Central sleep apnea causes – Part 2

Central Sleep Apnea is an extremely serious disorder. The name is derived from the Greek word apnea, which means “without breath.” There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive, Central, and Mixed. A combination of which, affect more than 12 million people in the United States.

People who suffer with Central sleep apnea will actually stop breathing on more than one occasion during the sleeping period, often for a minute or longer and up to one hundred times during the night. It is characterized by a gasping or choking by the patient that will constantly wake them up throughout the night.

CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA usually occurs with people who have been diagnosed with a serious illness as opposed to the more common OSA that is caused by external physiological reasons. Put simply, Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the body to get the breathing muscles to activate respiration.

The brain stem controls breathing, and anyone who suffers from a disease or injury that affects this area may have problems with their breathing while asleep or awake. Central Sleep Apnea occurs when there is a delay in the signal from the brain telling the body to breathe. This can be caused by a combination of factors which involves damage to the brain stem including:

1. Poliomyelitis: This an acute and potentially fatal viral disease and can leads to the invasion of the central nervous system (CNS), the spinal cord and brain.

2. Encephalitis: An Inflammation of the brain that can possibly affect the central nervous system leading to impairment or death.

3. Neurodegnerative diseases: Central sleep apnea can occur in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and multiple system atrophy.

4. Complications of surgery: Any form of surgery to the secondary radiation in the region of the cervical spine.

5. Radiation treatments: On or near the cervical spine.

6. Stroke: Can cause a rupture of blood vessels or an interruption of blood flow to the affected area.

SYMPTOMS:

1. Short pauses in breathing during sleeping hours that can be a small amount of times to over a hundred times a night.

2. Frequently waking up.

3. Extreme daytime tiredness

4. Occasionally you may find in some cases a difficulty in swallowing, changes in the voice and a weakness or numbness in the body.

The prognosis for a cure will be dependent on the treatment for the original underlying medical condition that is causing this sleep disorder.

It is interesting to note that 90% of people who have sleep apnea do not even realize that they are suffering from it. It is usually the sleeping partner that will notice that the patient is having difficulty in breathing and then will bring it to their attention. Diagnosis and treatment can go a long way to vastly improve the quality of life because if left untreated, any kind of sleep apnea can both exasperate an already existing medical condition or seriously damage the health of a normally sound individual.

Sources:

http://www.sleepdisorderchanne l.com/osa/

http://sleepdisorders.about.co m/od/sleepapnea/a/central.htm

Does walking really help induce labor?

Every woman who has already had a baby has her opinion if walking helps induce labor. But, I have to say that I have been pregnant twice and had two children and I can most certainly attest to the fact that walking does not induce labor.

When I was at the point of complete miserableness, I could not sleep any other way but standing up. Considering that I am not a horse, by the eighth month of my first pregnancy I wanted to give birth to the baby before he was ready to come out. On one of the last scheduled office visits I aksed the doctor if the birth was happening soon. She said a statement, that eased me through those final two weeks of imminent torture. The doctor said, “When the baby is ready to come, the baby will come.” And she also said, “There is nothing we can do about it, but let the baby come when he is ready.”

We already knew we were having a baby boy, and two weeks later he must have been ready, because he decided he wanted to be born two weeks early, much to my husband’s protests of, “No, you’re not in labor, he’s two weeks too early.”

A baby can be brought out into the world early by cesearan section, but many doctors only want to do so when there are complications, such as a Mom who has very high blood pressure or when the baby is in trouble.

My doctor told me that bit of advice when I really wanted to hear her say, “Oh yes, jump up and down ten times, and sing the National Anthem and the baby will be born very soon.”

Babies come out when they are ready. And sometimes that means they are ready after nine months and sometimes they are ready when seven months arrives.

Walking however, while pregnant does give you a great way to exercise without harming yourself or the baby. It is a wonderful way to keep your weight down so that you can stay fit and deliver a healthy baby.

Besides keeping a Mom fit during pregancy walking actually rocks a baby to sleep while you are pregnant. When I was pregnant with both children I has this feeling like I had to keep moving. During my first pregancy my job entailed that I had to walk quite a bit, and guess who loved all the walking. My unborn son was inside of me sleeping and hardly ever kicked or caused any ruckus, just as long as I kept moving.

Every night when I would lie down to go to sleep my unborn son would strike up the band, approximately thirty minutes later. It was like he had a stop watch invitro and was just waiting until he heard my breathing slow down. Then when the swishing action that lulled him to sleep, would have stopped, therefore the alarm bells or the little stop watch he was looking at would go off. He would kick like crazy until the next morning when once the motion started he could sleep again.

Although, walking while you are having contractions can make you feel better. While in labor ask to walk around and have Dad help you, because sometimes it makes the contractions feel a little better. At least that’s what some of my friends said after they gave birth. Who knows maybe they were just trying to be nice and give me some comfort before the actual birth took place.

Walking does not induce labor, it can make you feel better and work off some of the pain and anxiety. But, ultimately the baby is the one calling the shots. When he or she is ready to come out into the world, the baby will let you know. Besides, it is better to let nature decide when the baby should be born, because the baby may need more time to develop further.

Besides you may have a baby that doesn’t want to come out at all. Like my brother who kept my Mom waddling until almost ten months when doctors still believed in letting the baby stay iniside the Mom until he was really ready to come out.

Sleep Apnea Sickness – What is It All About?

Some 30 million Americans are victims of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea sickness or in other terms obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea or central sleep apnea. Numerous others are predisposed and have a high risk of developing the sickness. Adult males, have the highest odds at about 50/50 that their breathing is not normal when they are sleeping. It is very important that anyone who might be experiencing this problem is predisposed, or knows someone they care about who has this sickness, should have a clear and concise understanding about it.

What you can do about sleep apnea:
The following steps help many people with sleep apnea sleep better:

Stop all use of alcohol or sleep medicines as they relax the muscles in the back of the throat, making it harder for you to breathe.
Sleep on your side or hip instead of your back. Find a high quality side sleeper pillow for maximum comfort
If you are overweight, lose weight.
If you still have problems, speak to your doctor. There are special masks that you can wear over your nose and mouth while you are sleeping. This mask is called a “continuous positive airway pressure,” or CPAP. It will keep your airway open by adding pressure to the air you breathe. The mask helps most people with sleep apnea. Surgery may be necessary, in a very few cases, to remove extra tissue or tonsils from the throat.

Additional information on Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in men (and it may be under diagnosed in women). It has been estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Four percent of middle-aged men and 2 percent of middle-aged women have sleep apnea along with excessive daytime sleepiness. People most likely to have or develop sleep apnea include those who snore loudly and also are overweight, or have high blood pressure, or have some physical abnormality in the nose, throat, or other parts of the upper airway. Sleep apnea sickness seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
Fatigue and tiredness during the day is one symptom of sleep apnea. Another symptom is loud snoring; if the loud snoring is repeatedly punctuated by brief periods of silence or choking sounds, the individual is certain to have obstructive sleep apnea.

Ways that sleep apnea affects your Life:
Actually, sleep apnea sickness may already have affected you more than you know. Chances are things will improve for you once the diagnosis is made. If your sleep problem can be solved by not using alcohol or sleep medicine, losing weight if you’re overweight and sleeping on your side, you will quickly begin to feel much more rested and energetic. If you must wear the mask while sleeping, you should soon feel the benefits. If you need surgery, you’ll be able to sleep better afterwards. Whatever your treatment, remember that you are not alone and help is available.

Related sleep apnea symptoms can include:
Loud snoring
Change in personality
Depression
Rapid weight gain
Reduced sex drive and impotence
High blood pressure
Restless sleep; the repeated struggle to breath can be associated with a great deal of movement.
Depressed mood and/or irritability
Snorting, gasping, choking during sleep
Insomnia
Frequent nocturnal urination
Confusion upon awakening
Difficulty concentrating
Morning headaches
Sleep that is not refreshing
Nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
High blood pressure
Overweight
Irritability
A dry mouth upon awakening
Excessive perspiring during sleep
Restless sleep
Heartburn

Sleep Apnea can be a very serious matter:
It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

For many sleep apnea patients, their bed partners or family members are the first ones to suspect that something is wrong, usually from their heavy snoring and apparent struggle to breathe. Coworkers or friends of the sleep apnea victim may notice that the individual falls asleep during the day at inappropriate times (such as while driving a car, working, or talking).

During the apneic event, the person is unable to breathe in oxygen and to exhale carbon dioxide, resulting in low levels of oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. The reduction in oxygen and increase in carbon dioxide alert the brain to resume breathing and cause an arousal. With each arousal, a signal is sent from the brain to the upper airway muscles to open the airway; breathing is resumed, often with a loud snort or gasp. Frequent arousals, although necessary for breathing to restart, prevent the patient from getting enough restorative, deep sleep.

For many cases of sleep apnea sickness, treatment often consists of avoiding sleeping on one’s back, even if you’re wearing a mask. To help aid in a comfortable sleep choose a pillow that allows you to sleep on your side, one that elevates your head and neck allowing your airway passage to open properly while sleeping. Using a sleep apnea pillow is an unconventional, however beneficial and inexpensive sleep apnea treatment.

Sleep Apnea Treatments

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition that causes periods of stopped breathing during the night. Obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, refers to airway blockage that causes a sufferer to stray from their usual breathing pattern by pausing for an unusual length of time between breaths.

The Effects of Apnea

Sleep apnea affects an estimated 12 million Americans, and the majority of sufferers don’t know they have this condition. If you have sleep apnea, you are familiar with the many unpleasant symptoms that can occur, such as fatigue, headaches, frequent snoring, congestion, sleeplessness, and others. In addition to the long list of noticeable problems that can accompany sleep apnea, this condition can also have a negative effect on your general health with links to serious medical problems.

Here are a few of the conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Memory problems

• Weight gain

• Impotency

• High blood pressure

• Narcolepsy

• Mood disorders

• Depression

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Hyperactivity or ADHD in children

Sleep Study Diagnosis

Since public awareness is gradually increasing regarding sleep apnea, it is much easier to find help today than even just a few years ago. Now there are many cosmetic dentists who offer sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis usually starts with a sleep study where the patient is observed during sleep to measure the frequency and severity of halted breathing episodes and to evaluate breathing patterns.

Effective Apnea Treatments

As sleep apnea technology continues to progress, the treatments made available offer sleep apnea sufferers more options than ever. Treatment is a highly personalized process and will vary based on the patient’s needs. Here are a few of the treatment options that may offer relief:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (CPAP) — CPAP is a mask-like device that patients can wear overnight to help keep the airway clear and encourage normal breathing.

• Behavioral or lifestyle changes — For some, simple changes like losing weight, exercising and altering diet can help alleviate symptoms of apnea.

• Surgery – In cases where more conservative options prove ineffective, surgery can help those who are experiencing breathing problems due to anatomical causes by expanding the airway.

• Sleep habit changes – Sometimes changing sleeping position or location, adding a humidifier, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and other behavioral changes can help.

• Medications – Certain medications may help patients manage the daytime sleepiness and fatigue symptoms.

• Dental appliances – there are a variety of oral appliances, including the tongue retaining device and mandibular repositioning device, that can be worn to encourage positive airflow and regulated breathing

Talk to an experienced sleep apnea dentist for more information on the treatments available. You can also find out more about sleep apnea causes, diagnosis and treatment by doing your own research: Sleep apnea resources.

Some Important Insomnia Solutions

What works and what doesn’t in the frustrating quest for slumber

Forty-eight percent of us will experience a bout of insomnia this year, and women are more likely to be affected than men. Researchers are discovering that insomnia is a risk factor for other serious maladies, including heart disease and depression. It often appears as a side effect of a different problem – pain from a medical complaint or a stressful life-changing event, such as a breakup or the loss of a job. But it can linger after the primary difficulty has been resolved. As a result, experts say that if you find yourself suffering from acute insomnia – a week or two of very poor sleep quality – you need help. “For a lot of people, insomnia takes on a life of its own,” says Wilfred Pigeon, Ph.D., a sleep specialist at the University of Rochester. “The longer someone has insomnia, the more intractable it becomes.” Why? Because when you spend night after night lying awake, you start to anticipate not falling asleep, and you develop habits and associations that prolong the problem. Your best tactics:

Sleeping pills, such as Ambient and Lunette, are effective insomnia treatments and are widely used – doctors wrote 35 million prescriptions in 2004. The data suggests, however, that these medications may be habit-forming, and at least some patients report that they stop working over time.
Specialists say that pills are best used as a short-term solution for sudden, intense bouts of insomnia. If the problem persists, the best approach is to change your sleep habits.

Learning proper sleep techniques is a bit like going to boot camp – for weeks at a time, patients are denied bed except for short periods. It’s like sleep starvation. Patients become so exhausted that they start sleeping soundly – initially for short periods and eventually for a full night.
For best results this process should be supervised by an expert at a sleep clinic, but you can try to provoke a sleep craving by going to bed later than you normally would, while always rising at the same time in the morning no matter how tired you are – and never napping. Gradually allow yourself to go to bed earlier, keeping your wake time the same.

Never try to sleep, and don’t spend extra time in bed. When you are not sleeping, get up and do a quiet activity until you feel drowsy, and then return to bed. Relaxation exercises or guided-imagery CDs can be useful sleep aids.

Improve Your Sleep With Qigong and Yoga

One in three spend hours tossing and turning when they are supposed to be sleeping.  Are you one of them?  The numbers are increasing of how many people experience some type of insomnia or sleep challenge at some point in their lives.  And whether it is an accute or chronic disturbance, both yoga and qigong can help still the mind and the nervous system in preparation for natural sleep.

Good news!   Only 10 easy minutes of yoga or qigong can really assist in this process of emptying the mind of the stresses of the day and the mind chatter that often riddles you at night. 

Most everyone know even a little about yoga, but frequently, less is understood about qigong.  Here’s a quick primer.

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is a series of ancient Chinese exercises that use breathing and visualization to improve all areas of our mental, physical and spiritual health including our sleep.  It is an wonderful stress reducer. 

These days it is widely accepted that Chinese medicine has much to offer that our traditional western medicine does not.  Many physicians in the west are now recommending Qigong to their patients, as a complementary adjunct to traditional western treatment. 

Qigong allows the body to repair itself by putting the body’s yin and yang energy into balance.  It is gentle and relaxing and very simple to learn and practice.  Even consistently practicing for ten minutes a day provides benefits, as you will find yourself feeling more peaceful and relaxed.

There are several ways Qigong can help you sleep soundly and more peacefully.  It’s an excellent “stress reducer”.   And it is so easy to learn and simple to practice, it is quite easy to set aside a few minutes prior to bed time to perform this relaxing routine.

Stress reduction is an spontaneous benefit of practicing Qigong and in furthermore there are other benefits.  Qigong may be practiced standing, sitting, lying down or walking, therefore, for those of you that have trouble sleeping due to chronic pain, even back pain, Qigong can help here as well.  Perhaps stress, anxiety or depression presents reasons for your sleeplessness.  If so, Qigong can help.  It will balance the body’s energy system and gently aid the self-healing of virtually any complaint.

The simple movements of qigong are often easier to perform than the postures and stances in yoga.  There are many books and resources available to get you started with your qigong routine.  The following are 2 easy Qigong movements.

Stance #1
Bring your palms facing toward one another in front of your stomach (as if you were holding a ball). 
As you inhale, move your hands upward in a semi-circular motion in-between the level of your stomach and your chin.  As you exhale, move your hands downward in a semi-circular motion from your chin level to your stomach level.  This helps to detoxify your liver.  (Repeat 1 – 5 minutes.)

Stance #2
Bring your hands towards the stomach. Position your right hand above your left hand, about 6” apart with palms facing one another.  Move your right hand above your heart with your palm facing down.  The left hand is below your heart, and your palm is facing upward.  As you inhale, move your hands apart, when you exhale bring your palms closer.  Repeat motion numerous times, then change arm position so that left hand is on top, and right hand is lower. (Repeat 1 – 5 minutes.)

For those of you who prefer yoga, I recommend you try the following postures that may soothe your jangled nerves and ease you into dreamland.  Both are VERY easy to do even for non-yoga devotees.

Child’s Pose
This is a very simple resting pose that often elicits the natural feeling of total relaxation.  Do you remember when you were a kid and tired from playing?  It was so natural to put your head down and simply relax.  You can do this on the floor or on your bed.  Simply sit down with your legs underneath you, meaning your shins are flat on the floor or bed.  Your buttocks are resting on the heels of your feet.   Knees are open about shoulder width apart.  Then simply fold forward and rest your head on a pillow (or the floor).  Your arms can be extended up beside your ears or resting by your hips.  Hold this position for about 1 – 2 minutes.  Take easy relaxing breaths, while thinking ‘calm’ and ‘relax’.

Legs Up the Wall (and heart above your head)
You’ll need a folded blanket or large pillow under your hips.  Find a wall space or door face where you can stretch your legs up the wall.  Your back is on the floor, your hips are on the blanket or pillow, and your legs are up the wall.  Once you are in place, simply straighten your legs so that your heels rest on the wall.  Make sure the blanket or pillow is thick enough to support your hips/weight, so that you are not stressing and straining to hold this position.  It’s great to cover your eyes with a sleep mask or lavender/flax filled mask that helps to relief the tension in the tiny muscles surrounding your eyes.  Hold this position for about 5 minutes.  Having your legs upright and your heart slightly elevated above your head level really helps to cool and calm your nervous system.

As always, I wish you improved sleep!

Energy Boosters

The quickest energy is from carbohydrates. This is the body’s first choice in reserve for fuel. Long distance runners or marathon runners load up on carbs pre-race. You store carbohydrates as glycogen in your muscles and your liver.

For quick energy, you want to have glycogen stored and that comes from things like: fresh fruit, pure fruit juice, whole grain cereals, dried fruit, vegetables.

“If you’re really hungry and you want some quick energy, there’s no better choice than eating some fruit. You’re going to get your carbohydrates and you’re also going to get your fiber and vitamins and minerals.”

Sustained Energy Boosters:

“A balance of nutrients is really what’s going to give you sustained energy because your body digests protein, fats and carbohydrates differently. In other words, you can eat them all at the same time but they are all going to be processed differently. Carbohydrates start being digested in your mouth, protein starts in your stomach and fat doesn’t start until it reaches your intestines. That’s why foods that are combinations of nutrients give you sustained energy.”

Feeling a bit sluggish about midday at work?

Try a quick workout instead of a cup of coffee. The circulation of blood stimulates your body and improves your mood. Try doing the stairs, jumping rope or a quick jaunt around the block. A brisk 10-minute walk not only increased energy, but the effects lasted up to two hours.

If you experience fatigue or a dip in energy after lunch, you could take a closer look at your lunch. High-protein lunches appear to produce greater alertness and more focused attention, whereas lunches that are high in fat tend to lead to greater fatigue, sleepiness and distraction. Stay away from the greasy burgers or high fat lunches. Tuna or warm, sliced chicken breast on greens are a great choice for lunch. Also sushi or sashimi are great “eating out” alternatives for lunch. Make sure you drink lots of water throughout the day.

Magnesium:

Make sure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Magnesium breaks down glucose for energy

The recommended daily intake of magnesium is around 300 milligrams for women and 350 milligrams for men. To make sure you’re getting enough, I would suggest

•Add a handful of almonds, hazelnuts or cashews to your daily diet.

•Increase your intake of whole grains, particularly bran cereal.

•Eat more fish, especially halibut.

Supplements:

Energy boosters via energy drinks and protein bars are also good “pick me ups”. Supplements like these usually provide vitamins and minerals along with plenty of protein. There are a large variety of protein bars and drinks. Keep one in your gym bag, desk drawer or purse for a quick grab.

Natural energy boosters:

There are natural ingredients that can also boost your immune system in addition to boosting your energy. Some of those include:

*Cayenne

Cayenne is a common pepper well recognized for its benefits to the circulatory system. Cayenne also nourishes the digestive system

*Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a well-cognized herb to wellness-conscious consumers. It is high in nutrients and is comprised of chlorophyl, which is renowned for its cleansing qualities.

*Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is rich in many nutrients including amino acids. It can assist in vitality and is used by atheletes to keep up their energy.

*Kelp/Spirulina

Because of its high nutrient content, this herb is very beneficial for a wide variety of uses. It helps to nourish the sensory nerves, encephalon membranes, also spinal cord and encephalon tissue. Kelp comprises alginic acid which can assist protect the body against the consequences of radiation. These energizing “super nutrients” are some of the most nutrient-rich matters by nature.

*Ginseng

Ginseng can be used for depression and low libido. It can help in overall wellness and by promoting our physical and mental strength

*Guarana

Guarana is very similar to caffeine and hikes the adrenal secreters and stimulates cerebral mathematical functions. It enhances energy and alertness. It has a very similar chemical substance construction to that of caffeine, but releases its energy more slowly into our system which makes it a little better for your system than regular caffeine.

*Yohimbe

Yohimbe can increase sexual function, bring down anxiety and elevate humor. Because it stimulates the central nervous system, it has been utilized to handle narcolepsy and for weight loss., decreasing fat synthesis, which intends it not only helps in weight loss, but actual fat decrease. Yohimbe is popular with bodybuilders. By stimulating the production of testosterone, it can assist in constructing muscle mass. Be very careful with Yohimbe, as this herb can naturally get your heart racing. Start out with small doses.

As with any type of supplement or herb, check with your doctor before beginning any type of regular ingestion of products or diet and exercise routines. Keep up with yearly physicals.

The above statements or products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are solely the opinion of the author. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The consequences of sleep deprivation – Part 1

For most people, walking around in a constant state of fatigue has become normal. Having a lack of energy and feeling tired can often be corrected with improvements to your diet and including exercise in your daily routine, but there are many medical reasons that could be contributing or causing your tiredness.

Sleep Disorder. There are two very common sleep disorders that interfere with getting the sleep you need to feel rested.

Sleep apnea, which is an abnormal breathing condition that is caused by an intermittent obstruction fo the upper airways during sleep.

Restless syndrome causes discomfort in the legs that actually causes frequent waking and is often a result of an iron deficiency. An overnight sleep disorder can diagnose either of these conditions and then a doctor can determine your treatment options. Diabetes. More than 23 million Americans suffer from Diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, and in type 2 diabetes, the pancreas continues to produce insulin but the body doesn’t respond to it. Fatique is a key symptom in both types of the disease. Diabetes can be diagnosed with a blood test, and can be prevented and improved with proper diet and exercise (although type 1 will require insulin injections).Thyroid conditions.

The thyroid handles a ton of your bodily functions,a nd when something goes wrong you’ll often feel fatigue, sluggish, malaise and cold. A thyroid could be overactive or underactive, and can be tested with TSH blood tests. Medication will solve most conditions of the Thyroid gland.Anemia. When you have a reduced number of red blood cells, you can feel tired. Red blood cells are the cells that are in charge of bringing oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the rest of your body. If there is less oxygen being delivered to your muscles and tissues, you will feel tired, as well as experience a shortness of breath or a faster pulse at times.

Anemia is typically the result of having low iron levels. One in five women suffer from Anemia in the US, and 3% of men. It can be tested with a simple blood test (CBC). Iron supplements help if you have an iron deficiency.Depression. More than 20 million Americans suffer from some form of depression, and the symptoms include fatigue as well as the rest of your body and general health. If you are depressed, you can be treated with medication or talk-treatment, or a combination of the two. If you walk around exhausted day after day, you should speak with a doctor about that and any other symptoms you may have. It could be a warning sign of a medical condition that needs to be treated.

Testimonies: Struggling with insomnia

I have suffered from insomnia for 28 years(I’m 31 now)off and on. It started with nightmares and as a small child, I became afraid of going to sleep. It did not stop when I stopped having nightmares; I would lay down ready to go to sleep and could not. I would go 2-3 days, and as much as 5 days at a time without any sleep at all. My Mom tried everything from warm milk to taking me to doctors and nothing helped. When I did sleep, it was very light and full of strange dreams. I became very agitated and hard to get along with. As a teenager, I started reading all night and writing stories. It turned out that my dreams were something other than just the product of a child’s overactive imagination. That is another story all together.

Insomnia is generally caused by extreme stress. Most people experience insomnia from time to time. Severe trauma can also cause sleepless nights. Sometimes therapy can help you deal with the source of stress. I found once I was able to come to terms with my sources of stress, I was able to start sleeping better. I can’t really offer any advice on how to cure insomnia because we are all different. I stopped eating and drinking before bed, I stopped watching scary shows, I even statred exercising before going to bed. None of these helped me. I had to deal with my stress and traumatic events that my mind had supressed.

The mind is a powerful thing and it tells us when something is not right, we just have to be willing to listen. I still struggle with insomnia every now and then. If I stop and consider what is going on in my life, I can usually pin point what is causing my mind not to rest. Meditation can help relax your mind. It’s impossible to sleep when your brain won’t stop thinking! Be patient with yourself. The more frustrated you get, the less likely you’ll fall asleep.

Movie reviews: Noche del terror ciego, La

La Noche del terror ciego (1971) Starring Lone Fleming, Cesar Burner, Maria Elena Arpon, Jose Thelman, Rufino Ingles, Veronica Limera, Simon Arriaga, Francisco Sanz, Andres Isbert, Antonio Orengo, Jose Camoiras, Maria Silva, Britt Nichols, Pedro Sempson.

Directed by Amando De Ossorio.

Runtime: 101 Minutes.

Rating: R (Violence, Nudity)

Virginia meets old school friend Betty with whom she roomed at boarding school while both are vacationing in Lisbon. She introduces Betty to her new beau Roger (Burner) who takes an immediate liking to her. He invites Betty to go on a camping trip with them in the countryside telling her to meet them at the train station in the morning.

Betty shows up but much to consternation of Virginia who isn’t too happy to have her along for a couple of reasons. For one thing she thinks Roger has the hots for Betty. For another she is afraid Betty will either spill the beans about their lesboerotic adventures together in the dorm or perhaps want to continue them.

Feeling incredibly awkward, enfuriated with Roger, a little repulsed by Betty and having been told the train is an express meaning she can’t just get off at a stop in a few minutes, Virginia jumps off the train. Betty and Roger are concerned but not enough to jump and go after her. The engineer also refuses to stop the train because the area nearby gives him a bad feeling.

They all figure Virginia will find a place to camp nearby and find her way back on her own. That is what Virginia thinks too but after hiking a fair distance all she finds is an abandoned citadel. She decides to find a room amidst the ruins there to spend the night. Once she has picked a suitable cell she tosses her sleeping bag down, settles in, turns on her portable radio, smokes a few gitanes and tries to sleep.

Virginia has her mind on other things and as result can be forgiven by the audience for having overlooked the presence of a graveyard of 13th century Templar knights or hearing them rise again as blind zombies to hunt human flesh to feast on. They find Virginia and chow down.

After awhile Betty and Roger clue in to the fact that Virginia is missing.

They and the police track her to the abandoned citadel. Eventually all of them become prey for the awakened knights.

The composition of the shots we are given in this minor horror masterpiece is utterly breathtaking evoking the cinematic eye of Mario Bava and the meticulous attention to detail of Stanley Kubrick. And what incredible shots these

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