Insomnia is a sleep disorder which is characterized by the difficulty in falling or staying asleep. Patients with insomnia might have one or more of these following symptoms:

• Difficulty in falling asleep
• Waking up frequently during the night and also having trouble in going back to sleep
• Waking up very early in the morning and finding impossible to sleep again even if tired
• Feeling very tired and dull upon waking up

Types of Insomnia

There are 2 types of insomnia:

1) Primary Insomnia.

2) Secondary Insomnia.

Primary Insomnia:

When a person has sleep problems which are not directly linked with any other health problem or condition, then it’s called Primary Insomnia.

Secondary Insomnia happens when a person has sleep problems because of some other health issue. This includes health problems like depression, cancer, asthma, arthritis or heartburn. Insomnia can happen due to the medication the patient is taking or some substance like alcohol which they are using. There are other types of Insomnia.

Acute versus Chronic Insomnia:

Insomnia can be classified into acute and chronic depending on how often it occurs and how long it lasts. It can be either short-term (acute insomnia) or a long lasting one (chronic insomnia). For some people, it can come and go, with some period of time with no sleep problems. Acute insomnia usually lasts from one night to a couple of weeks.

Acute Insomnia Causes:

• Life stress (Mental Stress)
• Physical or Mental illness
• Discomfort at the Emotional or physical level
• Because of some environmental factors like extreme temperatures, light, noise which causes interference with sleep
• Intake of some medications to treat other illness(like colds/allergies/depression/blood pressure/asthma).
• Unexpected interferences in the normal sleep schedule (ie. jet lag or because of the switch from day to night shift,etc.)

The condition becomes chronic when the person experiences insomnia for at least 3 nights a week for longer periods of time.

Chronic Insomnia Causes:

• Depression or anxiety.
• Presence of Chronic stress.
• Experiencing some sort of pain or discomfort during the night.

Symptoms of Insomnia

Following are some of the insomnia symptoms in which an Insomniac person will experience:

• Sleepiness in the daytime
• A lot of tiredness
• Irritability
• Problems in concentrating on work or memory issues

How to diagnose Insomnia?

If you think you experience any of the above insomnia symptoms, talk to your health care professional. A simple evaluation involving a physical exam, a review of medical history and sleep history. One can maintain a sleep diary for a week or more, keep track of the sleep patterns, etc. Another thing to track is, how you feel and mood levels throughout the day.

A doctor may want to interview the bed partner to know about both the quality and quantity of your sleep. In extreme insomnia cases, one may be referred to a sleep specialist or dental sleep clinic for special tests.

Acute insomnia can be cured without any treatment. Mild effects of insomnia can be cured or prevented by practicing proper sleep habits. If the insomnia affects your activities during the day, then consult a health care provider immediately. If you are sleepy and tired during the day, sleeping pills are usually prescribed for a limited time. If the problem persists, then check with a sleep specialist.

Short acting drugs can help to avoid the side effects such as drowsiness which happen in the following day. So, avoid using over-the-counter or random sleeping pills for insomnia. They might have undesired side effects and also bound to lose the effectiveness over time.

Chronic insomnia treatments involve first treating the underlying conditions or any health problems which causes insomnia. If insomnia continues, doctors may suggest taking behavioral therapy. Such behavioral approaches help one to change the behaviors which worsen insomnia.

This helps also in learning and adapting new behaviors which will promote sleep. Other techniques like sleep restriction therapy, relaxation exercises and reconditioning are found to be useful. Levels of Insomnia in Australia is rather high because of the climatic conditions.

Ways to prevent Insomnia:

Good sleep habits and sleep hygiene can help in beating insomnia. Following tips are proven to be effective:

• Go to sleep at the same time every night and also get up at the same time every morning. It’s best to try not to take naps during the day. Because such naps make one less sleepy during the night.
• Avoid too much usage of phones or other communication devices which give off light during bedtime. Such activities make it harder to sleep immediately.
• Avoid taking substances like nicotine, caffeine and alcohol during the evening times. Caffeine and nicotine are active stimulants and they keep one from falling asleep. Alcohol can lead to waking up in the middle of the night and interferes highly with the sleep quality.
• Get regular exercise and some other forms of physical activity. Do not exercise near bedtime. It may stimulate the blood flow and makes it hard to fall asleep immediately. Experts suggest to not exercise for at least 3 to 4 hours before sleeping time.
• Do not eat any heavy meals later in the day. It’s always preferable to have a light snack before bedtime. It usually helps in sleeping faster.
• Make your bedroom war enough and comfortable. Make sure that the room is quiet, dark and not too warm or too much cold. If you find difficulty with light, try using a sleeping mask. In case noise is a problem, try using earplugs or a fan or a noise removal machine to reduce the sounds.
• Make sure to follow a routine which helps you to relax before sleep. It could be reading a book, listening to music, or taking a warm bath.
• Try to avoid using your bed for activities other than sleep. Doing office work, eating, playing on the bed makes it difficult to get a proper sleep mindset.
• If one can’t fall asleep or not feeling drowsy, then it’s better to get up and read or do some activity which is not overly stimulating. Try doing this until you feel sleepy enough.
• If you lie awake worrying about a lot of things, then try doing a to-do list before going to bed. This helps one to avoid unnecessary worries during the night time.

Related Post: Mouth Devices for Sleep Apnea

The post Insomnia- Causes, Symptoms & Treatments first appeared on Dental Sleep Clinic Australia.

Prolonged untreated sleep apnea might lead to other diseases like stroke, hypertension or heart failure. It can also result in daytime sleepiness which could lead to more danger. If someone works with heavy machinery or driving, then it becomes even riskier for the life of that individual. Other diseases include higher blood pressure and stroke.

Though a lot of treatments are available like CPAP(continuous positive air pressure) and MAD, it might become too tough to pick the right one. This article is focused to give an understanding about the mouth devices for snoring available in the market today.

What is Sleep Apnea and how it occurs?

Obstructive sleep apnea happens due to airway blockage during sleeping. It is caused usually by the collapse of the tissue present in the rear region of the throat while sleeping. Thus, the relaxation of muscles presents around the tongue and the throat causes the surrounding tissues to block the flow of air to the lungs while one sleeps.

People with such a problem might stop breathing for about a hundred times each night. This break in breathing can go for a minute or even more. This leads to symptoms like loud snoring and too much of daytime sleepiness. Thus, if anyone you know has these symptoms, it’s time to take them for a checkup.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with this disease, there are a few sleep apnea treatments available. You can consult with your doctor priorly before making any decision.  In this article, we will look into two of the most effective mouth devices in Geelong available in the market today: CPAP and MAD.

Sleep Apnea Mouth Devices

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):

Continuous positive airway pressure also called as CPAP is a dental appliance to cure sleep apnea. It looks like a mouth guard. It is one of the most effective treatments available in the market today. CPAP blows air along with continuous pressure down the throat at night. This keeps the airways open when one sleeps. The treatment is usually done by using a CPAP machine.

The CPAP sleep apnea machine consists of three main parts:

1. A mask that fits over the nose or nose and the mouth. It is held in place by the straps while sleeping.
2. A Motor which blows air constantly
3. A large tube is known as a cannula which connects the motor and the mask

CPAP machines are usually lightweight, small and fairly quiet. It becomes convenient to take it while you travel. And, it can be set up in the mouth easily.

Major Benefits of CPAP include

1. Keeping the airways open while one sleeps
2. Eases the snoring
3. Improves sleep quality
4. Relieves daytime sleepiness
5. Lowers the blood pressure.

Some complaints seem to be found higher among patients who got treated with fitted dental devices. These are kept in place before going to bed. Though there’s no proper evidence for the effectiveness of these devices, it is at least better than nothing.

A lot of new research is being done to find their effectiveness for severe obstructive sleep apnea cases. Few of the patients find the CPAP masks to be little uncomfortable to use. Thus alternative devices are being constructed.

Sleep apnea Geelong helps in setting up a CPAP easily.

Patients usually feel better rested and alert once the CPAP is setup. Getting used to such mouth devices can take some time. Few people might feel difficulty while sleeping during the first few nights of treatment.

If you face any of these difficulties or other problems then call your doctor to know about any possible way to avoid this. A smaller adjustment in the CPAP machine can make it more comfortable. A few CPAP machines have added features like heated humidifiers. This will reduce the problems of drying of airways. Some other possible fixes are using a cushioned face mask or usage of chin straps. An expert doctor may have other additional suggestions.

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD):

If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, then MAD is for you. If you find difficulty in using CPAP, such oral appliances may be an alternative option. Mandibular Advancement Device sleep apnea machines are usually fitted by a dentist or an orthodontist. This should also be worn in the mouth at night time.

This is the most widely used mouth device and found to be effective for sleep apnea.MAD devices look similar to a mouth guard which is used in sports. These devices snap over the lower and the upper dental arches. They also have metal hinges which makes it possible and easy for the lower jaw to be at ease. You might be also able to control the degree of the advancement in the device.

The tongue retaining device which is less commonly used than MAD is also effective. It looks like a splint which holds the tongue in place in order to let the airway open.

So, for people with moderate sleep apnea, dental devices will definitely improve the sleep quality. It will also reduce the frequency and the loudness of snoring. It is useful particularly for those who sleep on their backs or on their stomachs. Also, some people are more likely to use these dental appliances more than CPAP.

Such dental devices are used for long term sleep apnea treatment. It is proven to be easier against uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, a surgical procedure for apnea. In this, the surgeon removes the soft tissue present in the back of the throat. Though dental devices have some drawbacks, they are easier to use and affordable.

Some of the drawbacks include movement of teeth, altered bite, arthritis in temporal mandibular joint, pain, excessive salivation and dry lips. Mandibular Advancement Splints are alternative options for MADs.

Other Tips

1. If you want to use a dental device, then check up with a doctor or Dental Sleep Clinic for more details.
2. Check on early if the device is working properly
3. Go for periodic check-ups in case of minor adjustment or possible replacement.
4. If there is any pain or frequent bite in tongue, then you may need to make minor modifications

Conclusion

Treatment for sleep apnoea depends on a large number of factors like the severity of the problem or the structure of your throat and the airway or other medical problems present. A perfect solution can be achieved by working with an experienced doctor and also with Dental Sleep Clinic professionals. That’s the right way to select the best treatment suited for you.

Related Post: Long-term benefits of mandibular advancement splints

The post Mouth Devices for Sleep Apnea first appeared on Dental Sleep Clinic Australia.

Insomnia is one of the most widely recognized sleep disorders. It can occur in both adults and children. Insomnia may recognize as difficulty sleeping, falling asleep or the inability to stay asleep. A lack of sleep can severely affect your work performance, as well as your personal life leading to a lack of vitality. There are five types of insomnia.

1. Acute insomnia

Acute insomnia is usually described as a brief episode of difficulty sleeping usually caused by stress or some other life event. It may be caused by work problems, an encounter with a friend or family member or after receiving bad news. Quite often, once the issue has been resolved, acute insomnia goes away without needing medical treatment.

2. Chronic insomnia

Chronic insomnia is described as a long-term pattern of difficulty sleeping. A person may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for at least three nights per week for a period of three months or longer. Chronic insomnia may be caused by often a person may have a history of sleeping problems.

3. Comorbid insomnia

Medical conditions can also attribute to insomnia. Comorbid insomnia occurs when a patient has a medical condition such as anxiety or depression. Other conditions such as back pain or arthritis can contribute to being unable to sleep through the night.

4. Onset insomnia

Onset insomnia is described as the inability or difficulty to fall asleep at night. It may take a person 20 minutes or longer to fall asleep.

5. Maintenance insomnia

Those suffering from maintenance insomnia usually have the inability to stay asleep after waking in the night and are unable to return to sleep. If you think you may be suffering from a form of insomnia, it is important to seek help from your General Practitioner or Sleep Physician as soon as possible as there are several different treatments.

Related Post: Snoring Geelong- Most Effective Remedies to Stop Snoring

The post 5 Types of Insomnia first appeared on Dental Sleep Clinic Australia.

The amount of sleep you get each night is known to directly affect your mental and physical health as well as the quality of your waking life. The average person requires eight hours and you may think a few late nights a week won’t affect you, but add up all of those shaved off hours and they begin to take their toll. Not having a regular sleep routine can affect not only your productivity and daytime vitality but also your emotional well-being, heart and brain health and even your weight. Unfortunately, many of us don’t keep a good bedtime routine, or we regularly toss and turn at night, weighed down by stress, anxiety and other factors struggling to get the true amount of sleep we require.

Sometimes there may be a medical reason such as sleep apnoea, depression or restless legs syndrome that can lead to a bad night’s sleep and it’s important to consult your GP or sleep physician regarding your symptoms. For others, simply creating a good sleep practice by making small changes to your daily routines can have a major impact on just how well you sleep, leaving you feeling emotionally and mentally prepared for the day, refreshed and brimming with energy all day long.

For those who just want a good night’s sleep or to try something else before consulting a doctor, there are 8 tips you can add to your daily routine to help develop a better sleep hygiene and to enhance your mental and physical health.

Exercise – Exercise plays an important role in your overall well-being, and it can also help burn extra energy that is keeping you awake. Try to include some form of physical exercise in your daily routine. Try not avoid exercise 3-4 hours before bedtime or it may deter sleep. Exercise such as yoga or tai chi can be done closer to bedtime as it relaxes the body.

Diet–Try to avoid heavy meals at dinner. Aiming to not eat at least an hour before bedtime may help with falling asleep. If you need to snack, keep it to something light such as crackers. Try to avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Alcohol may induce tiredness but can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle waking you in the night. Try a cup of warm milk or herbal tea before bed instead.

Environment – Try to keep your room as calming as possible to enhance chances of sleep; most often a cool, dark and quiet environment is needed. Eliminate exposure to light, if necessary use earplugs, sleep masks or add items to create a calming environment such a diffuser with essential oils. Before bed tries taking a warm shower or bath, meditate or use other relaxation techniques to encourage a better sleep.

Sleep Routine – Maintain a good bedtime routine. Aim for the recommended 8 hours and try to stick to a good schedule of going to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Try to alter this as little as possible; even on weekends. Routine is key for a good sleep-wake cycle. If it’s taking longer than 20minutes to fall asleep; try to do something relaxing such as a meditation, read or listening to soft music until you feel tired and try going to bed again.

Avoid Over napping – Are you someone who needs a midday kip? Try to avoid over napping; it’s recommended that no more than 20-30minutes is needed during the day, and try not to nap too late in the day. Over napping may affect your chances of falling and staying asleep later on.

Reduce Blue-Light Before Bed – Turning off phones, computers, tablets, clocks and the TV play a vital role in powering down when it comes to bedtime. Also, try to avoid using them during the night if you happen to wake. The blue-light sources may harm your chances of falling and getting back to sleep. Try to stop using them an hour before bed.

Reduce Stress –Stress and anxiety can be a major factor in being unable to get a good night’s rest. Perhaps write down your worries or hat needs tackling and set them aside for tomorrow. Think of ways time management could help reduce stress; or even try relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi or mediation – there are some great apps around with guided meditations as short as 5minutes.

Know When to See Your Doctor –If you’ve tried everything and you’re still having trouble falling asleep and getting the recommended eight hours, consult with your GP as they may be able to assist with treatments or recommend a sleep physician.

Related Post: How to Avoid Sleeping During Day Time 

The post How to Get Better Sleep at Night first appeared on Dental Sleep Clinic Australia.

Many lifestyle factors contribute to lack of sleep from time to time. Stress, anxiety, jet lag, illness, caffeine, alcohol and other activities contribute to our sleep. But if you’re finding that your inability to get to sleep or stay asleep is dragging on; then there may be something larger afoot.

A sleep disorder is a condition that regularly impacts your day to day life. You may experience constant daytime tiredness, aching joints, and muscles, a lack of energy and memory problems. It may also affect your job performance and put a strain on your overall wellbeing. Left untreated, sleep disorders may lead to having a serious effect on your mental and physical health.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a sleep disorder

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep – may even be scared to fall asleep
• Unexplained sudden sleepiness
• Sleepwalking
• Feeling drowsy whilst driving
• Trouble concentrating
• Slow to react
• Waking unrefreshed and needing afternoon naps
• Aching or tingling muscles during the night

Types of common sleep disorders

• Insomnia
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep Walking
• Sleep Terrors
• Sleep Apnoea

Self-improvement for sleep disorders

Whilst some sleep disorders may require a consult with a medical professional, there are many things you can do to assist with your sleeping habits. Curb daytime habits such as afternoon caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes. Aim to keep a sleep routine and add some exercise to your day. Try implementing relaxing therapies such as yoga or meditation to your day to manage stress. Also if you are encountering problems regarding snoring Geelong area, you can consult Dental Sleep Clinic.

However, if you feel you may suffer from a sleep disorder it’s important to seek help from your GP who will refer you to a Sleep Physician. If your disorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, your physician may refer you to Dental Sleep Clinic Australia. We would be happy to help treat you with an oral appliance.

Related Post: How to Avoid Sleeping During Day Time

The post Sleep Disorders and Problems first appeared on Dental Sleep Clinic Australia.