DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is the best way to eliminate insomnia? For almost a year, I've had trouble getting much sleep. I've tried over-the-counter medications, but they aren't very effective.

As people age, they are more prone to developing conditions as their organs and senses mature. Diabetes and sleep apnea are two disturbing conditions that seniors should watch out. It has been reported that Diabetes and Sleep Apnea are correlated. Manifestations of clinical research revealed that approximately 48% of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have displayed symptoms of sleep apnea, while 86% of obese people with type 2 diabetes are diagnosed with sleep apnea.

There is a growing awareness concerning the link between sleep apnea and the consequences of excessive daytime sleepiness. Many people are beginning to realize the terrible impact that sleep apnea can have on their everyday lives and well being. However, the greatest threat to one's health from untreated sleep apnea isn't just the damaging effects of sleep deprivation, but the risk of developing heart disease.

Studies have shown a strong link between sleep apnea and a slew of cardiovascular problems that include high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, and cardiovascular disease. Studies also show that when patients with sleep apnea are treated for their disorder, their blood pressure and risk of heart disease drops significantly.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders afflicting approximately 20 million adults in the U.S. with an estimated 80% of cases going undiagnosed. Many people may be unaware that a sleep disorder is the underlying cause of their health problems, and others may be aware of their sleep disorder but uninformed of the severe consequences of untreated sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is characterized by frequent breaks or pauses in breathing during sleep. There are 3 forms of sleep apnea: Central sleep apnea (CSA) in which the pauses are due to the brain failing to signal the respiratory system to breathe; obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in which breathing is interrupted by a physical blockage in the upper airways, often caused by soft tissues of the throat and tongue collapsing into the airway; and complex/mixed sleep apnea which is a combination of central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder, affecting roughly 20 million Americans. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing periodically during sleep. These cessations in breathing can occur anywhere from a few times a night up to hundreds of times a night. When a person stops breathing in their sleep, they are partially awakened from sleep as their brain is forced out of deeper stages of sleep to get the body to begin breathing again. When this occurs several times an hour, quality sleep decreases, and a whole slew of medical problems can begin to arise.

While many people may be familiar with the most prevalent form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, it often goes unrecognized that there are other types of apneas that a person may be suffering from. Here we aim to shed light on all three of the types of sleep apnea and discuss the symptoms, prevalence, causes, and treatments of each.

At The Alaska Sleep Clinic we have heard just about every excuse possible from patients about why they didn't believe their sleep apnea (or other sleep disorder) was a major cause for concern. Many of these patients didn't realize they had a problem until a loved one showed concern for their sleeping habits. Others weren't convinced serious health problems could result from sleep troubles. And quite a few people were more worried about the cost of having a sleep study than the negative impact that living with a sleep disorder could have on their lives.

Snoring is a condition that affects approximately 90 million Americans. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, one-third to half of those that snore could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a serious sleep disorder that needs to be treated.

Sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but most people underestimate just how critical sleep is. Insufficient or poor quality sleep affects day-to-day well-being and increases the risk of developing health problems. Thankfully, it’s in your power to improve your wellness through better sleep.

It’s that time of the year again. Warmer weather and sunny skies beckon all to enjoy the outdoors, from picnics to hikes to even walks around the block just to enjoy this perfect season. Trees are blooming, flowers are popping back up from the ground, birds are chirping – and pollen is running amuck on your sinuses.