Best relief for sufferers of sleep disorder

The Center for Sleep Medicine is pleased to announce that area residents who are suffering from one or more sleep disorders can find relief, thanks to the professional team working at The Center for Sleep Medicine. The Center has a multidisciplinary, multispecialty team of board certified sleep specialists who treat any sleep disorder known to the medical community.  Included are specialists from the fields of neurology, pulmonary medicine, psychiatry, internal medicine, pediatrics, and dental sleep medicine.

A representative for the Chicagoarea sleep disorder center spoke to an interviewer recently, "We begin your visit to the Center for Sleep Medicine by evaluating your sleep history. You may be asked to spend the night in one of our nicely appointed bedrooms for a sleep study. The completed study is reviewed and interpreted by one of the professionals on our team. An assessment is made and therapy is recommended. The primary care physician receives the information from the Center with the patient’s approval."

He continues, "Professionals at the sleep medicine facility have the skills and experience to not only seek answers to questions about common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia, but to provide solutions which improve the quality of sleep in patients. The therapeutic measures that are suggested may rely on lifestyle changes, as well as more traditional methods."

Research studies are pointing out the links between poor sleeping habits and many of the common diseases today. Lack of quality sleep may compromise the body's ability to fight off conditions such as cancer, depression, heart problems, and obesity. There may also be a link between diabetes and sleep disorders.

Learn more about sleep disorders and how they may be alleviated by paying a visit to the web pages at http://www.sleepmedcenter.com today. 

How To Stop Snoring With Chicago Area Sleep Medicine Center

Chronic snoring can be a problem for everyone in a home. The person who snores may not get adequate rest. Those who live with a snorer probably do not get the rest they need, either. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this issue. Many professionals life’s work is devoted to helping those who suffer from chronic snoring.  Therapies are available that benefit people who are afflicted with chronic snoring.

One of the best things that a snorer can do is to get professional help. Scheduling an appointment at The Center for Sleep Medicine would be a wise strategy for a snorer. The professionals at The Center for Sleep Medicine treat snoring on a daily basis. CPAP Therapy and Oral Appliances are the most common remedies for snoring.

Sometimes, snoring is a result of an existing health problem.  Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.  Appropriate testing is available at The Center for Sleep Medicine to determine if a person has this condition. 

People are pleased to learn that there are treatments designed to combat snoring and sleep apnea. A professional might recommend an oral appliance that can be worn at night. Such an appliance keeps the airway open when a person is sleeping. As a result of having an open airway snoring will no longer occur.  Also, a professional make recommend CPAP therapy in lieu of an oral appliance based upon the severity of one’s sleep apnea.  CPAP therapy also eliminates snoring.

The divorce rate among men that snore is significantly greater than men who do not snore.

Those who suffer from a snoring problem have many options from which to choose. Visiting a professional is always a good idea. Dealing with chronic snoring is beneficial to everyone involved.

Chronic Insomnia and the Center for Sleep Medicine

Lack of sleep is a common problem that many people face each day. In fact, it occurs to everyone at some point in life. Yet, for some people it can become chronic and totally disrupt one's life. Here are some suggestions to aid you in getting a better night’s sleep from the professional sleep specialists at The Center for Sleep Medicine.

                                 

A sleeping problem may be caused by going to bed and getting up at different times during the course of the week.  Having the same sleep schedule every day of the week can help.  For example, if you work at night and sleep during the day five days a week you should maintain that same sleep schedule for the two days you do not work.

As soon as you get home from work in the evening you may be tempted to take a nap. After all, you might feel tired and sleepy and a nap can make you feel much better. However, this can make it very hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night.  Avoiding such naps may make getting to sleep and staying asleep easier.

Perhaps you like to watch television and snack in the bedroom. This is very convenient but it could be making it hard for you to sleep at night because one associates going to bed with staying awake not going to sleep.  A bedroom should be used for sleep and intimacy only.  Avoid activities in the bedroom that will keep you awake.

Eating just prior to bedtime can cause sleep problems. For example, many people like to snack on foods like sweets and potato chips late at night. These foods contain carbohydrates that raise blood sugar which in turn releases stress hormones, making sleep difficult. If you must eat before bedtime, try foods high in protein and tryptophan like turkey, roasted soybeans or pumpkin seeds.

Before bedtime, limit your fluid intake, especially beverages that contain sugar or caffeine. Start a regular exercise routine during daytime hours to lower stress. If you already practice good sleep hygiene but are unable to sleep well please contact The Center for Sleep Medicine. They provide sleep evaluations and effective therapy for chronic insomnia.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Provides Relief to Patients in the Chicagoland Area

Snoring is sometimes viewed as “funny” and “cute”.  However, snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea which has been associated with heart attack and stroke.   Fortunately at The Center for Sleep Medicine dentists who have received special training the selection, fitting, and use of a specifically designed oral appliances are available to provide a solution to snoring.

The reality is that nobody appreciates a person who snores because it causes significant disruption to other peoples' sleep.  It is, however, something that can be alleviated through the use of custom made oral appliances which repositions and maintains the lower jaw in a protruded position during sleep.  This opens the airway by indirectly pulling the tongue and soft tissue behind the tongue forward.  Doing so maintains an open, unobstructed airway when worn during sleep.

Custom made oral appliances are proven to be more effective than over-the-counter devices.  Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear, small and convenient, making them easy to carry when traveling.  Also, oral appliances are easily adjustable and less conspicuous with a bed partner. 

The Center for Sleep Medicine follow guidelines as set forth by the physicians and dentists of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the two most respected organizations in the sleep medicine field.  The dental sleep specialists at The Center for Sleep Medicine stay abreast in the latest advancements in the field of dental sleep medicine and are able to offer an array of devices, based on patient needs.

There are two basic types of oral appliances. The tongue retaining device and the mandibular repositioning device.  Both prevent the jaw and tongue from moving by keeping them in a forward position. Both of these techniques keep the airway open and ensure that breathing proceeds as it should.

Oral Appliances are also used as a therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which can be a potentially serious medical condition if left untreated.  Snoring is often a symptom of OSA.  Snoring occurs when the upper airway partially collapses during sleep. 

  

Proven Ways to Stop Snoring

The loud snoring some people make while sleeping is no joke. Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).  OSA, if untreated, can lead to serious health consequences.  The Center for Sleep Medicine can help those suffering from snoring and sleep apnea. An estimated 17% of the general population has OSA and the numbers are increasing with the obesity epidemic. 

Snoring occurs when there is a partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The flow of air through this partially collapsed airway causes tissue vibration.   The partial collapse of the airway occurs when the tongue slips backwards into the airway during sleep.  This blockage can be caused by the position of the body at rest and muscle tone that gradually diminishes during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. 

The incidence of OSA is higher among men than women until women reach menopause. At and after menopause the incidence of OSA is the same in men and women. Approximately 70% of people having OSA are overweight or obese while the remaining 30% are not overweight.  Therefore, not all obese or overweight individuals have OSA and not all people with OSA are obese.

Because snoring is so widespread, new consumer products are regularly introduced that promise instant relief. While individual successes have been reported long-lasting solutions may involve physical changes including weight loss and exercise.

Sometimes snoring can be addressed by having a person sleep on their stomach or side.  Nasal strips and antihistamines offer no relief from snoring for those having OSA. 

Snoring may seem funny in a cartoon, but is no laughing matter to those who must deal with the consequences daily.  Seeing a board certified sleep physician at The Center For Sleep Medicine can put you on a path to end your snoring.

Learn How Oral Appliance Therapy Alleviates Sleep Apnea

When a person's sleep is disrupted even for one night, they may wake up groggy and spend the whole day sleepy and unproductive. If this happens every night or almost every night, then the affect becomes magnified, making life difficult. If this is you or someone you love, consider an evaluation from the professionals at The Center for Sleep Medicine to help alleviate the problems that come with interrupted sleep.

One of the most common reasons for lack of sleep is called sleep apnea. It can be marked by loud snoring and occasional interrupted breathing while sleeping. It can leave you feeling tired in the morning even when you slept all night without waking up. It can be caused by a number of factors, including other medical conditions, an enlarged tongue, obesity, jaw or dental issues, and other conditions. If not treated, it can lead to other health problems, some of which can be very serious.

The good news is that there are devices called oral appliances that can help fight the causes of sleep apnea to help you get better rest. With a proper fitting from a professional, an oral appliance can help you wake up each morning ready to face the day.

Two among the best oral appliances therapies are:

• MRD (Mandibular Re-positioning Device).
• TRD (Tongue Retaining Device).

MRD

There are several oral appliance types, including the very popular MRD, or Mandibular Repositioning Device. This repositions the tongue and jaw. Your airways are not blocked, making breathing much easier.

TRD

The TRD or Tongue Retaining Device keeps the tongue in a forward position so it does not fall backwards and block the throat.  A partially blocked airway can cause uneven and interrupted breathing. It is also a good alternative for those with enlarged tongues or missing teeth.

These devices are a great alternative to surgery.  They should be prescribed and fit by a medical professional. Make your appointment today if you think you suffer from sleep apnea.

Interesting & Unique Facts about Sleep and Sleep Disorders

1. Sleep is not elective nor is an option, Sleep is required. If you want to survive Sleep is right up there with Food, Air and Water.
2. If you sleep less than 6 hours a night you are sleep deprived.
3. 40% of Adult Americans and 70% of adolescences are sleep deprived.
4. 15 Million Americans work the night shift-40% of them get less than 6 hours of sleep per day.
5. 30% of all working people in the U.S. sleep less than 6 hours a night.
6. Every species known to man sleeps.
7. On average Americans sleep two hours less a night than the average American did 50 years ago
8. The average American sleeps less than 7 hours a night Monday through Friday.
9. The consequences of sleep deprivation are: degraded learning and memory, mood disorder, impaired cognitive functioning and reaction times
10. Individuals are terrible at recognizing their own impairment from sleep deprivation
11. Short Sleepers eat 500 calories or more per day than normal sleepers. Short Sleepers are more likely to eat more fatty foods and carbs.
12. Sleep boosts the immune system.
13. Amyliod Beta is a protein produced all the time in the brain which is flushed out of the brain when you sleep. There is a correlation between the level of Amyliod Beta in the brain and Alzheimer’s disease.
14. Recent research shows that an individual receiving cognitive behavioral treatment for sleep while taking an anti-depressant doubles their chance of overcoming depression.
15. 70 Million Americans suffer from Insomnia and The chances of having insomnia increase with age.
16. Taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep is clinically significant.
17. 20% of the U.S. population take sleep aids to help them sleep.
18. In 2011, U.S. physicians wrote 60 million prescriptions for sleep medications.
19. The most common prescription sleep medications are sedative hypnotics such as Ambien and Lunesta and their generic counterparts Zolpidem and Escopiclone.
20. Sedation inhibits parts of the brain. These drugs are associated with sedation the next day. Such medications are for short term use not use over the long term.

Why “The Center for Sleep Medicine" is best for sleep disorder treatments

There are four criteria that should be used to assess any sleep medicine provider’s services.

The first criteria relates to the issue of accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

AASM accreditation is the gold standard by which physicians in the community and patients evaluate sleep medicine services. The accreditation process involves detailed reviews of policies, procedures, patient charts, and such things as inter-scorer reliability with regard to the sleep study data. Accreditation also ensures that services are provided in facilities providing optimal patient care.

A second criteria has to do with the sleep center staffing. 

Ideally, sleep disorder centers should be staffed with a multidisciplinary, multi-specialty team of sleep disorder specialists. This would include board-certified sleep specialists in neurology, pulmonary medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and otolaryngology. It is essential that the center staff include behavioral sleep medicine specialists who offer expertise in the treatment of insomnia, shift work sleep disorders, and other sleep-related problems requiring behavioral or cognitive behavioral interventions.

A third criterion that should be assessed is the commitment of the practitioners to the field of sleep medicine. 

Ideally, the core staff of the sleep center would have a practice limited to sleep disorders medicine. Sleep medicine should not represent a part-time effort or something that is done “on the side”.

A fourth criterion relates to support services provided to patients within the sleep disorder center. 

There should be full-time registered sleep technicians available at all times to patients, particularly those adjusting to sleep with nasal CPAP. These registered sleep technicians work closely under the supervision of the sleep specialists.

Source : https://www.sleepmedcenter.com/our-treatments/cpap-machine-treatment-for-osa/

Dangerous of Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving, the dangerous combination of sleepiness and driving or driving while fatigued, and can result from many underlying causes, including excessive sleepiness, sleep deprivation, changes in circadian rhythm due to shift work, fatigue, medications with sedatives and consuming alcohol when tired. The cumulative effects of these factors have severe effects on performance, alertness, memory, concentration and reaction times.

Drowsy Driving is a growing problem in the United States, and the risk, danger and often tragic outcomes of drowsy driving are sobering. According to a survey, nine of 10 police officers reported stopping a driver who they believed was drunk but turned out to be drowsy. Further, data indicate 80,000 individuals fall asleep at the wheel each day and there are more than 250,000 sleep-related motor vehicle accidents each year. It is estimated that twenty percent of all serious transportation injuries on the nation’s highways are related to sleep. 

Who is at Risk for Driving while Drowsy?

1.          Young people, particularly males 
2.           Shift workers
3.           People who work long hours
4.           Commercial drivers, especially those who drive a significant number of miles at night
5.           Sleep deprived individuals
6.           Persons with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders
7.          Those who have consumed alcohol
8.           People taking prescription medication that contain sedatives
9.           Tips to avoid becoming drowsy while driving:
10.           Get enough sleep
11.      American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends adults get seven to eight hours of sleep each night in order to maintain good health and optimum performance.

Take breaks while driving

 If one becomes drowsy while driving, it is recommended he or she pulls off to a rest area and takes a short nap, preferably 15 to 20 minutes in length.

Do not drink alcohol

Alcohol can further impair a person’s ability to stay awake and make decisions; taking the wheel after having just one glass of alcohol can affect one’s level of fatigue.

Do not drive late at night

Avoid driving after midnight, which is a natural period of sleepiness.

Statistics

1.            One in five adult’s reports getting insufficient sleep.
2.             Problems falling asleep or daytime sleepiness affect 35 to 40 percent of the population.
3.         .   Driver sleepiness is related to one in five serious motor vehicle injuries.
4.        .    More than 50 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder.

AASM is a professional membership association dedicated to advancing sleep healthcare by setting clinical standards for the field; advocating for the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders; educating professionals dedicated to providing optimal sleep healthcare; and fostering the development and application of scientific knowledge.

Sleepeducation.com, a Web site maintained by the AASM, provides information about various sleep disorders, forms of treatment available, recent news on the topic of sleep, studies that have been conducted and a listing of sleep centers.

Oral Appliance Therapy at The Center For Sleep Medicine Center

The Center for Sleep Medicine is pleased to announce that patients who suffer from snoring and/or sleep apnea can be helped to find solutions through the use of a high-quality oral appliance. It is an alternative method for CPAP Therapy. The Chicago office of The Center for Sleep Medicine is one of five American Academy of Sleep Medicine Accredited Member centers in Illinois. Accredited member centers are located in Chicago, Naperville, Libertyville, Oswego and Orland Park. All such centers are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Indications for using an oral appliance:

"When there is primary snoring or mild OSA, or when the OSA is moderate to severe and CPAP is not suitable, an oral appliance may be indicated. The device might be approved where there is intolerance of nasal CPAP devices.

 Other Appliances:

"A Mandibular Repositioning Device (MRD) stabilizes and repositions the lower jaw, tong, soft palate and uvula. In addition the MRD increases the muscle tone of the tongue. It is a commonly prescribed appliance. Another commonly prescribed appliance is the Tongue Retaining Device (TRD) which advances the tongue and actively holds the tongue forward to open the airway. It prevents the tongue from falling backward and blocking the airway. TRDs are most beneficial for patients with large tongues, poor dental health, no teeth or chronic joint pain."

Oral appliances Therapy:

Oral appliances Therapy can be used in combination with other techniques for the care of sleep apnea patients. Weight management and CPAP therapy are common. Each patient is assessed individually and the care plan is tailored to address that patient’s specific problems or issues.

Learn more about oral appliances as an alternative to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea by paying a visit to the web pages at http://www.sleepmedcenter.com today. 

Chronic Insomnia Care Facility in Orland Park Helps Chronic Insomnia Sufferers

The Center for Sleep Medicine is pleased to announce that patients troubled by chronic insomnia can find help at the center. The benefits provided by the Orland Park insomnia therapy center are available to those who suffer from the fatigue, poor health and other symptoms that occur when not enough restful sleep is gained. Occasional insomnia episodes are common to most people, and typically resolve themselves. Chronic insomnia requires more active intervention.

Symptoms

"There are several symptoms associated with chronic insomnia. It might be hard to fall asleep. If the victim does get to sleep, he or she might wake up sporadically during the night. The individual might wake up far too early in the morning. Any sleep that occurs might be disturbed and not restful. Temporary insomnia can be caused by stress or from jet lag. For these individuals, no further action is necessary. Normal sleep patterns will resume, usually fairly quickly."

Causes of chronic insomnia

He continues, "Chronic insomnia is more serious. It can last for weeks or even months. Causes of chronic insomnia include health, personal, physiological, cognitive or behavioral problems. It can even be a combination of several of the factors. This type of insomnia occurs in approximately ten percent of adults. It is recommended that patients with the chronic form of the condition seek professional intervention."

When the patient is unable to sleep at night, it affects every aspect of life. Fatigue, depression and lack of ability to concentrate are common results. Overcoming stress is more difficult when fatigue is a factor. Patients are likely to have other health problems.

Learn more about overcoming insomnia by paying a visit to the web pages at http://www.sleepmedcenter.com today. 

How to sleep better?

Sleep Tips Offered By Top Rated Chicago Area Sleep Medicine Center

Maybe you find it hard to get to sleep each night. Perhaps you wake up after only an hour or so and cannot return to sound sleep. If so, you are not alone as this is a very common problem these days. Here are some helpful tips on better sleep from your Chicago insomnia professionals.

When sleeping is a problem, take a look at what you eat and drink. Try to cut back on stimulants like caffeine late in the day or early evening. You might try switching to decaffeinated beverages. Do not forget foods like chocolate and drinks like colas also contain caffeine. 

If you are constantly waking up at night, make your bedroom more conducive for resting. For instance, make sure you are very comfortable and that room temperature is not too cold or warm. Block out as much light as possible and consider blackout drapes or curtains. Have some kind of noise in the background to drown out distractions. You can place a radio on "no channel" with loud volume for white noise.

Develop a habit or ritual each night before going to bed. This can put you in the right state of mind and can be very beneficial for sleeping. You might try taking a warm shower or bath right before bed. The goal is to reduce the amount of stimulation before one goes to bed.  Do not take smart phones or tablets to bed with you since the light emitted from such devices in a dark room may make it more difficult to fall asleep.  

Staring at the clock all night long can make for a long night. Set an alarm for morning and then place the clock where you cannot see it. Also, do not worry about "not sleeping". Instead, start with relaxing the feet and gradually work your way all the up to your head.

If your sleep problem is long term, you could have medical or emotional problems. Consider seeking professional help from your local Chicago sleep center. They have trained professionals that will help you find the reason for your inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.  

Understand Your Options for Better Sleep With “The Center For Sleep Medicine”

Sleep Medicine became its own medical sub specialty a number of years ago.  Currently training in a medical school fellowship program is needed to attain board-certification in this field.  At the present time The Center for Sleep Medicine has ten doctors who are board certified in sleep medicine who diagnose and treat the following sleep disorders.

Chronic Insomnia 

This is described as difficulty falling or staying asleep. Normal daily life can be impacted by the sleep deprivation resulting from chronic insomnia. Sleep professionals at The Center for Sleep Medicine use Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for insomnia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

 Sleep Apnea occurs when a person experiences a cessation in breathing while asleep.  Apnea is a greek word meaning “no breath”.  CPAP Therapy and Oral Appliances are commonly used to treat this disorder.

Narcolepsy 

It is a rare sleep disorder that is treated at The Center for Sleep Medicine.  Narcolepsy is a syndrome that can be characterized by chronic daytime sleepiness, accompanied by hypnologic hallucinations, sleep paralysis and cataplexy. 

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

RLS is a disorder of the nervous system which affects the legs leading to an urge to move.  Restless Leg Syndrome may also affect other parts of the body as well. 

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders 

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder describe a category of sleep problems in which the primary factor is the timing of sleep and wake states. A person with a circadian rhythm disorder may have difficulty sleeping at a time they need to sleep, difficulty rising when they need to rise, and difficulty maintaining alertness when they need to be awake. Circadian rhythm disorders are often problematic because of the profound effects on daily functioning; which may include work or school absenteeism, impaired work performance, impeded social schedules and stress on relationships and depression.

According to Harvard Medical School 7,500 people a year are killed in car crashes resulting from drowsy driving caused by sleep deprivation.  Another 250,000 people are injured in such crashes. Why wait to become a statistic when help to treat your disorder is available at The Center for Sleep Medicine.

Trusted Sleep Medicine Center Offers Solutions for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness can significantly affect the quality of one’s life. The Center for Sleep Medicine is finding solutions for those individuals suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness. 

Insomnia is a condition where an individual has difficulty falling or staying asleep.  Insomnia affects daytime functioning causing fatigue, depressed mood, impaired attention and concentration.  It worsens your ability to cope with stress, lessens enjoyment of social activities and quality of life.

“Acute” Insomnia is a temporary response to factors such as stress or jet lag and normal sleep returns on its own.  As a result your doctor may offer medication as an option for immediate relief.

Insomnia which persists for more than four weeks is referred to as “chronic insomnia”.  One in ten adults experience chronic insomnia which can persist for months, years or even decades.

Many factors create and sustain insomnia.  All too often people are told to follow “good sleep hygiene” or prescribed medication.  While important they alone are not an effective treatment. Because sleep is a natural physiological process, long term medication use should be done with caution, as it may worsen sleep as patients develop tolerance over time.

A consultation with an insomnia specialist certified in behavioral sleep medicine will assess the psycho physiological, psycho-social, cognitive and behavioral factors that cause insomnia.

Another potential cause of daytime sleepiness is a Circadian Rhythm Disorder.  A person with this disorder may have difficulty sleeping at a time when they need to sleep, difficulty rising when they need to rise and difficulty maintaining alertness when they need to be awake.  Such a disorder can have a profound effect on daily functioning which may include work or school absenteeism, impaired work performance, impeded social schedules and stress on relationships and depression. 

For example, shift work may have a significant effect on individuals who frequently change work hours or who work at night.  In such cases work schedules are out of sync with the body’s internal sleep wake schedule.  Human beings were designed to be awake during the day and asleep at night not vice versa.  The good news is effective treatment for such a disorder is available at The Center for Sleep Medicine.