Sleeping with your "Furry" Friend

Sleeping with your "Furry" Friend
Don't get me wrong. I love animals. I have two cats, and I'd be lost without them. However, All Headline News (AHN) tells us that: "Children who are exposed to pet dogs, cats or other furry friends at home can develop problem snoring when they grow up, a new study has revealed." Heavy snoring can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and may be the harbinger of sleep apnea.   Lisa Shives, MD, medical director of Northshore...

Consequences of OSA
I’d like to continue on the topic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.   As we mentioned OSA is the repetitive stopping of breathing due to an obstruction in the child’s airway.  OSA can occur in children of all ages, but is probably more common in pre-school children.  As we explained, in most children the main reason for their OSA is not obesity, which is the main risk factor in the adult population...

The "Eyes" Have It
University of Oxford researchers have discovered that sleepiness is controlled by nerves in the eye. By turning off certain cells in the eyes of mice, the effects of light on sleep and alertness is completely abolished.   "If we can mimic the effect of light pharmacologically, we could turn sleep on and off," lead researcher Russell Foster, of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, said.   This discovery could help in the...

The Holy Grail of Biological Questions: Why Do We Sleep?
In this blog, I am going to deal with a question that has stumped some of the most talented researchers in the world.  That should hopefully get your attention- this vexing question seems simple, but represents the “holy grail” of biology.  The question: why do we sleep?  Consider this- we spend approximately one-third of lives doing it and scientists are still not quit sure why.  (Much of this and future blogs on...

Let's Have a Nap
With the hectic lifestyles most of us lead these days, napping has become almost a way of life. Think naps are for sissies? Listen. Even the sports teams are getting into it.   "A lot of things may change in the NHL," Scott Mellanby of the Atlanta Thrashers says, "but not naps. It's just a part of being a hockey player."     One complaint from participants in the Olympics is sleep deprivation. With jet lag and getting...

The Basics of CPAP
 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Except for tracheotomy, it is also the most effective treatment for OSA. CPAP is basically a computerized air pump that delivers pressurized air through a hose and then through a nasal interface into the patient's throat. The pressurized air splints open the upper airways, preventing the airflow pauses (apneas) and airflow...

Sleep Secrets from the Olympians

Sleep Secrets from the Olympians

Women Watch Out: Poor Sleep Could Be Worse for You

Sleep and Get Rich

Olympics Got Your Sleep?

Health Tip: Does Your Child Need a Nap?
Title: Health Tip: Does Your Child Need a Nap?
Category: Health News
Created: 9/30/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/30/2008

Wall Street Got Your Sleep?

Health Tip: Prevent Ear Pain in Flight
Title: Health Tip: Prevent Ear Pain in Flight
Category: Health News
Created: 9/17/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/17/2008

Hypnosis Cuts Hot Flashes for Breast Cancer Survivors
Title: Hypnosis Cuts Hot Flashes for Breast Cancer Survivors
Category: Health News
Created: 9/26/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/26/2008