According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, CPAP is used to keep your airway open as you sleep by providing you with a steady stream of air pressure.  It keeps your tissues in your throat from collapsing and thereby ensures that you get the oxygen you need.

Results of the study show that while weight loss and surgery to remove tissue in the throat  may sometimes effectively treat sleep apnea, the evidence behind these treatments isn’t as strong as that which supports the usage of CPAP, according to the team from the Tufts Medical Center Evidence-Based Practice Center, which prepared the report.

About 12 million Americans are known to have obstructive sleep apnea, and it’s likely that millions more are undiagnosed, according to the AHRQ. The condition, caused by the repeated collapse and blockage of the upper airway during sleep, leads to a cessation in breathing that usually occurs many times through the night typically 5-100 times per hour!

The main symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring and feeling very sleepy during the day. Although, many patients, even those with severe OSA, can deny daytime sleepiness. Your bed partner may notice periods when you stop breathing during sleep. Other symptoms may include tossing and turning during sleep, frequent awakenings during the night, waking up with a headache, and feeling irritated and unrested.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and increased risk of accidents because of daytime fatigue.

Anyone from age 2 to 92 can suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. It was commonly thought to be a disorder of over-weight, middle-aged men, but sleep specialists are revising their opinion. Thin people often have a long narrow pharynx and that predisposes them to sleep apnea. Children have tonsils that are large relative to their small throats and they can have sleep apnea that leads to symptoms of ADHD, learning difficulties and psychiatric problems such as depression. Pregnant women often develop snoring and sleep apnea and there is ongoing research into the dangers this might pose to mothers and their unborn children.  Post-menopausal women have the same risk as men.

If you are sleepy during the day despite adequate sleep time, then sleep apnea should be investigated, especially if you’re told that you snore or stop breathing at night. Studies report that anywhere from 4 percent-24 percent of men suffer from OSA, and 2–15 percent of women. Both sexes over the age of 65 have a rate of 20–25 percent.

Only a sleep specialist can determine if you are suffering from OSA, and what the best method of treatment is for you.  Contact Northshore Sleep Medicine at 847.674.3600 if you believe you or your bed partner are suffering from Obstructive Sleep

The study involved 308 children between the ages of 4 and 10. Children’s sleep time was analyzed for a week via wrist monitors. Researchers recorded Body Mass Index (BMI) which is a measurement of weight and height.  They also tested  levels of glucose and insulin in some of the children.

Results showed that obese children got less sleep and experienced more variations in their sleeping patterns compared to children of average weight.

Researchers concluded that children who sleep for less time and have irregular sleep schedules are at the greatest risk for health problems.

According to the CDC, childhood obesity has many serious consequences, including increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma. Overweight and obese children are also at a higher risk for becoming socially stigmatized and developing low self-esteem, which can hinder academic and social functioning.

Many children fail to get the sleep they need because of poor sleep hygiene, or bad habits at bedtime; however, the child may be suffering from an undiagnosed sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea.

People often fail to realize that small children, as well as pre-teens and adolescents can suffer from a wide variety of sleep disorders, ranging from sleep apnea to night terrors.  Common symptoms of sleep disorders in children include

• excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
• disturbed, fragmented sleep
• sleep walking and talking
• confusional arousals
• sleep enuresis (bed wetting)
• snoring or heavy, labored breathing
• difficulty concentrating, paying attention and remembering
• depression and/or anxiety

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), children who are not getting the sleep they need may have developmental or behavioral problems. The AASM recommends the following guidelines for sleep times in children:

• Infants (3 to 11 months): 14 to 15 hours
• Toddlers: 12 to 14 hours
• Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours
• School-age children: 10 to 11 hours

The article states that a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that overweight people on a reduced-calorie diet lost more weight from fat if they slept eight hours a night than those who slept less than six hours a night.

An article published by WebMD explains that new research shows that sleep disruption can negatively affect Leptin (a chemical that sends signals to indicate fullness) and Ghrelin(a chemical that stimulates the appetite).  When you fail to get the sleep you need, your Leptin levels decrease, meaning that you don’t feel full even after you’ve eaten and Ghrelin levels increase, which means you feel hungry, even if you’ve just eaten.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that research shows that routine exercising can improve sleep. Exercising 4-8 hours before bedtime can help primary insomnia patients get to sleep faster, wake up less often and increase total time asleep. Aerobic exercise may help reduce anxiety at bedtime, leading to better sleep.

Research shows that poor sleep is related to many serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Many people fail to make sleep a priority; however, many also suffer from undiagnosed  sleep disorders. If you suffer from insomnia-like symptoms, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, daytime sleepiness and un-refreshing sleep for more than a month, you should contact a sleep doctor in order to diagnose and treat your sleep problems.

The study, conducted at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City, Ca., included 500 individuals who were asked to reduce their daily caloric intake by 500 calories and to exercise 180 minutes per week.

Findings of the study show that a combination of stress, depression and insomnia make it extremely difficult to shed weight.

Participants who reported high levels of insomnia, stress or depression were less likely to achieve their goal of losing 10 pounds.

Researchers explained that when you do not sleep and are experiencing stress, your body increases its production of cortisol, which causes an increase in glucose and insulin production, resulting in fat retention.

Results demonstrate that dieters need to focus not only on their eating and exercise habits, but also on their sleep and stress levels.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine,  most adults require between seven and eight hours of sleep each night to be fully rested.  Below are tips suggested by the organization, with some of my modifications, to help improve your sleep on your own:

• Don’t go to bed unless you are sleepy.
• If you are not asleep after 20 minutes, then get out of the bed but keep the lights low and avoid electronics. I recommend listening to soothing music or an audio book while sitting in a comfortable chair with low or no light.
• Get up at the same time every morning.
• Avoid taking naps if you can.
• Don’t read, write, eat, watch TV, talk on the phone, or use any electronics in bed.
• Do not have any alcohol within three hours of your bedtime.
• Do not have a cigarette or any other source of nicotine before bedtime.
• Do not go to bed hungry, but don’t eat a big meal near bedtime either.
• Avoid sleeping pills, or use them cautiously.
• Try to get rid of or deal with things that make you worry.  For example, you could keep a journal and make a habit of writing down your worries and concerns, including those about sleep.  But make it a habit to write in it at least two hours before bedtime. 

The study analyzed existing national, longitudinal and panel survey data collected for 1,930 children and adolescents between the ages of 0 and 13 years. The study began in 1997 and a follow-up survey was completed in 2002. Children were separated into a “younger” group (ages 0 to 59 months) and an “older” group (ages 60 to 154 months).

Results show that short duration of nighttime sleep at baseline was associated with increased risk for children being overweight or obese.  At follow-up, 33 percent of the younger group and 36 percent of the older group were overweight or obese. In the older group, short sleep duration at baseline was not associated with weight gain; however, adolescents who obtained insufficient amounts of sleep were more likely to shift from a normal weight to being overweight at follow-up. Findings also indicated that in the older group, nighttime sleep duration five years prior had no meaningful effect on weight. This information suggests that sleep habits prior to the age of five years may be critical in determining future weight status.

Authors believe that sleep duration could be a vital and modifiable factor in obesity prevention and treatment.

The National Sleep Foundation claims that a combination of healthy sleep habits, eating together and spending less time watching television may prevent the development.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends the following nightly sleep durations for children:

• Infants (3 to 11 months): 14 to 15 hours
• Toddlers: 12 to 14 hours
• Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours
• School-age children: 10 to 11 hours
• Teens:  9-9.5 hours

A new study published in the journal SLEEP found that those who returned to work on Monday morning feeling refreshed after getting extra sleep during the weekend performed better than their peers who did not make time for extra sleep.

Findings show that a single night of recovery sleep is all that is needed to restore cognitive function after a period of sleep restriction or deprivation which is contrary to what sleep experts have traditionally believed to be true.   Most sleep experts think that extended sleep restriction requires a lengthy recovery time, and that it is unlikely that all the benefits can be recouped.

This study involved 159 healthy adults, with an average age of 30. After two nights of 10 hours in bed, 142 participants were restricted to four hours in bed from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for five consecutive nights. These participants were allowed one night of recovery sleep with sleep periods ranging from zero hours to ten hours per night. The remaining 17 subjects spent 10 hours in bed on all nights.

Participants completed 30 minute computerized assessments every two hours while awake. Those whose sleep had been restricted were found to have a shortened attention span, impaired alertness and reduced reaction time. Their normal functions were restored after one full night of sleep.

Results also indicate that people who did not sleep at all after the period of sleep deprivation performed significantly worse than normal.

While one night of recovery sleep may temporarily negate the consequences of sleep deprivation, it is important to practice good sleep hygiene. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk for weight gain, obesity, high blood pressure,  diabetes,  heart disease, stroke and even death.

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every night (even on the weekends), getting a full night’s sleep (between seven and nine hours for adults) every night and using your bed only for sleep may help you increase the quality and quantity of your sleep and of your overall health.

Sleep patterns of Australian children between the ages of 9-18 years of age  were analyzed on different days of the week. Results showed that obese children slept worse on Sunday nights. Findings also showed that female students slept more than their male peers, as they went to bed at earlier times.  Underweight children went to bed significantly earlier than children of normal weight.

Researchers involved in the study say that the relationship between sleep patterns and weight remains unclear; however, the evidence presented by the study supports the theory that short sleep duration is strongly associated with obesity. Along with weight, another factor that may influence children’s sleep is the use of technology. Researchers suggest that future studies should examine the associations between the use of technology (television, video games, computers and cell phones), weight and sleep.

School-age children often fail to get the sleep they need (between 10-12 hours per night) in order to function at their highest capability. Poor sleep in children can lead to weight gain, heart disease and diabetes. It can also result in changes in mood and behavior.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that parents keep technology out of the bedroom, and enforce a nightly routine as well as a strict bedtime in order to help children get the sleep they need.

During the presentation, I discussed the importance of dietary balance and the consequences of consuming too much fat and too many carbohydrates.

You may wonder why a sleep specialist would be interested in speaking about weight loss. The answer is that sleep problems and obesity are closely tied.

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than one third of U.S. adults, or more than 72 million people and 16 percent of U.S. children are obese.  Another one third of Americans are over weight. 

Research shows that sleep deprivation is associated with weight gain. Obesity is associated with many serious health problems, including sleep apnea.

One study showed that teens who slept less than eight hours during the school week were more likely to be obese than their peers who did obtain eight hours of sleep or more during the school week.

Researchers believe that sleep deprivation interferes with hormones that affect your body mass index. Those who do not get enough sleep tend to have lower levels of leptin, a hormone that suppresses your appetite and increases your metabolism. As a result, people who are not getting the sleep they need may eat more. Additionally, studies have shown that people who are sleep deprived tend to crave more unhealthy food.

While getting enough sleep (typically seven to eight hours a night) will not result in instant weight loss, it is as important a factor as diet and exercise in improving your mental and physical health.

I believe that sound sleep, healthy food and adequate physical activity are the three pillars that support a long and healthy life.  To that end, I will begin offering weight loss as a treatment option for patients with sleep apnea and other chronic conditions that can be ameliorated with weight loss.  An essential tool that I will use is a bio-impedence machine to analyze body composition, i.e. the percentage of the body that is lean muscle, water and fat.  It is essential to know that when a patient is losing weight that indeed it is fat that is being lost and not muscle.  If muscle is lost, then the metabolic rate decreases and even if you consume the same amount of calories, you will start to gain weight.  This is why people yo-yo and end up larger and larger as they repeatedly try diets without monitoring what is being lost when they lose weight.  With each successive diet attempt, they end up having a larger percentage of their body being composed of fat and less of muscle.  As the lean muscle mass decreases, they would have to eat less and less just to remain the same weight because the metabolic rate goes lower and lower with each diet attempt.

While OSA can occur in men and women of any age, it is commonly found in middle-aged, overweight men. Symptoms of the disorder include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, un-refreshing sleep, unintentionally falling asleep and insomnia. People with untreated OSA also often experience decreased awareness during the day and lower productivity.

Web-MD reports that results of the study show that patients with OSA had reductions in gray matter volume and a decrease in neuropscyhologic performance. After receiving CPAP therapy for three-months, these patients had a significant increase in both gray matter volume and great improvement in their scores on neuropsychologic testing.

No further improvement in gray matter volume was seen when patients were re-evaluated after one year of receiving CPAP therapy.

Findings of this study highlight the importance of adherence to CPAP therapy, as use results in significant improvements in patients’ overall well-being and contributes to the restoration of brain areas that are adversely affected by OSA.

The most common signs or symptoms of Sleep Apnea are snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness.

The study, which included data from 723 adolescents with a mean age of 14.7, measured how long participants slept on weeknights and weekends, frequency of sleep problems and foods and beverages they consumed. Accelerometers were used to track activity levels in participants.

Results indicate that shorter sleep duration is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat. The relationship between insufficient sleep was especially prevalent in boys in middle school, compared to high school students. In girls, only less sleep on weekends was associated with a higher BMI.

Sleep deprivation is associated with many problems in children. Those who do not obtain the amount of sleep they need each night are at increased risk for developing cognitive, behavioral and mood problems. School performance may also suffer if your child is not getting enough sleep.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that infants (children between the ages 3 to 11 months) sleep for 14 to 15 hours per night, toddlers for 12 to 14 hours, preschoolers  for 11 to 13 hours and school-age children for 10 to 11 hours per night.

Parents can help their kids get enough sleep by following a consistent bedtime routine, setting aside “wind down” time before bed and keeping technology such as computers, video games and televisions out of the child’s bedroom.

While many parents have a hard time getting their children to go to sleep at night, children who consistently suffer from sleep problems may be suffering from a sleep disorder and may benefit from a consultation with a sleep specialist.