Sufferers of the sleep disorder obstructive sleep apnea could benefit from following a low energy diet to lose weight, finds research published on bmj.com today.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder caused by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. Sufferers rarely feel refreshed after a night’s sleep and the disease is linked to negative health effects such as increased risk of accidents, decreased quality of life and a higher chance of premature death.

Around 60-70% of patients with sleep apnoea are either overweight or obese. Previous studies in other patient groups have concluded that losing weight can improve the condition. Read the rest of this entry

“Dealing with Sleep Apnea” will be the focus of a community health seminar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 6, in Room 2117 of the Medical Education Research Facility on the University of Iowa health sciences campus. The event is free and open to the public; pre-registration is encouraged.

Mark Eric Dyken, M.D., professor of neurology and director of the Sleep Disorders Center with UI Health Care, will present information for a better understanding of sleep apnea and how to deal with it.

For more information or to register, go to http://www.uihealthcare.org/communityseminars or call 319-335-8886 or 877-MED-IOWA.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in this program, call Tom Walljasper in advance at 319-384-1745.

On May 31, 2011, the Snoring Center and Sereno, The Center for Snoring Solutions, amicably and confidentially settled all disputes and litigation between the parties. Both sides are dismissing all claims and lawsuits against one another.

Sereno, The Center for Snoring Solutions, specializes in diagnosing and treating the causes of snoring and sleep apnea using simple in-office treatments.

School kids who experience sleep-disordered breathing or daytime sleepiness are twice as likely to become bullies, according to a study.

‘What this study does is raise the possibility that poor sleep, from whatever cause, can indeed play into bullying or other aggressive behaviours,’ says Louise O’Brien, who led the study at the University of Michigan Medical School.

University of Michigan Medical School researchers looked at  school students who were bullies and found that they faced a two-fold higher risk for symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, particularly daytime sleepiness.

‘Our schools do push the importance of healthy eating and exercise,’ says O’Brien, assistant professor in neurology and oral and maxillofacial surgery at Michigan, the journal Sleep Medicine reports.

‘But this study highlights that good sleep is just as essential to a healthy lifestyle,’ he adds. Read the rest of this entry

The first study to document sleep problems in women with interstitial cystitis (IC), a painful and chronic bladder condition, has revealed the vast majority of sufferers are plagued by restless nights and ongoing sleep problems.

In the May-June 2011 issue of Urologic Nursing, Dr. Alis Kotler Panzera and her Philadelphia associates found 100% of the 407 study participants reported poor sleep, caused mainly by the need to urinate or from pain associated with IC. For the women, the sleepless nights cause daytime fatigue, loss of productivity, depression and an overall drop in quality of life.

The majority of the participants were from the United States, post-menopausal and between 55 and 60 years of age. The cause of IC, which
affects 1.2 million American women, is unknown, and there is no known cure. The main symptoms are urinary frequency, urgency and pain.

In analyzing the results of the study, Panzera encourages nurses to use cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia and to educate patients about ways to improve sleep.

“Nurses should be aware that the cause of the poor sleep quality may be multi-factoral,” she writes. “Therefore, appropriate screening of
all conditions that may interfere with sleep in this population, such as chronic insomnia, depression and obstructive sleep apnea, should be performed.”

As this was the first study to describe sleep quality in women with IC, Panzera says there are many issues remaining for future investigation, including better tests and treatments.

(Research: Sleep Disruption and Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms in Women; Alis Kotler Panzera, DrNP, APN-C, RN; Judith Reishtein, PhD, RN; & Patricia Shewokis, PhD, Urologic Nursing, May-June 2011.)

Source: Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA)

Dental Professionals, a group of Chicago dentists, launched a new eBook, “9  Things You Should Know About Dental Implants”.

The eBook was written to help demystify dental implants with the advances on  dental technology now available. Severe periodontal disease is also  discussed.

“This eBook is a must read for anyone in need of tooth replacement,” said Dr.  Paul Katz, Dental Professionals. “Dental Implants are one of the most amazing  advances in dentistry…a progressive, natural solution to replace teeth that are  missing or can’t be fixed.”

“We are very excited about sharing our knowledge with this eBook, and know  that it will be a valuable resource. Our goal is to keep people informed, and  let them know that, with today’s technology, it is possible for anyone to have  strong, healthy teeth and a stunning smile,” continued Dr. Katz.

Readers will find detailed explanations on dental implants, a history of  available technology toward treatment, and the benefits of the procedure. The  eBook also outlines the criteria for receiving dental implants, expectations on  the procedure, estimated costs, and proper care of dental implants.

Dental Professionals first opened in 1980. Their specialties include CEREC  restorations, cosmetic dentistry and sleep apnea treatments. There are two  offices in Skokie and in the Chicago Loop.

9 Things You Should Know About Dental Implants is currently available to  download for FREE at www.dentalprofessionals.com/ebooks/9-things-you-should-know-about-dental-implants/.