Relieving Those Restless Legs

Relieving Those Restless Legs
Let’s continue talking about restless legs syndrome (RLS).   We reviewed some of the symptoms, causes, and adverse effects of restless legs syndrome in the past two blogs, now let’s talk about how RLS is diagnosed.  Due to the unusual sensations that patients with RLS complain of, it is sometimes difficult for a healthcare provider to determine if these complaints are actually related to RLS.  Contrary to popular...

Penn Researchers Reverse The Cognitive Impairment Caused By Sleep Deprivation
A research collaboration led by biologists and neuroscientists at the University of Pennsylvania has found a molecular pathway in the brain that is the cause of cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation. Just as important, the team believes that the cognitive deficits caused by sleep deprivation, such as an inability to focus, learn or memorize, may be reversible by reducing the concentration of a specific enzyme that builds up in the hippocampus of the brain.

Teeth Grinding Linked To Sleep Apnea
There is a high prevalence of nocturnal teeth grinding, or bruxism, in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in Caucasians. New research presented at CHEST 2009, the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), found that nearly 1 in 4 patients with OSA suffers from nighttime teeth grinding; this seems to be especially more prevalent in men and in Caucasians compared with other ethnic groups.

'No Flu Shots for My Kids'
Title: 'No Flu Shots for My Kids'
Category: Health News
Created: 10/9/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 10/9/2009

GE Develops Pressure Sensor For Sleep Apnea Devices
Sleep apnea is a common disease that affects millions of people all over the world, and if left undiagnosed and untreated can cause serious health complications. GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies (NYSE: GE) has developed the Nova Pressure Amplified (NPA) series of pressure sensors for medical devices. Small and effective, the NPA is a critical component in creating cost-effective sleep apnea monitors that are more accurate and reliable than those currently on the market.

Melatonin Helps Autistic Kids Sleep
Title: Melatonin Helps Autistic Kids Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 10/13/2009 11:40:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 10/13/2009 11:40:05 AM

Race Is Strong Predictor For Restless Legs Syndrome
New research shows that Caucasian women may suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS), a sleep disorder characterized by the strong urge to move the legs, up to four times more than African-American women. The study, presented at CHEST 2009, the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), found that, overall, non-African-American (NAA) patients experienced RLS four times more often than African-Americans (AA).

Sleep Deprivation Can Negatively Affect Information Processing

Sleep Deprivation Can Negatively Affect Information Processing
A study in the Nov.1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that sleep deprivation causes some people to shift from a more automatic, implicit process of information categorization (information-integration) to a more controlled, explicit process (rule-based). This use of rule-based strategies in a task in which information-integration strategies are optimal can lead to potentially devastating errors when quick and accurate categorization is fundamental to survival.

News From Annals Of Internal Medicine, October 6, 2009
Early Releases: 1. Earlier H1N1 Vaccination Prevents More Deaths, Saves Health Care Costs A vaccine for H1N1 influenza is anticipated to become available this fall. With the amount and timing of vaccine release still in question, policy makers struggle to set priorities regarding who should be vaccinated when.

Radiofrequency Energy Technique As Effective As Tonsillectomy Surgery
Radiofrequncy-tonsillotomy, which enables surgeons to reduce the size of the tonsillar tissue instead of removing the tonsils entirely, seems to be an effective and safe method of treating children with symptoms of enlarged tonsils.

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 Apnea In Obese Patients Unlikely To Be Cured Solely By Improved Diet And Exercise
A study in the Oct. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that while a strict diet and exercise program may benefit obese patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it is unlikely to eliminate the condition. Results show improvement in typical OSA symptoms including snoring, daytime sleepiness, impaired vigilance, poor quality of life and mood after the completion of a 16-week diet and exercise program.