Sleep Apnea 'Mask' Might Also Help the Heart

New research suggests that treating obstructive sleep apnea, a common cause of snoring and daytime sleepiness, might also cut down on a serious health hazard associated with the condition -- the risk of developing high blood pressure. Researchers in Spain examined the number of new cases of high blood pressure in two groups with sleep apnea who used continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP, for either about four or 11 years. CPAP involves the use of a mask to help ease air into the lungs while asleep.

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Sleep Apnea Linked to Higher Cancer Risk

Sleep apnea has already been linked to a host of adverse health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Now, new research suggests that in people who already have cancer, the sleep disorder may raise their risk of dying from cancer.

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BMI Inaccurate Indicator of Obesity

Obesity, or being overweight, is a hot topic in both the public and healthcare settings, given that most estimates indicate about thirty percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Often, these discussions use the figure of Body Mass Index (BMI) to make this evaluation. (A person’s BMI is calculated by dividing their weight by the square of his or her height.). However, a new study questions the usefulness of the BMI statistic.

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Cultural Differences in Sleep

Most everyone struggles to get a little more snooze time. In fact, people in almost every country are lacking adequate sleep. According to one study about one in four people in the 10 countries surveyed believe that they don’t sleep well, making sleep issues a global problem. But how does sleep vary from country to country? Well, across the board, research has been conflicting but a few trends have emerged. For instance, several studies, including a study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), indicate the French sleep more than any other country.

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Exploding Head Syndrome

Exploding Head Syndrome is a parasomnia in which the sufferer experiences a loud bang in their head just as they are falling asleep or waking up. The occurrence is painless, but can sometimes be accompanied by a flash of light or other parasomnia-like symptoms; including difficulty speaking or sleep paralysis. Following the event the sufferer will often report feeling scared or anxious, and may have difficulty sleeping due to this stress.

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