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Sleep Apnea (also called Sleep Apnoea) is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep, which force the sufferer to wake up to resume normal breathing, and disrupt and disturb their normal sleep cycle. These episodes, called apneas, usually last from a few seconds up to as long as sixty seconds in severe cases, and may occur repeatedly throughout the night. There are a variety of alternative therapies that can be used to help improve the symptoms of sleep apnea. These therapies are also useful to help other sleep disorders such as insomnia for example. We will look at the therapies that all begin with the letter "A". These include acupuncture/acupressure, Alexander technique, anthroposophical medicine, aromatherapy, autogenic training and ayurveda. Not all of these therapies have the same purpose. Some provide a way to relieve stress, others encourage relaxation, while others are helpful in centering the body's systems and improve health and well being in a general sense. The one thing they all have in common is that they promote a calmer and more restful state of sleep. It is wise to always inform your doctor or healthcare provider if you are making use of a form of alternative therapy to work in concert with conventional western medicine.
Acupuncture is a Chinese practice that goes back centuries and involves the insertion of thin needles, usually consisting of stainless steel, into the skin very gentle and certain key points. Acupressure goes back many years as well and this form of an "ancient healing art" makes use of the fingers used to knead pressure points on the skin's surface in order to stimulate the body to begin its own healing process. Both acupuncture and acupressure help to increase blood circulation, bring down levels of stress and tension in the body and bring about a relaxing, calming effect.
The Alexander technique focuses on how an individual moves his or her body and it encourages ways to move the body for maximum effect. This technique also puts a lot of emphasis on learning ways to release tension from the body and ways to make sure the tension stays gone.
Anthroposophical medicine looks at not just the physical body but also how it works in concert with the mind, soul and the spirit. It is an all-inclusive way of looking at human beings. This method focuses on thoughts and feelings and how they are all connected.
Aromatherapy is considered to be both a science as well as an ancient art and it deal with the use of oils taken from aromatic plants to be used in therapeutic ways. These essential oils have been shown to have calming properties on the mind as well as a variety of emotions such as anger, irritability, stressfulness and so on. Some of the best oils used in the treatment of sleep apnea include elemi, which is inhaled and makes for a relaxed night of rest; lavender (a few drops dabbled on sheets or a pillow promotes restful sleep); nutmeg, which promotes a good sleep but should be used in small quantities; spikenard which can be used for a fitful sleep, relaxation and the reduction of stress and finally, oil that is taken from the berries of zanthoxylum which promotes restful a soothing night's sleep.
Autogenic training "is a system of very specific auto suggestive formulas" that is useful for so many reasons. Autogenic training is excellent when it comes to managing stress; it relieve tension; it improves one's ability to concentrate and it improves such problems as breakouts of the skin, high blood pressure and constipation.
Ayurveda is a science that ties in the balance of the human body with the balance of nature. It can help with problems of harmony and therefore is an effective alternative therapy for sleep apnea and constant wakefulness. Ayurveda practitioners attempt to make the body, mind and soul achieve natural balance and also to balance the relationship these parts have with nature.
Written by: Scott Parat
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If left untreated, Sleep Apnea can be life threatening. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving, endangering their lives and the lives of their passengers and those around them.
Sleep apnea also appears to put individuals at risk for stroke and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), also known as "mini-strokes", and is associated with coronary heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, gout and high blood pressure.
So, if you or a loved one are suffering from sleep apnea, be sure to see your doctor so that the sleep apnea symptoms can be treated, removed, or reduced before they become life threatening.
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