Sleep is vital part of our daily routine.\u00a0 While sleeping, the brain is constantly forming neurological pathways necessary for learning, memory and daily functions.\u00a0 Without the proper amount of sleep, it is difficult to focus and can change overall mood patterns.\u00a0 One of the most common reasons for lack of sleep is obstructive sleep apnea.\u00a0 A recent study conducted that over 25 million Americans have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. (3)<\/p>\n
What is sleep apnea?\u00a0 There are two types of sleep apnea obstructive and central. The most common form being obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).\u00a0 This condition occurs due to throat muscles relaxing during sleep.\u00a0 When the muscles relax, the soft tissue of the soft palate collapses and blocks the airway. (1) This can lower the oxygen level in the body. The brain will then wake you up from sleeping, so that the airway opens up to allow more oxygen in.\u00a0 Most of the time, people don\u2019t even know they awoke during the night.\u00a0 However, those brief periods of awakening prevent the ability to reach REM sleep and cause drowsiness the next day. (6)<\/p>\n
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common. CSA occurs when the brain fails to signal the breathing muscles. (3)\u00a0 This is different than OSA where the muscles are relaxing; the muscles with CSA are not receiving the signal to facilitate breathing.\u00a0 CSA has the same symptoms as obstructive sleep apnea, in that they wake up in the middle of sleep to take in oxygen.\u00a0 CSA is more commonly seen in people who have been diagnosed with heart failure. (4)<\/p>\n
How does one know if they are experiencing sleep apnea?\u00a0 Those that have obstructive and central sleep apnea experience the following signs and symptoms (3):<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Excessive daytime sleepiness
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Loud snoring
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Episodes of breathing cessation while sleeping
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Abrupt awakenings during the night
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Awakening with dry mouth or sore throat
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Headaches that are present in the morning
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Insomnia
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Attention problems.<\/p>\n
Sleep apnea can affect just about anyone. However, there are certain characteristics that can increase your risk factors for sleep apnea.\u00a0 Those include the following but are not limited to (4):<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Excess Weight
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Neck circumference
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Narrowed airway
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Male
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Older than 60 years of age
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Family history
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0African American
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Smoking
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Nasal congestions<\/p>\n
What can we do to nutritionally to help reduce chances of sleep apnea?\u00a0 It is very important to maintain a healthy diet and supplement regime. Generally, the population that is most likely affected by sleep apnea are considered to be overweight or obese. It is important to maintain a healthy balanced diet that includes proper protein, carbohydrates and fats. (1)<\/p>\n
Included in the daily routine should be at least 1 quart of clean water for every 50 pounds of body weight, but not to go over 3 quarts of water a day. Avoidance of dairy products is important as they contribute to airway inflammation and swelling.\u00a0 Temporary avoidance of foods high in serotonin, such as avocados, bananas, nuts and turkey may also be helpful. (1)\u00a0 Nutrition is important but so is reducing the amount of smoking, alcohol and sedatives used in the day to day activities.<\/p>\n
Make sure to get tested first to make sure you are on the right supplement and nutrition program. By getting a comprehensive blood panel and tissue mineral analysis performed by an experience healthcare professional, an individualize program can be compiled for you to prepare you for your new healthy lifestyle.\u00a0 That way you won\u2019t have to guess what you may need to eat or supplements that you should be on.\u00a0 You can take the guesswork out by getting tested objectively.\u00a0 Don\u2019t wait, stop by our office today!<\/p>\n
References:<\/strong> Sleep is vital part of our daily routine.\u00a0 While sleeping, the brain is constantly forming neurological pathways necessary for learning, memory and daily functions.\u00a0 Without the proper amount of sleep, it is difficult to focus and can change overall mood patterns.\u00a0 One of the most common reasons for lack of sleep is obstructive sleep apnea.\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n1 .\u00bbBest Diets for Sleep Apnea: What You Should (and Should Not) Eat!\u00bb Apnea Treatment Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 July 2015.
\n2. \u00abThe Importance of Sleep | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine.\u00bb U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Summer 2012. Web. 29 July 2015.
\n3 .Javaheri, Shahrokh, MD. \u00abMedscape Log In.\u00bb Medscape Log In. N.p., 2005. Web. 28 July 2015.
\n4 .McLaughlin, August. \u00abFoods That Help Sleep Apnea.\u00bb LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 31 July 2015.
\n5. \u00abObstructive Sleep Apnea.\u00bb AADSM. N.p., 29 July 2015. Web. 29 July 2015.
\n6. \u00abSleep Apnea.\u00bb – Mayo Clinic. N.p., 29 July 2015. Web. 29 July 2015.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"