Canine Apnea?

I recently read a blog in regards to canines suffering from Sleep Apnea. Now before you roll your eyes... hear me out. This article was very interesting and can give dog lovers everywhere food for thought.

More and more we are seeing canines share the bed. Many brachycephalic breeds such as Boston Terriors, Bulldogs and Pugs (to name a few) snore during sleep. This snore can actually be an indication of airway obstruction resulting in Sleep Apnea. Don't get me wrong I am not telling you to run out and find a Veterinary Clinic that does canine Sleep Studies. What I want you to consider is that your pups Sleep Apnea could actually be disturbing YOUR sleep.

So let's break it down, your dog is snoring and stops breathing which causes him to gasp and change positions to overcome the obstruction. He may even arouse and want to go out, or decide to paw at you to allow him under the covers. This activity can actually interrupt and prevent your normal progression through sleep staging. You are now suffering from the side effects of a Sleep Disorder that your dog has, thus leaving you unrested, irritable and unable to perform tasks efficiently throughout your day.

The solution? Give your canine companion his own designated sleeping area. Let's face it given the opportunity to sleep alongside you or play endless games of fetch with your new found energy... Fido will take to sleeping alone everytime!

Snore shirts... the latest in sleep apparel?

My baby sister underwent a Sleep Study at Valley Sleep Center, where she was diagnosed with having Supine Sleep Apnea. This means that my sister's obstructive events are isolated to when she is sleeping on her back.

In the past physicians have used the method of tying a tennis ball into the back of a night shirt. This causes discomfort when the patient rolls onto their back resulting in the patient turning onto their side, thus relieving the obstruction and eliminating respiratory events.

My sister thought this was an easy, inexpensive solution and went home to sleep with a ball in her shirt. Unfortunately, the tennis ball was not enough to prevent my sister from sleeping supine. She found herself on her back upon waking and was now left with the addition of pain/discomfort throughout her day.

It seems my sister was not the only one who found the tennis ball solution to be ineffective as shortly after my sister's failed attempt. Lauri Leadley the owner of Valley Sleep Center purchased a surplus of what are called "Snore Shirts". I was elated and immediately purchased a shirt for my sister to try. The shirts are premade with 3 pockets in the back wherein are placed 3 styrofoam tubes. The tubes are equally placed along the expanse of the upper back.

The next day my sister was astounded with the success of her new "Snore Shirt". She awoke rested and without back pain. It may not be the cute pajama set she is used to receiving over the holidays, but what I gave her was the gift to a long healthy life. Purely selfish on my part, I love her and can't imagine my life without her.

If you have a loved one suffering from Supine Sleep Apnea, I encourage you to visit valleysleepcenter.com and purchase your "Snore Shirt" today!

Can you see my dreams?

The release of the recent movie Inception has created quite a buzz in regards to dreams and sleep. We are all very fascinated by dreams, which is evident by the numerous books dedicated to dream interpretations. Interestingly enough in the world of sleep one of the common questions asked is will you be able to "see" my dreams the night of testing. Although we are able to monitor the stages of one's sleep using EEG, as well as determine the length of time spent in REM (the dream stage), we are in no way able to visualize one's dreams.

So this brings me to the topic of what are dreams? There seems to be alot of debate on this subject. Some scientists believe that dreams are a compilation of emotions throughout the day that become interconnected with past experiences and emotions upon sleep. It can then be argued that nightmares are an interruption to the resolution of emotions. Thus leaving us with a recurrence until we are able to successfully maintain sleep and resolve the emotions attached to the nightmare.

Some Psychologists like to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to resolve/overcome nightmares and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They will take elements of the nightmare and change them to a nonthreatening nature. For example, if someone is being chased in their dream, they may change the threatening figure to balloons following them.

If you are someone that suffers from nightmares, the first line of defense is to write it down. Keep a pad and pen at bedside, upon waking from the nightmare write down all the elements you are able to recall. If your nightmares are persistent and interrupt your quality of sleep meet with your physician to determine the best course of action specific to your needs.

Dad's Snore...

Growing up my father shook the walls when he snored, as mischevious teenagers we would wait for the snoring to begin then sneak out for the evening. We knew we were in the clear upon arriving home if the snoring was heard upon entering. At the time we were thankful for the snoring, now as an adult I realize that my father's Atrial Fibrillation, HTN and Diabetes may have been resolved/controlled had he treated his Sleep Apnea. If you know someone that snores and complains of excessive daytime sleepiness refer them to Valley Sleep Center to speak with one of our Board Certified Sleep Physicians, they will be glad you did~