One of the most frustrating conditions that keeps people from sleeping well and through the night is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most people with OSA aren't aware that they stop breathing multiple times during the night. This situation results in fragmented, poor sleep, as well as low blood oxygen levels. OSA has been associated with an increased risk for a myriad of health problems, including hypertension, heart disease, mood and memory problems.
It's widely known in sleep medicine circles that the most common -- and helpful -- treatment we have these days for patients with OSA is the CPAP machine, short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The difference a CPAP machine can make for someone with sleep apnea is huge, and benefits go far beyond sleep.
The problem with CPAP therapy is that not a lot of people are good about using it on a routine basis. While I maintain that continuous use is the best way to utilize your CPAP machine, there may ultimately be another way to help those suffering from OSA: the brain.
We've all heard it, and some of us have even said it: "mind over matter." A new study from the University Toronto suggests that not only is this true, it could eventually provide relief for millions of people who face sleepless nights because of their sleep apnea. OSA is called "obstructive" because it obstructs the airways. Scientists found that this obstruction might cause you to learn to breathe more effectively. Humans are remarkably adaptive creatures, and our brains are wired for learning -- apparently even learning from the disruption of normal breathing.
The researchers from the University of Toronto suggest that the brains of people with sleep apnea are using the negative effects of OSA to learn to breathe more deeply and effectively. This is due to a brain chemical called noradrenaline, which is released during times when lung function is obstructed. This study suggests that in the future this chemical could be used to help those with OSA sleep better and breathe deeper.
This is great news for those who live with OSA because a CPAP machine is about the least sexy thing you could bring into your bedroom. Relief that comes in pill form would be much less invasive and much easier to use -- and much easier to remember to use consistently. This type of treatment is still in the dream phase, so until it becomes a reality, I encourage people with OSA to stick with the machines.
Still, it's pretty amazing what the brain can learn to do, even while we're asleep.
Sweet dreams,
Michael J. Breus, Ph.D.
The Sleep Doctor™
Everything you do, you do better with a good night's sleep.™ Please visit www.thesleepdoctor.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesleepdoctor
Follow Dr. Michael J. Breus on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thesleepdoctor
Our brain's control over our body is total, and, the power is in our hands. With appropriate training all of us can program our mind to expect more positive outcomes from our drugs, surgeries or any medical intervention, and hence, materially and significantly improve the efficacy and success of traditional medicine. The power is in our hands, or more literally in our brains.
Just getting ourselves into an appreciative, relaxed state does so much for our health mentally, emotionally, and physically. It also helps us to get a better night sleep and have a more peaceful dreaming experience. We can easily adjust our state, just takes a little practice.
It seems it is far less a matter of doing some sort of "work" rather then just letting go and relaxing.
Flow with the stream and it takes you where you want to go...It is also quite relaxing (=
For more info visit http://bit.ly/dFXWrv
Btw, I'm a professional insomniac because of sleep disorder. There are three things a person can do help themselves naturally: Keep a sleep schedule, even on weekends. Turn the alarm clock around so you can't see it (it needs to be where you can't reach it either). Lying there clock watching causes self induced stress by doing the countdown. When you wake pay attention to how calming the quiet is. You won't know what time it is and this is when ignorance is bliss. Lastly, stop your activity and turn out the lights an hour before bedtime. Maybe some soothing music would help. Turning out the light lets the be wake brain chemicals lower and sleep one (melatonin) to elevate. It is unrealistic to to expect your brain to abruptly stop functioning and go to sleep 10 minutes after light and stimulation.
When you look around, you might be surprised at how much light in your sleeping space. As a healer I find many people with sleep disturbance (even if they haven't recognized it's part of their complaint) have much more LIGHT on in their room than they think. LEDs on dehumidifiers, TV, computer, and other machines, cell phones, land phone handset, your bright digital alarm clock, street light through the window, etc.
Moonlight seems to be fine for most. In fact using a night light around the full moon can help soothe some energy cycles in the body.
Good luck! :)