The following video highlights a study conducted at Johns Hopkins University in which researchers exposed mice to artificial light several hours after the sun had set. Interestingly, after only a few days, these mice began to express symptoms of depression. For a full report on this study, view the clip below:

A Big Deal

The Johns Hopkins University study isn’t the only one to show that artificial light can play a part in causing physical problems. In fact, the evidence has become so overwhelming; the American Medical Association has recognized light exposure as having a profound link to sleep problems, dangerous driving and even cancer.

How it Applies to Sleep Apnea

Most ordinary, healthy Americans can promote deeper sleep by staying away from artificial light within several hours before they try to sleep. Unfortunately, this won’t work for people who have sleep apnea, because breathing problems consistently awaken them several times throughout the night.

With that being said, a proven treatment for sleep apnea can stop these disruptions, allowing sleep apneics to get the rest they need each and every night. To learn more, contact Dr. Weiser’s office today.

Study Looks at Hormonal Issues

Research conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan recently revealed that men who suffer from sleep difficulties could be experiencing the onset of andropause. Also known as “male menopause,” andropause refers to the effects of a decrease in the natural production of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in aging men.

To reach their findings, researchers looked at 231 patients who were in their mid-forties. After testing each subject, the research team concluded that between 35 percent and 45 percent of men showed signs of andropause which also correlated to increased incidences of chronic sleep difficulties.

What to Do About it

According to health experts, men can reduce the effects of andropause by seeking testosterone injections or ointments from a physician. They can also exercise more and eat more nuts, shellfish and red meat.

Unfortunately, these sorts of remedies will prove fruitless for the millions of men who suffer from sleep apnea. Because breathing problems awaken them several times a night, they are unable to get adequate amounts of restorative REM sleep. This not only leaves them feeling tired and frustrated; studies have shown it can increase the risk of deadly health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

A proven sleep apnea treatment can put an end to these problems; however, this is only possible when sufferers reach out for help. Dr. Weiser helps his sleep apneic patients get the sleep they need by providing oral appliance therapy. To learn how this quiet, comfortable sleep apnea remedy can improve the quality of your life, contact his office today.

The following video from CBS This Morning’s Health Watch television segment details a recent study that appears to demonstrate this growing problem. According to the report, researchers surveyed numerous people to see how late night television and phone use affected their sleep. Ultimately, they found that exposure to these technological devices didn’t just result in sleeping problems; it seemed to promote stress and depression.

It’s no surprise to learn that insufficient sleep is associated with depression and stress. Past studies have found that sleep problems can lead to emotional difficulties, including reduced assertiveness, positive thinking, self-regard, and self-actualization.

To combat the potential negative effects of technology, experts recommend that people stop using their phones or watching television within an hour of bedtime. Unfortunately, this isn’t likely to help people who have sleep apnea.

Since it causes breathing disturbances that result in fragmented sleep, this dangerous disorder cannot be treated through behavioral strategies. On the other hand, a proven sleep apnea treatment can stop these disruptions. To learn more, contact Dr. Weiser’s office today.

Telling Research

Research conducted at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research demonstrated that energy drinks play a role in keeping U.S. combat troops awake. To reach their findings, researchers surveyed nearly 1000 servicemen deployed in Afghanistan. After reviewing the responses, they found that about 50 percent of soldiers slept less than five hours every day. In the end, the research unveiled a significant link between inadequate sleep and energy drink consumption.

Physical Issues vs. Lifestyle Habits

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named inadequate sleep a public health epidemic. To help combat the problem, the CDC suggests the following tips for promoting better sleep:

1. Never eat within the three-hour period before sleep.
2. Get on a consistent sleeping schedule.
3. Don’t exercise within a few hours of sleeping.
4. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.

Although these recommendations may be beneficial to many people; they aren’t particularly helpful for sleep apneics. Because it causes breathing disruptions, this condition leads to “maintenance insomnia,” which is defined as frequent waking combined with an inability to return to sleep.

A good sleep apnea treatment will stop these disturbances and put an end to maintenance insomnia. To find out how a sleep apnea appliance can significantly improve the quality of your life, contact Dr. Weiser’s office today.

Related article: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2012/11/military-energy-drinks-lost-sleep-1101012w/

New Research Raises Concern

A four-year study out of Taiwan revealed that insomniacs are twice as likely to suffer from strokes or heart attacks when compared to people who sleep consistently well. Presented at a recent meeting of the American Heart Association, the research looked at 43,000 people above the age of 44. After following these subjects for four years, researchers found that participants who suffered from chronic insomnia were 1.99 times more likely to have a stroke and 2.3 times more likely to suffer a heart attack when compared to subjects who did not experience regular insomnia.

What’s the Relationship?

Unfortunately, health experts aren’t sure why poor sleep seems to contribute to cardiovascular problems; however, they theorize that it may overstimulate the body’s “fight or flight” system, which could lead to adverse health effects.

Whatever the cause, it’s clear that insufficient sleep leaves us vulnerable to potential health problems that could end our lives prematurely. While this threat may help motivate many people to take steps in their lives to promote better sleep, it’s likely to leave sleep apneics feeling worried and helpless.

Unfortunately, people who have sleep apnea cannot simply choose to get more sleep, because breathing problems consistently awaken them at night. That said, if you have this dangerous disorder, you’re not without hope. Dr. Weiser can provide a sleep apnea remedy that will stop your breathing problems, so you can enjoy deep, uninterrupted sleep every single night. To find out how an oral appliance can put an end to your sleepless nights, contact his office today.

Weight Gain and Sleep

Countless studies have associated sleep problems with weight gain; however, new research has now demonstrated that the latter could actually cause the former in certain situations. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine recently demonstrated that losing weight may actually cure sleeping problems, especially when people are able to drop fat around the belly region.

In conducting their study, researchers put 77 overweight subjects on a six-month diet, which resulted in an average of 15 pounds of weight reduction per individual. In the end, the study showed that this weight loss dramatically improved sleep quality for all participants, especially when they were able to drop weight specifically around the midsection.

What if You Have Sleep Apnea?

This latest study seems to provide a solution for insomniacs who are also overweight. Unfortunately, weight loss isn’t always easy for sleep apneics, because they seem to be faced with an unworkable problem: losing weight could help them sleep; however, research has proved that, without sufficient sleep, weight loss is especially difficult.

Ultimately, if you have sleep apnea, you face a veritable catch-22: to lose weight, you’ll need to sleep better; however, to sleep better, you may need to lose weight. That said, a good sleep apnea treatment has the power to stop the breathing disruptions that keep you up at night. To find out how a simple oral appliance can drastically improve the quality of your life, contact Dr. Weiser’s office today.

Related article: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/losing-belly-fat-sleep-better-study-article-1.1198830

The Benefits of More Sleep

Research conducted at Stanford University demonstrated that athletes who slept more enjoyed noticeably better performance, whether they player football, basketball or swam competitively. Researchers think more sleep fuels the body in numerous ways: by enhancing cognitive function, reducing stress and elevating the body’s ability to manufacture human growth hormone which helps to heal muscle and bone.

Studies have shown that sufficient sleep can also reduce the chances of injury, with one demonstrating that middle school athletes who slept more were 68 percent less likely to have an injury related to athletics.

The Drawbacks of Less Sleep

While studies indicate that more sleep can improve athletic performance; more and more research also suggests that inadequate sleep can do the opposite. A study out of the University of Chicago demonstrated that just seven days of poor sleep has the potential to inhibit muscle repair by increasing cortisol levels, while also compromising a young male’s ability to metabolize glucose by approximately 40 percent.

Additionally, two separate studies revealed that pro football and baseball players who suffered daytime drowsiness were more likely to lose their jobs, when compared to professionals who slept well on a regular basis.

We All Need Our Sleep

Sleep doesn’t just improve athleticism, it also allows us to perform at our best at work and while we try to tackle our daily responsibilities. What’s more, inadequate sleep has been associated with several serious health problems, from diabetes to heart disease and more.

If your sleep apnea is preventing you from getting regular sleep, don’t expect any sort of real improvement until you find a sleep apnea remedy that can stop the breathing problems that awaken you at night. To find out how an oral appliance can stop your snoring, while promoting deep, sound sleep, contact Dr. Weiser’s office today.

Related article: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/medical-athletic/medical-athletic

Is There Another Way?

A study out of Georgia Health Sciences University suggests that health professionals could be able to relieve depression by influencing the brain using a form of magnetic stimulation. After analyzing past research that utilized brief 40-minute transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) sessions on about 300 depressed patients, researchers surmised that the treatment did in fact relieve depression, while also alleviating insomnia difficulties which plagued the majority of the participants.

Which Comes First?

Health experts say between 50 to 90 percent of depressed patients also suffer from insomnia; however, the relationship isn’t always clear. In certain instances, it looks like insomnia may result from depression; while in many cases, it looks like the cause.

Seeking Help

Although transcranial magnetic stimulation may very well prove to be a solid alternative treatment for depression, it won’t be available for several years. In the meantime, millions of Americans will be forced to rely on antidepressant pharmaceuticals that can make them feel lousy and promote insomnia.

Often, depression can result from insufficient sleep owed to sleep apnea. In many cases, once these people receive a sleep apnea treatment that works, their depression goes away. If you suspect that sleep apnea is indirectly responsible for your depression, contact Dr. Weiser to find out how an oral appliance can change your life.

Related article: http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/10/29/brain-stimulation-relieves-depression-with-fewer-side-effects/46802.html

Loud Sleepers

A study out of the University of Saskatchewan suggests that people who receive sudden jolts from an irritated sleeping partner may have reason to suspect they are suffering from sleep apnea. Presented at the American College of Chest Physicians’ annual meeting, the research involved 124 people who were asked if they’d received pokes or elbows from partners thanks to their frequent snoring.

Researchers then sent each subject to a sleep clinic to have them tested for sleep apnea. In the end, the study showed that being awakened by a partner for snoring indicated the presence of sleep apnea an astounding 84 percent of the time.

Addressing Both Concerns at Once

Nobody wants to sleep next to a loud snorer, just as no one wants to be responsible for keeping a loved one awake at night. That said, many times, snoring is an indicator that something is very wrong. When sleep apnea causes snoring, there is reason for concern. This dangerous disorder has been linked to a myriad of medical problems, including dementia, heart disease and diabetes.

Fortunately, you can stop snoring and relieve your sleep apnea with the help of a simple oral appliance. Don’t risk your health or your relationship by letting this problem go untreated. Contact Dr. Weiser’s office to learn how you can get tested for sleep apnea. If you are positively diagnosed, he will provide you with a reliable treatment that will help you and your partner get night after night of peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.

A Nose for Detection

Researchers out of Germany achieved good results when they tested an “electronic nose” to see if it could efficiently detect sleep apnea. By detecting the presence of specific molecules in a subject’s exhaled breath, the device has the ability to speed and eases the process of diagnosing sleep apnea.

To reach their findings, researchers recruited 60 people to undergo testing. Of these, only 40 had OSA, while 20 had no symptoms whatsoever. Ultimately, the new device was able to accurately detect sleep apnea 93 percent of the time, making it a potentially valuable future tool for health professionals.

Getting Help Right Now

Unfortunately, the so-called “electronic nose” isn’t likely to be available for several years. That said, patients can still get accurate diagnoses by visiting a sleep clinic or by using an at-home sleep testing device.

A positive diagnosis is a positive step in the right direction that should lead to treatment. If you have been positively diagnosed, Dr. Weiser can provide a sleep apnea treatment option that will let you sleep comfortably at night without having to endure the breathing disruptions associated with this dangerous condition. To learn more, contact his office today.