Sleep Apnea Solution

Sleep. Do you get enough of it? Do you know anyone who does? Would you believe that Lavender and Jasmine, those pretty plants out in the field behind your house, can help you get a good night's sleep when prepared and used correctly? This is surely a better way to go than the use of sleeping pills or drinking yourself into oblivion each night.

Well, researchers have proven that these organic plant compounds can help you get a good night's sleep. In 2005, research published in the journal Chronobiology International stated that Lavender essential oil, inhaled at bedtime and during the night, relaxes you and has a mild sedative effect, making it easier to fall asleep and promoting deeper sleep. The results of the study showed that when people inhaled the scent of Lavender during the night:

Spent more of their sleeping time in the restful deeper stage of sleep
Decreased the amount of time they spent in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep
Reported feeling more energetic in the morning

When compared to the results of inhaling an inert substance (distilled water vapor). In short, when men and women were exposed to Lavender oil at bedtime, they slept better and felt reported feeling more vigorous the next morning.

These results are similar to those in a 2002 study, where people inhaled Jasmine as they slept, making the combination of the two doubly promising as a way to help you get a deep, restful sleep without having to resort to potentially dangerous or addictive sleeping pills.

Would you like to experience the sleep-enhancing benefits of Lavender and Jasmine? Well, one easy way to do it would be to apply Lavender and Jasmine essential oils to your chest or shoulders before you go to bed. Simply applying a few drops would allow let you benefit throughout the night, helping you sleep better with little trouble or bother.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
What is the best solution for sleep apnea?
I have sleep apnea but Im sure i do not want to use a c-pap or an a-pap machine. Just looking for the next best solution.
- ANSWER:
  Someone else already said it, but it should be repeated. Get the CPAP.
  
  I never thought I would be able to sleep with one. For about a year I told myself that it would not help me sleep, that it would make it more difficult for my wife to sleep, that it would be uncomfortable...
  
  The very first night I used CPAP it felt a little akward, but by the end of the first week ALL of my symptoms had disappeared. It has been three years now and I have no more headaches, no more muscle cramps, no more waking up several times a night with horrible heartburn or horrible sweating. My blood pressure and cholesterol have returned to normal. In one week I went from a 25 year old in danger of having a heart attack to a well rested guy who can just enjoy life again. I cannot even begin to explain how much better you will feel.
  
  Get the CPAP and try it for a week. Just 7 days. If you can't do it, talk to your doctor. There is a surgical procedure that can reduce apnea, however less then 30% of the people who have it see any significant change and most people must have the surgury repeated throughout their lives to stay symptom free.
  
  Most importantly, do not ignore this condition. If you do you will continue to gain weight, the headaches will get worse. Your blood pressure will continue to skyrocket. You will develop holes in your stomach and esophogus from the acid. You will have a potentially fatal heart attack. Left untreated and supervised by a doctor this condition will kill you.
  
  Get the CPAP.
QUESTION:
Whats a good solution for Sleep Apnea without spending money?
- ANSWER:
  The #1 reason for sleep apnea is being overweight. So, losing weight would definitely help.
  
  Other than that, there are mouthpieces and such to help keep your airway more open, but if one is overweight (not saying you are, just saying in general), the mouthpieces won't do much.
QUESTION:
Are there any Solutions to sleep apnea?
I have had a sleep study and know that I have sleep apnea, I have tried a c pap machine and didn`t like it . Are there any other solutions to my problem?
- ANSWER:
  Try those breath right nasal strips and put some Vick's vapo rub under your nose.
  
  I have also seem pillows that are made for people with sleep apnea. You'd have to do some research about those.
  
  I try to sleep almost upright, and make sure I have pillows placed where I can't roll over on my back.
QUESTION:
is there anyone out there who has a better solution than cpap for sleep apnea?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea?
I'm sleep apnea. Tried the device that looks like you are going into outerspace, could NOT sleep. They say, surgery can make the condition worse. Any solutions?
- ANSWER:
  Not sure who is saying surgery makes it worse. I know someone right now who has had the surgery and was good for years and now has to have it again because some of the polyps have grown back.
QUESTION:
i have sleep apnea what is the best solution to this problem I'm tired of this machine?
- ANSWER:
  If your sleep apnea is genetic and not weight associated there is nothing you can do about it. If it is weight associated, not sleeping will only make your weight issue worse as you seek other ways of getting energy. I was first diagnosed back in 1998, so I'm speaking from experience.There are a few things you can do, but going without the machine can cause heart problems.
  Here are a few tips:
  *If the air is irritating your nose ask for a warm air humidifier. This will add moisture and heat the air a bit making it more comfortable.
  *Try changing masks. There a different kinds, you just need to find what is comfortable for you.
  *It usually takes about a month or two to get use to the machine, so please be patient. I would wake up for a month to find that I had ripped off the mask and thrown it across the room, but after a month everything was good and I started sleeping through the night.
QUESTION:
Has anyone ever tried the "my snoring solution" jaw strap thing? Would it help for sleep apnea?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
I recently got a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, I don't like it, is there another solution?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea Sufferers: What has been your experience with CPAP?
I've had treatments for depression for about 3 years now. None of the depression treatments such as medication and ECT helped.

I recently suspected sleep apnea and went for an overnight sleep study. They confirmed that I was experiencing sleep apnea, and I had a partial night's rest using the CPAP machine at the testing location, but it wasn't a full night's rest using it.

The test was last weekend, and they said it would be 7-10 days for a doctor to analyze the data and get back to me. I won't know how severe my sleep apnea is until I hear from the doc...

I was wondering if anyone would like to share their sleep apnea problems and solutions, and how well they did (or didn't) work. I'm especially interested in anyone's story involving depression, either due to or made worse by sleep apnea.

I'm not terribly overweight, 6ft 1in and 220 lbs, but the doc said I have a very narrow throat, and my severe allergies and sinus problems play a role.

I appreciate anyone's storys!
- ANSWER:
  I am 36 yoa, 6'2", and weigh 250#, I have a 21" neck and have been diagnosed as having sleep apnea. I was put on a CPAP machine and I could not get used to the machine. I got tangled up in the hose all the time, not to mention that it dried my sinuses to the point of constant nighttime nosebleeds, even with a passive humidifier. I found once I started an exercise regimin that included eating healthier and weightlifting along with cardio exercise that I was able to relax and sleep better. I still have relapses, my wife notices that I do it most when I have a stressful day at work ( I am a law enforcement officer) You should try the machine and make the determination for yourself. There is also a surgical procedure where they "roto rooter" your sinuses to open the passages up. I don't know about that. I do know that when you find out what works you will feel the difference in your quality of sleep. Good Luck!
QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea: My father is staying over and forgot his nosepiece. Any good temporary solutions?

He uses a CPAP and forgot to pack the nasal pillow.

He's propped up on 3 pillows and sleeping sitting up, but I want to find something for him.
- ANSWER:
  Call a DME company and buy one. There are no good answers. It is good to have a back up mask/nose piece for just this occassion and when it breaks. I always have an extra. For future reference, You can buy them online rather cheap as compare to your home care. Most insurance however will replace a mask evey 3-6 months.
  
  I feel asleep on the plane with out mine for less than an hour.. I had a headace for a week and other sleepapnea symptoms for days.
QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea: If you have it and got surgery for it, did it improve things?
My husband suffers from sleep apnea and as of now using a C Pap machine. He hates it and is not looking forward to using it all his life.

He has schedule surgery in June. I think he'll get is uvula taken out and part of the pallate taken off to make a wide space. His doctor said it's not an 'end all' solution, but should improve things.

If you have had a surgery for apnea, what kind of surgery was it and how much did your apnea improve?
- ANSWER:
  Sorry to hear about your husbands problem. How can you sleep next to him with all the snoring and always waiting for the next stop. I Hope the machine helps on this. The operation is bound to improve the general situation drastically as he will most likely get rid of the machine. He will also get some good sleep again and with this being fitter during the day. By saying it will not be and "end all" solution, I think the doc means, nothing can be guaranteed and while the collapsing velum is a common cause for the apnea, it could be caused by factors.
  Good luck to both of you!
QUESTION:
does anyone have solutions for sleep apnea?
For example; sleeping on your side...
- ANSWER:
  Oscar... sleep apnea is nothing to fool around with with secondary solutions. You need to see your doctor who will schedule you for a sleep clinic overnight test. Most likely they will fit you for a CPAP machine based on your performance. Chip
QUESTION:
Pure Sleep? Snoring Solution?
I've checked out the site puresleep.com, I read reviews on balance-your-health.com, but I don't know either of those sites, so I still want more information on this device.

I snore, and wake myself up at night snoring or gasping. I can tell that its because of my jaw position. Pure Sleep says it can help with that. So, have any of you used it? What were your results? Are their similar devices you use? What are they and how much were they? Thanks!

I do have Sleep Apnea and I had a CPAP Machine but it so uncomfortable and I used 3 different masks and one was a nose piece that broke my skin out.
- ANSWER:
  I have the same problem and I do not hear my self so I think it is alright
QUESTION:
Sleep disorders: insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and night terrors...?
these are different than nightmares, or bad dreams--they happen in stage 4 sleep). Do you or anyone in your family suffer from any of the these? Does anyone you know sleepwalk (not considered to be a disorder, but also happens in stage 4 sleep as opposed to REM "dream" sleep)? What happens? Does anyone have a good solution for insomnia?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
what are some solutions to help with sleep apnea?
- ANSWER:
  The only actual MEDICAL solution is to wear a CPAP device when sleeping, and if that doesn't help to have surgery to open the pharyngeal airways. You can try natural approaches such as chiropractic care (the most beneficial of the natural approaches), homeopathy, or even acupuncture if you would like to try the natural route first. Before an actual medical regimen is prescribed, though, a pulmonologist will want to perform a sleep study on you to check the severity of the condition.
QUESTION:
Can anyone recommend treatments of sleep apnea?
I live in Seattle. My sleep doctor has prescribed a Bi-PAP and I use it, but he will not do his job. He knows it isn't producing good results. He mentions no "out-of-network" providers or alternatives. He doesn't address all the problems I'm having. I have increased the pressure settings, with his knowledge, and am getting a second opinion from Virginia Mason Sleep Clinic. Apria, as a DME, is unacceptable. Numerous machines they provided, all Respironics, have broken. I dug up Lincare, on my own and went to their Seattle office last week. They fixed my mask, told me of other products I had learned of in the past few weeks on my own -without my asking. The bulk of my info on apnea and its treatment has come from newsgroups and sites dedicated to sleep disorders.

I use a saline solution daily.
Does ANYONE have ANY ideas or know of any other providers, DMEs, etc who can help? Please excuse the shouting & please help.
- ANSWER:
  Lincare is one of the only national based DME's but you can really use anyone. In my opinion the best DME's are sleep labs that do both. Technicians are much more educated and helpful with the units and the mask fittings than business' that just provide the equipment. Mostly because we actually use the equipment and we see how the masks and units work on a nightly basis. No other DME's that are not sleep lab based are going to be as knowledgable. Respironics have been great units in my lab but we also use Resmed units that are just as great. You may have gotten units that are refurbished or used. There is another unit out there now called Adaptive Servo Ventilation but you have to fail bipap and have complex or central sleep apnea to qualify for one. But they are spectacular units and not all sleep labs are using them yet. Most sleep labs are great at working with insurances and you when it comes to equipment. I would seek a better lab and possibly a different Board certified sleep physician. We have two wonderful ones here in Montana and a great sleep lab. We have many patients from all over. But Seattle is a ways away and it may not be as convenient for you. Sorry and good luck
QUESTION:
I am insomniac, my husband has sleep apnea....as you can see we are completely differnet....how do we cope?
He works days, 6am- 4 pm. Has sleep apnea. I work nights, 4.30pm- 11 pm. I am insomniac. How do we get over these fights??
I get upset cause i dont want him takeing so many naps, not only cause i am coinvinced that it makes his condition worse, but clearly we hardly ever see each other. I wish that instead of wanting to take a nap in ever free second he has that we could atleast do something together. Also i bitch cause i wish he would stay up later on weekends,....he wants to go to sleep at 10.30 pm like a usual work night, but then sleeps till 12.30 pm in the afternoon.
He gets mad cause i come home from work, stay up till 2-3am and then eventually with time fall asleep. I never take naps, get up around 10.30 am usually with the kids etc....
HOw can we both be happy and get over this butting heads conditions of ours?? It really does start alot of fights. I wish we could find a solution! Any help, or ppl in the same position?
O.k. you guys make me sound like a completely clueless wife. Like i dont know what sleep apnea is, geeze, i am married to the guy. I am not retarded. He does have a Cpap machine, but he doesnt use it. Plus he smokes like a chimney. So before you think its all me and i should lay off,....realize thats not the case. So to make it more obvious to everyone else:
Yes i know what sleep apnea is, i am the one who told him about it!
Yes i know nagging doesnt help, but i also read that 7 hours or so of sleep on the machine minus daily naps will be better for him in the long run....Anyways just thought i would clear that up. I am not stupid i know what the condidtion is....better then he does actually. Like i said, i had to coinvince him for two years to go to the Dr.
- ANSWER:
  I'd recommend separate beds to begin with, or perhaps a change of jobs for one or the other of you.
  
  My question would be why your husband is sleeping so much in the first place. Constantly sleeping like that is sometimes a sign of depression. With all the other turmoil in your life and in your relationship, depression certainly wouldn't be a wild call. I know it's hard, but try to really listen to him to find out if this isn't all about something much deeper than sleep issues.
  
  Other than that, each of you should try to come up with a couple of compromises to help each other out. You could try crawling back into bed with him on Saturday morning and waking him up in a more pleasant way, and letting him have a nap once in a while if he'll agree to lie in bed with you for 15 minutes for some "play" time (which could be anything from sex to backrubs to just snuggling for a bit) until he falls asleep.
  
  I know that I used to get very irritated with my ex-husband because he never had any energy and was constantly falling asleep on the couch in front of the t.v. set. He was also a snorer, which didn't help our lovelife much, either. These things seemed like a sign of weakness and intellectual laziness to me at the time. But the truth is that there were deeper issues, such as his refusal to assist me with the kids and my desire for a more intellectually active life, that were truly at work. Needless to say, we did not resolve our issues and we are divorced now. If you don't want your marriage to end the same way, you need to look into some counseling a.s.a.p. for both of you.
  
  Best of luck.
QUESTION:
I have Sleep Apnea (both obstructive and central -700-900 episodes a nite) 02/09. I use both an oxygenation(4?
I have Sleep Apnea (both obstructive and central -700-900 episodes a nite) 02/09. I use both an oxygenation(4.0) and bipap machine. 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes (taking Metformin 500mg 4 a day). I'm testing my glucose level several times a day to establish a pattern. I'm watching my diet, but my readings are all over the place, anywhere from 178 to HIGH (over 499). understandable since I am testing frequently; after waking, eating, before/after naps, before sleeping,etc. I use the 'testing solution" occassionally to make sure I'm doing it correctly and to insure the strips and lancets are still OK. I should mention I also have very low testost (Androgel), chronic pain (arthritis & back pain (Oxycontin) acid reflux (Omeprazole) enlarged prostate (terazosin) severe (Suprise!) depression (Fluoxetine)ADHD (Adderall) to top it off - possible contact w/ "Agent Orange" insurance & VA BAD! HELP!!
I'm sorry - the above is soooo long - and now I'm adding to it! LOL - I forgot to mention, I'm a 61 year old male, 5'9" and weigh 158 - so I'm not over weight.

Thanks for any help you are able to offer
Bob
- ANSWER:
  It looks like your main question is related to you high blood sugars even though you are on Metformin for your Type 2 Diabetes. Sometimes it takes weeks to months to regulate your blood sugar with medicines after being diagnosed because medications are started one at a time and dosages are increased slowly over time as well to reach maximum effect without causing side effects or causing your blood sugar to drop too low. Basically, you are at the very beginning of type 2 diabetes treatment so continue to check and chart your blood sugar regularly and continue to eat right and exercise. You should have another doctor's visit coming up soon so that they can see how you are doing with your high blood sugar. At that time, they could change your diabetes medication or add another one. It is common to need more than one diabetes medication to control high blood sugars. Just continue to take your meds and keep up with recording your blood sugars and they will eventually get you on the right medications with the right dosages to treat your diabetes.
  I am also posting a informative website that may help you understand why it can be difficult to find the perfect diabetes medication right at the beginning. It goes over all of the meds.
  
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-treatment/DA00089
QUESTION:
I have sleep apnea, why is neck sculpting considered a cosmetic procedure?
I come from a family of skinny people with turkey necks. My mom is very skinny, yet she has a turkey neck, my sister is very skinny and she has a turkey neck. I'm very skinny, and I have a fat double chin.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. The doctor told me that he usually puts people with sleep apnea on a diet so they lose the fat around their neck, and breathe better. In my case, that doesn't seem like a solution since I'm not overweight at all.

He told me my best option would be neck sculpting, having liposuction on my neck. But, since neck sculpting is considered a cosmetic procedure, my insurance won't cover it.

If the fat around my neck is endangering my health, why is it considered a cosmetic procedure?
- ANSWER:
  Because the insurance companies have lost all grasp of reality.
QUESTION:
How can you go camping with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea?
I need my CPAP to be portable... Would anyone know how to hook up a 12 volt battery to it in order to make it portable? I cannot afford a Marine Battery, they are way to expensive. I need CHEAP and EFFECTIVE solution!!!

FYI:
CPAP is an acronym for "continuous positive airway pressure." It is used for the treatment of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea (AP-ne-ah) is a common disorder in which you stop breathing or breathing pauses during your sleep for few seconds to minutes.
- ANSWER:
  There are converters that can hookup to a car battery that convert the cars DC over to an AC that the cpap runs on. They are called Dc/AC inverters...They sell them at Walmart and auto stores. The inverters are rated by wattage. The inexpensive ones can charge something like a laptop computer, but not run something that draws a lot of power like a toaster...the more expensive units have a higher wattage rating. You need to look at your cpap and see how many watts it draws; by the plug there should be writing that lets you know.
  
  I don't know what they use or if they make an inverter that would work or not, the other question is how long will a batter last with that draw on it? The marine batteries are meant to draw more current for longer, and some car batteries are pretty wimpy and would likely not do the job.
  
  If you google "auto power inverters" you can do some research and see if it is feasible with the battery you have now.
  
  Good luck.
QUESTION:
Does anyone have a solution for excessive mouth dryness from a cpak machine?
I just was diagnosed with sleep apnea and have begun using my cpak. I wake up several times a night with a horrible dry mouth and my lips almost pasted shut. Any suggestions? Thanks!
- ANSWER:
  Are you using a mask that just covers your nose? When I first started using my machine and that is what I had. I needed to change to a mask that covered the nose and mouth because when i fell asleep my mouth opened and the air from the machine would just go out my mouth instead of my lungs. I would wake up and hardly be able to talk because my mouth was so dry. When I started using a full face mask the problem stopped.
QUESTION:
Since husbands and wives usually sleep in the same bed, I'm hoping someone may have a solution for this?
I often sleep over at my FWB's house and we have to be up at 3am so he can get ready to go to work and drop me off at home. The problem is not that he snores (I don't mind that at all) it's that he has sleep apnea. Every time he stops breathing it jolts me awake, I give him a shove and he starts breathing again. Needless to say, I'm not getting much sleep! I like sleeping over, I'm just wondering if there are any "home" remedies for this? I've tried encouraging him to see a doctor and he always says he will, but doesn't. This can't be good for his health...so, any ideas?
FWB= Friend with benefits...I have no say in making him an appointment.
Mother's Milk...I'm used to M&D...I'm in here taunting on a regular basis myself...lol
Answer Dude, you know, with 3 men in my past dead now, you'd think I'd be in a will at some point.....hasn't happened yet
- ANSWER:
  He could drop 30-50 lbs.
QUESTION:
Would An Oxygen Supplement Over Night Help A 3yo With Sleep Apnea?
Torn over this.
The mask will probably scare the sense out of him, and it might take some getting used to.
But his night breathing is terrible. As soon as he gets a slight cold, he stops breathing constantly, and each time is for a little longer. It's come to the point where he is sleeping in the cubby bed in our room.
He has CSA not OSA, if that makes a difference.

I wonder if anyone thinks this might help our situation. Given it won't be every night, it will only be every time, his belt goes off, and he doesn't *snap* awake. He doesn't get a cold very often these days, but when he does, I don't like the idea or him not breathing for a minute plus & having to shake him awake isn't the finest solution.
Brown Sugar, Please read the question properly.
I didn't ask what he needed, I asked would it help him. I don't need to know you dodgy facts with Apnea either. I am quite educated on the matter.
- ANSWER:
  Oh wow..Charli, that is hard. I'm sorry I really do not know much about it. But what Mozz said sure sounds good.
  I'm wondering though...just a thought based on my daughter....
  She had chronic ear infections after/during each and every single cold... since she was a babby and her breathing at night was terribly noisy. It often sounded to me like she'd gasp, and then start breathing again.
  To make a long story short..at age 4, both the tonsils and the adenoids were taken out.
  OMG..her first night home...I slept with her. I could not hear a thing!! And I was so used to the noisy breathing..it freaked me out big time. I had to keep putting my hand on her back all through the night, to make sure she was really breathing. To this day, she's never had a stitch of trouble again. Not a single ear issue or breathing problem at night.
  Anyway, that's my only experience..but maybe it will help you a little. Good luck, girl.
QUESTION:
How can I treat my sleep apnea without a C-pap?
I am not overweight. Surgery is not an option (if you have researched it, you'd know why). I have feverishly tried using my C-pap on and off for the past 5 years and always have to eventually stop using it because I'm not getting any sleep. People say "if you wanted it enough, you'd get used to it". Not true. If I ever do fall asleep on it, I wake up gasping every minute (even with a chin strap). What can I do? I have nothing going on in my life right now because the chronic fatigue prevents me from holding a job or going to school. I'm so dysfunctional, everything seems pretty pointless and it seems like I have reached the end of any advice. People just repeat themselves. I've run out of solutions.
I've tried provigil. It made me crazy and irritable to the point of not being able to function productively.
..I've also tried all of the masks they have to offer. The "nose pillow" is the best for me out of them all but still doesn't seems to work. I have had the pressure adjusted many times. Maybe they just screwed it up the last time. I'll have too look into that. Thanks.
Nicole: Haha.. that seems the only option I have left!
- ANSWER:
  I am not confident that you can treat your apnea without a c-pap. I would suggest that you discuss it with your doctor. Sleep medicine is constantly changing and improving. There are so many c-pap devices to choice from nowadays that maybe you simply need to find a better mask for you. If you are waking up gasping for breath I would also wonder if your pressure of your c-pap may need to be adjusted which would have to be done in a sleep lab. There are different types of apneas as well as different degrees of severity. Some people can simply sleep in a certain position and not have an apnea.
  
  If your daytime sleepiness is interfering with your daily life, there are medications that can help. Provigil is a drug that makes you feel very alert and rested without the gittery feelings you can get from stimulants. Of course, it is a prescription so you would have to see a Dr about that too. In any case, your really don't have to just accept the fact that your c-pap isn't working for you...there are other options out there.
  
  I hope that something I have mentioned may help you...You do have several options without resorting to surgery...
QUESTION:
Sleep problems - not sleeping thru the night?
I take Lunesta. Have been off and on for about a year and a half. Lately I am not sleeping thru the night. I am waking up around 2-3am and pretty much awake until I have to get up at 6. I am exhausted. I have has some stress lately in my life. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. I do have "mild" sleep apnea(I was told a cpap may or may not help). I snore some. And I sleep with earplugs...Does anyone have any ideas that might help me sleep thru the night? I exercise some, i am not overweight. I would prefer something that isn't a medication solution. As I already take something...
I don't know if my waking up is stress related and an anti depressant is the last thing I need.
- ANSWER:
  here is some tips
  i also have trouble sleeping
  
  Avoid or limit your use of caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate), decongestants, alcohol and tobacco.
  Exercise more often, but don't exercise within a few hours before going to bed.
  Learn to reduce or manage the stress in your life.
  Don't lie in bed worrying about things. Set aside another time just for worrying. For example, spend 30 minutes after dinner writing down what's worrying you and what you can do about it.
  Try eating a light snack before going to bed, but don't eat too much right before bedtime. A glass of warm milk or some cheese and crackers may be all you need.
  Don't nap during the day if naps seem to make your insomnia worse.
QUESTION:
How can I overcome my snoring problem?
I've always had a snoring problem since I was a kid. It may be sleep apnea, but whenever I find solutions, it always tells me to lose weight. My weight usually fluctuates between 130 and 140 pounds, but I also practice martial arts quite often, which may lead to some muscle weight. Some days my snoring is decent, but on some days, it can be so bad that it would wake up people sleeping in the same room.
- ANSWER:
  I have found that using a neck pillow may solve the problem. I like the cervical traction pillow. The key is that the neck roll restore neck alignment; this also allows the sinuses and airways to remain open. They also have a sleep apnea pillow. It's a specialty pillow; I put the link below. Also, you may be able to google Dr Oz, I was flipping channels yesterday and noticed he was talking about sleep apnea.
QUESTION:
What is the proper way to clean the hose of a c-pap machine?
My sister has sleep apnea and must wear a c-pap machine. She wants to know how to properly clean the plastic hose and fittings without harming the accessories. She believes that dawn detergent would not be harmful but not really sure about the best solution. Please advise. Thank you in advance.
- ANSWER:
  Do not use Dawn detergent. You are supposed to put it in the sink with water and a little distilled vinegar. Make sure the solution goes all the way through the hose then hang the hose to dry. I usually hang mine over the shower bar. To clean the fittings use this solution also. Make sure to change the filters and to clean the mask use non-alcohol baby wipes. You are supposed to clean the mask daily and the hose and other things weekly and the filters should last about 3 months.
QUESTION:
Is there a solution for dry mouth that has become so severe that my tongue is sensitive and inflamed?
I have a severe problem with dry mouth, especially while sleeping. It has gotten so bad that my tongue is tender and inflamed. It gets better during the day when I am awake but then recurs at night while I am asleep. I sleep with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and use a specially designed chin strap to keep my mouth closed while sleeping, but this doesn't help the dry-mouth problem and inflamed tongue at all.

Has anyone had this problem and found a solution for it? If so, I am in desperate need of a long-term solution!!!
- ANSWER:
  During the wintertime, I experience dry mouth syndrome, and a humidifier cranked up high in my room helps, as well as drinking a good amount of water before bedtime (really pushing the bladder to its limits!) I have a tendency to sleep with my mouth open, which causes the dry mouth, but it only occurs when I sleep on my back, so I sleep on my left side (but your machine should keep your mouth closed in any position). Also, I avoid duiretic type of products like tea, which tend to rob the cells of water - and heavily reduce my salt/sodium intake. Have they checked you for other things like diabetes (which can cause dry mouth/thirst), thyroid issues, as well as a condition called sjorgren's syndrome? This latter one is an autoimmune disease that causes severe dry mouth and in some folks, dry eyes.
QUESTION:
is there a solution to chronic coughing?
i have had a cough for over 20 years and have been to several doctors, including specialists. no one has discovered the cause nor the solution. i have taken many different medications over the years and nothing works. i have lupus, sleep apnea and acid reflux, but none of these are the cause of the cough. the cough can last 2 weeks to a month at a time. the longest relief i have had from the cough was 3 months some years ago. it gets so bad that sometimes i throw up and can't catch my breath. does anyone know of a procedure, medication or doctor that can help even if it just reduces the length of time the coughing lasts?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
What do about my boyfriend snoring?
My boyfriend is only 20 and his snoring is awful most nights. It keeps me awake and is frustrating. I know their are surgeries out there to fix it, and some say exercise helps. The nose strips and sprays do not work because it is coming from his throat, not his nose. He believes he has sleep apnea, but we do not have the money to test for this. Anyone else experience this and can reccomend a solution thayt worked for them?
Sometimes not sleeping on his back works, but when it is really bad snoring, sleeping on his sides does not help at all still.
Sorry, one more thing. I have considred ear plugs, but I have to hear the alarm to get up. An alarm rarely wakes him up, I have to wake him up usually.
- ANSWER:
  Your boyfriend needs to seriously consider testing for sleep apnea, especially if the snoring seems to be throat-based. I'll just bet he has it, too. Age is not a factor; I am told kids as young as 12 can have it.
  
  I have it and didn't know it. For me, it wasn't a snoring issue; it was an issue with not getting a restful night's sleep. I'd wake up in the morning and feel completely exhausted.
  
  I was tested three years ago and was shocked to find out that I stopped breathing 30 times in three hours, which essentially woke me up. When the clinic stirred me, they put me on a CPAP (controlled positive air pressure machine) and I fell into deep REM sleep for the first time in I can't remember. Since then, I use the CPAP every night and sleep like a baby. You will, too.
  
  I can't stress enough the health implications of this beyond the lack of sleep. It is a severe drag on the heart and respiratory system.
  
  I can't speak to your financial issues, but medical insurance should cover this if your doctor makes the referral.
  
  According to my doctor, surgery has only a 35% success rate. I didn't like those odds. My experience with Breathe-Rite strips was largely negative although they were helpful when I was at the gym (-:
QUESTION:
How to reverse sleep schedule?
I have a pretty irritating problem. I've been out of high school for about 9 months or so. I'm not working right now (I plan to very soon), so without any real routine, my sleep has been pretty fucked up for lack of a better term. For example; most days I can't fall asleep until 5 in the morning and then wake up around 4 in the afternoon. Other days I can nod off at about 10 or 11 PM, but can only stay asleep for about 2 or 3 hours before waking up at midnight or 1AM. It's extremely inconsistent. I've tried to stay awake for the entire day, but find myself taking "naps" intended to be for an hour at most but turn into 6 hours. Only 2 or 3 times this entire year have I managed to adjust it, but only because my sister and I smoked marijuana (I swear I'm not a pothead), or my mom gave me one of her Vicodins (she told me it was just a Tylenol). It was short lived however. I avoid caffeine, turn electronics off at a reasonable hour, herbal tea, deep breathing, adjusting my pillows, whatever. Nothing seems to work. I know I don't have sleep apnea. I've had a sleep study done. I'm certain I don't have anything like narcolepsy, but I can't be too sure. I'm using medication/doctor's visit as a last resort. I guess it would help to know that I've always had sleep issues throughout school. This isn't new to me. But after nearly a year, it's becoming terribly depressing. Does anybody have any tips or solutions on how to fix this?
- ANSWER:
  It seems that your brain is too active try old math equations, reading, brain training on the ds. Your brain seems to not be using what needs to used for a good nights sleep therefore you arent using it to its potential. You need to stimulate your brain by using it more, cooking, brain exercises will help you sleep
QUESTION:
Whats the best solution for me as a diabetic with ADHD?
I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, diabetes and now my girlfriend thinks i have ADHD. I haven't been able to hold down a job for a while...I always suffered from restlessness, being tired all the time and just plain fatigued. I've had sleep studies, operations to correct my sleep problems, been put on diets and pills to help me live a normal life but none of this stuff has helped me much. When doing any thing my mind wanders constantly. I can never focus very well or have clarity and tend to procrastinate all the time. Exercise seems to help a little but doesnt solve my problems. I can never concetrate on 1 thing for to long and tend to jump from one thing to another, rarely finishing anything i start. Most of the time when things require any mental effort on my part i get frustrated very easily by it. I've never been diagnosed with ADHD but i'm sure i have it. Someone i met at a quilt shop my girlfriend shops at suggested i try and get on disability for my ADHD. Is this possible?
- ANSWER:
  The good news is that although this disease accounts for almost half of the annual death toll in the western nations from all causes, it is, in most cases, curable, permanently, quickly, economically, completely and often easily and by natural means. This means little or no reliance upon synthetic designer drugs and no ineffective medical treatments for symptoms, while causal agents remain untreated.
  you can check this site for more information on ADHD
  
  http://diabetes-complications.blogspot.com/
QUESTION:
Help with decision about solution to family problems?
Im 20, and i live with my dad. I do for a number of reasons including not being employed right now. Him and my mother seperated about a year and a half ago and he had a really tough time, we moved out of our house in like 2 days and were homeless staying with my sister and he drank alot, with all these problems and stress it effected my launching and growing independence development alittle. Part of me wanted to stay with him because hed be alone, he talks about if i wasnt around hed be alone and depressed, and hes been drinking alot more since the seperation, hes 58 today, its his birthday, and he has sleep apnea, he chokes in his sleep if he drinks too much and lays on his back, so in some ways i feel i have to be here because he makes stupid decisions and im here to keep an eye on him. hes a good man, and hes generous, but hes not nice, if that makes sense. hes controlling, obsessive, possessive, bossy, thinks everyone is out to get him, doesnt like anyone, has bad things to say about everyone, he kind of treats me shitty mood wise, but does alot for me physically, and im completely grateful for it all, im a nice guy i try to clean and help him out with things, but we just dont see eye to eye and hes not a very understanding person to talk to. what this is about is me and my mother. they didnt just seperate, she up and left him, we think for either drugs or another man due to her attitude carelessness sudden mass weightloss and the suddenness of her leaving. when she left she never talked to me again, first for weeks and months i tried to get ahold of her, she didnt answer her phone, we didnt know where she ways, family of hers my dad knew and helped for 28 years treated us like shit, like we were nobody, we had no idea what was going on and still dont know what happened. having your mother who was an amazing cook, cleaner, perfect suburban style mom who cares and does everything she should, jus up and leave and treat my dad like shit, the best man i knew being drilled into the ground more and more and telling me im just brainwashed and i know nothing, hurt..it hurt, and it still does its been this long and she never tries to even talk to her own son, i have other brothers and sisters, most are only my fathers from another marriage, and i have one brother from her but not my father another man, she talks to them sometimes, but not me, she talks to my dad sometimes, but not me, she thinks that i dont want to talk to her. and its true i dont, it hurts to much, i dont wanna start talking to someone with lots of secrets whose going to talk shit about my father who did nothing to me, tell me im wrong and i was brainwashed and i was part reasons she left, and her never be sorry for never talking to me, thats something i just would rather do without in my life, weve talked before, but shes never came to talk to me, she just sees me in the gas station or at a siblings house and thinks that talking to me then is the same as coming to talk to me, and i dont give her the time of day, she always says the same things she did when she left, my fathers a peice of shit, im brainwashed, wont tell me why she left or anything about her life, or why she wouldnt talk to me, nothing. she makes me the bad guy, so i dont wanna talk to her like ever. she feels that i dont because of how i treat her when we talk by accident. i treat her good i just am upset and hurt and in her eyes shes wrong about nothing, so i argue with her and things dont go good of course, so if she just was sorry, explained herself, kept trying when i didnt make it easy for her..pretty much showed me she cared like a mother should, showed me she wanted to talk to me at all, made up for what shes done and missed in my life, id slowly talk to her again, otherwise everything is just hurtful she just hurts me on purpose she doesnt care. and my father got over the break up, and will go talk to her all the time, and for the first time last night she came over for my sisters birthday and drank with everyone, shell do that but not come talk to me, she got drunk and passed out in my living room, shell do that before she comes to talk to her son, she wont directly come here only because she wants to see her own son, thats not enough to come here, but drinking with my dad and siblings is i guess? and i get all upset about that but my dad isnt understanding of how i feel, he thinks i should talk to her regardless of what shes done and even if she doesnt wanna talk to me but i feel like if i do she gets off free forever, and i never get tht feeling tht she cares, ill nvr know, and i fight with him alot n he fucking makes rules and more chores for me just because i dont want to talk to her. n i want to move out, im still looking for a job having a tough time in this smallish town, i dont really have any money, i might move in with my sister, this whole family is just damaging..no one understands..i gotta get outta here..but idk how to im stuck, what should i do? thankyou
ive had a milion talks with my dad telling him how i feel, telling him what im telling you right now, and how much it means to me, it doesnt matter to him, he thinks im the wrong one, after his own wife probably cheated on him and is probably hooked on drugs, treated him like shit for nothing after all hes done for her, he takes her side, even after i was there for him through all his pain from what happened, were close, weve bonded, but he just doesnt care, hes making it harder on me just because i dont want to talk to her, shes just going to make my life harder if i do, im okay right now, i dont want to deal with it all, and its not like she cares enough to try to fight against that anyways. shes not trying to talk to me, but im supposed to go talk to her when she comes over to just drink get drunk and pass out on my couch, or when i see her at the gas station by accident and then go do something with her, instead of her coming to me and trying because she wants to that much, i feel
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
What the hell is happening to mee!?
Ever since last night, i couldn't get to sleep because every time i got to sleep, i wake up gasping for air!
I've researched and the closest thing i could find was 'sleep apnea'
But the strange thing is, i don't have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, like high blood pressure, waking up with a sore or dry throat, poor memory and concentration, headaches etc

So is there a solution? and is it Sleep Apnea?
haha, nick, too right, but im 14 so i cba
And cuteplaguemint, i don't have any of those symptoms oddly
- ANSWER:
  Do you feel any pain in your sternum or side?
  Cause last November, I woke up, unable to breathe with this horrible pain in my chest.
  After several episodes of this, I went to the hospital and after many tests and whatnot, they found out it was my gall bladder. So I had it removed.
QUESTION:
Difficulties with snoring and my sleep. Need help bad!!!?
Ok I went to sleep studies and got put on a CPAP machine although I think I isn't really warranted because my apnea was not that bad, number-wise. So I am on this machine for a while now and my mask id the one that goes into my nostrils because I have a beard and the one that covers the nose leaks air and wakes me up. Well Lately the mask I am wearing makes my nostrils feel like they are on fire when I breathe in and the only relief is to take it off. But in doing this my wife of course is woken up and has a bad nights sleep after that. Is there a solid solution to snoring that does not include a CPAP machine? I don't feel any more refreshed in the morning with or without the machine. I am not really over weight but when I was thinner I didn't snore as much. I just need solutions so I don't drive my wife crazy again with the snoring!
- ANSWER:
  My ex had the surgery and then never missed a snore! So now he's on a CPAP, and so am I. I've found that the mask I've just gotten is SO much better than any of the ones I've tried previously. It's a heck of a lot more expensive, but worth it to me. I can't remember what it's called. Something about being "curved.: It still has a headgear, but it' has pads that fit on my cheeks and I'm able to wear my glasses and read in bed at night. I have also had a problem getting used to the CPAP and masks. But those pads probably would not present a problem for you since you have a beard and the pads would not be resting on your cheeks. It cost me about 4.
  
  BTW, the surgery my ex had? It was horrible and he was out of work for weeks. It was very painful and the smell from where the healing was taking place in his mouth was atrocious. I don't know how he stood the taste of it. The smell was bad enough to knock a buzzard off a s _ _ t wagon!
  
  Good luck.
QUESTION:
Does Scar Tissue Revert?
I am considering a procedure for my sleep apnea called "somnoplasty." The procuedure shrinks the base of the tongue by scarring it using radiofrequencies or microwaves. By reducing the size of the tongue base, breathing is eased, and apnea incidents are less frequent.

My question is: does scar tissue generally revert in time - will this solution most likely only be temporary? Please let me know your thoughts and thanks.
- ANSWER:
  I am not familiar with the procedure you are considering although I can tell you the only way to get rid of scar tissue is to have it cut out. Remember anytime you have any type of surgery and there is an incision, scar tissue will form each time.
QUESTION:
Is CPAP a real treatment for snoring?
I've recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep clinic, and they've recommended that I start CPAP treatment. I'm extremely uncomfortable with this diagnosis because I didn't GO to the sleep clinic for apnea--I was having trouble with snoring. In fact, in all our years of marriage, my wife says she has NEVER heard me stop breathing. I understand that it is just about impossible to snore while using a CPAP, but it also seems like a fairly serious solution for a relatively minor problem. In other words, I recognize that this treatment will WORK for me, but it seems like the cure is worse than the disease.

I'm getting the impression that these sleep pulmonologists might not be exactly the brightest kids right out of medical school. Does anyone know if this is a real treatment for snoring?
- ANSWER:
  For starters, this is a more complicated question than you probably realized, so I'll do my best...
  
  The reason you are snoring is because when you are asleep, the muscles of your upper airway are relaxing to the point that it requires a significant amount of effort to get air past them and they are "flopping" around each time you breathe. You don't have to completely stop breathing to have obstructive sleep apnea -- you merely have to have airflow decreased enough to cause a dip in your blood oxygen levels sufficient to wake your brain up. The snoring is a symptom of a much more serious problem, not the problem in and of itself. Your doctor recognized this and that's why he/she sent you for a sleep study.
  
  If you've had a polysomnogram (a "sleep study") then several areas have been monitored all at the same time to come to the diagnosis. A polysomnogram monitors brain activity (to tell what stage of sleep you are in), air flow at the upper airway (to see whether and how much airflow has decreased) inspiratory effort (to compare the number of efforts made to the airflow acheived), oxygen saturation (to compare oxygen level to the state of wakefulness, airflow, and inspiratory effort), and heart rate and rhythm (to measure stress levels on the heart and by extension the rest of the body). All of these measurements combine to paint a picture of how hard you are working to breathe, whether your breathing is sufficient while you're asleep, and whether your breathing is interrupting your brain's ability to get to deep sleep and stay there.
  
  If you've had a sleep study and been prescribed a CPAP machine you are having apneic episodes. This means that at several times during the night (in some people hundreds and even thousands of times) you made inspiratory efforts, the airflow across your upper airway dropped below where it had been while you were awake, your oxygen level dropped, and your brain came out of deep sleep. Your airway then opened up, you took a few normal breaths, your oxygen level increased, and your brain continued back down into deep sleep. Then the process started all over again. Again, you don't have to "stop breathing" for you to have obstructive apnea. Your breathing merely needs to be insufficient to meet your oxygen needs and result in your brain coming out of deep sleep.
  
  CPAP works by stenting open the upper airway with air pressure. This prevents the muscles from collapsing the upper airway when your brain gets to deep sleep. That will indeed treat your snoring but again, snoring is a symptom of a much more serious underlying condition. Sleep apnea kills people. If you have untreated apnea you are 15 times more likely to die in an automobile accident, you are at significantly increased risk for both stroke and heart attack (especially if you have other risk factors), and a whole host of other complications and comorbidities.
  
  As an aside, a sleep pulmonologist has to have a real dedication to the job. Aside from four years of medical school, four years of residency, and another three years of fellowship to specialize in pulmonary medicine followed by one of the most difficult board exams in all of medicine; he/she has also had to undergo a fellowship in sleep medicine and take a second board exam in sleep disorders. The dumb kids don't get to be sleep medicine specialists.
QUESTION:
What's wrong with having seperate bedrooms?
My husband snores really loud, enough so that eight months ago, he started sleeping on the couch and went to the doctor where he underwent a sleep study to find that he had severe sleep apnea. Now, he refuses to use the c-pap machine because he says it makes him feel like he's suffocating. There's nothing wrong with the machine and he's tried different masks. He refuses to even try to get use to it. He wants to sleep in the same bed with me again but I can't handle the snoring and think that a better solution would be for me to move into the guest room. He says it's ridiculous for us to have separate bedrooms. I don't see a problem with it and frankly, if he felt that strongly about it, he'd get used to the c-pap machine. We've already been sleeping separately for eight months so why's he bent out of shape about sleeping in the bedroom while I sleep in the guest room? Can anyone help me understand this?
We are still intimate - sleeping separately hasn't changed our sex drive. So is perceived intimacy that much more important than a good night's sleep? I'm sure after a couple of weeks being up all night because of his snoring, I'll be the "cheerful" person he wants to be intimate with. I think I'm being realistic with this.
I can't use earplugs because I have to listen for my kids. I have a toddler and an infant. I can't take the chance of not hearing them at night.

And second, who said I wasn't supportive? If anything, it's him who doesn't want to deal with it. I've supported him plenty but ultimately the best support in the world isn't going to help someone that doesn't want to help themselves. No need for hateful remarks.
Same goes for medication. I can't take sleeping pills (I really shouldn't feel that I have to anyway; I don't have sleeping problems) because I don't want to be drugged up in the middle of the night when my baby starts crying.
- ANSWER:
  Your husband really needs to use the C-Pap, if he doesn't brain cells will continue to be destroyed and eventually may start having more and more medical problems, I know, I didn't use my C-Pap for a long time, now I have the beginnings of Parkinson's, also have Focal Epilipsy, not to mention Cronic Pancreatitis, High Blood Pressure, two heart attacks, Hypothyroid, some short term memory loss, diabetes, neropathy. Although not all are caused my the lack of oxygen I get during sleep, my doctors say some of it is caused by the damaged caused by not using my C-Pap for so long. I know in the beginning it's hard to get use to, but after awhile you get to where you can't sleep without it, not to mention it makes me sleep better, waking with more energy. As far as the seperate bedrooms, tell him tough, you're not only doing it for your benefit to get a good nights sleep, but if he wants you back in his bed, he will have to start using the machine that will benefit him!
QUESTION:
How can I stop my snoring?
I've been reading all sorts of answers here on Yahoo and I can't really find a solution to my problem. I have a snoring problem and my roomate doesn't stop letting me know about it. Frankly, it's getting annoying and offensive. I, however, understand that I keep him up at times and am not allowing him to get enough sleep some nights. Now, I've tried a bunch of things such as sprays, nasal strips, sleeping in all sorts of positions... all to no avail. What's weird is that I also do not snore all night, I do in intervals. Anyone have any other suggestions? I don't think I have sleep apnea because I don't wake up much, if at all, at night in the middle of sleeping. Nevertheless, where could I go to get tested to see if I have the condition? Also, I read something about adenoid removal. Is there any place where I can get more information about it's side effects, long-term effects, and how much a surgery like that would cost, its process, and how long it lasts? Any suggestions?
- ANSWER:
  You should check out for sleep apnea. But before that trying to read up as much as you can and try some natural remedies.
  
  I had a bad problem too and I found this book useful "ISnore No More"
QUESTION:
Shortness of breath and more?
Okay, this has been really weird. I keep having shortness of breath, which feels like almost a huge pressure sitting on my chest. I breathe deeply, but it feels like I can't get enough air.

One day, it got so bad I went to the emergency room at about midnight. They tested me for just about everything. No asthma, I don't wheeze or cough, and they say my oxygen is at 100%. I went to the hospital the following day for more tests, and they say my lungs look fine. However, they tested my peak flow (is that what it's called? XD) measurement and they said it was a bit low.

Continuing, I also have these sort-of "freak-outs" where I feel like my pulse is really weak, my breathing is shallow, and I feel really dizzy. I don't know if this is a real problem, or if it's all in my head.

Could my scoliosis have anything to do with it? I have a 13 degree curve to the right (my right). The doctor also said I have a slight skeleton defect where a part of my rib cage is curved inwards. But it's ever so slightly. Barely anything. Could that have anything to do with it as well?

It happens at random times. When I'm running, walking, sitting down, watching TV, even when I'm about to go to sleep. It doesn't matter what I'm doing at the time.

I'm 12 years old. Could you guys please clarify the solution on this? The doctors couldn't figure anything out.

PS. It's not sleep apnea. I get it when I'm awake.
- ANSWER:
  My wife has it also, it is your scoliosis, its pinching your nerve, which doesnt let your lung muscles work. Go get a brace, it might save your life.
QUESTION:
What is wrong with me- why am I struggling with college so much?
I wish I could be brief in detail, but my situation demands a lot of explanation. I am a 35 year old married man from Georgia. I am currently attending college full time in order to attain a degree in education. I want to teach second grade one day. I love school and I love learning. But I am struggling with a number of different issues.

To start with, I have little time for leisure or recreation. This really confuses me deeply, because a lot of students and even professors seem to have more free time than I do. I am not even working at all right now. I am just going to school FT. Yet I know of many students who work PT or even FT and also attend college. Some of those students even have families, children, and hobbies. So this leads me to believe that something is terribly wrong with me.

I need to reveal this part- I have a pretty severe case of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). I normally take my meds in the morning, and they evidently have a soporific affect on me throughout the entire day. I require a lot more sleep than normal- I need about nine or ten hours of sleep to function properly the next day. I have a theory about this. I am obese, so I may have sleep apnea. I may not be getting enough rest at night since I am so overweight, and this may partially explain why I am so often tired in the daytime.

I think I may have problems with time management skills. I also may have poor study habits that are not effective. But other than these things, I cannot figure out why it is that I struggle to have time for myself and my wife. She is very frustrated with me because I have so little time to dedicate to her and spend with her. She needs me right now, because she is depressed (something which I can relate to all too well). I see other people working, attending school, and traveling, etc- but they don't seem to have this problem of time that I do. Is my mental illness one of the factors working against me? Why and how is it working against me? Is the fact that I am a perfectionist also a problem? What is the solution? Is there something wrong with me?
- ANSWER:
  You need to have your health and strength to be a school teacher.
QUESTION:
Why am I struggling so with college?
I wish I could be brief in detail, but my situation demands a lot of explanation. I am a 35 year old married man from Georgia. I am currently attending college full time in order to attain a degree in education. I want to teach second grade one day. I love school and I love learning. But I am struggling with a number of different issues.

To start with, I have little time for leisure or recreation. This really confuses me deeply, because a lot of students and even professors seem to have more free time than I do. I am not even working at all right now. I am just going to school FT. Yet I know of many students who work PT or even FT and also attend college. Some of those students even have families, children, and hobbies. So this leads me to believe that something is terribly wrong with me.

I need to reveal this part- I have a pretty severe case of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). I normally take my meds in the morning, and they evidently have a soporific affect on me throughout the entire day. I require a lot more sleep than normal- I need about nine or ten hours of sleep to function properly the next day. I have a theory about this. I am obese, so I may have sleep apnea. I may not be getting enough rest at night since I am so overweight, and this may partially explain why I am so often tired in the daytime.

I think I may have problems with time management skills. I also may have poor study habits that are not effective. But other than these things, I cannot figure out why it is that I struggle to have time for myself and my wife. She is very frustrated with me because I have so little time to dedicate to her and spend with her. She needs me right now, because she is depressed (something which I can relate to all too well). I see other people working, attending school, and traveling, etc- but they don't seem to have this problem of time that I do. Is my mental illness one of the factors working against me? Why and how is it working against me? Is the fact that I am a perfectionist also a problem? What is the solution? Is there something wrong with me?
- ANSWER:
  Nothing wrong with you. Under all the glamor and partying, college is work, and hard work. Even people who seem to pull if off seamlessly will be grinding many hours on homework and studying. It gets easier as you go, the first semester/year in particular is a growing experience where you are forced to pick up better study habits and time management skills. You will learn to cope, we all just experience and handle school differently. Stay positive, and just remind yourself these few years will vastly influence the decades of your remaining life. Stay motivated, and you will do fine.
QUESTION:
how to sort out my horrendous snoring?
hi i snore massively, its paramount to a ten ton truck smashing into some kind of ornamental glass shop over and over.

Well maybe not quite that loud. My issue is recently ive started noticing it, so everytime i get to the point where i start snoring i wake up. I tried hypnosis it works for that, but ive a sneakin suspicion i have sleep apnea. ive tried strips and spray they are effective to an extent. But no long term solution, the older i get the worse it gets, eventually id like to meet and settle with a nice lady, is there hope or will i have to find someone who snores as loud as I?
thank you for your responces, i think my snoring is caused by the shape of my skull. my upper jaw is too far back and i think that was caused by too much mouth breathing when i was a kid, to fix this i would have to werar a brace for two years and have major surgery to have it brought forward, thus altering my handsome face and costing me possibly thousands of pounds i really dont have, so id rather not do that. Im not over wieght and am in good health, apart from a slight lethargy during the day and general dopeyness, which is why i think i may have apnea. in my mind i just want to somehow feed two metal tubes through my nose to the back of my mouth to keep everything nice an open. Or maybe ill just use a car jack.
- ANSWER:
  Snoring and sleep apnea are not always caused by weight like everyone would like to tell you. It has to do with the way your palate is constructed among other physical abnormalities. Snoring is a sign of restrictive breathing and it is most commonly seen in sleep apneics. The only proven effective treatment is CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. The surgeries are failing for treatment of sleep apnea and I wouldn't recommend that anyone go that route. What you need to do is go and see a board certified sleep physician and have a sleep study performed. Having sleep apnea can cause many health problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, low o2 sats and in some cases death. You would only benefit yourself by getting it treated especially while you are young and in relatively good health. There are also screening tools called apnea links that you can use at home overnight to see if you have apneas and disordered breathing. Most sleep labs offer them free of charge. This will give you a good idea before pursuing an actual sleep study. You can check out my Q&A's I have answered alot of similar questions. Good luck
QUESTION:
Any ways to help asthma?
I'm looking for potential ways to help relieve asthma. I'm 23 years old, and was diagnosed as asthmatic when i was 8. It's always been quite severe, i currently need to use 500 mg Seretide (purple inhaler) morning and night, and the Salamol (blue inhaler) whenever i need it, which is frequently. I'm also put onto various steroid courses a year and have been hospitalized multiple times.

Recently however my asthma has been getting worse still. I'm beginning to have attacks for the minimal of exertion, such as going shopping, or even going to the toilet at times, and earlier on today I was taken to the hospital after a particularly severe attack caused by the extremely strenuous activity of watching TV.

I've been to the doctor about it, but they refuse to give me anything stronger. I was told that it's my own fault because I'm overweight and that I need to exercise, and while this is true (my BMI is 27), I really don't think its a valid answer. I mean, 27 isn't severely overweight, and how exactly is more exercise the solution if walking to the bathroom is causing me to keel over?

I need any possible solutions that may help me to quench this a bit. It's not being caused by allergies, and I already use a CPAP mask at night (for sleep apnea). I just need the ability to breathe. Simple as that.
- ANSWER:
  Unfortunately, your lungs have developed this way and you'll just have to keep fighting. You've done very well towards maintaining a healthy environment. I think the next best thing you can do is try to exercise. Keep in mind the weather may wreak havoc on your asthma, causing flare-ups. You really don't want to keep taking steroids, because in time, they'll become less effective. You've got to keep in mind, there's not much more that can be done, medically. All that exists is CPAP, steroids, inhalers, allergy treatments, and lifestyle changes, such as: diet, exercise, and smoking abstinence.
QUESTION:
Depression that wont budge?
I started having low-grade depression around age 12, then it deepened into more serious "suicidal ideation" depression around age 21. Now I'm 28 and it is still here.

I have been seeing various mental health professionals since 2003, and nothing has helped. I've tried MANY depression meds, a few anti-anxiety ones, a few mood stabilizers (usually for bibolar), and even a few stimulants. A couple worked for a few days, but quickly faded and the benefit could not be duplicated. I've tried tons of talk therapy with multiple different people, and even group therapy. Eventually the psychiatrists that I've seen ran out of ideas and started having me re-try meds that I had already tried without success. Tired of the lack of results I started seeing a naturopath and have changed my diet to be excellent, I've started exercising, but the dark outlook still won't go away. I've even done a sleep study to test for sleep apnea, but was unable to tolerate the CPAP machine. I've had a CAT scan and my brain looked fine. Hormone tests reveal everything is in the normal range. No thyroid problems. I don't know what else to try. Therapy, meds, diet, exercise - I have not found somthing that works yet. I would rather not have to deal with the constant irritations of life, but continue to live only because my parents would be devastated if I decided to end things.

Is there another option I should try that I am missing?

Note: I do not consider prayer/religion a viable solution for myself - so please avoid suggesting spiritual ideas.
- ANSWER:
  You have not mentioned a social life or network, or job or hobby satisfaction. These are crucial to keep depression at bay. It is easy to say "go get friends and a hobby" but quite another thing to actually do so if you do not already have them.
  
  I am a long term depression sufferer (survivor at this point). I have found recently that posting here has lifted my depression quite a bit for two reasons:
  
  1) I am able to write, which I do quite well, and enjoy, but which I can not earn a living with or use as a hobby.
  
  2) I am able to find areas of expertise that I can share with others, and it makes me feel useful.
  
  3) Occassionally, I find something very funny. I always read what's cooking in the Royalty section, because there are some very, very funny people there posting some very, very funny (sometimes sick) things under the names of various royal figures. If you are not British, you may have to google what they're talking about to get the joke, but it's funny stuff. You may find similarly entertaining things in other areas of ya ans's.
  
  4) It keeps my mind off of my depression, giving my brain the break it needs every day to start healing. I believe the brain develops ruts from constant depressive thoughts that just run over and over until they start taking over our brain, bit by bit. I believe it is essential to fill those ruts with anything we can, and then once there's a smooth brain to work with, we can build positive connections instead.
  
  So, just being here has helped me enormously, since I am puzzled exactly how to build up areas of my life that have eroded when my mind won't stop racing with negative, depressing, self-defeating thoughts. I imagine in time, I will move from here to doing the same kind of self-improvement activities in real life, like I did when I was much younger, before I became depressed (at about age 18). I expect you can do the same; fill in the ruts with some productive, harmless distraction for a few hours a day until you can get back to feeling the way you did before the depression kicked in. Once you have that feeling back, you will have the energy and resources to make things happen in the real world that may seem daunting to you now.
  
  The internet can actually be a place to take respite in a healthy way when real world interactions are not what they should be. I don't think it happens on facebook, or myspace, or youtube, or match.com, but it can happen here.
  
  Stay away from the ideation boards, no matter what. They will suck the life right out of you.
QUESTION:
I have chronic (extreme) fatigue, Chronic migraines,cant think. What is wrong with me?
I went for an extensive blood test..everything is normal. I have absolutely no energy and am not myself around people, friends..simply because Im too exhausted. And I feel very "not sharp" mentally. Does any body know what could be causing this? Is there anythng I can take to feel better? to feel upbeat, energetic, ALIVE? I think that I am suffering from sleep apnea aswell which I think is the main cause of this.. but I cant see a specialist for another 6 months and need a solution asap. I can't think..my mind is foggy, my head is pounding, I'm EXAUSTED all the time, it's terrible. Caffeine doesn't help at all. Advil desn't help the headaches.
I'm only 21 years old. I'm also a terrible sleeper. Regardless of how much sleep I get and how many naps I take during the day, I still feel horrible after waking up.
- ANSWER:
  Have a look at this site... seems EMF's can cause a lot of what you've described.
  Best of luck - hope things improve soon for you
QUESTION:
Advice on how to return expensive item to company that won't respond to me?
I have this thing I bought for 60 dollars online and got it through the mail. It is called My Snoring Solution. It completely does not work on me. They say that they will refund your money if you return it with the packaging slip. But I distinctly remember there being no packaging slip in the envelope. I have tried to contact them twice but they have not emailed me back. There is no phone number for this company whatsoever. I checked my package and the website- nothing. They don't even have an email address- all they have is one of those fill-in- the-box-with-your-message pages. The day I got it, I emailed them saying it did not work and I wanted to return it. they have not emailed me back. I am not sure if they are even reading their emails. I got this thing because I have sleep apnea and I hoped it would hold my chin out so as to unblock the airways, as this is the express function of the sling. Instead, it presses my chin backwards, into my neck, making my breathing worse than before. I am not sure who to call. Also, I have checked my email and for some reason, I cannot find evidence of my online purchase. I searched and searched. Help!
- ANSWER:
  Go here: http://www.whois.net/ and type in the name of the website to find out who owns it. You might get lucky and see all the information you need about them including a contact number.
  
  I hope this helps!
  Auntie
QUESTION:
advice on how to return an item to a company that won't respond to me?
Advice on how to return expensive item to company that won't respond to me?
I have this thing I bought for 60 dollars online and got it through the mail. It is called My Snoring Solution. It completely does not work on me. They say that they will refund your money if you return it with the packaging slip. But I distinctly remember there being no packaging slip in the envelope. I have tried to contact them twice but they have not emailed me back.

There is no phone number for this company whatsoever. I checked my package and the website- nothing. They don't even have an email address- all they have is one of those fill-in- the-box-with-your-message pages. The day I got it, I emailed them saying it did not work and I wanted to return it. they have not emailed me back.

I am not sure if they are even reading their emails. I got this thing because I have sleep apnea and I hoped it would hold my chin out so as to unblock the airways, as this is the express function of the sling. Instead, it presses my chin backwards, into my neck, making my breathing worse than before.

I am not sure who to call. Also, I have checked my email and for some reason, I cannot find evidence of my online purchase. I searched and searched. Help!
- ANSWER:
  You said you bought this item online. I am assuming that you used either a debit or credit card to pay. If so, just return the item.
  
  Next phone your bank and tell them you need to file a "Reg E" complaint. The bank will help you complete paper work and the bank will retrieve your money. It could take the bank a few weeks, but you will probably get it back pretty quick.
  
  You are allowed to file a REG E complaint because you ordered a product wasn't working. You returned it and should have received a total refund. Don't tell the bank more details than that.
  
  If you tell the bank too much, they might just think you are filing a REG E complaint because you aren't happy with the purchase. People who aren't happy with the product still need to pay for their purchase.
  
  You, on the other hand, received a product that doesn't work so you returned it, and you are entitled to a full refund.
  
  Many internet retailers use this technique. They promise money back satisfaction, then they don't answer phones or emails so most consumers give up. Meanwhile the retailer has sold you an overpriced worthless item and kept all you money.
  
  To find our more about the FDIC's REG E check out the FDIC link below.
QUESTION:
I often imagine and get distracted when I'm stressed . How do I deal with it? Read details please.?
For some context I'm a 17 year old high school student who was diagnosed with mild ADHD. I was originally given concerta and ritalin, they didn't work and I was moved to Adderal XR, which also didn't work. Then I was diagnosed with light sleep apnea, I am currently on 13-17 cm of pressure after a couple of weeks. I generally remove the mask while I'm asleep after 3 hours or less, and go the rest of the night without it. I don't have any real friends anymore, which probably doesn't help with the problem I am about to describe. I often find myself walking around (in my house) imagining what if situations and dreaming what it would be like to be cool, be rich, have a girlfriend, get into a good college etc. I know it just sounds like oh he just needs discipline, but I often find myself doing this when I need to sit down and work the most, perhaps to further porcrastinate. I fell like there is no solution to my problem, and I feel to embarressed to tell anyone. I'm actually crying a little right now I'm so depressed. Oh actually before I was diagnosed with ADHD my family dctor thought I was depressed and gave me effexor then lexapro. Please help, but also state your qualifications, just because I dont want to think Im being advised by a certified physcian when im not.
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
A Natural way to clear sinisus?
I suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA.) and was using a CPAP machine, which works great. Now after a great deal of weight loss I am slowly trying the new SNORING SOLUTION https://snoringsolutionsite.com/
This procuct seems to work but the problem with me is that My sinius are often clogged. (It has been a problem since childhood and I have been on hundreds of meds and seen hundreds of doctors in my life for this "allergy" problem. aside from a daily saltwarter rinse....what else REALLY works to clear and keep clear one sinisus?
Some great answers here..! I really appericate them all. ....and when I said "Natural"....I guess I was partly thinking "inexpensive".
- ANSWER:
  I have a deviated septum so my nose is ALWAYS clogged!
  At night i use those nose strips called Breathe Right and they really work! You can get them at any drugstore or walmart. I also use them on my husband if he snores and they work for that too. I also would suggest a humidifier!

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