Sleep Apnea: sleep matters indeed

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Sleep Apnea: sleep matters indeed

Posted On : Jul-11-2011 | seen (383) times | Article Word Count : 926 |

The Sleep Community is a vast and interconnected network of healthcare professionals. There are numerous professional organizations whose goals are to promote quality patient care and further research for new and improved treatments. Patients should always consider exploring the various options available for treating their sleeping issues.

Maybe you realize that it is time to seek some help relating to your sleep complications. Where do you start and whom will you encounter along the way? Or maybe you’re interested in a career in sleep medicine. Let’s take a deeper look into the various professions of the sleep industry, as a patient would encounter them along their path to wellness.

Nearly every patient that is suffering from chronic sleeping issues will start at the same place, a consultation with a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in sleep medicine. This physician has completed a full medical education to earn either an M.D. or D.O. degree, as well as instruction and training in sleep medicine. He or she has been schooled exclusively in areas related to numerous aspects of sleep and sleep disorders and is likely a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Commonly sleep physicians will have a primary specialty that relates closely with sleep medicine, such as pulmonology (associated with respiratory issues, such as sleep apnea) or Neurology (dealing with the nervous system which relates to narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, etc.). However, it is not uncommon to find sleep specialists with psychiatry or internal medicine specialties. Sleep specialists are typically found in sleep labs or clinics. Once you meet with a specialist, they will review your symptoms and order additional testing such as a sleep study, after which they will be able diagnose and treat your sleep disorder. They have the education and ability to treat many aspects of sleep conditions ranging from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to bedwetting with numerous sleep ailments in between.

After an initial consultation with a sleep specialist, they will likely order a sleep study that will provide a better look at your sleeping patterns. Sleep studies are usually performed at night while you sleep and are administered by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT). An RPSGT is a professional that has obtained credentials through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. In order to earn this title, a RPSGT must have attained the essential clinical hours (usually 18 months of paid clinical experience), have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification and passed an extensive examination and has proven proficiency in polysomnography. If a patient has been ordered to undergo a sleep study, they will visit a sleep lab or clinic and spend an evening or two being observed by the RPSGT. RPSGT’s are able to identify numerous irregularities in sleeping patterns and will then pass along this data to the sleep specialist, from which the sleep specialist will be able to prescribe a treatment.

Sleep Apnea is one of the more common sleeping disorders and generally involves the treatment of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines are provided by a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company and will likely be set-up by a Respiratory Therapist (RT). A Respiratory Therapist is a trained and certified professional that specializes in cardiopulmonary and/or breathing disorders. In order to become accredited, the therapist must have at least attained an associate degree. In addition, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) has certain requirements that must be met in order to become a licensed Respiratory Therapist. The RT will set-up your PAP based on the prescription given by your doctor.

Not everyone is able to tolerate CPAP. If after a few months you haven’t adjusted to the treatment your sleep specialist may recommend you visit a Sleep Dentist. A Sleep Dentist is a trained, professional dentist or orthodontist that has received additional training in sleeping disorders that related to jaw, teeth and tongue position. Sleep Dentists are usually members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. For those patients that are not able to tolerate a CPAP machine the Sleep Dentist can offer a dental device or oral appliance that may help to improve their sleep apnea. There are two main types of devices. The first is the Mandibular advancement device, which pushes the lower jaw forward and down, allowing the soft tissue of the throat to open and the airway to remain clear during sleep. The second type of dental device is the Tongue retraining device. This apparatus fits around the tongue and holds it forward. There is also an orthodontic treatment option available that slowly widens the upper jaw by using a screw that is placed in the upper teeth. This screw is tightened regularly until the jaw is narrowed to its desired position. This procedure is known as maxillary expansion and it is another non-surgical method used for improving breathing during sleep.

If your sleeping disorder is not breathing related other forms of treatment would need to be explored. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a growing form of treatment that is provided by a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT). This therapy involves correcting faulty thoughts and behaviors that commonly result in insomnia. However, CBT has also proven effective for narcolepsy, RLS, and many other medical disorders. A great example of how CBT works is through the replacement of negative thoughts with positive thoughts; which will ultimately attract positivity and happiness in the patient’s life. A CBT must have attained a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology, psychiatry or counseling. They are then certified through the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Treatment by a CBT usually involves a series of one-on-one sessions during which they will work to slowly correct your thoughts and behaviors.

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<h1>Sleep Apnea: sleep matters indeed</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Sleep Care.aspx'>Sleep Care</a> Maybe you realize that it is time to seek some help relating to your sleep complications. Where do you start and whom will you encounter along the way? Or maybe you’re interested in a career in sleep medicine. Let’s take a deeper look into the various professions of the sleep industry, as a patient would encounter them along their path to wellness.

Nearly every patient that is suffering from chronic sleeping issues will start at the same place, a consultation with a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in sleep medicine.  This physician has completed a full medical education to earn either an M.D. or D.O. degree, as well as instruction and training in sleep medicine.  He or she has been schooled exclusively in areas related to numerous aspects of sleep and sleep disorders and is likely a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.  Commonly sleep physicians will have a primary specialty that relates closely with sleep medicine, such as pulmonology (associated with respiratory issues, such as sleep apnea) or Neurology (dealing with the nervous system which relates to narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, etc.). However, it is not uncommon to find sleep specialists with psychiatry or internal medicine specialties. Sleep specialists are typically found in sleep labs or clinics.  Once you meet with a specialist, they will review your symptoms and order additional testing such as a sleep study, after which they will be able diagnose and treat your sleep disorder.  They have the education and ability to treat many aspects of sleep conditions ranging from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to bedwetting with numerous sleep ailments in between.

After an initial consultation with a sleep specialist, they will likely order a sleep study that will provide a better look at your sleeping patterns. Sleep studies are usually performed at night while you sleep and are administered by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT). An RPSGT is a professional that has obtained credentials through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.  In order to earn this title, a RPSGT must have attained the essential clinical hours (usually 18 months of paid clinical experience), have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification and passed an extensive examination and has proven proficiency in polysomnography. If a patient has been ordered to undergo a sleep study, they will visit a sleep lab or clinic and spend an evening or two being observed by the RPSGT. RPSGT’s are able to identify numerous irregularities in sleeping patterns and will then pass along this data to the sleep specialist, from which the sleep specialist will be able to prescribe a treatment.

Sleep Apnea is one of the more common sleeping disorders and generally involves the treatment of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines are provided by a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company and will likely be set-up by a Respiratory Therapist (RT). A Respiratory Therapist is a trained and certified professional that specializes in cardiopulmonary and/or breathing disorders.  In order to become accredited, the therapist must have at least attained an associate degree.  In addition, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) has certain requirements that must be met in order to become a licensed Respiratory Therapist. The RT will set-up your PAP based on the prescription given by your doctor.

Not everyone is able to tolerate CPAP. If after a few months you haven’t adjusted to the treatment your sleep specialist may recommend you visit a Sleep Dentist. A Sleep Dentist is a trained, professional dentist or orthodontist that has received additional training in sleeping disorders that related to jaw, teeth and tongue position. Sleep Dentists are usually members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. For those patients that are not able to tolerate a CPAP machine the Sleep Dentist can offer a dental device or oral appliance that may help to improve their sleep apnea.  There are two main types of devices.  The first is the Mandibular advancement device, which pushes the lower jaw forward and down, allowing the soft tissue of the throat to open and the airway to remain clear during sleep.  The second type of dental device is the Tongue retraining device.  This apparatus fits around the tongue and holds it forward.  There is also an orthodontic treatment option available that slowly widens the upper jaw by using a screw that is placed in the upper teeth.  This screw is tightened regularly until the jaw is narrowed to its desired position.  This procedure is known as maxillary expansion and it is another non-surgical method used for improving breathing during sleep.

If your sleeping disorder is not breathing related other forms of treatment would need to be explored. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a growing form of treatment that is provided by a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT). This therapy involves correcting faulty thoughts and behaviors that commonly result in insomnia. However, CBT has also proven effective for narcolepsy, RLS, and many other medical disorders. A great example of how CBT works is through the replacement of negative thoughts with positive thoughts; which will ultimately attract positivity and happiness in the patient’s life.	A CBT must have attained a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology, psychiatry or counseling. They are then certified through the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Treatment by a CBT usually involves a series of one-on-one sessions during which they will work to slowly correct your thoughts and behaviors.About the Author: This therapy involves correcting faulty thoughts and behaviors that commonly result in <a rel="nofollow" href="http://sleepcare.com/">insomnia</a>. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Sleep-Apnea-sleep-matters-indeed_65877.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Sleep Apnea: sleep matters indeed_65877.aspx</a>

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This therapy involves correcting faulty thoughts and behaviors that commonly result in insomnia.

Keywords : Sleep Apnea, Sleep hygiene, Sleep information, Sleep education, Sleep disorders, Insomnia,

Category : Health and Fitness : Alternative Medicine

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