Sleep Medicine/Snoring
Before we get into the subject of various sleep disorders, please take a moment to read this note we received from a delighted patient who never dreamed a sleep disorder was at the heart of her issues. She had been seeking medical help for a schmorgesborg of different health problems without much success. We took the time one day to have an in-depth conversation with her about the bigger picture, and helped her to discover that her sleep disorder was the underlying factor that determined her ability to reverse her health problems.
Here is the thank you note she later wrote us....
SLEEP DISORDERS
So what should all this talk about snoring and "sleep apnea" mean to us as individuals. It's a BIG subject these days.
Let me see if I can break this down to something useful for us all...
Here's a personal story you might relate to: I mentioned to my brother the last time I saw him that he didn't look as "energized" as he has to me for years. He has always been the picture of "vigor" to me: former F15 pilot, incredible multi-tasker, very brainy. But he and I are nearing 50 years old now and our genetics for high blood pressure AND weight problems are starting to creep up on us both.
I asked him if he's getting the same kind of restful sleep as he did in his 30's.
That's when he snapped back "Now don't you start lecturing me too about wearing one of those crazy masks when I sleep. I don't even want to discuss it. I'm fine."
Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, that response is typical of our general knowledge of sleep related disorders. I didn't even know much about the subject until I really dove in and started studying. Here's some background information:
Sleep disorders may be defined as any condition or behavior that keeps you from getting an adequate amount of fully restorative and nearly continuous sleep, every night. Problems with sleep can involve failure to fall asleep or failure to stay asleep. Sleep disorders include a failure to pass through the stages of sleep normally, thereby hindering the important restorative function of sleep.
When you are sleeping, the way your body works changes significantly. Breathing slows and you experience decreased Blood pressure, Heart rate, body temperature and blood flow to the kidneys.
There are essentially 6 stages of sleep and each night you cycle through them all about four to six times:
1. Autogenisis The first 30-35 seconds prior to stage 1. It is characterized by increase in temperature in certain parts of the body and relaxation of muscles.
2. Stage One The 'dozing' stage characterized by slow rolling eyes. 5% of non-REM sleep is in this stage.
3.Stage Two -Characterized by no eye movements. 45% of non-REM sleep is in this stage.
4. Stage Three This is the critical RESTORATIVE stage of sleep. It is usually 12% of non-REM sleep. Characterized by the individual being difficult to arouse.
5. Stage Four When a person is aroused out of this stage they are disoriented and groggy.13% of non-REM sleep is in this stage.
6. REM Sleep Most Dreaming takes place during this phase of sleep. REM sleep makes up 25% of the sleep cycle in normal adults. In the beginning of the night REM lasts 1-5 minutes and then lasts longer and longer with each new cycle throughout the night.
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Rapid eye movement and irregular breathing
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Most of the muscles of the body are completely paralyzed.
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DIAMETER OF THE UPPER AIRWAY IS DECREASED due to muscle paralysis
Of particular concern can be how long it takes to get from Stage 1 to the first REM episode. Normally this is about 90 minutes. Then the cycle begins again.
Factors that can change the sleep cycle at any stage can be:
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Age Stage 3 increases with age
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Sleep Deprivation Increase Stage 3 and decreases the length of time it takes to get to REM
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Drug Interactions Can decrease Stage 3 or suppress REM
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Alcohol Suppresses REM
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Marjuana Chronic use can suppress Stage 3
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Antidepressants (Elavil, Prozac. Wellbutrin, Pamelar) can change sleep stages
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Breathing problems
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Undesirable body movements like tooth grinding and Restless leg syndrome�
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Posture while sleeping
Now that you know more about sleep in general, if snoring is a concern with your or a loved one, check out "Snoring" on the navigation menu upper left.