Iowa Sleep Blog

Why Do I Constantly Feel Tired?

Monday, February 29, 2016
One of the most commonly accepted signs of a sleep apnea is the feeling of being constantly tired. But, just because you feel sleepy throughout the day doesn’t necessarily mean you have a sleep apnea. There are many other sleep or lifestyle habits that could be inhibiting your ability to sleep well at night. While this collection is in no way all-encompassing, we’ve put together a list of…

Sleep Apnea After Treatment (2 of 2)

Monday, February 08, 2016
More than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea, but many more let it go untreated. Last week, we discussed what happens when OSA goes untreated on our blog, and the health concerns that can arise if it is left untreated. Like many other health issues, the risks associated with this sleep problem significantly decrease when it is treated. There are multiple ways to treat sleep…

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Before Treatment (1 of 2)

Monday, February 01, 2016
Obstructive sleep apnea, otherwise referred to as OSA, is a sleep-related breathing disorder that involves a decrease or complete halt in airflow, despite an ongoing effort to breathe. While sleep apnea affects more men than women, anyone can experience OSA. Learn more about the different types of OSA. During sleep, breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes long, and…

Melatonin and Other Natural Sleep Aids

Monday, January 25, 2016
Getting ready for bed each night should be something you look forward to after a long day. But for many people, getting ready for bed means tossing and turning while sleep eludes them. In fact, 48 percent of Americans report occasional insomnia, while 22 percent experience insomnia every, or almost every night, and women are twice more likely to experience insomnia than men.…

Why You Should Turn Off Electronics Before Bed

Monday, December 28, 2015
From young children to students to adults, our days are busy, stressful and, quite frankly, tiring! The need (or requirement) to be accessible and plugged in 24/7 is taking a toll on our sleeping habits, making it harder to fall or stay asleep. Many electronics, like TVs, tablets, computers and phones emit a blue light that disrupts our body’s natural sleep cycle, keeping us awake…

At-home Snoring Remedies

Monday, December 14, 2015
In the U.S., 45 percent of adults experience some sort of snoring each night. But the person who is snoring is not always the only one affected by the snoring. This means that far more than 45 percent of U.S. adults could actually be impacted by snoring. Snoring occurs when a sleeper experiences a blocked or narrow airway passage, which causes the soft palate and uvula at…

Common Things that Aggravate Obstructive Sleep Apnea without You Realizing It

Monday, November 30, 2015
It doesn’t matter if you’ve suffered from obstructive sleep apnea for years or a couple weeks, there are many things, large and small that can affect OSA. In fact, there are more than 22 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea each night. But, did you know that some of these sneaky but common things could also be aggravating your OSA? Check out Iowa Sleep’s list below: Foods –…

Sleeping Well During the Holidays

Monday, November 16, 2015
The holiday season is a joyful time of year, full of family, friends, and giving thanks for the many blessing we each have. But, it can also be stressful between the shopping, parties, events and travel, whether that’s around Des Moines or outside of Iowa. Don’t let the stress of the “most wonderful time of the year” start affecting how you sleep at night. Here are a couple…

Stay Alert and Arrive Alive - Drowsy Driving Prevention Week 2015

Monday, November 02, 2015
It is so important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, especially if you’re getting behind the wheel. Whether you’re a long distance trucker, shift worker, or just have a long commute in the mornings, ensuring you are well-rested behind the wheel is extremely important for your safety and others on the road. Feeling tired behind the wheel is called drowsy driving. Below…

I've Been Diagnosed with OSA--Now What?

Monday, October 19, 2015
 If you’ve ever been told you snore, or suddenly stop breathing during your sleep, you may be experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a sleeper experience one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths because of excess skin blocking the airway the throat while they are asleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a couple seconds to more than 30…