Archive for the ‘Sleep Disorders’ Category

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Oxygen – Its Importance for Good Health

Friday, September 11th, 2009

“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” That’s a great quote when wanting to lend support to someone after a negative experience. It is however, especially in my line of work, mis-leading. I believe it would be more accurate to say, “That which does not kill us right away, can still kill us in little ways, every day.”

Yes for those how know my personality, that’s a bit dark. The point I’m stressing today is that just because one hasn’t suffered a major trauma such as head injury, near drowning, stroke or heart attack, it doesn’t mean one’s body is immune to oxygen deprivation.

It’s generally accepted for each minute the brain goes without oxygen, there is a 10% increase damage caused. After 3-5 minutes however, one’s chances of survival are greatly diminished.

It also depends on the type of injury. Someone who’s drowning is still getting some blood to the brain as compared to someone in a choke hold that is getting no blood and therefore, NO oxygen to the brain. In a situation like that, death could occur within seconds.

What isn’t generally accepted is that other factors occur, many of them environmental, which cause the body to deliver reduced and/or polluted oxygen to the brain and body. When this happens, the effect may not be immediate or even noticed at first, if at all.

An excellent example of this would be heart disease. Known as the “silent killer,” damage to the heart can occur for years before it is made known, via chest pains, heart attack, etc. Keep in mind that the organs work together and when one of the major organs fails to operate at a proper level, all of the organs can suffer.

If high blood pressure has caused the heart to enlarge, this has in turn, affected the muscle and it is more than likely that the heart isn’t pumping blood properly to the other organs, including the brain.

Another example could be sleep apnea. While moderate to severe apnea can definitely cause high blood pressure and other negative health issues, even mild sleep apnea or snoring can cause extreme tiredness and overeating – due to the fact that the body will try to get it’s “energy” from somewhere.

Over time, this weight increase on its own can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues, not to mention the psychological issues associated.

Pollution is another example but a little scarier to me because barring any congenital or genetic health disorders, this is the one arena I feel I have the least control. While we may disagree to what extent our earth is being polluted, I don’t think anyone will disagree that pollution is occurring.

To my point above, the sun doesn’t have to be blocked and the earth’s population dwelling underground such as in certain sci-fi movies for there to be a very real adverse affect to our health caused by pollution.

Studies now abound that more cancers, viral infections and other diseases are occurring and not just due to population increase. This pollution affects the oxygen molecules being delivered to our brain and other vital organs.

Before you decide that we are fated to ill health, I want you to consider my programs. They are all natural, safe and most importantly, these breathing and relaxation exercises work! I have had great success with the following programs which are aimed at delivering vital oxygen to the brain and body: High Blood Pressure, Alzheimers (coming soon!),Weight Loss Breeze, Migraine and Headache Relief, Vertigo and Dizziness and Stop Snoring.

EL331002

Posted in Genera Natural Health, High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea, Vertigo / Dizziness, Weight Loss | No Comments »

Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction – What is the Link?

Monday, August 24th, 2009

I love receiving feedback about my programs and how they’ve helped. I would have to say that the bulk of my feedback comes from women. Not just women my programs have helped but oftentimes the wife or partner of a man I’ve helped.

While I do still receive feedback from men, the lower ratio does perk my interest even more so – especially when it comes to such a sensitive subject like erectile dysfunction.

As so often happens, clients will try my programs and will find that other areas of their lives improve. This happens to be the case with my Stop Snoring program.

I highly recommend my program for anyone who suffers from snoring or mild sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common forms of sleep disorders. Sufferers actually stop or “pause” their breathing when sleeping, up to two or three breaths. This can happen up to 100 times per night in some severe cases.

When the person eventually does take a breath, a loud snore is heard. More than just aggravating to whomever is lying next to you; chemicals which are released to control breathing get interrupted.

This can manifest itself in different ways, from feeling tired during the day, to being unable to achieve or maintain an erection. This is known as erectile dysfunction, or ED.

This was the case with my client. He and his wife had resigned themselves to the fact that this was just a “change of life” for the husband. Prescription pills worked but the side effects were intolerable.

And so, a major component of their healthy relationship, sex, was eliminated. This lack of intimacy they had known so regularly for so many years had a definite and negative effect on other areas of their relationship.

My client’s wife took to what he called “nagging,” him in all areas of his life. In one of these “nag” sessions his loud snoring was brought up. While it’s rare, and I don’t recommend it as a way to live your life, the husband purchased my program out of spite.

Not expecting it to work but rather wanting to show that he tried to fix the problem and it didn’t work, he tried my program. Guess what? It worked! The easy to do jaw, throat and tongue exercises helped open up the breathing passages, eliminated his snoring and got him the rest and oxygen he so desperately needed.

A “side effect” of his getting more oxygen to all parts of his body was the return to “normal” sexual activity.

I couldn’t have been more pleased to hear from this client! While his ED was a humiliating and painful thing to go through, one has to admit that it’s hard to overlook. Think for a moment about all of the organs affected by lack of oxygen and the deadly but most of the time silent damage that can be done, which can lead to kidney failure or even heart attack and stroke.

If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, I highly encourage you to try my Stop Snoring program or my Erection Mastery program!

EL331002

Posted in Erectile Dysfunction, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome – So That’s Why I’m so Tired!

Monday, July 20th, 2009

“I have fibromyalgia,” my friend casually mentioned, over lunch some time back. I knew that she had been suffering from daytime sleepiness and more recently, overt fatigue, dizziness and snoring.

I was actually relieved to know that her doctor had diagnosed her, given the medical community’s difficulty accepting fibromyalgia (a disease characterized by excessive fatigue, overall chronic pain, pain when pressure is applied to the body, joint stiffness or pain, sleep disorders and sometimes difficulty swallowing) as a real medical condition.

What I soon came to realize is that my friend never made it to see the doctor. Rather, she “Googled” her symptoms and decided upon fibromyalgia. While her sleepiness, fatigue and snoring could be considered symptoms, I stated that this was NOT a sound diagnosis.

“But you’re the one who doesn’t like doctors.” This led to a discussion which I feel it necessary to share. I have a great respect for those who study hard and dedicate their lives to both saving and enriching the lives of other people, namely, doctors.

What I don’t agree with is hearing only a few symptoms, providing little to no testing and then prescribing medication to alleviate a condition the patient may or may not actually be suffering from.

I do, however, want to state that doctors are necessary and that rather than decide to forgo them altogether and self-diagnose, one should demand to have one’s symptoms taken seriously and to follow up with the doctor if medication doesn’t work or the side effects of that medication are as bad or worse than the actual condition for which it’s being treated.

This leads me back to my friend. Upon hearing my advice to actually visit her doctor (especially since she was suffering from none of the usual symptoms of pain that fibromyalgia sufferers tend to report), she was sent for further sleep studies and eventually diagnosed with Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, or UARS.

Like sleep apnea, with UARS, sufferers have their airways restricted when sleeping. This is generally because the airway is already smaller than usual and when sleeping, it relaxes to a point that air is restricted, usually causing (but not always) snoring.

Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, the airway doesn’t completely close so the sufferer doesn’t stop breathing completely. Also unlike sleep apnea, the main cause for concern in UARS is actually low blood pressure, not high blood pressure. This condition tends to affect premenopausal and menopausal women more than others.

This is still of concern to one’s overall health because if one’s blood pressure is too low, it does not provide enough pressure to force the blood through the veins and arteries and onto the organs and permanent organ damage can result.

If you are suffering from UARS, I highly recommend both my High Blood Pressure program and my Stop Snoring program. My High Blood Pressure program is designed to help sufferers of low blood pressure because it’s designed to regulate blood pressure. My friend was able to go from using a CPAP machine every night to only using my all natural programs. I believe this can help you as well!

EL331002

Posted in High Blood Pressure, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Sleep Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome – What’s the Connection?

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

I know I’ve said it before but feedback from my customers is what makes my programs the success they’ve become. Honest communication about how my program has helped or what could help even more has become the cornerstone of my business.

Recent feedback from a client really got me to thinking. She wrote to me telling me that she tried my Stop Snoring program to treat her snoring/mild sleep apnea. It worked, which is of no surprise to me but then she told me that her irritable bowel syndrome had cleared up as well.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is actually a collective term describing disorders that affect the gastro-intestinal tract. While some foods can trigger symptoms (diarrhea, constipation, severe abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel function and feces color), stress and anxiety are thought to be the real culprits.

It does in turn, make sense that many of my programs including my Stop Snoring program would work, since in turn, they contain breathing and relaxation exercises, but I was really more interested in what the relationship is between sleep disorders and IBS.

Many people with IBS report sleep disorders like snoring and sleep apnea, especially women (more women suffer from IBS than men or at least more women seek treatment than men for IBS).

In fact, recent studies suggest that over 50% of IBS sufferers also have a sleeping disorder.

Many report that their IBS wakes them from a sudden sleep or that due to their IBS they don’t sleep well through the night.

While the exact cause of IBS isn’t known, research indicates that it is likely sleep interruption that brings about IBS symptoms – not the other way around.

One recent sleep study of IBS patients and control patients reported no differences in the amount of time dedicated to sleep or the REM (rapid eye movement) cycles.

The study did find, however, that for those suffering from sleep interruptions during REM state (sleep apnea can cause the patient to stop breathing over 100 times per night), morning IBS symptoms ensued.

This leads researchers to believe that it is actually the brain not getting the proper rest and oxygen that can lead to all sorts of body ailments, including IBS.

If you suffer from sleep disorders such as snoring and/or mild sleep apnea and you suffer from IBS as well, please consider that the two are very likely related. I also encourage you to try my all natural Stop Snoring program. It’s easy to get started and you will see results immediately.

EL331002

Posted in Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Sore Throat – Could Snoring be the Cause?

Monday, June 8th, 2009

An occasional sore throat is not terribly uncommon, especially for those who suffer allergies or just seem to be prone to catching colds. It is uncomfortable for sure, but most of the time it subsides as the allergy or cold dissipates.

Chronic sore throats though tend to have a different cause. I know of people who actually just got accustomed to this discomfort since it did not necessarily adversely affect their day to day lives. It is one of those things some people “just learn to live with.”

A common complaint is waking with a sore throat. Again, although this seems a fairly minor ailment, a daily or almost daily sore throat is a good indicator that something is not “quite right.”

To be clear, if the sore throat is accompanied by a fever, difficulty breathing, rash or other symptoms, medical attention should be sought.

However, a sore throat that appears without other symptoms could be caused from snoring or sleep apnea.

Unless we are disturbing someone else with the noise, it is understandable that many of us do not even realize we are snoring. After all, we are sleeping while it occurs.

There are a number of reasons why a person snores. It may be that the tongue has fallen back into the throat blocking air flow. Narrow nasal passages could be the culprit. A narrow jaw or tense muscles that support is can also narrow the breathing passage.

Why does this matter if you’re not disturbing anyone and the sore throat is just a minor discomfort?

Inadequate air flow means you are not getting the oxygen flow to your body that you should be. This can cause headaches as well as rob you of restful sleep. That of course leads to decreased energy and lethargy throughout the day.

A more severe problem associated with snoring is sleep apnea. Someone suffering from sleep apnea actually stops breathing many times throughout the night. This is a very serious problem and a sleep study is recommended to properly diagnose it.

Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure which of course can then lead to stroke or heart attacks.

Therefore, a chronic sore throat merits attention, especially if it seems to occur upon waking.

Alleviating snoring or apnea can make a huge difference in your overall well being. The sore throat should of course disappear, but you should also find that you wake well rested. You’ll also find that your memory and motivation improve since you are finally getting the rest and oxygen the body requires to function properly.

If you suspect you may be snoring or could be suffering from sleep apnea, I highly recommend my Stop Snoring Program. It addresses the reasons you snore and provides all natural exercises for stopping it-permanently. Very often, snoring ceases after only performing the exercises a night or two.

EL331001

Posted in Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Oxygen – The Free Health Food

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Perth, Australia has the most intense white sunlight compared to anywhere I’ve ever been. It lightens up your heart and soul. I spent good quality time with my family there recently. Lying on the beach and body surfing in the ocean was amazing.

It was while lying on the beach and breathing in the beautiful fresh air, that my thoughts led back to the importance of oxygen for our minds and bodies. It is absolutely vital for good health. And the lack of it can create many health issues.

I am sharing a rather simplistic description of this process and why it is so important.

We are all aware that we need food for survival. However, food without oxygen will not do us much good.

Our bodies require energy sources to survive. We do obtain part of that energy from the food we eat. Oxygen, though, is the component that makes it possible for our bodies to turn the raw materials (food) into the energy source.

The oxygen is transported throughout our bodies through hemoglobin to various cells. These cells then turn oxygen into water. Usable energy is then created for our bodies.

The process is kicked off by breathing. We are obtaining oxygen about 20 times a minute through our noses by inhaling. In short, oxygen has to take a rather long and winding journey in order to reach the lungs.

Oxygen passes through the nasal passages, throat, windpipe, chest and eventually the lungs. The process is actually more complicated than this as there are various tubes and so forth that splinter off to deliver oxygen to appropriate destination.

Carbon dioxide is then exhaled more or less in reverse.

When this process is disrupted, problems (often times serious) occur.

Headaches including migraines can occur. The brain is starved for oxygen and eventually the veins and cells around the brain swell up and horrible headache pain results.

You may also experience dizziness or vertigo due in part to the lack of necessary oxygen.

I’ve also dedicated specific articles to the importance of oxygen to weight gain or rather weight loss. In order for anything to burn (including fat), three things are necessary; material to burn, heat to burn it with, and you guessed it - oxygen.

Shallow breathing means we’re not getting enough oxygen supply to adequately equip our bodies to burn the excess fat and we gain weight.

Deep breathing on the other hand allows us to intake necessary oxygen as well as relax our bodies. Relaxing results in stress reduction, which can also help result in normalized blood pressure.

Arming ourselves with improved oxygen flow is something we have to practice. Breathing itself is something that just occurs. But breathing “just enough” to maintain consciousness is not sufficient to ward off health problems.

But think about improving your health as a trip (often times a short one.) Summer is never more than 24 hours traveling time away. The same is true about health and happiness. It’s often much closer than we think. It’s just hard to imagine when all we see is rain.

All of my programs address the importance of oxygen to our bodies and maximizing this process through all natural exercises. In addition, I am elated to share with you that I am currently working on an Alzheimer’s program related to oxygen deprivation to the brain. You can find more information on all of my programs through the links on the right hand side of my blog.

EL331001

Posted in High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea, Vertigo / Dizziness, Weight Loss | No Comments »

Snoring, Apnea and Headaches – Are They Connected?

Monday, May 11th, 2009

When researching and creating my programs, I often find that my original intention is expanded. What I mean is that because so many health problems are inter related (based on shared causes) that I may have intended to specifically address snoring but find that either research or client experiences will suggest that links to other conditions or better yet cures exist.

A good example is the connection between snoring and/or apnea to headaches and migraines. A client explained in this case (as with others) that “Your program was supposed to help me with my snoring, but also helped with my headaches.” Hence, in cases like this, a new program will be born based on the previous one.

Are the two related? Can a migraine headache, or headaches, period be caused by snoring?

One recent study found that those who suffered from chronic headaches (occurring daily or almost daily) as opposed to episodic headaches (coming and going without a pattern) also tended to suffer from chronic snoring.

Additionally, those who suffer from sleep apnea (sufferer actually stops breathing several times during sleep) also suffer from early AM headaches, including migraines. One reason for this is that the arteries in the neck harden over time, restricting blood flow (and the oxygen it carries) to the brain. And the next thing you know, you’ve also got a whopper of a headache.

Now comes the classic “chicken vs. egg” scenario – experts don’t know if excessive snoring causes headaches or if chronic headaches cause snoring. Many believe it’s both.

If one takes into account other contributing factors to snoring – drinking alcohol to excess, obesity, smoking, all things which are known to raise blood pressure and lead to headache, it may not be snoring alone which causes the migraine or other types of headaches.

It is also known that chronic headaches disrupt sleep patterns, which can lead to snoring, as wells as taking pain medications which can also cause snoring.

If you are suffering from headaches, sleep apnea or snoring (probably all three if you’re like many), I highly recommend my Stop Snoring Program and/or my Migraine and Headache Relief Program. They are both all natural and easy to use. They often offer improvement to your condition immediately.

EL331002

Posted in Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Tinnitus - Will the Noise EVER Stop?

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Vertigo and dizziness are conditions I’ve written about on numerous occasions, and will continue to do so. While for some, these are occasional discomforts, for some the problems are so severe that the overall quality of life is threatened.

Another related topic many clients have inquired about it tinnitus. This too while sometimes fleeting, can also create constant day to day issues that affect a person’s lifestyle.

The word tinnitus is Latin for “ringing.” Subjective tinnitus is not heard by others but the sufferer perceives it in their ears, or head. Objective tinnitus while rare can sometimes be heard during an examination normally as the result of problems with the bones in the inner ear or blood vessel problems.

While some people do in fact hear a nonexistent “ring”, there are number of other sounds people hear. It’s been described by my own clients as well as others as “locusts” that won’t stop “buzzing.” Some describe the noise as clicks, beeps or other high pitched tunes.

Like vertigo, tinnitus is actually a symptom rather than a disease. It may present itself as a result of ear infection, fluid drain, injury, extreme external noise exposure or due to causes that simply cannot be identified.

Some people are more likely than others to develop tinnitus. It (like many ailments) is more common among older adults. Those who spend a great deal of time exposed to loud noises or if you’ve suffered hearing loss.

Tinnitus is problematic due to stress, concentrations problems, disturbed sleep and even memory loss people suffer as a result of this distressing noise.

Tinnitus is also often accompanied with vertigo or Meniere’s disease. Some sufferers explain that tinnitus increases just prior to a vertigo attack (in which the person perceives movement or spinning.)

Since an actual cause cannot always be determined, treatment of the tinnitus is in order. Some people who suffer from mild forms of tinnitus obtain relief through removal of ear wax. Others find that decreasing certain medications help alleviate the problem.

Adding certain noises to one’s sleep environment can also help at least to help promote more restful sleep. These would be “white noises” such as a fan or sounds of the ocean to help drown out the stressful tinnitus noise.

Certain medications are also prescribed for those with severe tinnitus, but they too tend to bring on other side effects including blurry vision, dependence, nausea and constipation.

A treatment that has been extremely effective is my Dizziness and Vertigo Program. It is completely natural and has shown phenomenal results whether you suffer from one condition or tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo combined.

EL331001

Posted in Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Vertigo / Dizziness | No Comments »

Snoring and High Blood Pressure – Can One Cause the Other?

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Most all of us have at one point in our lives, snored. Usually it’s a spouse or partner who let’s us know (mostly because he or she didn’t get good rest because of the snoring). This is an annoying habit but it could be more than that.

Occasional snoring that isn’t loud usually isn’t of concern and can generally be corrected by having the person snoring roll onto his or her side.

When the snoring is very loud, and one snores every night, there is likely cause for concern.

This type of snoring is likely indicative of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is one of the most common forms of sleep disorders. Sufferers actually stop or “pause” their breathing when sleeping, up to two or three breaths.

When the person eventually does take a breath, a loud snore is heard. More than just aggravating to whomever is lying next to you, chemicals which are released to control breathing get interrupted.

This leads to oxygen levels dropping severely and adrenaline and other hormones being released. It is these hormones which can lead to high blood pressure, or hypertension. Left untreated, high blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and even blindness.

If you are overweight, you are more likely to suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. This is compounded if you smoke, drink alcohol or consume large meals at night.

OK, so snoring and sleep apnea could be causing your hypertension. What about the reverse? Could your high blood pressure be causing your snoring?

Studies have shown that those with cardiovascular issues tend to also suffer from water retention. This can occur in the legs, lungs and throat tissues.

This in turn, can circle back again and cause or inflame sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea.

If you or someone you love consistently snores or suffers from sleep apnea, I recommend my Stop Snoring program. It’s all natural and proven to be effective. If you feel your high blood pressure or weight is causing the issue, I also recommend both my High Blood Pressure Program and my Weight Loss Breeze program.

EL331002

Posted in High Blood Pressure, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Fibromyalgia and Sleep Apnea – a Serious Combination

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Recently, I was fortunate enough to spend quite a bit of time in Hawaii. The beauty is almost impossible to describe. And I don’t mind bragging about just how well I slept every night.

Feeling that well rested though, I couldn’t help but recall a time when slumber was not such a pleasant process. Years ago, I suffered from a mild but very noisy and disturbing case of sleep apnea.

Though I now rest peacefully, I’ll never forget what it was like. And recently, I’ve been researching the link between another condition, fibromyalgia, to sleep apnea.

A large number people afflicted with fibromyalgia also suffer from sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. It is estimated that up to 80% in fact experience some form of sleep disturbance.

Simply put, Fibromyalgia is a condition of pain. It can include muscle pain and spasms, nerve pain, facial pain, sensitivity to touch and may also involve disturbances of the bowels. It has been a somewhat allusive problem, as it tends to be diagnosed after a number of other problems are ruled out.

Those who suffer from fibromyalgia though will attest that it is in fact a very real problem, and very often also suffer from sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

Sleep apnea occurs when a person repeatedly stops breathing throughout the slumber process. It can happen hundreds of times throughout the night and last for up to a minute. This condition alone is problematic due to the number of long term affects.

Blood oxygen levels drop as a result of breathing interruptions with sleep apnea. That forces the heart to beat faster. Sleep apnea can lead to cardiovascular diseases including high blood pressure. It contributes to memory problems, and can lead to weight gain, headaches and even impotency.

Now consider suffering from both painful fibromyalgia as well as sleep apnea.

At this point, the reason why sleep apnea and fibromyalgia are linked is not known. It could be that extended sleep deprivation may increase the likelihood of developing fibromyalgia. Or, perhaps the tissue problems that exist with fibromyalgia obstruct the airways when sleeping.

Either way, it is a serious and painful combination.

One thing to consider though is that because they do seem to have a link, easing one very well may or should ease the other. It reasons that sleeping more soundly and waking well rested would provide one with more endurance especially when struggling with fibromyalgia.

Likewise, less pain should result in better sleep.

Unfortunately, many people with fibromyalgia are not referred for a sleep study, so they may be unaware of any additional sleep disorders. Given the seriousness of sleep apnea and the likelihood that one with fibromyalgia suffers from it, more people should probably be tested.

As I’ve mentioned before, I did not used to recommend my Stop Snoring Program specifically to cure sleep apnea. My fear was that people could end up worse off by eliminating their masks. Sleep apnea is too serious to self diagnose and should always be handled by a doctor.

I would however be remiss in not sharing that The Stop Snoring Program did cure my mild case of sleep apnea and a great number of my clients alerted me to the fact that their mild cases were also eliminated.

Therefore, I strongly recommend the Stop Snoring Program for anyone who snores. But I now also suggest the exercises for apnea especially in conjunction with your other apnea treatments. I also heartily recommend my fibromyalgia program. Both programs are all natural and combined, may just make a world of difference in your life.

EL331001

Posted in Fibromyalgia, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

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