Alternative Health Therapies that Can Help Sleep Apnea Patients

information and resources sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea

More Sleep Apnea Information

Alternative Health Therapies that Can Help Sleep Apnea Patients

Health Resources

sleep problems and solutions for sleep apnea

Important Sleep Apnea Information

Learn how to reduce the effect of sleep apnea using 3 doctor's
This article would not be able to issue a cure for sleep apnea but it can highlight some solutions you can go to to get rid of it! The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." So, in a nutshell sleep apnea means sleeping...more info on Sleep Apnea

The Work of the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA)
The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) is the only organization of its kind that is devoted to teaching the public about the disorder of sleep apnea and to helping and supporting those individuals suffering with it. This...more info on Sleep Apnea

Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep disorders are part of a broad category encompassing of variety of conditions that affect sleep. Some sleep disorders, like insomnia, prevent sleep from occurring at all. Sleep apnea is different. Instead of keeping you awake,...more info on Sleep Apnea

Using Common Sense Methods to Help Relieve Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Common sense methods come in handy when it comes to relieving sleep apnea symptoms. It is important to always sleep using a pillow under your head for elevation purposes. Buy regular sized pillows as opposed to oversized pillows....more info on Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea An Extremely Common and Dangerous Sleep Disorder

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea A New Treatment Option For Children

Treating Sleep Apnea

A Closer Look at Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA

Sleep Apnea (also called Sleep Apnoea) is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep, which force the sufferer to wake up to resume normal breathing, and disrupt and disturb their normal sleep cycle. These episodes, called apneas, usually last from a few seconds up to as long as sixty seconds in severe cases, and may occur repeatedly throughout the night.

More and more individuals who suffer from medical conditions are turning to alternative or complementary therapies for an extra boost of help for their symptoms. Before looking to these therapies one first should start with the basics such as exercise and weight loss if it is necessary. Sleep apnea is often attributed to structural types of problems, such as restricted airways. The airways are obstructed in a person who suffers from sleep apnea. By losing weight, airways are allowed to be clearer and more open, thus allowing breathing to occur easier. For some people even a small weight loss, for example, ten to fifteen pounds can make a difference.

Practitioners of homeopathy theorize that sleep apnea is connected to a loss of energy. For this reason they believe that diet is a strong consideration for sleep apnea sufferers. It is important to reduce the level of sugar one consumes on a regular basis and other kinds of foods or food additives as well as foods that fall under the category of "allergic foods." When it comes to sleep apnea treatment, homeopathic professionals prescribe herbal medicine based on an individual's personality whether it be extroverted of introverted. These two substances are lachesis and homeopathic opium. Lachesis is best for those extroverted individuals who are also charismatic and have a tendency to get upset and angry easily. Introverts are recommended to try homeopathic opium. This is also especially helpful for moderate to temperate types who have a past history that is full of emotional and/or physical discomfort or pain.

An other alternative therapy sometimes used for sleep apnea sufferers is flower remedy/essence therapy. The therapy used in this case is a flower remedy known as Vervain. Vervain has a tendency to calm and relax people. Not only does it help symptoms of sleep apnea in some sufferers but also Vervain is also excellent when it comes to lowering levels of stress and helping those with high blood pressure. This flower remedy as well as a variety of others can be purchased at most health food store and also can be purchases online.

Studies have shown that sleep apnea can be caused by reduced levels of serotonin in the body. Breathing is controlled by nerves that require a specific amount of serotonin. As well the body contains serotonin receptors and they receptors are in control of what hormones get released into the body and when. One such hormone is cortisol. One of the functions of cortisol is to control the muscles that make breathing possible. Sleep apnea is believed to come about when something in the serotonin system is not working as it should. Those who study sleep believe that the use of a serotonin precursor, such as for example the substance 5-HTP can benefit those who suffer from the debilitating effects of sleep apnea. Doctors who encourage the use of 5-HTP recommend that their patients consume 100 to 300 milligrams of 5-HTP before they go to bed. The use of 5-HTP helps patients have a more restful sleep and therefore they wake up fewer times throughout the night. This also patients to concentrate better throughout the day and be more productive all around.

Written by: Scott Parat

If left untreated, Sleep Apnea can be life threatening. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving, endangering their lives and the lives of their passengers and those around them.

Sleep apnea also appears to put individuals at risk for stroke and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), also known as "mini-strokes", and is associated with coronary heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, gout and high blood pressure.

So, if you or a loved one are suffering from sleep apnea, be sure to see your doctor so that the sleep apnea symptoms can be treated, removed, or reduced before they become life threatening.

Sleep Apnea (Home) | Sitemap | Contact Us

All Material Copyrighted 2006

Sleep Apnea

Graphics by: SpGraphic.com