5 Sleeping Disorders and Celebrates Who Have Them

It's true – celebrities are just like everyone else, you can even ask People Magazine. That's a mantra that's true even with sleeping disorders. Whether you suffer from one yourself or are looking toward keeping your nightly routine in check, take a look at these well-known sleep sufferers and how they help keep their conditions under control. 

Narcolepsy – Jimmy Kimmel

The comedian and late night talk show host has admitted to being extremely tired throughout the day, causing him to fall asleep often, especially in the afternoons. After being diagnosed and treating his narcolepsy with drugs, Kimmel has admitted his case is "fairly mild," and he actually benefits from its unique qualities, such as being able to fall asleep very quickly.  

Sleep Apnea, Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq's size is most often pointed as the cause of his sleep apnea, a fact he also agrees causes his loss of sleep. After being tired and with complaints of snoring from his girlfriend, he participated in a sleep study and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Shaq said he found relief with a nasal CPAP mask, after finding that other masks wouldn't fit his large figure.

Side note- Gene Simmons (Kiss bassist) was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea on his biopic "Family Jewels" TV series.  Here is a clip:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YIClbypooE

Snoring, Kevin Jonas

According to his wife, the Jonas brother snores far louder than the average person. Though the noise waves fluctuate, she admits to opting for the guest bedroom when his noises are unbearable. 

Sleepwalking, Jennifer Aniston

The actress says she has sleepwalked on a number of occasions, most often when under a large amount of stress or after not getting enough sleep. Tens of other famous folks attribute sleepwalking to their lack of routine. 

Insomnia, Madonna

The same goes for not being able to sleep. With stress and grueling schedules, Madonna, along with plenty other industry cohorts admit to difficulties falling asleep. Most agree that travel and inconsistent hours, along with schedules that are constantly changing, are some of the biggest offenders. 

Are you suffering from one of these sleeping orders? Consider lifestyle changes or talk with your doctor to find a personalized method to keep your sleeping habits under control.  

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Can Sleeping Habits Cause Headaches?

For most, sleeping is a time meant for both resting and relaxation. It’s comfy, a necessity, and often a treat at the end of a long day. Sleeping also allows bodies to recharge and gear up for new activities, while giving the brain a much needed break. If un-restful, however, it’s possible to wake up feeling tired, groggy, or in pain. All from not getting the proper amount of rest.

One of the most common post-sleep complaints are headaches. Despite having given the body the sleep it needs, people can still wake with head pain. For some, it can even become a chronic condition, greatly affecting their work and personal lives.

But what’s the cause? Can sleep – when interrupted – actually cause more health problems than it helps prevent? How can something meant for rest work against one’s health?  

Possible Headache Triggers

There are various stages of sleep, and waking in the middle may interrupt the brain from producing “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals work to put the body in balance through health and attitude. But when woken too early, these levels can get out of whack, possibly leading to migraines or other milder headaches. The level of each headache can depend on a person’s specific chemical balance, their sleeping habits, and more. [WebMD]

As for sleeping with three pillows, or with one’s head in a jackknife position – that’s probably not helping pain levels either. Necks are sensitive areas, and straining them for long periods of time – even if it’s “comfortable” can cause pain later on. This fix could be as simple as purchasing a new pillow that offers better support for the head or neck.

However, with chronic or frequent headaches, it’s always important to talk to a doctor about what could be causing the pain. Between their expertise and the proper sleeping equipment, rest-induced headaches can be greatly reduced.

Ready for that new bed pillow?  Take a look at our Contour Cloud Pillow - It's our best selling bed pillow!

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Contour CPAP Pillow Reviews

A recent survey of sleep medicine professionals were surveyed in February, 2011 - Overwhelmingly, CPAP Patients sleep better with the Contour CPAP Pillow!

See Contour CPAP Pillow Reviews and Survey Results Here

Survey results show:

• 98% (of surveyed sleep medicine professionals) say [Sleep Apnea] patients experience reduced mask shifting and leaks
• 97% say pillow improves patient comfort while using CPAP equipment
• 95% say pillow increases number hours CPAP Therapy is used nightly
• 95% say patient compliance rates improve with CPAP pillow use
• 95% say pillow improves patient acceptance of CPAP therapy

Here are some CPAPMax Pillow specific reviews from customers:

• "I bought the pillow for my husband. Since he has been using it he has been sleeping much more comfortably which has made his CPAP use much greater. So his health is better. And since he is sleeping better so am I. I recommended this to anyone who is a CPAP user."...7/9/13
• "With this pillow, I am able to lay in more positions without the number of air leaks that I had with a standard pillow design." ...8/25/12
• "Dont know how I did without thia pillow. Best nights sleep I have had in a very long time and worth every penny I paid for it!"...5/19/12
• "I didnt notice it. Thats what my husband said after the first night, and thats the highest possible praise for someone with a CPAP mask. After the second night, he continues to sleep more soundly, more solidly, than in years. THANK YOU for this pillow--it"...6/18/2011

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Five Reasons Why Treating OSA is Important to Your Health

OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a breathing disorder that can have a devastating impact on your overall well-being, when left untreated. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by brief interruptions of normal breathing while sleeping. A disruption in a patient's breathing can last in duration from 10 seconds to a as high as minute or longer! Further, this disruption can occur 20 to 60 times per hour!

Over time, this condition can cause stress on your body, increasing the risk for many serious health problems including:

1. Studies have shown that Obstructive Sleep Apnea increases your risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack irregular heartbeat, and even congestive heart failure which can lead to heart disease.

2. If your Obstructive Sleep Apnea is severe, your blood pressure can raise to unhealthy levels.

3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea researchsuggests OSA can help lead to diabetes because it is associated w/impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to use insulin effectively and is a leading cause of death in the USA.

4. A recent study in The Sleep Journal, provides evidence of possible brain damage which can occur in patient's who have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

5. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can increase a patient's risk of stroke as well. OSA can interupt blood flow to the brain.

With proper physican guidance and CPAP therapy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a very treatable condition. Every CPAP therapy is different, and will be based on each person's medical history, a thorough physical examination and probably sleep studies. The commonly prescribed treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy, or more commonly "CPAP Therapy". Continuous pressure provided by a air blower helps open the breathing airway while sleepingand helps prevent a lapse in breathing.

CPAP Therapy is very effective in many cases of Sleep Apnea, but, sometimes can present difficulties for various patients, especially in the areas of sleep discomfort associated with CPAP masks. The CPAP Pillow is available to help patients sleep comfortably, while wearing a CPAP mask, and still provide proper head and neck support. See the CPAP pillow at Contour Living today.

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Get the Most out of CPAP Therapy

Sleep Apnea Patients - Get the Most out of CPAP Therapy
By Sue Sarko

If you’ve been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, chances are you use a CPAP, (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine during the night. It is estimated that about 4 million people use CPAP therapy in the United States today, and as many as 35 million Sleep Apnea cases remain undiagnosed.

CPAP therapy is the most common method for treating obstructive sleep apnea. It works by gently blowing air through the airway at a pressure high enough to keep the airway open. It is regarded as the most effective method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, however, using a CPAP can present certain challenges for the patient.

The Sleep Apnea Association gives patients a C- on compliance. Considering the serious nature of the disorder, this is a dangerously low grade. While several factors contribute to low compliance rates, mask discomfort is one of the larger issues. Masks tend to press against the face causing pressure and discomfort. The constant flow of air from the machine can result in dry, cracked skin. CPAP users also complain that they feel restricted to a certain sleeping position and that the hose gets in the way during the night.

Your first step should be to consult with a practitioner about the right type of mask. There are many varieties available. Also, be certain that your air pressure levels are set appropriately and that you are using the right type of CPAP machine.

Once you’ve got the right equipment in place, you might consider looking into the various sleep apnea aids that can help patients deal with comfort issues and improve compliance rates.

A sleep apnea pillow, for example can go a long way toward relieving mask pressure against the face, and can also help reduce mask leaks. Hose covers made of soft materials that glide more easily over sheets are available as well. Skin creams applied prior to bedtime each night help keep skin moist and healthy and certain pillows are designed to allow freedom of movement during the night.

Many DME (durable medical equipment) stores carry CPAP accessories such as sleep apnea pillows and aids, or you can check your local bedding and pillow stores. We're proud to offer a new and improved version of our CPAP Multi-Mask Sleep Aid Pillow - See it here!.

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