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Sleep Apnea – Dealing With This Common Sleep Disorder

By George Royal

One of the most well-known sleep disorders, sleep apnea is a fairly common condition. Marked by interruptions in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea causes the person suffering from this condition to wake up, or partially wake, several times during the night. Because of the frequency of these interruptions in breathing, a person with sleep apnea will have trouble getting a restful night’s sleep, causing them to feel the effects of sleep deprivation during their waking hours.

Two types of sleep apnea have been diagnosed: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. OSA is caused by the soft palate becoming so relaxed that it actually blocks off the breathing passageway, while central sleep apnea is caused by the brain relaxing to the point that it does not remind the body to breathe. While both types can cause interruptions to breathing on their own, most people with sleep apnea actually have mixed apnea, which is a combination of both forms.

Sleep apnea is sometimes difficult to diagnose, simply because it only strikes while the person is asleep and won’t notice that it is happening. Because most people with sleep apnea awake only partially – not fully – so they do not actually notice that they have had their sleep cycle interrupted. Thus, if someone wants to determine if they have sleep apnea,

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Herbal Sleep Aids For Insomnia And Other Sleep Disorders

By Malcolm Moorhouse

Insomnia is defined as difficulty in sleeping, or disturbed sleep patterns leaving the perception of insufficient sleep. There are many herbs with reputations as being effective sleep remedies. The key to successful treatment of insomnia is to find the cause. If you do not want to take prescription sleep medication, then there are a plethora of holistic medicines available to you.

Often the key to successful treatments lies in the focusing upon some part or function of the body that is experiencing problems. Hypnotics and nerviness can be used within the context of such treatments. These can be selected based on the role they play upon the system in question. The following are, a list of systems and possible remedies.

1. The circulatory system responds well to Motherwort, Lime Blossom and Balm.

2. The respiratory system responds well to all types of hypnotics, if used in the right dosage.

3. The digestive system relaxants to use are Chamomile, Vervain, Balm, Hops and Valerian.

4. Hypnotics are important to use as a muscle relaxant for the urinary system. Pasque Flower and Black Cohosh have a high success rate on the reproductive system. Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian and Black Cohosh are excellent ingredients to relax the muscles and skeletal systems.

5. Chamomile and Cowslip are healing herbs for the skin.

Some of the medications are classified in the following way:

Hypnotics are herbs with a reputation as easing the person into sleep. They are usually strong nervine relaxants. Nervine relaxants ease the tensions that often produce sleeplessness.

Anti-spasmodics address any somatic muscular tightness that may be involved. Nervine tonics are indicated if there is any suspicion that the insomnia is associated with nervous exhaustion.

Adaptogens will help in a similar way to the nerve tonics, but should only be used in the morning to help deal with stress.

The value of hypnotics is to ensure that the body has a good recuperative rest each night. By selecting herbs that address specific health needs that are compounding the sleep difficulties, better results are obtained than simply going for strong hypnotic.

An example of an herbal prescription for insomnia would be the following:

Insomnia associated with hypertension and headaches:

* Passion Flower

* Valerian

* Linden

* Cramp Bark

7.5ml of tincture 30 minutes before bedtime.

There are many herbal remedies suggested for curing insomnia. You may have to try a few before you find the recipe that works best for you.

NOTE! Always consult a qualified Herbalist for guidance about the correct herbs to use

About the Author: Malcolm Moorhouse Web: www.sleepok.com Email: info@sleepok.com Copyright Malcolm Moorhouse 2006

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=61952&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

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