Nicholas Jackson puts the latest facts and figures from the all of the most influential medical journals; newspapers; and health, fitness, and wellness websites.

• 5,400,000  – The approximate number of kids in the United States that have been diagnosed with ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and  Prevention (CDC). Source: “ADHD More Common Among Youngest Kids in Class: Overdiagnosed?” CBS.
• 5.5 — The percentage that diagnosis rates of ADHD have increased, on average, per year from 2003 to 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Source: “ADHD More Common Among Youngest Kids in Class: Overdiagnosed?” CBS.
• 6 — The percentage of airline pilots who work the same shift every day, according to a new 2012 Sleep in America poll, which suggests that variable schedules lead to sleepiness which leads to slower reaction times, decreased attention, and problems processing and learning information.  Source: “One in Five Pilots Report a Serious Error Related to Sleepiness,” the Wall  Street Journal. Read the rest of this entry

A recently concluded research study findings are important for parents who often think that snoring babies are deeply sleeping ones. This research however revealed that snoring, along with mouth-breathing and sleep apnea, are sure symptoms of disordered sleep and the chances of developing long-term problems in children’s behavior and emotional well-being are quite high.

Findings of this research study have been published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers say that babies who have these sleep problems at 6 months may be anywhere from 20% to 100% more likely to have problem behaviors such as hyperactivity by age 7.

The study was conducted with more  than 11,000 children followed for over six years at the at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and the researchers found that young children with sleep-disordered breathing are prone to developing behavioral difficulties such as hyperactivity and aggressiveness, as well as emotional symptoms and difficulty with peer relationships. Read the rest of this entry

The Center at Norwalk Hospital will be hosting its first Sleep Apnea Support Group for Children on Saturday, Nov. 12.  Parents and children are invited to attend the educational event.

Kass will address the group with a talk, “The Significance of Snoring at Any Age.”. In general, symptoms of sleep apnea in toddlers may include tantrums and irritability. As children get older, the lack of sleep may manifest itself as hyperactivity, acting out, poor grades in school, mood swings, and even a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

“In addition to the potential health issues associated with sleep apnea, we see children who suffer from fatigue and attention issues due to interruption in sleep,” said Kass.

The program is being offered as a public service and as part of A.W.A.K.E (Alert, Well, and Keeping Energetic) of the American Sleep Apnea Association.  A.W.A.K.E. is a health awareness program offered to those who suffer from sleep apnea, as well as their family, friends and anyone who is interested in learning more.

The Nov. 12 support group will include face painting and drawing activities for children.  Children are encouraged to bring their CPAP masks for a fitting by experienced sleep technicians.  CPAP users and family are being encouraged to share their tips for successful sleeping with CPAP.

Sleep Apnea Support Group for Children: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, in the fifth floor Patio Room at Norwalk Hospital.  The event is free and seating is limited.  Register by calling (203) 852-2821 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (203) 852-2821     end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (203) 852-2833 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (203) 852-2833     end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

SleepApneaDisorder/ [  Press Release  ]/ Versailles, Ohio /October 17, 2011/ Sleep Apnea: A Growing Health Concern According to the National Institute  of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, an estimated 18 million Americans have  sleep apnea. However, few of them have had the problem diagnosed.

Sleep apnea is the repeated interruption of normal breathing during sleep.  Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of breathing-related sleep disorder. In patients with OSA, the airway collapses, temporarily restricting  airflow to the lungs. This partial airway obstruction causes the upper airway  tissue to vibrate and produce the sound of the classic snore.

As OSA develops, it has a cumulative effect, meaning that the longer the  disease goes untreated, the greater the negative side effects and associated  health risks. According to numerous  research studies, if sleep apnea remains untreated, other health conditions  may emerge or current health problems may worsen, including: Read the rest of this entry

Is your child overtired? Overscheduled?  Overstimulated? Is the home chaotic? Is your child getting enough sleep? Do they have a  routine before going to sleep at night?

It is most important to evaluate sleep problems. The ADHD symptoms could be the result of sleep  apnea or too much stimulation from electronics in general – but especially  before bed. (Electronic light exposure prior to bedtime can decrease melatonin  production, making it harder to fall asleep).

There are also a host of natural alternatives to  stimulants for ADHD. During  the day, kids showing symptoms of ADHD need extra, structured movement to help  normalize energy levels. Such activity can include a regimen of walking daily  for prolonged periods of time.

Parents should also avoid foods that rob the body of  magnesium, like soda and caffeine. It’s a good idea to plan a diet high in natural  magnesium, with at least one serving of a true dark green vegetable, like  spinach, and also a handful of nuts. (For young children, parents can consider  juicing spinach and/or slowly increasing the amount of dark greens in a soup or  introducing fruits juiced with ever increasing amounts of greens).[ Read Complete Post By Dr. Robert Tozzi At Fox News ...   ]

Preschoolers who don’t get  enough sleep are more likely than other children to be hyperactive and  inattentive by the time they reach kindergarten, according to a new study.

Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically  not diagnosed before age 5, the study’s authors said the onset of  ADHD-like symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity,  often occurs earlier.

“These findings suggest that some children who are not getting adequate  sleep may be at risk for developing behavioral problems manifested by  hyperactivity, impulsivity, and problems sitting still and paying  attention,” study lead author Erika Gaylor, senior researcher for SRI  International, an independent, nonprofit research institute in Menlo Park,  Calif., said in a news release from the American Academy of Sleep  Medicine. Read the rest of this entry

Older adults need about 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, but for many reasons they may often be sleep deprived.  Sleep deprivation may be caused by day time napping, anxiety, sleep apnea, or movement disorders such as restless leg syndrome, medications, or dementia.

Risks of sleep deprivation include: a decreased ability to fight infection, heart disease (48% greater chance of developing or dying from heart disease), high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, an increase incidence of accidents, impairment of attention, judgment, and problem solving.  Lack of sleep contributes to depression, aging of the skin, anxiety, and weight gain. Sleep maybe the fountain of youth but unlike that elusive natural wonder, sleep can be found and embraced.

There are many ways to get better nights sleep.  Most important is to minimize sleep during the day. A short daytime nap may be beneficial but multiple naps or extended daytime sleeping affects the quality and quantity of the primary sleep period.  Developing habits around bedtime, the waking hour, regular exercise, and a relaxing bedtime routine, help to maximize sleep.  Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and  large quantities of liquids and food should also be avoided close

Safe sleep is just as important and good sleep.  When getting up in the middle of the night from a sound sleep, disorientation, low blood pressure or generalized weakness may develop. Stay safe at night by keeping a phone with emergency phone numbers close to the bed, having a nightlight in the bathroom, removing area rugs and getting up slowly to make sure strength and balance are present before walking.  Falls are the leading cause of injury related visits to the emergency room, most of them happening at night.

1. Sleep apnea affects up to 18 million Americans
2. The condition was first described in 1965
3. “Apnea” comes from a Greek word meaning “want of breath.”
4. People with sleep apnea can stop breathing as many as 30 times or more each night.
5. Often a spouse or other family member is the first to notice signs of sleep apnea in someone with the condition.
6. Officials estimate 10 million Americans have the condition but have not been diagnosed. Read the rest of this entry

According to statistics, sleep apnea is a common cause of death among infants not more than one year old—a condition which we call SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Definitely, losing a baby due to such condition can be very traumatic and depressing so it is very important be vigilant and watchful of your baby’s sleep behavior and breathing patterns.

Since babies with sleep apnea aren’t able to get the correct amount of sleep, oxygen supply to their young and developing body organs is not adequate. This may lead to effects on the kid’s performance when he or she grows, mostly are negative i.e. ADHD and other behavioral disorders.[ Read Complete Post By Cliff ... ]

A recently concluded research shows an association between sleep disorders in school-age children and behavior disorders such as ADHD. The sleep disorder that was in the focus in this research study was obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.

There are many population studies from all over the world showing that approximately 2-3% of children have OSA. Just as in adults, this disorder is caused by a collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This results in a drop in oxygen, a rise in carbon dioxide, and fragmented sleep because the brain is disturbed by these fluctuations in oxygen and CO2. The classic example of a kid with sleep apnea is the skinny kid with big tonsils. Read the rest of this entry

Recently concluded research studies by American researchers, has revealed that problems like sleep apnea, acidity reflux and even obesity contribute to sudden death. Sleep apnea is also responsible for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) among children. In fact studies from across the world show that about 2 to 3% children are believed to suffer from sleep apnea. This chronic disease that’s believed to affect about 12 million Americans raises the risk of problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and even diabetes.

Patients suffering from sleep apnea are believed to pause from breathing while sleeping. This pause could last anywhere from a few seconds to even a minute and can occur 5 to 30 times in an hour. Every time there’s a pause the brain’s aroused as a result of which the patients sleep is affected. A huge majority of people prefer to silently suffer from this disease, from fear of embarrassment. There are several sleep apnea treatments available today, the most common and effective being CPAP.

“A CPAP is the most commonly used device to help sleep apnea sufferers. The mask is usually worn over the nose and attached to a device that has filters attached to it to remove impurities from the air and distilled water to humidify the air. Continued use of these masks is sure to control sleep apnea problems,” says Mr. Vincent, of Your CPAP mask, an online store that sells a wide range of  CPAP masks and accessories.

It’s important to find the right CPAP mask, to avoid discomfort when wearing these masks. Respironics, ResMed, and Fisher Paykel are some well-known manufacturers of CPAP masks. You could either choose from a full face mask, nasal mask, or a nasal pillow. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, determine the type of breather you are; a mouth breather, a nose breather or a combination. Also consider the shape of your face, nose and mouth and buy a mask accordingly. It’s best to buy a CPAP mask in consultation with your sleep physician.

SleepApneaDisorder/ [Press Release]/ (Raleigh, N.C.) Active Healthcare, an award-winning industry leader in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment, is marking 20 years of service with the launch of three state-of-the-art IntegraSleep diagnostic centers in Raleigh, Clayton and Smithfield. The fully functional sleep labs provide one-stop-shopping for quality diagnosis and care for this dangerous, often life-threatening condition, utilizing CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) systems, the gold standard of sleep apnea treatment.

Headquartered in Raleigh, the IntegraSleep centers were designed by Active Healthcare based on a carefully crafted quality patient care model integrating personalized, extensive follow-up care and maintenance which contributes to the company’s 98% customer satisfaction rate. Read the rest of this entry

Sleep problems in children can be one of parenting’s biggest challenges. In the U.S., approximately two million children suffer from sleep disorders. Children who suffer from disruptive sleep patterns often fall victim to other problems associated with a lack of sleep such as daytime sleepiness, which affects 10 percent of all school aged children.

According to Sagarika Nallu, M.D., a pediatric neurologist and specialist in pediatric sleep medicine at NYM, sleep problems in children can be divided into behavioral issues and medical issues.

Behavioral issues involve problems like a child awakening and then needing to complete the night’s sleep in the parents’ bed. “Medical issues,” said Dr. Nallu, “can range from sleep apnea to restless leg syndrome, and may also result from medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or, occasionally from psychiatric conditions.” Read the rest of this entry

Snoring not only robs sufferers of a restful nights sleep, but it can also lead to a variety of other health problems.  Recent studies have linked snoring to health problems from sleep apnea to ADD, heart problems, weight issues and more.  It also reduces the quality of sleep that is so important for good health.

If snoring has become a problem in your life there is some good news.  You don’t have to struggle with snoring any longer.  The use of a simple device known as a snoring chin strap has helped thousands achieve a healthy night’s sleep and it can do the same for you.

How does the snoring chin strap stop snoring?  One of the primary causes of snoring is sleeping with an open mouth.  This puts extra pressure on the throat, causing vibrations that result in snoring.  The snoring chin strap solves this problem by keeping the jaw closed while you sleep.  This greatly reduces and can even completely eliminate snoring.

Learn more about how to stop snoring with the snoring chin strap – Click Here Now