FusionSleep

Snoring: A Sleep Disorder in Disguise

FusionSleep — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:38:14 +0000

It’s 7am and the sound of your alarm clock wakes you. Struggling to get out of bed even after 8 hours of sleep, you feel groggy and realize that your head aches and your mouth is dry. If this is your typical morning, you may have a Sleep Disorder that could be damaging your overall health. Additionally, snoring, waking in the middle of the night coughing or gasping for air, and experiencing daytime sleepiness and/or irritability are also good indications that a Sleep Disorder is present.

Sleep Disorders affect nearly 44 million Americans. Of the 70+ Sleep Disorders diagnosed by physicians, most can be managed effectively once identified and treated. The most common sleep disorders include Snoring, Restless Legs Syndrome, Narcolepsy, Parasomnias, Insomnia, and Circadian Rhythm Disorders. One of the most prevalent and dangerous Sleep Disorders is Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway muscles do not work properly. When you are awake, your muscles in the airway stay open and allow normal breathing. When you sleep, these muscles relax. For some, this relaxation is too great and the upper airway collapses. A small collapse can cause snoring, but a complete collapse prevents breathing for extended periods. The brain registers this hazardous state and temporarily wakes you, reengaging your airway muscles and breathing.

Reasons for Concern

Over 30% of Americans have Sleep Disorders, with the majority going undiagnosed. Sleep is vital for cell rejuvenation and your overall health and wellness, so constant sleep interruptions have drastic consequences. Sleep Medicine experts agree that Sleep Disorders increase your risk of developing serious conditions and diseases such as:

Treatment Options and Solutions

Your airway’s collapsibility is the primary cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring, collectively referred to as Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Luckily, several treatments options are available. Individuals with SDB can manage their disorders through medical interventions, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure support (CPAP), positional therapy, weight loss therapy, and Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Although it may come as a surprise, dentists are often the first to recognize the signs and symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing. Dentists can work with Sleep Medicine Specialists to create and implement your treatment plan.

Fusion Sleep’s Dental Practitioner and Sleep Medicine Experts

Fusion Sleep is the only comprehensive Sleep Medicine Program in Atlanta that combines professional expertise in the field of Sleep Medicine with multiple treatment options for both children and adults. Additionally, Fusion Sleep is the only program in Georgia with a Dental Practitioner dual-boarded in both Dental Sleep Medicine and Craniofacial Pain. Dr. Mayoor Patel, DDS, MS, has over 8 years of experience practicing Sleep Medicine and Craniofacial Pain.

Dr. Patel is joined by our Sleep Medicine Physician Leadership team that is fully trained in Sleep Medicine and Board Certified in various specialties. All of our physicians hold multiple Board Certifications in specialties such as Neurology, Pulmonology, Otolaryngology and Pediatrics. Nationally accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Fusion Sleep serves as the benchmark for excellence in Sleep Medicine.

Contact us today to learn more about our programs and speak with our Benefits Specialists to understand your insurance coverage.

New Study Finds Late Night Electronics Increase Insomnia in Children and Teens

FusionSleep — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:04:08 +0000

A new study published in the current issue of the journal Pediatrics finds that electronic gadgets—such as TV, video games, and computers—increase the time it takes for children and teenagers to fall asleep, increasing their risk for insomnia and symptoms of daytime sleepiness. The study, which took place at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, was led by Dr. Louise Foley.

The researchers tracked the habits of 2,016 participants between the ages of 5 and 18. Participants reported their activities for the 90 minutes prior to sleep, which were then categorized into 3 groups: 1) Self-care 2) Non-screen sedentary time & 3) Screen sedentary time. Researchers found that the children and teenagers who spent the majority of their time before bed engaged in “screen sedentary time” had more difficulty falling asleep than those who were listed under categories 1 and 2.

The study’s findings reveal a serious problem that goes beyond trouble falling asleep. Prolonged time needed for sleep onset is an indication that your child may also be suffering from sleep deficits. A few extra minutes each night of wakefulness accumulates to hours of missed sleep each week. According to sleep professionals and the National Sleep Foundation, children and teenagers must have more sleep than their adult counterparts. Adults need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night while children and teenagers require 9 to 11 hours of nightly sleep for body and brain rejuvenation.

The study’s findings indicate a critical need for ensuring adequate sleep duration in children and teenagers, especially when paired with the evidence from other studies linking insufficient sleep to behavioral problems. One cause for heightened wakefulness after extended “screen sedentary time” is the body’s reaction to the blue/green light that electronics emit. The body’s circadian rhythm—its internal clock—is disrupted by the blue/green light from electronics and slows the release of hormones that induce sleep. As a result of limited sleep, your child will suffer from symptoms of daytime sleepiness that include:

Grogginess
Lowered attention span
Decreased short-term memory
Irritability

Below are a few tips to help your children get the restful, restorative sleep their young bodies and minds need.

Tips for Helping Your Children Get the Rest They Require:

Have a nightly bedtime routine that excludes stimulating electronics at least 90 minutes prior to sleep.

Complete all physical activities at least 2 hours before your child’s bedtime.

Eliminate districting lights and noise as much as possible in your child’s room, especially bedside clocks and other reminders of daytime activities.

Nighttime activities immediately before bed can include reading, journaling, or listening to soothing music.

Increase time spent outdoors—sunlight regulates the body’s circadian rhythm and ensures that sleep inducing hormones are released at night.

Cut out the caffeine by the late afternoon hours. With the upsurge in energy drinks, it is important to make sure that your child stops drinking them well before bed.

FusionSleep’s Dr. Durmer Discusses the Dangers of Sleep Disorders on Healthy Explosion BlogTalkRadio

FusionSleep — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:04:53 +0000

Jeffrey Durmer, MD PhD was recently the featured expert and co-host of Martina Desgouttes’ holistic health show Healthy Explosion on BlogTalkRadio. Dr. Durmer is Chief Medical Officer of FusionHealth^®. During the show, Dr. Durmer and Ms. Desgouttes discussed the most common Sleep Disorders and the dangers associated with not getting adequate sleep. According to Dr. Durmer, Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is the most common Sleep Disorder.

SDB is a category of respiratory conditions that come on during sleep. The body’s upper airway muscles relax during sleep. When these muscles relax and vibrate, snoring is produced. When these muscles relax to the point of complete collapse, however, the airway is cutoff and breathing is temporarily suspended. This condition, known as Sleep Apnea, and other conditions caused by Sleep Disorders interrupt the restorative processes of sleep, often resulting in chronic health issues. In this ten minute segment, Dr. Durmer details various Sleep Disorders and the dangers associated with each, specifically with individuals in the transportation industry.

Click below to listen to Dr. Durmer’s discussion of the dangers of Sleep Disorders.

Key Points About Sleep Disorders from Dr. Jeffrey Durmer, MD PhD:

Sleep Disordered Breathing is the most common Sleep Disorder.

Sleep Apnea creates the “fight or flight” response with surges of adrenaline and cortisol.

These surges activate your blood pressure and release glucose, which produces insulin that is eventually stored in fat cells.

Chronic conditions caused by interrupted sleep include but are not limited to:

Hypertension
Type II Diabetes
Obesity
Increased risk of stroke

Sleep Apnea can occur in children and adults, although it is most common in middle-aged men.

5% of the American population suffers from Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Disorders are genetic and usually affect multiple members of a family.

Sleepiness is a symptom of Sleep Apnea and creates a work hazards in risk-intensive industries like for the transportation. industry.

Data shows Sleep Apnea is extremely prevalent among truck drivers [30% of truckers are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea].

Sleep Apnea is a major topic for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2013. It is likely that new regulations will mandate truckers of a certain body mass be tested for Sleep Apnea.

Increased costs of life and unnecessary burdens of health care are brought on by these treatable Sleep Disorders.

Click to the links below to listen to Dr. Durmer’s other BlogTalkRadio segments.

Dr. Durmer Discussing the Realities of Shift Work Disorder on BlogTalkRadio
Dr. Durmer Discussing Sleep and Its Role for Health and Wellness on BlogTalkRadio
Dr. Durmer Discussing When to Seek the Help of a Sleep Specialist on BlogTalkRadio

New Study Links Behavioral Problems with Childhood Sleep Disorders

FusionSleep — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 07:57:47 +0000

Parents and doctors agree that sleep is vital for proper brain development in children; however, a new study links disrupted sleep with behavioral problems later in childhood. According to researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, children who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing—snoring, apnea, and mouth-breathing—are more likely to have behavioral problems later in life.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, tracked the sleeping patterns of children from the ages of 6 months to 5 ½ years old. Parents completed questionnaires regarding the type and severity of sleep-disordered breathing they witnessed. At 4 and 7 years of age, these same parents filled out questionnaires that focused on strengths and difficulties concerning their child’s behavior. The commonly used form assesses the following aspects of behavior:

Inattention and hyperactivity,
Emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression,
Peer problems,
Conduct problems including aggression and rule breaking,
Social cooperation with sharing, helpfulness, etc.

After controlling for different variables, researchers found that children who suffered from sleep -disordered breathing were “40% to 100% more likely to develop neurobehavioral problems by age 7…” Furthermore, the study found that children who suffered from more severe sleep-disordered breathing at 6 or 18 months were “40% to 50% more likely…to experience behavioral problems at age 7 compared with children without breathing problems.”Hyperactivity seemed to be the area most affected by sleep-disorder breathing; however, significant increases were evident in the other behavioral areas.[1]

The researchers believe this correlation is due in part to the effects sleep-disordered breathing have on a child’s developing brain. Research shows that the first three years of a child’s life are the most important for brain function. During this time span, a toddler’s brain is more active and open to learning than at any other stage of life. This openness, however, also increases the vulnerability to developmental problems. According to the researchers, sleep-disorder breathing can decrease the oxygen levels in an infant’s brain, thus increasing carbon dioxide in the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for managing impulse control. Additionally, sleep-disordered breathing may disrupt the restorative processes of sleep and the balance of cellular systems, which may result in a child’s inability to effectively suppress certain behaviors and regulate their emotions and arousals.

While daunting, this study also provides hope. Armed with a new understanding, parents can immediately identify sleep-disorder breathing in their children and seek appropriate help. FusionSleep, Atlanta’s only comprehensive sleep medicine program, specializes in treating all types of sleep disorders for patients of all ages. Nationally accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, FusionSleep’s Pediatric Sleep Medicine experts can ensure your children get the sleep their developing brains need. Call us today to book an appointment.

[1] Bonuck, K., Freeman, K., Chervin, R. D., & Xu, L. (2012). Sleep-disordered breathing in a population-based cohort: Behavioral outcomes at 4 and 7 years. Pediatrics, 129(4), doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-1402

CBS Segment Highlights New Research Linking Insomnia to Heart Attack and Stroke

FusionSleep — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:38:25 +0000

CBS recently aired a segment on their Health Watch section highlighting the newly discovered link between insomnia and a person’s risk of stroke and heart attack1. During the brief clip, Dr. Holly Phillips, Medical Contributor for CBS News, discusses the study’s findings and what they could mean for your health. Considering that 1 in 5 Americans find getting regular, consistent sleep difficult, this topic is vitally important.

The exact reason for the link between insomnia and stroke/heart attack is unclear; however, researchers believe insomnia and other sleep disorders boost the brain’s “Fight or Flight” system, which results in increased heart rate and blood pressure. Continuous dips and spikes in these two areas may be what causes the heightened risk of stroke and heart attack. According to Dr. Phillips, however, one thing is clear: “Discussing sleep should be a standard part of medical checkups and we should do our best to get our zzzz’s.”

Click here to watch the full Health Watch segment.

Insomnia Link to Higher Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack Highlights:

The new study had over 43,000 participants aged 45+
Over 10,000 were diagnosed with insomnia
Researchers tracked study participants and found that those who suffered from insomnia were:

2.3X more likely to have a heart attack and 2X more likely to have stroke

Other chronic illness associated with insomnia and other sleep disorders:

Depression
Substance Abuse
Poor Cognitive Functioning

¹Gregg Fonarow, M.D., professor, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles; Aparajitha Verma, M.D., medical director, Methodist Hospital Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Program, Houston; Nov. 4, 2012, presentation, American Heart Association annual meeting, Los Angeles

Intermezzo: A Possible Solution for Insomnia and Sleepless Nights

FusionSleep — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:56:15 +0000

According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 30-40% of adults suffer yearly from one or more symptoms of Insomnia. For those who have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, the daytime effects are numerous. Irritability, daytime sleepless, and anxiety are among the obstacles that insomniacs face on a daily basis.

Medical experts believe Insomnia stems from two areas: Psychological and Physiological. Psychological causes for insomnia include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Medical diseases and sleep disorders, such as Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, and Parasomnias, are attributed to the physiological side of Insomnia. Regardless of the cause, Insomnia is a disorder that affects every single aspect of a person’s life. New research and medicine, however, has finally offered hope to the millions struggling with sleepless nights.

On April 5^th, Intermezzo hit the shelves of pharmacies across America. Unlike its counterpart Ambien, Intermezzo is a prescription drug designed specifically to treat those suffering from middle-of-the-night waking. Patients who take Intermezzo must have at least 4 hours for sleeping before their scheduled wake time. Zolpidem tartrate, Intermezzo’s active ingredient, acts as a sedative-hypnotic for adults and comes in lozenge form. This new medicine offers multiple benefits for its users:

Lozenge is placed under the tongue and dissolves within 2 minutes, eliminating the struggle to shallow oversized pills
The medicine dissolves and enters the body much more rapidly, inducing sleep almost immediately
Morning sedative effects are less noticeable
Patients are able to take 1 tablet nightly as needed

If you think you are one of the million Americans suffering from middle-of-the-night waking, the sleep experts at FusionSleep^®, Atlanta’s only comprehensive sleep medicine program, are ready to help you. Nationally accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the doctors and staff at FusionSleep^® can provide you with individualized consultation, treatment plans and the latest in medical therapies to ensure that you get the continuous and restful sleep you require. To find out more, call or email us today to book an appointment.

FusionSleep’s Chief Medical Officer Featured on CNN’s Daily Dose Discussing the Hidden Dangers of Snoring

FusionSleep — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 05:16:44 +0000

Jeffrey Durmer, MD PhD, was recently the featured expert on CNN’s Daily Dose. Dr. Durmer is Chief Medical Officer of FusionSleep®, a FusionHealth® company. During the short segment, Dr. Durmer discussed the dangers associated with a snoring bed partner. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 1 out of 4 American couples sleep in separate beds. One reason for 25% of couples sleeping separately is snoring. Disruptive and restless partners, while annoying, should not be dismissed. Multiple studies have shown that snoring is an early warning sign for other health issues. Click below to watch Dr. Durmer’s explanation of the dangers associated with snoring.

Dr. Durmer’s CNN Daily Dose Highlights

50% of Americans snore
Do not ignore snoring—it could be a warning sign for major health issues
Snoring vibrations create plaque buildup in your carotid artery, increasing chances of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attacks—also known as “mini-strokes”
You would never ignore your partner’s daytime health issues, so do not ignore the issues that arise at night
Snoring is a treatable condition

Click here to watch Dr. Durmer’s other CNN Daily Dose segment on the dangers of Sleep Apnea.

FusionSleep’s Chief Medical Officer Featured on CNN’s Daily Dose Discussing the Dangers of Sleep Apnea

FusionSleep — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 06:57:47 +0000

Jeffrey Durmer, MD PhD, was recently the featured expert on CNN’s Daily Dose. Dr. Durmer is the Chief Medical Officer of FusionSleep®, A FusionHealth® company. During the short segment, Dr. Durmer discussed the dangers associated with Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is a condition that plagues nearly 28 million Americans. When you sleep, the muscles that regulate your normal breathing pattern relax. For some, this relaxation causes the upper airway to collapse. When this collapse occurs, your airway is closed off and breathing is temporarily interrupted. A small collapse may result in light snoring; however, a full collapse results in a complete closure of your airway and prevents breathing. Constant interruptions in your normal sleep cycles can cause various health issues because the body and brain do not get the sleep necessary for cell rejuvenation. Click below to watch Dr. Durmer’s explanation of the dangers of Sleep Apnea.

Dr. Durmer’s CNN Daily Dose Highlights

Sleep Apnea should never be ignored.
If left untreated, Sleep Apnea can be very dangerous to your overall health and wellness, even creating serious medical conditions
Sleep Apnea restricts the flow of oxygen to the brain during sleep and causes interruptions in the normal sleep cycle
For children and adolescents, Sleep Apnea not only makes remembering harder it also makes learning more difficult
Sleep Apnea is linked to serious health problems such as:

Hypertension
Type II Diabetes
Obesity
Stroke

Sleep Apnea is a treatable condition and 100% reversible with therapy

Click here to watch Dr. Durmer’s other CNN Daily Dose segment on the dangers associated with a snoring bed partner.

Fight or Flight Responses: The Link Between Sleep Disorders and Chronic Diseases

FusionSleep — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:06:22 +0000

Getting the proper amount of restful, restorative sleep is important to your health for several reasons. One of the most important reasons, however, is the relationship between sleep and your brain. Sleep Medicine experts have found that sleep disorders actually cause heightened brain activity during sleep, and when continuous and untreated, this increased brain activity can lead to chronic diseases.

Click the play button below to listen to Dr. Jeffrey Durmer explain the connection between sleep disorders and chronic diseases.

Common sleep disorders—such as Sleep Apnea or Restless Leg Syndrome—activate the brain during sleep. This activation mirrors the activity that occurs during the fight or flight response. When your body goes into fight or flight mode, your adrenaline surges. Your blood pressure and heart rate also increase. The fight or flight response that can occur due to a sleep disorder impacts your body much like slamming on the brakes to avoid an accident when a car in front of you stops unexpectedly. Normally, these levels would be very low during sleep.

As the surge elevates blood pressure and heart rate, your blood sugar levels also spike. These surges can occur hundreds of times an hour. The shock of absorbing high blood sugar and high blood pressure nightly can cause serious damage to your body, your blood vessels and even your heart.

Additionally, continuously heightened brain activity during sleep can increase your cortisol levels. Cortisol keeps blood sugar high and alters insulin levels. If insulin is not secreted correctly, it redirects itself and instead enters fat cells, which leads to weight gain and vulnerability to Type 2 Diabetes.

Sleep disorders create the systemic vascular inflammations detailed above and are responsible for keeping your brain overly active at night. If you think you may be suffering from one or more sleep disorders, the experts at FusionSleep® are ready to help. Call today to make an appointment.

Snoring Makes Couples Sleep Apart

FusionSleep — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 08:10:35 +0000