MoSleep Blog Central

Sleep. We are always making fresh discoveries and gleaning key facts about its importance and new practices we can implement to improve sleep. Why is this so vital for Missouri sleep professionals and health care practitioners? It leads to new advances in medicine and treatments across all medical fields and improves the lives countless individuals not only throughout the state of Missouri, but also our nation and the world as well.

As a sleep technologist, learning about sleep apnea for children is important to help kids with sleep-disordered breathing conditions, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  The below information provides you with an understanding of sleep apnea in children, including the symptoms, causes, and risk factors and how certain aspects differ from adults with the condition.

A dental orthotic for sleep apnea has been considered a useful therapeutic alternative over the last several years to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for some individuals and in certain situations.  As a sleep technologist, you most likely want to know more about sleep apnea or snoring mouthpieces, including what they are and when they are appropriate as a first line treatment or a second line treatment for sleep apnea.

You might be wondering how much sleep you actually require. The amount of sleeping hours needed depends on the individual. Some individuals may require a minimum of nine hours to feel refreshed the next day, while others may only require seven hours.

Diabetes and poor sleep often go hand in hand. It's thought that diabetes may contribute to sleep loss and evidence from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School points out that when you sleep poorly, it can increase your chances of getting diabetes.  

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that directly impacts sleep health. Sleepdex reported that 1 in 15 Americans, which equates to roughly 18 million people, struggle with sleep apnea. If you or a loved one are struggling with sleep apnea there is help available. An A.W.A.K.E. sleep support group can be a valuable tool in dealing with sleep apnea.

The Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Missouri Sleep Society (MSS) is sponsoring and hosting a joint conference, Missouri Sleep 2017 on April 8-9, 2017. It is the ninth annual best sleep conference held for physicians, clinicians, technologists, dentists, respiratory therapists, nurses, psychologists, sleep researchers, and other sleep health professionals.

As 2016 has ended and 2017 begins many Americans are setting resolutions to improve their lives. One area that deserves focus is sleep deprivation. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reported on the prevalence of sleep disorders, stating,

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common problem for many who live in more northern
latitudes.

Those who struggle with this combination mood-and-sleep disorder do not have to suffer unnecessarily.

There are a wide range of options for treating SAD.

Most center on a useful, nonpharmacological treatment: Phototherapy.

Millions of Americans experience the winter blues every year.

It can be difficult for the average person to distinguish between cabin fever and Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD.

Knowing how to identify SAD and treating it can be a crucial role of health care professionals, since patients may not recognize the symptoms themselves.

Learn the signs to watch for so treatment can begin as soon as possible.