MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'apnea'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:02:30 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181942&cid=t_121280_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fthrough-eyes-of-consumer-health-care-in.html Here's a guest post from a class mate, Ela Ghose. ---------------------- The past two years have been filled with ailments of various kinds: in some cases I have been the patient and in others the care-giver/ attendant. As a consequence I have met a plethora of doctors: gynecologists, orthopedic surgeons, gastroenterologists, gastric surgeons, cardiologists, endocrinologists, sleep specialists , oncologists to name a few. As you’ve probably guessed, the ailments have ranged from minor (knee pain) to major (stomach cancer). Some of the doctors have been the epitome of caring and compassion, spending time with the patient to explain the disease and the alternatives. Others have exhibited what I would consider an inclination to cover all possibilities and make money in the bargain. As wi... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181942 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:40:00 +0100 5181942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157115&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fnasal-sprays-may-help-reduce-cell.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157115 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:29:00 +0100 5157115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119020&cid=t_121280_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2F67ozj8VDhTw%2Fnew-study-confirms-elderly-women-with.html Elderly women with sleep apnea had an 85% higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia than elderly women without sleep apnea, a new study found. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston studied a group of 298 women, roughly a third of whom had been diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing. The average age of women in the group was 82. Sleep-disordered breathing, which causes the brain to be deprived of oxygen, was defined as 15 sleep apnea events per hour of sleep. At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had been diagnosed with dementia. All of the participants underwent overnight sleep studies between 2002 and 2004. Five years after the study, investigators conducted cognitive function tests designed to detect brain health and cogniti... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119020 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:28:00 +0100 5119020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5076999&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Ftonsillectomies-help-breathing-problems.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5076999 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:34:00 +0100 5076999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5061797&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fnew-experimental-alternative-to-cpap.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5061797 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:09:00 +0100 5061797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4788721&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fmid-life-sleep-changes-may-accelerate.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4788721 Wed, 04 May 2011 15:51:00 +0100 4788721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704231&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fsleep-apnea-and-sleepiness-raises-older.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704231 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:01:00 +0100 4704231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4683659&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fonline-toolset-helps-young-children-and.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4683659 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:07:00 +0100 4683659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4621884&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fshift-work-may-cause-swell-in-sleep.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4621884 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:33:00 +0100 4621884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605562&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fdid-sleep-medicine-help-boost-us-life.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605562 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:14:00 +0100 4605562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592388&cid=t_121280_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FQe6RESjeGdw%2F Edward Grandi “Women need their sleep,” says Edward Grandi, Disruptive Women’s March Man of the Month. Grandi is the Executive Director of the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), the leading non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and the medical community about sleep apnea, supporting those in treatment for the condition, and advocating on behalf of patients and their families. Grandi discussed a common misperception he felt Disruptive Women readers should be aware of – obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an ailment of middle-aged, overweight men. While it is true that twice as many men as women have OSA, after menopause women are affected in the same numbers as men. OSA is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592388 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:17:13 +0100 4592388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4418815&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fsay-farewell-to-daytime-fatigue-with.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4418815 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:58:00 +0100 4418815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318076&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Ffirst-time-cpap-users-feel-refreshed.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318076 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:56:00 +0100 4318076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4158829&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fveterans-fight-sleep-apnea-well-after.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4158829 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:46:00 +0100 4158829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4155004&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fmike-molly-mixed-on-cpap-sleep-apnea.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4155004 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:33:00 +0100 4155004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138922&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fsleep-apnea-risks-common-among-hospital.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138922 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:59:00 +0100 4138922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4117954&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fdedication-to-cpap-takes-positive.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4117954 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:20:00 +0100 4117954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040278&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fstudy-finds-long-term-cpap-causes.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040278 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:40:00 +0100 4040278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012411&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fntsb-tired-trucker-caused-crash-that.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012411 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:15:00 +0100 4012411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3998486&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fperceived-control-is-secret-to-cpap.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3998486 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:41:00 +0100 3998486 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993274&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fpercy-harvin-sidelined-again-with.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993274 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:50:00 +0100 3993274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3961739&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fmy-child-snores-is-it-sleep-apnea.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3961739 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:39:00 +0100 3961739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3957665&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fvikings-receiver-harvins-health-woes.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3957665 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:37:00 +0100 3957665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914650&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fcpap-can-reverse-sleep-apnea-related.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914650 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:15:00 +0100 3914650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895553&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fthunderstorms-and-obstructive-sleep.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895553 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:12:00 +0100 3895553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854207&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fsleep-apnea-in-europe.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854207 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:09:00 +0100 3854207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833365&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fis-sleep-apnea-risk-higher-for-asians.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833365 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:35:00 +0100 3833365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780149&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Ffather-manages-sleep-apnea-on-national.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780149 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:20:00 +0100 3780149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723275&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Flearn-about-sleep-apnea-treatments-in-2.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723275 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:24:00 +0100 3723275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702854&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fprn-mslts.html A doctor asked on the AASM message board about prn (as needed) MSLT's. In his sleep medicine group, doctors sometimes order a nocturnal polysomnogram to evaluate for OSA, with instructions to the technicians to perform an MSLT if OSA is not found.Should the practice of "prn" MSLT be abandoned? Is it a bad idea? Here is my answer to the the doctor's question?yes and yes.If you think someone has narcolepsy/idiopathic hypersomnia it is reasonable to order a psg/MSLT with instructions that the MSLT be canceled if OSA is present (with the sleep physician being avaliable in the am to review the psg in borderline cases).I think it is unreasonable and puts too much responsibility on the techs to have them decide whether an MSLT is neeed on large numbers of patients being evaluated for OSA. (Source... sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702854 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:26:00 +0100 3702854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695319&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Furban-air-pollution-brings-spike-in.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695319 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:38:00 +0100 3695319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3686894&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Ffox-news-report-dentist-helps-florida.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3686894 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3686894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671359&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fimprove-your-sex-life-with-cpap.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671359 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3671359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644881&cid=t_121280_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fbright-tomorrow-sleep-medicine-and-dentistry%2F Today we got a three-fer at MedicalNewsToday.com: Three articles on sleep disorders and how treatment relates to the dental field. Topics covered included dental students ill prepared to treat sleep apnea, sleep disorders hard to diagnose in kids, and nasendoscopy in predicting treatment results. More and more, we’re hearing about sleep disorder treatment by dentists – probably because an estimated 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder and about 20 million have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many of these folks hate the CPAP. Today, dentists can offer a simple, non-invasive, comfortable alternative with OAT (oral appliance therapy). Just checkout this post excerpt from the Sleepnet.com message board: I have just been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea within the last month. I had two... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644881 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:11:21 +0100 3644881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3640623&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fcpap-shown-to-reverse-brain-tissue.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3640623 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:46:00 +0100 3640623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603238&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fsleep-and-exercise-is-benefit-all.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603238 Wed, 26 May 2010 16:17:00 +0100 3603238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588740&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fsolo-performers-look-for-sleep-on-stage.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588740 Sat, 22 May 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3588740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585277&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fauthor-and-human-guinea-pig-aj-jacobs.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585277 Thu, 20 May 2010 19:01:00 +0100 3585277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585841&cid=t_121280_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsleep-problems-can-affect-recovery%2F Sleep problems – real and perceived – get in the way of alcoholism recovery Alcoholics should discuss and address sleep issues as part of recovery. The first few months of recovery from an alcohol problem are hard enough. But they’re often made worse by serious sleep problems, caused by the loss of alcohol’s sedative effects, and the long-term sleep-disrupting impact that alcohol dependence can have on the brain. Additionally, many alcoholics have obstructive sleep apnea where the brain wakes up hundreds of times a night due to closing of the airway passages. Typically indicated by heavy, grunting or sudden snores. Now, a new study gives further evidence that insomnia and other sleep woes may actually get in the way of recovery from alcohol problems. In fact, a person’s ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585841 Wed, 19 May 2010 18:39:00 +0100 3585841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577123&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fhouston-texans-coach-attributes-sleep.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577123 Wed, 19 May 2010 14:29:00 +0100 3577123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577124&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fobese-kids-more-at-risk-for-snoring.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577124 Tue, 18 May 2010 20:05:00 +0100 3577124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3559949&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fhave-sleep-apnea-see-sleep-dentist.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3559949 Thu, 13 May 2010 14:30:00 +0100 3559949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522694&cid=t_121280_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2Fa9Ooujq93yw%2F           The Greek word “apnea” literally means “without breath.”  There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most common.  Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.  You should know that the condition is very common.  In fact, it is as common as adult diabetes and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.  More than half of the people who have the disorder are overweight.  Sleep apnea is more common in men.  One out of 25 middle-aged men and 1 out of 50 middle-aged women has sle... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522694 Sat, 01 May 2010 14:40:45 +0100 3522694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501411&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Finside-out-eyelids-and-sleep-apnea.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501411 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:06:00 +0100 3501411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501413&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fdrug-combination-could-solve-snoring.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501413 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:19:00 +0100 3501413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490297&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fblogging-about-obesity-apnea-and-your.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490297 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:50:00 +0100 3490297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3486668&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fcpap-on-milwaukee-morning-show-morning.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3486668 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:23:00 +0100 3486668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456527&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsleeping-pills-and-obstructive-sleep.html This question was recently posted on Medscape's Physician connect:I am treating a man who has sleep apnea and uses CPAP. He is on Trileptal and Lamictal. Recent problems with insomnia has made me suggest Sonata. Are there any concerns about this? Contraindications? This is my answer (which also includes a response to a few of the comments posted on Physician Connect):If a person is on an effective cpap pressure, the adverse effects of hypnotics should be no different than in someone without osa. I have treated thousands of patients with osa; some of them require ambien/lunesta/Sonata. I occasionally use benzodiazepines, especially restoril. There have been several studies showing that moderate doses of alcohol do not effect cpap requirements (not that I recommend alcohol). I do agree with ... sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456527 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:22:00 +0100 3456527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3453501&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsleep-apnea-increases-stroke-risk.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3453501 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:35:00 +0100 3453501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440570&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fdr-oz-snoring-solutions-for-women.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440570 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:23:00 +0100 3440570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420601&cid=t_121280_117_f&fid=39098&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhealthmedwatch%2FprWt%2F%7E3%2FPz_HzH-eZCE%2F Check out this 35 second video. (Source: HealthMedWatch) HealthMedWatch blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420601 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:02:09 +0100 3420601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346290&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fdr-oz-one-minute-of-sleep-apnea-advice.html Dr. Oz recently gave advice for obstructive sleep apnea in a segment called “1 Minute to Better Health.”First he outlined some of the ways that OSA can have a negative effect on your health and performance. It can cause daytime fatigue, poor mood, memory loss, heart disease, stroke and even death.Then he described who is most likely to have sleep apnea. It often occurs when extra fatty tissue in the throat keeps air from flowing freely as you sleep.“People with sleep apnea are usually overweight,” he said.What can be done about sleep apnea?He said that becoming a side sleeper may help. But he recommended weight loss as a better option. According to Dr. Oz, most people tend to lose weight in their face and neck first. This means that dropping some extra weight could possibly cure sl... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346290 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3346290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311305&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fgary-kubiak-sleep-apnea-surgery-nfl.html Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is receiving surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.Nose surgery was performed yesterday, reports The Houston Chronicle. In six weeks another procedure will be performed on his throat.Sleep apnea is a common problem in the NFL. Last year the Sleep Education Blog reported that OSA is common in retired NFL players. The NFL and the NFL Players Association previously began working together to target heart disease and sleep apnea in retired players.And a 2003 study of 302 NFL players found that they are more likely to have sleep apnea than other men their age. The risk was highest for offensive and defensive linemen.Although Kubiak is a retired NFL player, he wasn’t a lineman. He was a back-up quarterback for the Denver Broncos from 1983 to 1991. ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311305 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:17:00 +0100 3311305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3279759&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsleep-apnea-nightmare-recall.html A new study examined nightmare recall in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The results were published yesterday in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.The study involved 393 consecutive patients at an AASM-accredited sleep center. They were evaluated by an overnight sleep study. Their mean age was 50.5 years with a range of 13 to 82 years. Sixty-seven percent of participants were male.Severe OSA was common. They had a mean apnea-hypopnea index of 34.9 breathing pauses per hour of sleep. An AHI of more than 30 is considered “severe” OSA.They were asked about dream and nightmare recall frequency. Recall was considered to be “infrequent” when it was reported once a month or less. Recall was “frequent” when it was reported at least weekly.Results show that about 52 percent of... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3279759 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:53:00 +0100 3279759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3271185&cid=t_121280_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FCL4H_0nDyjs%2Farose-by-any-other-name-would-still-be.html Clearer and clearer I am seeing my sleep difficulties as my greatest obstacle towards reaching my writing goals. Although I accomplished much last night, I am paying the cost today.I missed attending Life, the Universe, and Everything this year. I missed seeing friends, old and new. I missed great discussions and fascinating presentations. I may even miss the date tonight with my wife. Beyond just being upside down from the rest of the world, I am fatigued and listless—ill equipped to fight off illness, both physical & mental.I sit here absolutely loopy, unable to do much more than interact with family as they buzz around me while I pour thoughts out into my Twitter timeline. How did I get to this pitiful state?In brief, I was up until 6am because I watched Groundhog Day, Smallville, rea... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3271185 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:29:57 +0100 3271185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254156&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fman-dies-during-sleep-study.html (from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, via Drudge) A 25 year old man recently died during a sleep study at Emory:Harris, a medical assistant, entered the Emory sleep center on Jan. 22, said his mother....... By the next morning he was dead.Emory said in a statement that he died of sudden cardiac arrest....The article doesn't give many details and doesn't specify whether Mr. Harris was having a diagnostic study or a CPAP titration study. Usually the most dangerous part of a sleep study is the drive to the sleep center. (Source: sleepdoctor) sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254156 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:33:00 +0100 3254156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235528&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsleep-apnea-in-wall-street-journal.html The Wall Street Journal has an article today giving a good overview of obstructive sleep apnea:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204575039101390202576.html?mod=WSJ_hp_editorsPicks (Source: sleepdoctor) sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235528 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:54:00 +0100 3235528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235531&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fstudy-finds-less-brain-gray-matter-in.html A new study reports that men with severe obstructive sleep apnea have less brain gray matter. This may help explain the cognitive problems that often occur in people with OSA.The results were published in the Feb. 1 issue of the journal Sleep.The South Korean study involved 36 men with severe OSA. They had an average of 52.5 partial and complete breathing pauses per hour of sleep. Their average age was 44.7 years. They were compared with 31 healthy, male, age-matched controls.Brain scans were conducted using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A processing technique called “optimized voxel-based morphometry” found structural differences in gray matter by examining the entire brain.Results show significant differences between men with severe OSA and healthy controls. Gray matter concentra... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235531 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:05:00 +0100 3235531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208104&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fhow-is-your-heart-health.html Last week the American Heart Association published its strategic impact goals for the next decade.By 2020 the AHA wants Americans to improve their heart health by 20 percent. It also wants to reduce deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20 percent.Preliminary data indicate that heart disease remained the leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2007. It caused 615,651 deaths.To reach its 2020 goals the AHA is promoting the “Simple 7” steps to better heart health:Get activeEat betterLose weightStop smokingControl cholesterolManage blood pressureReduce blood sugar"These seven factors — if you can keep them ideal or control them — end up being the fountain of youth for your heart," Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones told the AP. He is a cardiologist and was the lead author of the AHA statement.... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208104 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:45:00 +0100 3208104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193424&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fgaines-adams-death-heart-problems-sleep.html The death of Chicago Bears player Gaines Adams has focused attention on heart problems in athletes. The 26-year-old Adams died Sunday morning. The coroner’s report indicates that he died from cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart.The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the hearts of healthy athletes tend to be bigger and thicker than normal. So it can be hard to determine if a heart problem is present.SI.com notes that in athletes the heart chambers tend to enlarge. The heart walls are likely to thicken when disease is present. But there can be a “troubling gray area” when both the chambers and walls are mildly enlarged.It is well known that obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for heart disease. A scientific statement published in 2008 urged doctors to pay attention to the link bet... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193424 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:07:00 +0100 3193424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3188881&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsleep-apnea-glucose-control-in-type-2.html A new study examined obstructive sleep apnea and glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.The study involved 60 diabetic adults. They were monitored during an overnight sleep study. Blood samples measured glucose control.Results show that 77 percent of participants had sleep apnea. And increasing OSA severity was associated with worse glucose control."Reducing the severity of OSA may improve glycemic control," lead author Dr. Renee S. Aronsohn said in a press release. "Thus effective treatment of OSA may represent a novel and non-pharmacologic intervention in the management of type 2 diabetes."Only five people in the study had been previously evaluated for sleep apnea. None were undergoing treatment.It is estimated that about 80 percent of men and 90 percent of women with moderate to... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3188881 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:26:00 +0100 3188881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182277&cid=t_121280_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fsoileau%2Fdr-soileau-explains-snoring-sleep-apnea%2F Is Your Snoring Killing You? “Sleeping Beauty had a secret to staying so thin and beautiful, she had a good nights sleep every night!!” But it isn’t funny to the person trying to sleep next you. And what it’s doing to your body at night is not funny either. This is because it may be killing you, just slowly. Snoring occurs because there is a disruption of airflow going into your lungs. The usual cause for the disruption is your tongue or soft pallet (roof of your mouth) falling back into your throat and partially blocking the air. This causes the gurgling noises. Over time the condition gets worse. Your throat can become completely closed off so no air goes through to your lungs. It always surprises the spouse when they tell me their husband/wife stopped snoring and I tell them t... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182277 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:28:14 +0100 3182277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153117&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsleep-apnea-in-women-effects-treatment.html A new study examined gender differences in the effects of obstructive sleep apnea. It also evaluated how men and women respond to treatment with CPAP therapy.The results were published in the Dec. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.The study involved 152 men and 24 women with OSA. They had an average age of 47 years. They were obese with an average body mass index (BMI) of 38. Their sleep apnea was severe; they had an average of 64 breathing pauses per hour of sleep. Follow-up testing was conducted after three months of CPAP therapy.Results show that age, BMI, and sleep apnea severity were similar between men and women. But women had more problems in their daily functioning. They had lower activity levels and less general productivity.Excessive daytime sleepiness was report... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153117 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:33:00 +0100 3153117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3137465&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsleep-epilepsy.html A new study evaluated daytime sleepiness in people with epilepsy.The study involved 83 people who have epilepsy. They were compared with 80 healthy controls. Participants completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and an overnight sleep study.Results show that people with epilepsy had a much higher level of daytime sleepiness than controls. They also spent less time in the stages of deep, slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. These changes were unrelated to the use of antiepileptic medications.Epilepsy is a condition that involves recurrent seizures. A seizure is a temporary disturbance in brain function. It occurs when groups of nerve cells in the brain produce abnormal and excessive electrical impulses.The AASM reports that stress and sleep deprivation are two factors that may trigger seizures. Som... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3137465 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:11:00 +0100 3137465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3135389&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fchevelle-puts-sleep-apnea-on-music.html Sleep disorders had a good year on the music charts in 2009.First Craig David released the hit song “Insomnia.” Now the rock group Chevelle has given obstructive sleep apnea the lyrical treatment.Their song “Sleep Apnea” appears on the band’s fifth album, Sci-Fi Crimes. In September the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Alternative Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts.It also includes the hit song, “Jars.” The song is number 11 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart and one of the Top 10 Rock Songs of 2009 according to AOL Radio listeners.The lyrics of “Sleep Apnea” weren’t meant to be a literal description of OSA.Sleep Apnea - Chevelle“'Sleep Apnea' is really talking about our lack of sleep we get out on the road, written pretty tongue and cheek,” lead singer P... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3135389 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:27:00 +0100 3135389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3106681&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fsleep-apnea-nocturia-nighttime.html A new study evaluated nocturia as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea.The study involved 1,007 adults. All of them had sought help at a sleep disorders center.They completed medical and sleep history questionnaires. Their sleep was evaluated during an overnight sleep study.HealthDay reports that 797 were diagnosed with sleep apnea. Snoring was reported by 777 people, and 839 reported nocturia.Results show that self-reported nocturia was as effective as snoring at predicting OSA. The authors suggested that doctors should ask about nocturia when screening for sleep apnea."I see patients all the time who think they're waking up to urinate because they have prostate trouble or a small bladder," study co-author Dr. Barry Krakow told HealthDay. "About 80 percent of the time we discover that a... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3106681 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:53:00 +0100 3106681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3104740&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Flife-death-sleep.html This week the CDC reported that in 2007 life expectancy at birth reached a record high of 77.9 years in the U.S.Women (80.4 years) had a longer life expectancy than men (75.3 years). There also was a gap between the life expectancy of whites (78.3 years) and blacks (73.7 years).Hawaii had the lowest age-adjusted death rate of all the states. West Virginia had the highest rate. In general, states in the Southeast had higher death rates than those in other regions of the country.The three leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer and stroke. This order has not changed since 1980. But it is likely that cancer will overtake heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. at some point in the near future.Does sleep have anything to do with life expectancy? Research has found so... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3104740 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:31:00 +0100 3104740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3100360&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fsteelers-tell-fans-about-sleep-apnea.html On Tuesday night some players from the Pittsburgh Steelers went to a local mall to tell holiday shoppers about obstructive sleep apnea.They signed autographs and talked about the warning signs for OSA. While waiting in the autograph line fans could complete a brief assessment to see if they might be at risk for sleep apnea.Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend took the assessment himself. After the season ends he plans to go to a sleep disorders center for an overnight sleep study.At 5 feet 10 inches and 190 pounds, Townsend doesn’t fit the profile of the typical sleep apnea patient."A lot of people also think you have to be a certain size, you have to be overweight,” he said to WTAE Channel 4 in Pittsburgh. “But as you can tell, I am not one of those big guys that looks overweight."Ov... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3100360 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:29:00 +0100 3100360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3070940&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Furine-test-may-detect-sleep-apnea-in.html A new study shows that obstructive sleep apnea in children is associated with alterations in urinary concentrations of specific protein clusters.The study evaluated morning urine proteins. It involved 60 children with OSA. They were compared with 30 children who have primary snoring and 30 controls.The researchers found that the urine concentrations of 16 proteins were altered in children with OSA. Further analysis identified four proteins that have “favorable predictive properties.”Using cutoff points for these biomarkers they correctly identified 95 percent of the children with OSA. This approach also produced no false-positive results."It was rather unexpected that the urine would provide us with the ability to identify OSA," lead author Dr. David Gozal said in a press release. “"... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3070940 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:39:00 +0100 3070940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066769&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fsleep-apnea-low-energy-diet.html A new study examined the effect of weight loss on obstructive sleep apnea in obese men. The results were published online in the British Medical Journal.The Swedish study involved 63 obese men with an average weight of 248 pounds. Their average age was 49 years. Sleep apnea was measured using a home sleep test.All of the men had moderate to severe OSA and were being treated with CPAP therapy. They had an average apnea-hypopnea index of 37 breathing pauses per hour of sleep. An AHI of more than 30 is considered “severe” OSA.Thirty men were assigned to the treatment group. The other 33 men acted as a control group.The men in the treatment group were put on the Cambridge Diet for seven weeks. This is a very low-energy, liquid diet. It uses a powder that is mixed with water to replace ever... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066769 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:26:00 +0100 3066769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039863&cid=t_121280_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FjmL3bY9FDRc%2F This study, however, was looking to see if the could identify nocturia first and then sleep apnea, which is difficult to diagnose if someone lives alone and has no bed partner to report snoring or apneic periods. The researchers studied 1,007 adults who were attending one of two sleep clinics. Seven hundred ninety seven had sleep apnea, 777 snored, and 839 said they had nocturia. Neither snoring nor nocturia was proof of apnea, but the two symptoms were similar in their power to predict it: snoring was reported by 82.6 percent of apnea sufferers, and 84.8 percent of apnea sufferers reported nocturia. The point of this study is to show that people shouldn’t automatically assume that they woke up because they needed to urinate – they may have woken up because they were experienci... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039863 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:51:46 +0100 3039863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974039&cid=t_121280_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fchest_drug_brings_wakeup_call_in_depression_and_osa.htm By Todd Neale, Staff Writer, MedPage Today SAN DIEGO — Armodafinil (Nuvigil) may bring relief of residual excessive sleepiness to patients with depression and obstructive sleep apnea, a multicenter, randomized trial showed. The study met only one of the two primary efficacy endpoints compared with placebo, with armodafinil increasing response in the overall clinical condition with regard to sleepiness (69% versus 53%, P=0.012), according to John Harsh, PhD, of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. More... © 2004-2009 MedPage Today, LLC. All Rights Reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974039 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:16:00 +0100 2974039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2962914&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fthermal-infrared-imaging-to-detect.html The Nov. 1 issue of the journal Sleep contains the first reported study of “thermal infrared imaging” to monitor airflow during an overnight sleep study. Can this technology be used to detect obstructive sleep apnea?Typically, contact sensors are placed around your nose and mouth to measure airflow during a sleep study. The authors report that these sensors and wires may cause discomfort during sleep.The advantage of thermal infrared imaging is that it uses “non-contact” sensing to detect airflow abnormalities. It is unobtrusive and doesn’t touch your body while you sleep.The automatic thermal moni­toring system (ATHEMOS) uses an infrared camera to record your sleep from a distance. It acquires ther­mal information as heat radiates from your nostrils.The thermal signature... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2962914 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2962914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934464&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsleep-apnea-surgery-caught-on-camera.html Surgery is one treatment option for people who have obstructive sleep apnea. Procedures tend to be “site-specific;” they will seek to eliminate the cause of the obstruction.The challenge is finding the right site for surgery. Problem areas related to OSA include the tonsils, tongue, soft palate, throat, jaw and nose.As a result, surgery isn’t a “one size fits all” treatment. In fact, the AASM’s clinical guidelines list more than 20 common surgical procedures for OSA.Yesterday the Baylor College of Medicine reported that one way to address this challenge is to use an “endoscope;” this is a small flexible device with a camera on the end.Doctors at the BCM are using it to help identify the cause of obstructions that happen during sleep apnea. They insert the endoscope into the... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934464 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:53:00 +0100 2934464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930734&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsleep-apnea-may-trigger-abnormal-heart.html A new study suggests that episodes of obstructive sleep apnea may trigger two types of “cardiac arrhythmias,” which are abnormal heart rhythms.The study involved 2,816 people. Their sleep was evaluated during an overnight sleep study.The sleep study results were examined for two types of abnormal heart rhythms: ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation – or AF.Results show that the overall rate of arrhythmias was low; 62 abnormal heart rhythms occurred in 57 people.But the relative risk of an abnormal heart rhythm was much higher after a breathing disturbance; people were nearly 18 times more likely to have an arrhythmia after a breathing pause than after normal breathing.“Do these events act as a trigger for cardiac abnormalities?" study co-author Dr. Susan Redline said to H... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930734 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:58:00 +0100 2930734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930735&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Finfant-sleep-apnea.html Obstructive sleep apnea is common in adults; OSA also occurs in children, especially in preschoolers. Central sleep apnea is most common in middle-aged and older adults. But did you know that infants can have sleep apnea too? Primary sleep apnea of infancy is most common in small, preterm infants; it is rare in full-term newborns.During the first month after birth it may occur in about 84 percent of infants who weigh less than 2.2 pounds. The risk decreases to about 25 percent for infants who weigh less than 5.5 pounds.Apneas that occur in larger premature infants and full-term infants tend to be “central” apneas. These apneas occur when the body decreases or stops its effort to breathe.The majority of apneas that occur in small, premature infants are “mixed” apneas. These breathi... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930735 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:29:00 +0100 2930735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904583&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fpositional-therapy-sleep-apnea-tennis.html A new study from Australia examined long-term compliance with the tennis ball technique in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The results were published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.What is the tennis ball technique? It is a simple method of positional therapy that helps you avoid sleeping on your back. It was first introduced in the early 1980s.A tennis ball is fastened to the back with a belt or strap. This makes sleeping on your back uncomfortable.Soft tissue in the throat is less likely to collapse and block the airway when you sleep on your side. As a result positional therapy may help reduce the breathing pauses that occur when you have OSA.The study involved 67 people with OSA, mostly men. They were overweight and had an average age of 60 years.They had an overall apn... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904583 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:08:00 +0100 2904583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2901533&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fcpap-therapy-reducing-nasal-congestion.html A new study from Ireland evaluated methods to improve nasal symptoms in people using CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. The results were published yesterday in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.The study involved 112 people; most of the participants were men. On average they were obese and had severe sleep apnea.They were randomly assigned to one of three CPAP therapy groups: dry CPAP, CPAP with a humidifier or CPAP with a nasal steroid spray.After one month of treatment, quality of life was improved in all three groups. Fatigue and daytime sleepiness also decreased. All groups used CPAP for an average of more than five hours per night.People who used “dry” CPAP were least likely to have itchy or watery eyes. But they were most likely to have nasal congestion. At the end of... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2901533 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:57:00 +0100 2901533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2898543&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsleep-apnea-in-women-diet-exercise.html A new study from Australia tested the effectiveness of a 16-week exercise and diet program for people with obstructive sleep apnea. The results were published today in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.The study involved 12 people with an average age of 42 years; nine of the participants were women. They had an average body mass index of 36.1; a BMI of 30 or higher is considered “obese.”They also had an average apnea-hypopnea index of 24.6 breathing pauses per hour of sleep; an AHI of 15 to 30 is considered “moderate” sleep apnea.The program used Optifast, a very low-energy diet. Participants also followed a supervised exercise schedule; this included both aerobic and resistance training.Results show that participants lost an average of about 27 pounds. Some typical OSA sympto... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2898543 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:15:00 +0100 2898543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890250&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsleep-apnea-surgery-is-uppp-for-you.html Are some people with obstructive sleep apnea more likely to benefit from surgery than others?A new study involved 63 people with OSA. They had an average age of 42 years, and 81 percent were men. Their average body mass index was 35; a BMI of 30 or higher is considered “obese.”Each person underwent “uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.” UPPP involves the removal of soft tissue from the throat; this tissue can collapse and block the airway during sleep. The soft palate is trimmed down in size. The tonsils and uvula may also be removed.The effectiveness of UPPP was measured after an average of about three months; participants were monitored during an overnight sleep study.Results show that the surgery eliminated OSA in only 24 percent of participants. These people were younger and less obese. ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890250 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:45:00 +0100 2890250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881128&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fosa-sleep-deprivation-and-alcohol.html This study compared patients with untreated OSA and matched controls on a driving simulator. The study found that "Patients with OSA are more vulnerable than healthy persons to the effects of alcohol consumption and sleep restriction on various driving performance variables. " (Source: sleepdoctor) sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881128 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:09:00 +0100 2881128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879323&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fobesity-sleep-apnea-severity.html Obesity can increase the frequency of breathing pauses that occur in people with obstructive sleep apnea. Does it also increase the severity of these breathing pauses?A new study involved 750 adults. Their sleep was evaluated during overnight sleep studies; 37,473 breathing events were recorded.Forty percent of participants were obese; they contributed 62 percent of the breathing events, reports MedPage Today.Results show that body mass index (BMI) was associated with the severity of oxygen desaturation during these events. Oxygen levels dropped more severely in people who were more overweight or obese.“Any increase in weight above a BMI of approximately 25 appears to increase the risk and severity,” lead author Paul Peppard, PhD, said in a press release.Back sleeping was associated wi... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879323 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:07:00 +0100 2879323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871395&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsleep-apnea-children-hurting-heart.html A new study in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal Sleep examined how obstructive sleep apnea affects heart rate and blood pressure in children.The study involved 15 boys and 15 girls in Australia; they were between the ages of 7 and 12 years. Ten children had primary snoring; 10 had mild sleep apnea with an average of 2.5 breathing pauses per hour of sleep; and 10 had moderate to severe OSA with a mean of 15.2 breathing pauses per hour of sleep.The children were monitored during an overnight sleep study in a sleep lab. Heart rate and blood pressure were analyzed before, during and after obstructive breathing pauses.Results show that the children had significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure. From the last half of a breathing pause to the 15 seconds after a pause, blood pressure inc... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871395 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:16:00 +0100 2871395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871872&cid=t_121280_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fcranham%2Fcranham-on-the-new-sleep-apnea-course-by-dawson%2F Dawson has created an alliance with SomnoMed, a company focused on sleep medicine. Dentistry is in the infancy stage of learning about the medical risks of sleep apnea and potential dental manifestations. Functional tooth wear indicates a link. Sleep apnea patients, when they stop breathing and struggle to breathe again, often push their jaw forward and wake up with a start. Patients with lots of front tooth wear and only some back tooth wear could have sleep apnea, or so we presume. Dentally and medically, we should look at patients in this regard. We are going to offer a sleep medicine course as part of Dawson. Currently, we’re working with Dr. Rick Koker, an expert in this area, to create a hands-on component for the course. This week, at our Seminar One in St. Pete, I’ll present 45... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871872 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:12:37 +0100 2871872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2868724&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fdrowsy-driving-osa-sleep-loss-alcohol.html Sleep loss and alcohol both have negative effects on driving performance. Are people with obstructive sleep apnea more vulnerable to these effects?A new study from Australia involved 38 people with untreated OSA. They were compared with 20 healthy controls.Participants were tested three times in a driving simulator. They drove after a normal night of sleep and after only four hours of sleep.They also drove after consuming enough vodka to raise their blood alcohol concentration level to 0.05 grams per deciliter; this means they had 50 milligrams of alcohol in every 100 milliliters of blood. For most drivers in Australia a BAC level of 0.05 or higher is considered “drink driving.”The simulators tracked steering, speed control and other measures of driving performance. These measures have... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2868724 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:53:00 +0100 2868724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846089&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fsleep-books-for-children.html A new book helps children learn about snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.Botts' Dots and the Rumble Line: How They Saved the Trees in Snordom was written by dentist Dr. Michael Simmons. He is a member of both the AASM and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.The book involves a group of civilized boars who are planting trees in the town of Snordom. But all the trees keep falling down before they can take root.Could it have anything to do with the boars’ snoring problem? The story tells how the boars solve the mystery.Botts’ Dots is available from BookSurge Publishing. Learn more about the book at www.snordom.com.In 2007 Scholastic Inc. published My Daddy Snores. Author Nancy Rothstein was inspired by her husband’s loud snoring.The book tells how Mommy tries everything to es... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846089 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:15:00 +0100 2846089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842315&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fweight-loss-sleep-apnea-diabetes.html A new study shows that weight loss may reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in some people who also have type 2 diabetes.The study involved 264 diabetic adults. They had an average age of 61 years; their mean weight was 226 pounds. They had an average body mass index of 36.7; a BMI of 30 or higher is considered “obese.”They also had an average apnea-hypopnea index of 23.2. This means that they stopped breathing about 23 times per hour of sleep. An AHI of 15 to 30 is considered “moderate” sleep apnea.Some participants were assigned to a behavioral weight-loss program; it involved portion-controlled diets and 175 minutes of exercise per week.Other participants were assigned to a control group; they attended three sessions related to diabetes support and education. The two g... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842315 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:50:00 +0100 2842315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842452&cid=t_121280_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Farchives-of-internal-medicine-2009-vol-169-no-17%2F contents page Fade Fave: A Randomized Study on the Effect of Weight Loss on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Sleep AHEAD Study Fade Skinny: The belief that weight loss improves obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has limited empirical support. The purpose of this 4-center study was to assess the effects of weight loss on OSA over a 1-year period. Finds that physicians and their patients can expect that weight loss will result in significant and clinically relevant improvements in OSA among obese patients with type 2 diabetes. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Access from Home, Access from Work, Access in the Library, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Electronic Resources Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842452 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:10:45 +0100 2842452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838752&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fbiggest-loser-weight-loss-cpap-sleep.html Season eight of the hit TV show “The Biggest Loser” has begun. Once again contestants are being screened and treated for obstructive sleep apnea.“I have put in place a new policy that all contestants need to undergo a sleep study in future seasons,” the show’s medical expert Dr. Rob Huizenga said in a Philips Respironics statement. “The results have been astonishing after two seasons of testing.”All 16 contestants were diagnosed with sleep apnea during preparations for the new season. Now they are being treated with CPAP therapy. AASM President Dr. Clete Kushida is working with the contestants to ensure that they receive the maximum benefit from ongoing treatment.Contestants will continue to receive assistance once their time on the show comes to an end. Philips Respironics w... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838752 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:31:00 +0100 2838752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2823738&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fcouples-sleep-separated-by-snoring.html On Sunday the Sleep Education blog reported that one sleep researcher recommends separate sleep arrangements for some couples.What about women who sleep with a snoring bed partner? Will they sleep better by sleeping alone?A new study from France provides mixed results. It involved 23 women who complained that they were having sleep problems because of their bed partner’s snoring.Each woman’s sleep was monitored for one night as she slept together with her bed partner; then the women were monitored on a separate night as they slept alone.Results suggest that sleep quality was decreased in females sleeping with male snorers; they spent a higher percentage of their sleep time in one of the stages of “light” sleep. Their sleep also was more fragmented; they had a higher “awakening in... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2823738 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:59:00 +0100 2823738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2819418&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwomen-sleep-apnea-risk.html A new study estimated the risk for obstructive sleep apnea among women in the U.S.The study involved telephone survey responses from 1,254 women; OSA risk was estimated using the Berlin Questionnaire.Results indicate that one in four women in America is at high risk of having OSA. Habitual snoring was reported by 61 percent of women with a high risk; 24 percent reported daytime sleepiness. Insomnia and restless legs syndrome also were frequently reported.The risk for sleep apnea increased with age, obesity, and menopause. Women at high risk also were more likely to report having a chronic medical disorder.In June the Sleep Education Blog reported that women may be surprised by sleep apnea. A recent study examined the signs of OSA in women.Are you at risk for sleep apnea? STOP and find out... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2819418 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:32:00 +0100 2819418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2765684&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fsleep-apnea-cpap-brain-activity.html A study in the Sept. 1 issue of the journal Sleep examined the brain activity of people with obstructive sleep apnea.The study from Italy involved 17 men with OSA who had never been treated. They had an average age of 44 years.At the start of the study the men underwent a neuropsychological evaluation. They were tested in areas such as learning, recall, attention and vigilance. They also completed a verbal working-memory task during a functional MRI brain scan.They were evaluated again after three months of treatment with nightly CPAP therapy. Their performance and brain activity were compared with 15 healthy controls.Results show that the men with OSA had neurocognitive impairments prior to treatment. Most of these deficits improved after treatment with CPAP.But during the working-memory ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2765684 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:02:00 +0100 2765684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2743826&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fuse-of-codeine-in-children-after.html According to a new study, the use of codeine for pain after tonsillectomies can be deadly in children who have a rare gene that causes the body to metabolize the drug at a faster rate than usual. The gene is found in about one percent of white people, but could be present in as many as 30 percent of people of African origins.The report was released after the death of a two-year old boy with the gene, who was given codeine after having his tonsils removed.The child, who had a history of snoring and sleep-study confirmed sleep apnea, underwent a tonsillectomy at an outpatient clinic and was taken home. He died two days after the surgery when his body produced more than twice the normal level of morphine.Prescribing codeine for children who have tonsillectomies to cure sleep apnea can be dang... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2743826 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:57:00 +0100 2743826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737453&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsnoring-sleep-apnea-tips-for-bed.html The most common warning sign for obstructive sleep apnea is loud and frequent snoring. Often it is followed by silent pauses when breathing stops. Then choking or snorting sounds may occur when breathing resumes.A person who has sleep apnea is usually unaware of the problem. So the bed partner plays a critical role in the identification of these symptoms.But noticing the symptoms of sleep apnea is the easy part. The snoring may be too loud to ignore.The hard part can be convincing a reluctant bed partner to get help. What can you do?First, describe to your bed partner the sounds you hear as he or she sleeps. Mention that these sounds are indicators of pauses in breathing. People with severe sleep apnea stop breathing more than 30 times per hour.If a family member or guest hears the snoring... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737453 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:16:00 +0100 2737453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2733833&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Freal-wives-of-sleep-apnea.html It certainly doesn’t involve as much drama as being one of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” But being a wife of a man with obstructive sleep apnea can be distressing.A new study examined the sleep of 17 OSA wives; they were compared with 17 wives of healthy sleepers. Results were controlled for age and menopausal status.Data analysis shows that OSA wives had lower sleep quality. There was an increase in their time awake during the night.They also spent more time in “stage 1 sleep;” during this stage of a sleep cycle, sleep is very light and can be easily disrupted. These sleep parameters had a substantial correlation with tiredness.Results also show that OSA wives had higher distress scores than controls. And they had higher scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Sleep... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2733833 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:06:00 +0100 2733833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2729891&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsleep-problems-kidney-failure.html A small study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine examined the sleep quality of people with both kidney failure and obstructive sleep apnea.The study involved 30 adults with moderate to severe OSA; 12 of them had kidney failure – also called end-stage renal disease. The other 18 people had normal kidney function.Results show that people with normal kidney function slept for about 5.5 hours during an overnight sleep study; but people with kidney failure slept for only 4.4 hours.Why was their sleep so disrupted? In large part it was because of frequent periodic limb movements.People with kidney failure had about 31 PLM per hour of sleep; these movements caused almost 15 arousals per hour. In contrast, people with normal kidney function had only one arousal per ho... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2729891 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:52:00 +0100 2729891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724475&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fosa-cpap-alzheimers-disease.html A small study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine involved 10 older adults with both obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease.They had an average age of 76 years and a moderate level of dementia. For six weeks they had used CPAP therapy to treat their OSA. Then five of the people continued using CPAP therapy for a year; the other five stopped using CPAP.Results show that sustained CPAP use produced long-term benefits. People who continued using CPAP remained stable or showed improvement on almost all measures; those who stopped using CPAP continued to deteriorate.Subjective sleep quality improved significantly in the CPAP group. Their depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness also stabilized.The CPAP group also showed less cognitive decline. They showed... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724475 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:05:00 +0100 2724475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719837&cid=t_121280_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fsleep-dentistry-news-sleep-apnea-can-increase-fatality-risk-by-nearly-half%2F According to a report from Reuters, for patients with severe sleep apnea, the risk of death is 46% greater than for those without sleep apnea. This statistic is not valid for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. “Severe” assumes that the patient stops breathing about every two minutes, or 30 times per hour, while asleep. The study by Naresh Punjabi of John Hopkins University found that men in the 40-to-70 age range face the greatest risk. For severe cases, dental appliances (sleep guards) are not listed in Dr. David Rapoport’s list of treatments. Dr. Rapoport, of New York University, worked on the John Hopkins research team. He suggests weight loss, CPAP, or surgery as treatment options. The Reuters article does, however, note a “small Canadian company, Victhom Human Biotics... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719837 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:54:36 +0100 2719837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716028&cid=t_121280_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FnMiorBPTvaQ%2F Parents usually must give pain killers (analgesics) to their children after they’ve had a tonsillectomy. Researchers from the University of Western Ontario in Canada have found that codeine, a commonly prescribed analgesic after surgery, may not be the best medication for after a tonsillectomy. Published in the most recent issue of New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers found two separate issues with codeine in children. Overall, not just after tonsillectomies, some children may metabolize, or break down, the medication more quickly than others. This could result in the children ending up with an overdose, even though the dosage they received was the correct dosage for his or her size. The other concern was using a medication that can suppress breathing, as codeine can do, ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716028 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:43:34 +0100 2716028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2715740&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsleep-apnea-in-adults-with-down.html A small study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that untreated obstructive sleep apnea is common in adults with Down syndrome.Results show that 94 percent of people with Down syndrome had OSA; 88 percent had at least moderate OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index of more than 15 breathing pauses per hour of sleep; 69 percent had severe OSA with an AHI of more than 30.This was much higher than the reported rate of OSA in the general population; it is estimated that at least two percent of middle-aged women and four percent of men have OSA.“Patients with Down syndrome have a great deal of risk factors for OSA,” senior author Dr. Carole Marcus told the AASM. “It was surprising how severe the illness was, and how the OSA was unsuspected by their caregivers.�... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2715740 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:37:00 +0100 2715740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2711896&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsleep-apnea-increases-your-risk-of.html A new study published today provides strong evidence that severe obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of death.The study shows that the people with severe OSA were 46 percent more likely to die than those who did not have OSA. The risk of death in people with moderate OSA was increased by 17 percent.The risk of death was even higher in men between the ages of 40 and 70; those with severe OSA were two times more likely to die than men their age who did not have OSA.“Our study results really raise concern about the potentially harmful effects of sleep apnea,” principal investigator Dr. Naresh Punjabi said in a Johns Hopkins statement. “Such an increased risk of death warrants screening for sleep apnea as part of routine health care.”Eight percent of men and three percent of wo... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2711896 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:34:00 +0100 2711896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674073&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsibling-risk-for-sleep-apnea-in.html A study in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal Sleep examined obstructive sleep apnea among siblings; it found a high “sibling risk” of OSA in both boys and girls.The study group consisted of siblings born between 1978 and 1986; follow-up data were gathered from 1997 to 2004. Hospital records were analyzed for the entire pediatric population in Sweden – 2.7 million children. Children 18 years of age and younger were divided into sibling groups. The study determined which children had a hospital diagnosis of OSA during the follow-up period. Then children were noted as positive for sibling OSA if a brother or sister also had the disorder.Results found a high risk of OSA in boys and girls who had at least one sibling with OSA. The standardized incidence ratio was 33.2 in boys and 40.5 in gi... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674073 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:30:00 +0100 2674073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667165&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsleep-apnea-treatment-what-works-best.html A story today on NPR’s “Morning Edition” discussed treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. What is the best treatment for OSA? In June the AASM released a clinical guideline for the evaluation and treatment of sleep apnea; it was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Here is a summary of the AASM recommendations:1. CPAP TherapyCPAP therapy is the “treatment of choice” for OSA. It is effective for all severity levels of sleep apnea. CPAP should be the first treatment that a doctor offers to someone with OSA. CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure.” It provides a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear during sleep.2. Oral Appliance TherapyAn oral appliance is an alternative treatment option for people with mild or moder... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667165 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:04:00 +0100 2667165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657215&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fsleep-apnea-bariatric-surgery-risk.html Last week the Sleep Education Blog reported that bariatric surgery may reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea; but it doesn’t cure the problem.What about safety? Is weight-loss surgery a risky procedure?A study published today examined the short-term risks of bariatric surgery. It measured adverse outcomes in the 30 days after surgery.People in the study had an average age of 44.5 years; 79 percent were women. Their median body mass index (BMI) was 46.5; a BMI of 30 or higher is considered “obese.”The study analyzed 4,610 surgeries: 3,412 were a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; 1,198 involved laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.Results show a 30-day rate of death of 0.3 percent; 15 of the people died within a month after surgery, CNN reports.About 4.3 percent of people had at le... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657215 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:33:00 +0100 2657215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2639497&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fsleep-disorders-linked-to-aviation.html Sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea, are common among truck drivers. USAToday reports that the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating fatigue as a cause of accidents in the aviation industry:While efforts to reduce fatigue in aviation have focused on pilots' schedules, federal accident investigators say pilots and other vehicle operators also need to be screened for sleep disorders. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is preparing to take a stand on the issue within weeks, according to testimony at a recent public meeting. (Source: sleepdoctor) sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2639497 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:41:00 +0100 2639497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2637635&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fhigh-blood-pressure-obstructive-sleep.html A new study adds to the evidence linking obstructive sleep apnea to an increased risk of high blood pressure.The study involved 529 men and 207 women with OSA. The severity of their sleep apnea varied widely.Their average apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ranged from five to 197 breathing pauses per hour of sleep; the mean AHI was 36. An AHI of more than 30 is considered “severe” OSA.Participants with sleep apnea were compared with a control group; it comprised 154 men and 161 women who did not have OSA.Results show that the odds of high blood pressure increased with increasing AHI; the risk also rose with increasing age and average body mass index (BMI). Among the most obese subjects, men were almost twice as likely as women to have high blood pressure.The NHLBI reports that about one in thr... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2637635 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:31:00 +0100 2637635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2625645&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fobstructive-sleep-apnea-depression.html A new study examined the rate of obstructive sleep apnea in people with major depressive disorder and insomnia.The study involved 51 people with both depression and insomnia; they were evaluated by an overnight sleep study.Results show a high rate of OSA in people with depression and insomnia; 39 percent of the people had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 15 or more breathing pauses per hour of sleep. An AHI of 15 to 30 is considered “moderate” sleep apnea.Men were more likely than women to have OSA. People with sleep apnea also were older and had a higher body mass index (BMI).Previous studies also have linked sleep apnea to depression.A 2008 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine involved 1,106 adults with sleep apnea. About 19 percent of the men and 37 percent of the women h... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2625645 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:57:00 +0100 2625645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2615306&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fdoes-bariatric-surgery-cure-sleep-apnea.html In February the Sleep Education Blog reported on the use of bariatric surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A small study found that surgery did provide some benefits; but it wasn’t a cure for OSA.Now a new study takes a broader look at the evidence. The systematic review analyzed 12 studies involving 342 people.Bariatric surgery did reduce the severity of obesity; the average body mass index (BMI) dropped from 55 kg/m2 to 38 kg/m2. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered “obese.”Surgery also reduced the severity of sleep apnea; but it didn’t cure the problem.The average apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) dropped from 55 breathing pauses per hour to 16 per hour. An AHI of 15 to 30 is considered “moderate” sleep apnea; an AHI of more than 30 is considered “severe” OSA.The AASM recom... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2615306 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:32:00 +0100 2615306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2597969&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fsleep-apnea-microsoft-developing.html The 10th annual Microsoft Research Faculty Summit is taking place today and tomorrow in Redmond, Wash. The summit brings leading academic researchers and educators together with Microsoft® researchers.The theme of the 2009 summit is “Addressing World-Scale Challenges.” One of the challenges on the agenda is the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.Tomorrow from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. there will be a breakout session on, “Monitoring and Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in the Home.” The talk will focus on technology that the Microsoft Research hardware team is developing.They are creating a device to generate predictions of sleep apnea. It is a “neck cuff” that contains diagnostic sensors. The goal is for it to be used in the home.OSA is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of p... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2597969 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:09:00 +0100 2597969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593028&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Funtreated-sleep-apnea-affects-job.html Two new studies show that untreated obstructive sleep apnea can have a negative impact on job performance.A study in the June 1 issue of the journal Sleep involved 150 people; they were all referred to a sleep center in California for suspected sleep apnea. Their average age was 44 years; each of them was employed at the time of the study.An overnight sleep study confirmed the presence of sleep apnea in 83 of the participants. Results show that work productivity suffered when people had sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness.They were almost 14 times more likely to have had job-performance problems in the past four weeks. Examples include falling asleep on the job or missing a day of work. They also were more likely to report decreased job effectiveness.Results also show that people ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593028 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:38:00 +0100 2593028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591271&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fregis-philbins-sleep-study-results-its.html Who wants to feel like a millionaire? Talk show and game show host Regis Philbin says that he does.The Emmy Award-winning TV personality can’t get a good night’s sleep. Regis said that he wakes up multiple times during the night.And after waking up it can be a struggle to get back to sleep. As a result he rarely feels his best during the day.For years he’s been complaining about his sleep problems on “Live with Regis and Kelly.” And his wife Joy has her own sleep problem: His snoring keeps her awake at night.But now Regis knows what’s causing his disturbed sleep. He spent the night at a sleep disorders center in New York. His experience was documented on Thursday’s show.Results of his overnight sleep study show that he has obstructive sleep apnea. This common sleep disorder o... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591271 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:53:00 +0100 2591271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2584281&cid=t_121280_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fpopularity-increasing-for-dentist-treatment-of-snoring-sleep-apnea%2F On Google Alerts today, a PRWEB release tells us that Dr. David Binder of Manhattan has devoted his practice to treating snoring and sleep apnea. Another release shares that www.SnoringIsntSexy.com is “the web’s fastest growing source of information on dentistry’s responsibility in the recognition and management of snoring and sleep apnea.” The company is launching open discussion forums, “Let’s Talk,” for doctors and patients. As an informative resource, The Consumer Guide on Dentistry, www.yourdentistryguide.com, introduces patients to the concept of dentists treating OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). For dentists who are serious about OSA treatment, The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is an organization to keep dentists plugged into sleep medicine research, developm... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2584281 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:55:32 +0100 2584281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576286&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fbedwetting-obstructive-sleep-apnea-in.html A new study shows that “nocturnal enuresis” – bedwetting – is common in children with obstructive sleep apnea.The study involved 149 children with some degree of sleep apnea – from minimal to severe. They were compared with 139 children in a control group. All children were between 5 and 15 years of age.Results show that 80 percent of children with a bedwetting problem had some degree of sleep apnea. Children with a bedwetting problem were five times more likely to have sleep apnea.Typically bedwetting is considered to be a problem if it persists beyond 5 years of age. Bedwetting can occur at any age when it is caused by another problem such as sleep apnea.The study also found a link between a child’s weight and sleep apnea. Children who were overweight were four times more lik... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576286 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:13:00 +0100 2576286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507261&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fsleep-apnea-abnormal-heart-rhythms-in.html A new study examines the link between sleep apnea and “cardiac arrhythmias” – abnormal heart rhythms.The study involved 2,911 older men. Sleep apnea was measured during an overnight sleep study. Heart monitoring detected two groups of abnormal heart rhythms: atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF), and complex ventricular ectopy (CVE).Results show that the general risk of AF and CVE increased as the severity of sleep apnea increased. The specific risks varied according to the type of sleep apnea that men had.Men with obstructive sleep apnea had a greater risk of CVE but not AF. Men with central sleep apnea were between two and three times more likely to have AF.The NHLBI reports that the atria are the two upper chambers of the heart. They collect blood as it comes into the heart. The ven... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507261 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0100 2507261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507267&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fsurprised-by-sleep-apnea-women-weight.html Earlier this week Washington Post staff writer Valerie Strauss shared how she discovered that she has obstructive sleep apnea.The sleep disorder was undetected by some doctors she had seen. And the discovery was a surprise to her. She didn’t fit the description of the typical sleep apnea patient.Often it is overweight men who have sleep apnea. But as the AASM has reported, women can have sleep apnea too.And sleep apnea may occur in people who maintain a healthy weight. A study presented last week at SLEEP 2009 found a high rate of sleep apnea in non-obese adults.What were the warning signs that Strauss had noticed? She often felt tired after waking up. She also was having memory problems. And her husband complained about her loud snoring.These are common symptoms of sleep apnea. Another ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507267 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:11:00 +0100 2507267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507268&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fdiabetes-sleep-apnea-rem-sleep.html A new study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine links obstructive sleep apnea to type 2 diabetes. It shows that there is an increased risk of diabetes in people who have sleep apnea during rapid eye movement sleep – or “REM sleep.”The multi-ethnic study involved 1,008 people who were evaluated for sleep apnea; 67 percent were African American, 17 percent were Caucasian and 15 percent were Hispanic. Sleep apnea was diagnosed in 74 percent of participants.Results show that people with sleep apnea during REM sleep were twice as likely to have type 2 diabetes. The risk of diabetes in middle-aged adults with sleep apnea was increased by almost three times. Overall, 30 percent of the participants with sleep apnea had diabetes.“Generally, OSA is worse in REM sleep compared to non-RE... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507268 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:45:00 +0100 2507268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507269&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ftired-fatigued-cpap-improves-daytime.html Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. But a new study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that many people with sleep apnea have other complaints: fatigue, tiredness or a lack of energy. The study also shows that treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy can help reduce all of these symptoms. The study involved 313 people with sleep apnea. They had an average age of 55 years. Before treatment more than half of participants complained of a lack of energy or tiredness. About 46 percent complained of fatigue; a little less than 40 percent complained of sleepiness. Women were more likely than men to report having a lack of energy.Results show that these daytime symptoms improved in participants who reported using CPAP for five or more hours per n... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507269 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:02:00 +0100 2507269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507272&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fsleep-apnea-wind-musicians.html A study that was presented this week at SLEEP 2009 in Seattle, Wash., adds to the recent interest in wind instruments and obstructive sleep apnea.The study surveyed a national sample of professional musicians. There were 760 instrumentalists, as well as 87 conductors and vocalists. They had an average of 30 years of experience; they also played for an average of 15 hours a week. Results show that about 29 percent had a high risk for sleep apnea; 4.3 percent had been diagnosed with sleep apnea.Musicians who played a high-resistance wind instrument had a lower risk for sleep apnea. The lowest risk was in musicians who played a double-reed, woodwind instrument; examples include the oboe and the bassoon. The study failed to find the same effect for high-resistance brass instruments; playing th... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507272 Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:25:00 +0100 2507272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469639&cid=t_121280_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FfZrB_USSlEg%2F The oboe and other double reed woodwinds (bassoon, contrabassoon, and English horn) are difficult to play properly. You need to train yourself to inhale and exhale in a certain manner to be able to blow correctly into the mouthpiece. Unlike brass instruments (trumpets, for example) or single reed instruments (clarinets), double reed instruments have a very small mouth piece and there is a lot of resistance when the player blows into the instrument. It’s this resistance that researchers have found may reduce the risk for obstructive sleep apnea in those players. On the other hand, another theory is that these instruments are often practiced more often and the increase in practice time may play a role in reducing sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathin... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469639 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:57:12 +0100 2469639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2456969&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Flarge-tonsils-arent-only-cause-of-sleep.html Excess body weight is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. In children, sleep apnea often occurs when a child has large tonsils and adenoids. But a new study in the journal Sleep shows that the causes of sleep apnea in children are complex. You can’t put all of the blame on the tonsils; weight and nasal problems also play a role in child sleep apnea.The study involved 700 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. They were randomly selected from 18 public elementary schools.Results show that 1.2 percent of children had moderate sleep apnea; it was more common in older children between 9 and 12 years of age. Twenty-five percent of children had mild sleep apnea; 15.5 percent had primary snoring.Body mass index (BMI) and waist size were significant and strong predic... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2456969 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:08:00 +0100 2456969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2446481&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fobstructive-sleep-apnea-daytime.html Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common warning sign for obstructive sleep apnea. But not everyone with sleep apnea feels sleepy during the day.Sleep apnea involves a wide range of severity levels. A person with mild sleep apnea may stop breathing five or ten times an hour during sleep. In contrast a person with severe sleep apnea may stop breathing 30 or more times per hour.Each breathing pause ends when the body briefly wakes up to take a breath. The more times this occurs, the more fragmented and disrupted your sleep will be.Mild sleep apnea should be taken seriously even if you don’t have daytime sleepiness. It can increase your risk of other health problems such as high blood pressure. It also can progress to more severe sleep apnea over time.Answer these questions on SleepEducatio... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2446481 Sat, 30 May 2009 10:31:00 +0100 2446481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2436742&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fhouse-resolution-raises-awareness-of.html Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., recently introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to raise awareness of sleep apnea. The resolution “encourages all Americans to educate themselves and others about the consequences of sleep apnea and its potential treatments.”What are these consequences? The resolution points out that “untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.”The resolution also notes that anyone can suffer from sleep apnea. It “can strike anyone, at any age, at any time, including children.”But the good news is that sleep apnea can be treated. The resolution states that “lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and/or breathing devices can successfully treat sleep apnea.” These breathing devices – ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2436742 Tue, 26 May 2009 15:05:00 +0100 2436742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2432495&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fundiagnosed-sleep-apnea-is-common-in.html A new study confirms that undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is common in people with type 2 diabetes.The study involved 306 obese adults with type 2 diabetes. Each participant was monitored during an overnight sleep study.Results show that almost 87 percent of participants had undiagnosed sleep apnea. Almost 23 percent of participants had severe sleep apnea; they stopped breathing at least 30 times per hour of sleep. Severe sleep apnea was most common in people with a higher body mass index (BMI).“The high prevalence of undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, sleep apnea among obese patients with diabetes constitutes a serious public health problem,” study author Gary Foster, PhD, said in a Temple University statement.Diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. as of 2006.... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2432495 Fri, 22 May 2009 15:27:00 +0100 2432495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2427575&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Flosing-weight-with-cpap-for-sleep-apnea.html Excess body weight is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Treating sleep apnea with CPAP helps some people bring their weight under control.In some cases the change is dramatic. NorthWest Cable News in Seattle reports that CPAP helped one woman lose more than 100 pounds in a little more than a year. She used to weigh more than 300 pounds.Then she was diagnosed with sleep apnea and started using CPAP. She began to notice that she had more energy. So she started working out regularly and eating better.CPAP also played a role behind the scenes of the TV show “The Biggest Loser: Couples.” Each contestant was evaluated during an overnight sleep study.Sixteen of the 22 contestants were diagnosed with sleep apnea. Sponsor Philips Respironics provided treatment for each of them.Bu... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2427575 Thu, 21 May 2009 16:30:00 +0100 2427575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442172&cid=t_121280_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentistry-news-sleep-apnea-often-undiagnosed-in-type-2-diabetes-patients%2F Diabetes is the seventh greatest cause of death in the United States. Over half of obese/overweight Americans have diabetes. In a recent study called Sleep AHEAD, 87% of obese patients with type 2 diabetes showed symptoms of sleep apnea, but they were not diagnosed.  Without diagnosis and treatment, these patients face increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. For many years now, the medical community has known that obesity is associated with sleep apnea, so why the lack of diagnosis? Dr. Gary Foster, director of Temple University’s Center for Obesity Research and Education, says this “constitutes a serious public health problem” in a release at EurekaAlert! In Sleep AHEAD, researchers found: 86.6% of participants had u... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442172 Thu, 21 May 2009 13:41:00 +0100 2442172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2423330&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdo-dentures-affect-sleep-apnea.html Obstructive sleep apnea is common at all ages. But it occurs even more often in the transition from middle-aged to older-aged adults. For older adults with sleep apnea, do dentures affect their breathing during sleep?A new study from Japan found mixed results. The study involved 34 adults who wear complete dentures. Their average age was 72.5 years. Twenty seven of the participants had at least mild sleep apnea with five or more breathing pauses per hour of sleep.Sleeping without dentures, participants stopped breathing an average of 17.7 times per hour during one night of sleep. With dentures, breathing pauses during sleep decreased in 19 of the 27 participants. The average number of breathing pauses per hour of sleep with dentures dropped to 13.3. But in eight of the older adults, breath... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2423330 Sat, 16 May 2009 10:45:00 +0100 2423330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2414361&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fstop-to-find-out-if-you-are-at-risk-for.html A new study confirms that the "STOP questionnaire" is a useful tool for predicting your risk of obstructive sleep apnea. So what’s your risk?To find out, answer these four simple, yes or no “STOP” questions:S: Do you SNORE loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?T: Do you often feel TIRED, fatigued, or sleepy during daytime?O: Has anyone OBSERVED you stop breathing during your sleep?P: Do you have or are you being treated for high blood PRESSURE?You have a high risk of sleep apnea if you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions. You have a low risk if you answered “yes” to less than two questions.The questionnaire has an even higher predictive value when you answer four more questions in the “STOP-Bang” version:B: BMI more than... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2414361 Fri, 15 May 2009 18:36:00 +0100 2414361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2414365&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fcan-you-treat-sleep-apnea-with-tongue.html Obstructive sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing during sleep. These breathing pauses occur when the tongue and soft tissue of the throat collapse and block the airway. What if you exercised the tongue and the throat muscles each day? Would strengthening and toning these muscles prevent your airway from collapsing?This idea gained support from a small study in 2006. Sleep apnea severity improved in people who learned to play the didgeridoo.A new study from Brazil used an exercise regimen to put this theory to the test. The small study involved people with moderate sleep apnea; 16 participants performed daily exercises for three months.The British Medical Journal Group reports that the exercises were developed from speech therapy. One technique was to repeatedly press the tongue up agai... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2414365 Mon, 11 May 2009 16:10:00 +0100 2414365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398860&cid=t_121280_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FK9_CwoLKMlo%2F Sleep apnea is more than an inconvenience that makes us feel tired the next day - it can make us dangerously sleepy, affecting judgment and causing accidents because of our fatigue. Before trying treatments that could be expensive (like a machine called a CPAP that helps you breathe at night), researchers have found that a simple tongue exercise may help reduce the incidence of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They often occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound. Sleep apnea usually is a chronic (ongoing) condition that disrupts your sleep... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398860 Thu, 07 May 2009 10:27:05 +0100 2398860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390246&cid=t_121280_135_f&fid=35262&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsurvivinghiv.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fnelson-vergel-going-beyond-survival.html (Source: Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog) Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390246 Wed, 06 May 2009 19:21:00 +0100 2390246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390123&cid=t_121280_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fsleep-apnea-dentistry%2F Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or longer, repeatedly during a sleep session. This form of sleep apnea is often accompanied by snoring because the obstructing tissues tend to vibrate as air enters the body. Research and media attention have made some of the effects of sleep apnea commonly known. They include but are not limited to: • Anxiety • Attention problems • Daytime fatigue • Depression • Diabetes • Falling asleep at inappropriate times • Fibromyalgia • Gastric reflux • Heart attach • Hypertension • Impotence • Increased risk for heart attack • Irritability • Memory, concentration problems • Muscle pain/fatigue • Snoring • Stroke • Weight gain New research from Emory University tells us that an e... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390123 Tue, 05 May 2009 14:37:26 +0100 2390123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380427&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fsleep-apnea-may-affect-stroke-outcome.html A new study shows that the effects of a stroke may be more severe in people who have obstructive sleep apnea.The study involved 174 people who had a stroke. Their risk for sleep apnea was assessed by questionnaire. Results show that 60 percent had a high risk for sleep apnea. Seven participants had already been diagnosed with sleep apnea.Having a high risk for sleep apnea was a predictor for having a worse stroke outcome. People at risk for sleep apnea also were more disabled at the point of discharge from the hospital. The seven people with confirmed sleep apnea had a higher risk of death in the first month after the stroke."In the context of recovering from a stroke, sleep apnea can have a serious impact,” study author Dr. Latha Stead said in a University of Rochester Medical Center st... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380427 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:03:00 +0100 2380427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2329679&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fsleep-apnea-banana-cure.html A small study has generated some big claims about bananas and obstructive sleep apnea.One news outlet proclaims that the “banana may prove to be a life saver” for people with sleep apnea. Another article states that bananas “may help cure sleep disorders and snoring.”It sounds too good to be true. Is it fact, or online fiction? The source of the buzz is a study from Australia. The results were presented last week at a scientific meeting. The study abstract (#TP231) is available online.The study examined the “surface active phospholipids” of bananas. It sought to determine how long the surface tissue of the mouth might retain these oily compounds.Initial tissue cells were swiped from the inside of the subjects’ cheeks. Analysis found that these cells showed no evidence of phos... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2329679 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:22:00 +0100 2329679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2329683&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fgetting-help-for-sleep-problems-from.html CBS 2 News in Chicago reports that a growing number of dentists are practicing “dental sleep medicine.” What does dentistry have to do with sleep?The most obvious connection between your teeth and your sleep is bruxism. This occurs when you grind or clench your teeth during sleep.Bruxism can damage your teeth and cause jaw discomfort or pain. It also can briefly disturb your sleep – and wake up your bed partner.A dental sleep medicine specialist can fit you with a mouth guard that you wear during sleep. This will protect your teeth and reduce the grinding noise.But dental sleep medicine specialists aren’t just bruxism experts. They also may be able to help you with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. These problems involve a partial or complete blockage of your airway.A dentist wh... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2329683 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:54:00 +0100 2329683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299068&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsleep-apnea-common-problem-for-nfl.html A new study being presented today shows that obstructive sleep apnea is common in retired NFL players.The study involved 167 players. Results show that 60 percent of the linemen had sleep apnea. During sleep they had an average of 18.1 breathing pauses per hour.The linemen also had an average body mass index of 34.2. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.Forty-six percent of non-linemen had sleep apnea. They had an average of 13.4 breathing pauses per hour.The study is consistent with previous research.A 2003 study of 302 NFL players found that they are more likely to have sleep apnea than other men their age. The risk was highest for offensive and defensive linemen.A 2005 study found that 97 percent of NFL players are overweight, with a BMI of 25 or higher. Being overweight or obese i... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299068 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:10:00 +0100 2299068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299071&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fare-you-at-risk-for-sleep-apnea.html Obstructive sleep apnea can have a severe impact on your health and well-being. Studies have linked it to problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and depression.But most people with sleep apnea are unaware that they have it. Could you be one of these people?Find out by answering these simple questions. See if you might be at risk for sleep apnea.Get help for sleep apnea at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you. (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299071 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:17:00 +0100 2299071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299073&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fevidence-that-obstructive-sleep-apnea.html A new article on SleepEducation.com reports on the link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and brain damage.A recent brain imaging study from France found a loss of “gray matter” in people with sleep apnea. A UCLA team reported similar results in a June 2008 study.They found that people with sleep apnea have tissue loss in the mammillary bodies. These are brain regions that help store memory.The same team published another brain imaging study in the journal Sleep in July 2008. It shows that people with sleep apnea have extensive alterations in “white matter.” The damage can affect mood, memory and blood pressure control.The studies highlight the importance of treating sleep apnea. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP.Learn more about the benefits of CPAP therapy. (S... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299073 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:17:00 +0100 2299073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2236541&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fmuch-ado-about-snoring.html Segments of today’s Morning Edition on NPR focused on snoring in adults and children. It’s a common problem. But what can be done about it?First, you need to be aware that snoring is a common sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Most often this kind of snoring is loud and frequent. It tends to be followed by silent pauses in breathing. These pauses may end with a loud choking or snorting sound.Sleep apnea is a serious health problem that requires medical attention. CPAP and oral appliances are the two most common treatments. Another option is surgery, which is a common solution for children with sleep apnea.But what about a milder case of snoring that is unrelated to sleep apnea? Are there any solutions?Well there are hundreds, if not thousands, of products that are marketed to “cure” ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2236541 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:02:00 +0100 2236541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2218888&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Flosing-weight-which-diet-is-best.html If you are obese, weight loss is one strategy to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. It is unlikely to cure sleep apnea, but it can help. And losing weight can produce many other benefits for your health and well-being.But where do you begin? There are so many types of diets. Each one has its supporters. And it’s easy to be lured in by an advertisement – many of which make false claims.Should you focus on a high-protein diet? High fat, low carb? High carb, low fat? How do you know?A new, long-term study provides some helpful insight. It involved 811 adults. They had an average age of 51 and an average body mass index (BMI) of 33.Each person was assigned to one of four types of diets. The diets allowed differing portions of fat, protein and carbs. All of the diets had the sa... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2218888 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:02:00 +0100 2218888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2212793&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Flosing-weight-bariatric-surgery-sleep.html Is bariatric surgery a good treatment option for an obese person who has obstructive sleep apnea?A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine provides caution. The study involved 24 men and women with sleep apnea.Before surgery they had an average body mass index (BMI) of 51. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered “obese.”Their sleep apnea also was severe. They had an average apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 47.9. This means that they stopped breathing about 48 times per hour of sleep. In general an AHI of more than 30 is considered “severe.”Bariatric surgery did provide some benefits. But it wasn’t a cure.One year after surgery the participants were still obese; but they had a much lower average BMI of 32.Their average AHI also dropped to 24.5. But only one person no longe... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2212793 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:05:00 +0100 2212793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207945&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fsleep-apnea-women-what-are-signs.html Male. Middle-aged. Obese. Snores loudly and frequently. Bedpartner notices pauses in breathing during sleep. That is the typical description of a person who has obstructive sleep apnea.But don’t be mistaken: Women have sleep apnea too.Do women have different symptoms than men? A new study takes a look. It compared 20 women with 71 men who were all admitted to a sleep clinic. The average age, body mass index and blood pressure were similar between men and women. They also reported a similar level of daytime sleepiness.Snoring was the most common symptom in both men and women. It was reported by 95 percent of the men and 90 percent of the women.Women were more likely than men to report morning headaches. They were less likely to have dry mouth in the morning. Women also were more likely to... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207945 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:33:00 +0100 2207945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207950&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fmorning-headaches-sleep-apnea.html A new study takes a look at the link between morning headaches and obstructive sleep apnea.The study involved 462 people with sleep apnea. A control group included 101 people without sleep apnea.Results show that about 34 percent of the sleep apnea group reported having morning headaches. People with moderate to severe sleep apnea were more likely to wake with a headache.Morning headaches also were more common in women than in men. Only nine percent of the control group reported morning headaches.People who reported morning headaches had much lower oxygen saturation levels during sleep. But the study was unable to determine a specific cause of the morning headaches.The good news? Treating sleep apnea with CPAP eliminated morning headaches in 90 percent of participants.Other studies of slee... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207950 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:53:00 +0100 2207950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207953&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fsleep-relationships-practical-tips-to.html Yesterday we looked at some signs that you or your bed partner may be a sleep stealer. Today let’s discuss three ways to put an end to sleep stealing.First, seek medical help for an ongoing sleep disorder. Meet with a board-certified sleep specialist at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.Many sleep disorders can be disruptive to your bed partner’s sleep. These include snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and grinding teeth – also called bruxism. Or you may have one of the disturbing sleep disorders that are classified as a type of parasomnia. If so, you can follow these ten tips for preventing parasomnias.The need for medical help is most urgent if you suspect that you may have sleep apnea. It can increase your risk for other health problems such as heart di... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207953 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:04:00 +0100 2207953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207957&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fwhat-disease-is-1-killer-of-women.html Did you guess cancer? You’re close, but wrong. Diabetes? You’re getting colder. The answer: In the U.S. heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Surprised?Don’t feel bad if you got the answer wrong; you’re not alone. The NHLBI reports that 35 percent of women are unaware that heart disease is the leading killer of women.February is American Heart Month. So now is the perfect time to think about your own heart health.Using 2004 data the CDC reports that 27.2 percent of deaths among women are due to heart disease. Cancer comes in second place at 22 percent. Stroke is third at 7.5 percent, and diabetes is seventh at 7.1 percent.The raw numbers are even more striking. In 2005 heart disease took the lives of 329,250 women – more women than men. Cancer deaths: 268,890 wom... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207957 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:30:00 +0100 2207957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207960&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fweight-loss-sleep-apnea.html Obstructive sleep apnea is common in people who are overweight or obese. So is weight loss an effective way to treat sleep apnea?A new study from Finland shows that people with mild sleep apnea may benefit from weight loss. Participants were put on a very low calorie diet. They also received supervised lifestyle modification.The treatment led to an average weight loss of 10.7 kg, which is almost 24 pounds. It also led to a significant reduction in sleep apnea severity. All common sleep apnea symptoms improved. The treatment benefits remained at the one-year follow up.The AASM recommends dietary weight loss as one treatment strategy for people who are obese and have sleep apnea. But weight loss should be combined with another treatment such as CPAP or an oral appliance.Why? There are three ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207960 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:07:00 +0100 2207960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207964&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fbed-partners-sleep-apnea-cpap-marriage.html When obstructive sleep apnea invades the bedroom, no one sleeps well. A person who has severe sleep apnea may briefly wake up more than 30 times an hour. The loud snoring and gasping sounds also disturb the bed partner’s sleep.The sleep problems can be a source of conflict in a marriage. Often the bed partner chooses to sleep in a separate roomThe best treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. A new study shows that CPAP also may be good for a marriage. Results show that marital conflict decreases after three months of CPAP use.An earlier study found that CPAP also improves the bed partner’s quality of life. Daytime sleepiness decreases. There are fewer role limitations due to physical problems. Social functioning and mental health improves.A small study in the Journal of Clinical Sle... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207964 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:41:00 +0100 2207964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074201&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsleep-and-coronary-artery-calcification.html Several medical bloggers have posted about a recent study in which increased sleep time was associated with a decreased incidence of coronary artery disease (as measured by coronary artery calcification).The problem with these observational studies looking at sleep duration and mortality/morbidity is that they don't distinguish between 1) voluntary sleep deprivation, 2) primary insomnia, and 3) insomnia secondary to medical/sleep disorders.How is a doctor to use the data from this study???I doubt writing a prescription for a sleeping pill would improve someone's coronary artery calcification score. However, advising someone with voluntary sleep deprivation (due to work pressures, etc) to extend their sleep hours might (if they take your advice)- I base this conclusion on prior studies whic... sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074201 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:49:00 +0100 2074201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2056049&cid=t_121280_146_f&fid=34960&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepdoctor.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fbilling-for-interrupted-sleep-studies.html This appeared in the current issue of Medical Economics (I am quoting it in full to better illustrate how wrong the answer is):Q: We perform sleep and polysomnography studies, which are frequently interrupted because the patient repeatedly stops breathing and we need to implement continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Until now, we didn't think we could bill for those interrupted studies, but we were recently told it is appropriate to do so. How do we proceed?A: There are actually two proper ways to report the service, according to Current Procedural Terminology. The first is to report the appropriate code from the 95803-95811 range with the modifier –52 for reduced services. The second is to report the appropriate code with the modifier –53 for discontinued services.The modifier... sleepdoctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2056049 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:45:00 +0100 2056049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2033846&cid=t_121280_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fsleep-apnea-and-sleep-lab-video.html (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2033846 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:05:00 +0100 2033846