caffeine) within six hours of retiring, creating a noise-free environment for sleep, and ensuring that the bedroom is a comfortable temperature. Other sleep hygiene measures include eliminating daytime naps and setting aside time during the day to attend to (or simply keep a journal of) the worries that keep you awake at night.

Autor: Brain

Read out for Home remedies. Check out green tea and body mass index calculator

Added: March 6, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Conventional-Medical-Tr~

Steve Martin's Ambien Experience

Before I explain both the virtues and vices of the popular insomnia cure prescription tablet Ambien, take a look at this video.



I'm not sure if you remember my mentioning the bizarre and adverse effects that can occur for some people who use Ambien, Stilnox, or as it's generically known zolpidem? It was featured in this post. Well if not, I eluded to things good old Steve talks about above, and I can guarantee you that in the video Steve Martin is NOT telling David Letterman a joke. Although it is quite hilarious, the poker experience actually happened to him. These kinds of bizarre things have been known to happen to some people who take this medication.

I'm certainly not suggesting that if you take Ambien you'll become an internet poker millionaire in your sleep, but it is worth it that I point out the incredibly elaborate and complex functions some are capable of completing under the influence of Zolpidem.

Perhaps you remember the story of a Senator (Patrick Kennedy) who was found after he had crashed his car into a security brigade at the US capital? The police assumed he was drunk (Kennedy + drunk = not much of a mental leap) Of course it was later confirmed by blood tests that he had no alcohol in his system. Yes, that, my fair and gentle readers, was another bizarre adverse effect felt from Senator Kennedy taking an Ambien tablet prior to his accident. Here's the link to the full story.

Some other stories that you may find amusing regarding Ambien are the tale of a house wife in Michigan. Apparently she fell to a sound sleep after taking an Ambien tablet, and when she woke the next day her front door was painted green (the kind of green paint used to finish decks). Since she was alone she assumed it was some kind of practical joke, but later she realized that it must have been her sleep painting (?) as her bed clothes and slippers were splashed with the paint. Now I can think of many things I'd like to get done while I'm walking in my sleep, painting the front door is definitely not one of them.

Another story, and one entirely not amusing, is about a Korean man prescribed Stilnox who walked off his 23rd story balcony to his death. He was happily married with a good job and no reason to commit suicide. The only difference between that night and any other for him was that his doctor had recently prescribed Zolpidem to help him sleep.

So now you know what horrors, embarrassments and potential winfalls await you from the use of this drug. I am not saying it is not completely beneficial to getting a good nights sleep, in fact it is one prescription that frequent travellers swear by. But it should also be noted that people in hotel rooms have been known to wander from their rooms into the hallways of hotels to relieve themselves, thinking in their sleep state that the outer hallway is a bathroom. This, according to an official at the Grand Hyatt, is a very common occurence.

My advice is that if you must take an Ambien, you make sure you've locked yourself in for the night - keeping the doors double latched to prevent any wandering and keep the balcony doors tightly sealed from any sleepwalking incidents.

Again I cannot crucify this medication as it truly does help people sleep, people who are afflicted with most types of insomnia. I have used it myself on occasion, and can attest to the fact that it will knock you out cold fairly quickly. The newer timed release versions will also let you sleep longer - as normal Ambien has a very short half life. The plain truth is it works well, and these side effects are on the rare end of the spectrum. However in this case, saying "it will never happen to me" is a fool's wage. Make sure you have taken precautions.

So just remember to be careful of your insomnia cures as some remedies contain serious medications. Be aware that you must have some preperations in order before taking drugs to help you sleep, to ensure you cannot fall victim to this kind of side effect. And for the love of all things good in this world, NEVER take sleep medications while you are drinking alcohol.

Radio Modern

I'm desperately trying to get more of my pictures taken, but somehow it never works...

Two weeks ago I was at a 50's theme party and got my picture taken by a local photographer.

One way or another I, again, ended up wearing a H&M head to toe. Not that I'm pleased about it, but that's what happens if you mainly buy your clother there or at Zara.

I wasn't in the mood to wear some gigantic dress that night, so I went for something simple.

All clothes from H&M, except for the hairpiece. It's from Chapeau Claudette

Veruschka

Feel that the spring is almost here. Although it's still rainy and cold, the first warmer days aren't far away! These pictures just take me away to that soft, sunny place and it all wispers "freedom" into my ears.

Everything You Need to Know About Helping Insomnia

Most of us have a restless night, if you can not switch your brain to sleep. For some people this is a regular occurrence - without rhyme or reason "for the participants of this insomnia. From a medical perspective, sleeping pills are the "answer". From a natural view, there are many reasons why sleep can happen. Here are some of the joint contribution to this.

serotonin deficiency. Serotonin is a brain chemical determines your Sleep & Wake-cycle. Many things about the levels of serotonin-deficiency leads to symptoms such as insomnia, depression, anxiety and addiction. There are a number of ways to build a serotonin deficiency. These include the recreational stimulant drugs such as P, ecstasy and "party pills", the BZP. It may also be for those who are on a high protein content, low carbohydrate diet, because we need carbs to produce serotonin. Another contribution to this shortage is in people who do not go outdoors in the sunlight for a reasonable period of time per day. Called SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or the winter blues, this condition is associated with light deprivation. To increase the serotonin level to ensure that you are outdoors in the sun for at least 20 minutes per day. You can also try natural substances 5 HTP. This helps to increase serotonin levels, and works very fast, if a serotonin deficiency is contributing to your sleeping problem.

mineral deficiencies. The minerals calcium and magnesium are the main ones who have worked with us to relax and relax more. Coats nerve calcium in the body and a shortage of this vital mineral causes us to "Go to Sounds" and are sensitive to noise. Magnesium is the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the body and a lack of this contribution to symptoms such as muscle spasm, cramps, restless leg syndrome, eye Flicks, and the inability to shut your brain at night to sleep. Magnesium is a mineral that can be difficult, in adequate amounts through the diet because many foods are not included on this because of the refining. Many people use magnesium much faster than they consume and drinks, they contain tannin and caffeine (coffee, tea, cocoa, red wine, etc.) interfere with the absorption of this mineral. Take a reverse ratio of magnesium to supplement, where it is 2 parts calcium-magnesium to 1 part. All mineral supplements should be adequate quantities of zinc, which is crucial for the absorption.

adrenal insufficiency exhaustion. This is a common problem and I treat every day. This happens when we do not eat enough, regularly during the day and then with stimulants such as tea and coffee to give us a boost, but as food. This process is often done in people who do not eat breakfast, which then have a caffeine containing beverage in the morning. You can quickly grave something for lunch that is high in fat and carbohydrates, but low in protein. This leads to fluctuations in blood sugar and the body reacts with an adrenal "hit" to make them back. By the time they are home from work at night, there's so much adrenaline circulating through their blood that they can not relax to sleep. There is only 1 way to this kind of problem and that is to prevent the adrenal response in general. To do this, eat in? one hour after waking and then every 2? Hours throughout the day. Each meal should contain protein, as this is the "fuel" that keeps us for many hours. Protein comes from an animal products (meat, fish, eggs, etc.) as well as nuts and seeds and soy products. Canned tuna, salmon or a protein drink or protein bar are convenient ways to quickly access. Try it with a multivitamin or B complex for increasing energy, but as caffeine.

stimulants. Most of us consume far too many stimulants in those days. These are found in coffee, tea, green tea, cocoa or products from this, such as Milo or chocolate. They are also in soft drinks containing caffeine, some pain-relieving drugs & Leisure stimulant drugs, such as over the counter party pills with BZP. If you have a problem switching off at night to go to sleep, avoiding stimulants this is a must. Try drinks like coffee called Ecco, Inca, or Caro. These can all be drunk in a similar way to coffee, caffeine, however, are completely free. If you need caffeine, no more than 1 cup per day and even then, do you remember that this is something that you need to wean themselves from. Be ready for the headache, which is 2 days to disappear!

 

If you would like to find out more about Insomnia from leading Naturopath and health professional Leanne James, go to NZ's leading health website healthyonline where you will find a compilation of Leanne's best health articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_James

All about Insomnia Symptoms, Tips, Relief and Treatment

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder among all ages, especially among senior citizens. The patient should remember or write down all the insomnia symptoms he/she experiences and discuss with the physician to help in making a correct diagnosis. The most typical of all insomnia symptoms is difficulty in sleeping. Encounters with anxiety and/or depression are two main symptoms associated with insomnia. Insomnia symptoms include poor concentration and short memory. Insomniac people usually awake prematurely during sleep and have trouble falling asleep again. Insomniacs feel irritability without any obvious cause. It is especially experienced during the day. People suffering from insomnia frequently experience decreased alertness and mental sluggishness.

Insomnia symptoms may last for a little or longer time, depending on the type of insomnia. In case of Transient Insomnia, the symptoms last for a few nights. In Short-Term Insomnia, the symptoms stay for two to three weeks. If they last more than three weeks, the patient is suffering from Chronic Insomnia. Health experts also sometimes distinguish between primary and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia is characterized by symptoms of difficulty in falling asleep, waking several times during sleep, and fatigue. These symptoms last for a month and has unknown cause. In secondary insomnia, there is a known underlying medical condition. Depression is major cause of secondary insomnia.

To diagnose the condition of sleeplessness as insomnia, the physician makes sure that the symptoms are not being caused by other sleep disorders or other disease or side effects of any medication. Along with the symptoms of insomnia, other disorders may be detected in the same patient; these include mania, depression, phobias, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Help for Insomnia

It is often possible to fight insomnia with simple home remedies; however, when the insomnia crosses two weeks and you start feeling groggy, disoriented, acutely irritated and totally lost, it is time you go for professional insomnia help.

The treatments available for insomnia are varied and very efficient. Reaching at the right diagnosis is quite problematic, which involves a battery of tests and long-drawn assessment studies. This is why people usually avoid asking for professional insomnia help unless it becomes too much to bear otherwise. Most of the times, the homemade cures will dramatically improve your condition; however, in case you still experience this problem, it could be an indication of some serious health problem which would necessitate a doctor's opinion. You should always keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. A timely medical intervention may save your life.

Tips for Insomnia

Insomnia tips no 1 - Do not sleep or even take a cat nap (those 10-20 minutes forty winks), if you are prone to insomnia attacks. Maintain strict timings both for sleep and for your meals.

Insomnia tips no 2 - Eat your dinner at least four hours ahead of your bed time. For example, if you normally retire at 10:30 pm, have your dinner at 6:30 - 7:00 pm latest. Often insomnia is aggravated by digestive problems, and hence, it is best to avoid the problem altogether.

Insomnia tips no 3 - Avoid any drink that influences sleep, such as coffee in any form, alcohol, and even tea (unless it is medicated). In case you must have your regular cup of coffee, at least ensure that you take it before a minimum of four hours from your bedtime.

Insomnia tips no 4 - Introduce daily exercise in your routine. In case you are not too fond of physical exercise, you can simply take a walk for about 30 minutes daily; try to gradually increase it to one hour or so for best results.

Insomnia tips no 5 - If you find that you cannot sleep, do not fight it. Sleep usually comes after your body relaxes completely. The best thing to do is get up from the bed and do something that you enjoy (reading, listing to music, writing letters to dear ones, etc) aiming to relax your mind and body.

Treatment for Insomnia

Majority of people suffering from sleep disorders turn to pills and medications. This proves to be working at first, but gradually some problems arise that need serious consideration before one starts with a particular kind of sleeping pills or medication. These days, both over the counter medications and prescriptions pills are used for insomnia treatment.

Over the counter medications for insomnia are usually ineffective in log term insomnia treatment. First of all, they do not ensure the quality of sleep enjoyed by healthy people. They give about 5 % duration of deep sleep while in healthy sleep this duration is 10 % to 25 %. Secondly, over the counter drugs for insomnia mostly work by the action of antihistamines (anti-allergic chemicals) present in them. These include chemicals like diphenhydramine citrate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and doxylamine succinate. While antihistamines do cast a sedating effect, they are not to be used by people with prostate problems, angina, heart problems, and urinary problems. Antihistamines can add to the intensity of these conditions. Finally, over the counter drugs have a number of side effects like: drowsiness and dizziness (that may remain for twenty four hours), memory lapses, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention.

Various types of medications, collectively called hyptonics, are prescribed for insomnia treatment. Hypnotics generally fall in three categories: benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, and antidepressants. Most of the health experts agree on using insomnia medications for a short period only. In all cases of using over the counter drugs or prescribed medications, it is important that the patient educate him/herself well on the possible side effects.

Autor: Cindy Heller

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit pet insurance plan to learn more about pet health insurance marketing plan and florida pet health insurance.

Added: March 3, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/All-about-Insomnia-Symp~