Recently there was news of a high school alumnus, Danny that passed away in his sleep at the young age of 59. Shocked and saddened by the news, I found out that he died of congestive heart failure. Knowing that congestive heart failure has many symptoms and causes no one knew at the time of the funeral why this young, easy-going man had CHF without knowing he had it. Just yesterday I was told it was due to SLEEP APNEA! He had symptoms of sleep apnea for years and did nothing about it, because he didn’t know the signs or how life threatening sleep apnea can be. Sleep apnea is a major health issue that affects millions of people and they don’t even know they have it. Studies have discovered an association between sleep apnea and congestive heart failure. People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may damage the right side of their heart because it has to pump harder to maintain the lungs attempt to overcome the airway obstruction. Nearly one half of the people in the study had not been diagnosed. Read more »
Facts about What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome RLS
Here are some basic facts about what causes restless legs syndrome. What is restless legs syndrome? Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic disorder characterized by throbbing, creeping and painful sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. The sensations are typically worse during periods of inactivity and usually strongest at night. The symptoms are improved with activity. For this reason, people with RLS generally have insomnia, which may be severe. There are no known cures for restless leg syndrome, but some individuals have experienced a temporary remission. Read more »
Sleep too Easy Narcolepsy Facts
Some narcolepsy facts state that anyone, at any age (although most symptoms are usually first noticed in teenagers or younger adults) can develop this sleep disorder that affects the nervous system. Narcolepsy often runs in families with 8 to 12 percent of people with narcolepsy having a close relative with this condition. It can cause excessive sleepiness, including frequent sleep attacks during the day. If you have narcolepsy it can have a huge impact on your active, busy lifestyle. Read more »
Lethargic Definition
A lethargic definition is described as feelings of tiredness, fatigue or lack of energy that can be accompanied by depression, decreased motivation or apathy. The meaning of lethargic is the same as somnolence which is defined as a state of near sleep, a strong desire to sleep or sleeping for longer periods (hypersomnia). Feeling tired and lethargic can be a normal reaction to; not getting enough sleep, overexertion, overworking, stress, lack of exercise and boredom. If lethargy is caused by a normal reaction it is usually resolved with decreased stress, good diet and getting enough sleep. Read more »
Sleeping Beauty Real Story (KLS or Kleine-Levin Syndrome)
This is the sleeping beauty real story (KLS or Kleine-Levin Syndrome) also known as recurrent hypersomnia where a person sleeps for long periods of time which can be the result of many sleep disorders. In the fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, a princess sleeps for 100 years under the curse of an evil witch and a handsome prince comes along to kiss her and breaks the spell. Often it starts with flu-like symptoms with a high fever and just like the fairy tale’s poisoned splinter the sleeping curse begins. This is what happened to a 17 year old from Worthing, England named Louisa Ball. She wouldn’t stop sleeping for 10 to 14 days, only awoken to eat and take bathroom breaks. She missed school, dance classes, birthdays and holidays. Kleine-Levin Syndrome is an incurable autoimmune disorder that disrupts the part of the brain that regulates appetite, sleep and libido. More often than not it afflicts males and usually begins with a virus during preteen and teenage years that trigger sleep and aggressiveness. According to experts, those suffering from KLS syndrome can grow out of it in 10 to 12 years. Read more »
Extreme Tiredness in Women
Extreme tiredness in women differs from tiredness associated with occasional fatigue or afternoon sleepiness. Occasional fatigue or afternoon sleepiness goes away with adequate rest and sound, deep sleep. Extreme tiredness that does not go away with rest and nutrition may indicate an underlying disorder or cause that your physician should evaluate. An ongoing physical or mental condition that causes extreme tiredness may or may not be treatable. According to LiveStrong.com the following are four reasons why women (and men) may be suffering from extreme tiredness. Read more »
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
The number one symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an overwhelming tiredness or exhaustion that lasts at least 6 months and does not get better with rest. This exhaustion is so severe it interferes with daily life. Other names of CFS include Epstein-Barr, yuppie flu and me (myalgic encephalomyelitis). There are eight official chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms besides fatigue and they are; loss of memory, enlarged lymph nodes in neck or armpit, unexplained muscle pain or weakness, joint aches and pains, sore throat, chronic headaches, numbness or tingling in hands and feet and afternoon sleepiness. Other common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may include; fever and chills, irritable bowel, night sweats, chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic cough, sensitivity to light, allergies, irregular heartbeat, dizziness (orthostatic hypotension), balance problems and psychological problems like depression, mood swings, anxiety and panic attacks. Read more »
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Muscle Spasms are Symptoms of Low Potassium in Women
This article will cover potassium and how it affects sleep, good sources of potassium in foods, potassium deficiency symptoms, potassium supplements and potassium supplements side effects, including overdose. Potassium symbol K for the Neo-Latin term kalium is a vital and necessary mineral for the proper function of organs, fluids and muscles. Because it contributes to muscle function restless leg syndrome (RLS) and muscle spasms are symptoms of low potassium in women. Do you ever wake up during the middle of the night grabbing your calf from a painful charley horse? Do you find it hard to fall to sleep easy at night because of restless leg syndrome (RLS)? Do you have muscle spasms in your legs or arms that disrupt your sleep? An article written by the New England Journal of Medicine in 1998 illustrated how low levels of potassium has various effects on the central nervous system causing conditions like tinnitus, memory loss, anxiety, sleep problems from muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, afternoon sleepiness and confusion. Read more »
Sleep Apnea vs Depression
For many years I had felt exhausted, suffering from poor sleep and was told I was a loud snorer. See: Why do I snore for more information. As I got older I began to gain weight because I was always too busy to exercise. Putting on 50 lbs in 10 years I no longer had any energy for an active life. Caffeine became my friend as I drank coffee and tea constantly to stay awake, but eventually that stopped working. In addition to my declining health I developed hyperhidrosis a condition where you constantly sweat. My family life began to suffer because all I wanted to do was sleep which is a symptom of depression. I had a hard time falling asleep easy, but once I did I wanted sleep nine or more hours. Read more »
I Am Woman Hear Me Snore
I am woman, hear me snore? Not me! Women in general are too embarrassed to admit that they snore. But anyone can snore, even a woman. Studies show that 30% of women snore regularly. What is snoring? While we sleep airflow causes tissues of the nose and throat to vibrate and form sound waves. There is no definitive body type that causes snoring, but those that are heavier are more incline to snore due to the extra weight narrowing the airway passage on their neck. Different people have different reasons for the narrowing. It can be caused by certain medication, drinking alcohol, a viral illness or a physical irregularity. The narrowing can be in the nose, mouth or throat. Read more »