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Information Wellness Blog

Detailed Reviews and Guides about energy and informational health and wellness

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June 7, 2025|Editorial

Medicine For Energy and Motivation

Most often, fatigue and lack of motivation can be resolved with exercise, healthy diet and sufficient sleep; managing stress levels effectively; as well as taking stimulants or sedatives from a physician to help boost energy.

However, drugs should only be used with caution and under medical advice. Natural ways of increasing motivation such as adopting healthy habits or changing lifestyle habits should also be explored as effective solutions.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that increase your body’s response to neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing alertness and energy. Commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy treatment, stimulants have also become widely abused due to their euphoric effects and addictive nature. While stimulant abuse comes with risks including heart problems, anxiety and paranoia – it is possible to break this cycle with help from drug rehab centers.

Stimulants can cause serious addiction issues when taken legally with a valid prescription, or illegally for recreational purposes. High school and college students commonly abuse stimulants with the belief they improve academic performance; however, research shows there’s little evidence cognitive enhancing drugs actually do work to increase cognition; rather they enhance motivation and energy instead.

Amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most frequently abused stimulants. Amphetamines can be obtained legally as prescription medication; they’re also sold as diet pills and often abused for their energizing effects. Cocaine offers another stimulant option but has a much shorter-lived high that may prove dangerous when taken in large doses; methamphetamine stands out among illegal street drugs as one of the strongest stimulants which produces an intense and euphoric high when either snorted or injected.

Stimulants are typically taken orally via pills; however, other ways may include crushing or opening tablets, dissolving powders in water and injecting them with needle or syringe into veins via needle. Consumption of stimulants is highly risky and some forms may even prove fatal when combined with alcohol or other substances.

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Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmec peoples began cultivating cacao over four millennia ago to turn it into chocolate, which has since been discovered as a natural stimulant. Cacao releases dopamine and norepinephrine naturally released neurotransmitters which impact energy levels and emotions; when taken in moderation it’s safe; excessive consumption can result in various health complications or addiction.

Dopamine enhancers

Dopamine plays an essential role in our brains, including mood regulation, reward and pleasure sensation, movement control and coordination. Dopamine-boosting drugs and supplements may help increase motivation but should always be used under guidance by healthcare providers.

Stimulants are a class of medications commonly used to increase dopamine levels and boost motivation. Stimulants work by increasing neurotransmitter release or blocking their reuptake, leading to greater brain activity and energy production. Common stimulant drugs include amphetamines and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Many individuals who take stimulants report feelings of energy, excitement, focus and confidence while others experience side effects such as heart palpitations or addiction.

Rhodiola rosea, ginseng, ginkgo biloba and berberine are non-stimulant dietary supplements which have been shown to boost dopamine levels and motivation levels by increasing stress-induced dopamine depletion, depression and cognitive function issues. Other natural ways of increasing dopamine include exercise, eating healthily and meditation as well as avoiding foods which deplete dopamine like saturated fats and refined sugars.

Nootropics, or cognitive-enhancing compounds, have recently gained recognition for increasing dopamine levels and improving motivation. Nootropics work by manipulating neurotransmitters, receptors, and enzymes within the brain in order to boost mental functions – offering an alternative to stimulants that may be safer over time.

Nootropics have been demonstrated to increase dopamine levels while also increasing serotonin and glutamate. Furthermore, nootropics may help improve sleep quality while reducing fatigue and stress levels. Nootropics contain high-quality plant-based ingredients studied for their impact on brain health and performance and frequently come free of caffeine which is known to trigger jitters and insomnia.

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Nootropics

Nootropics (commonly referred to as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers) are natural or semisynthetic compounds that claim to improve cognitive performance and mental functioning. Nootropics may be prescribed by healthcare practitioners to treat conditions like ADHD or Alzheimer’s, or taken as dietary supplements.

Nootropics are cognitive enhancers often taken together to maximize their effects, and have been shown to enhance memory and motivation in healthy individuals. Although there is limited scientific support for nootropics’ effectiveness, their use is becoming increasingly widespread; however there may be certain risks associated with taking nootropics that should be considered before beginning use.

Nootropics, or brain boosters, are comprised of natural ingredients such as acetyl L-carnitine, huperzine A and several B vitamins that can be found in foods such as green tea and coffee or supplements; their usage enhances existing neurotransmitters to stimulate release of dopamine, uptake of choline and acetylcholine, AMPA receptor phosphorylation as well as increasing activity of the cholinesterase enzyme that works against oxidative stress in the brain.

Other synthetic nootropics include drugs like piracetam, modafinil, phenylpiracetam, aniracetam, and oxiracetam; while most nootropics fall under the category of dietary supplements while some require prescription. Nootropics may also be used by healthy adults to enhance focus, concentration, and mood.

Nootropics may help to enhance the efficiency of neurons by feeding and protecting them. Studies suggest they support proper function by increasing bloodflow that delivers nutrients and oxygen directly to them, and by improving brain’s capacity for processing stimuli while decreasing anxiety levels.

Consultations with physicians are the ideal way to use nootropics safely. A physician can assist in choosing an ideal dosage and product, as well as discuss any medications, dietary supplements or illegal substances you are taking which might interact with nootropics – this helps minimize unwanted side effects while providing valuable advice about possible interactions between nootropics and other supplements.

Depression

Depression can make us all feel low at times, but its severity differs significantly from just being sad or down. Depression often lasts weeks to years and interferes with work, school, relationships and daily activities – sometimes to the extent of even leading to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Depression is a serious mental illness with effective treatments available.

Depression affects those in all aspects of their lives and often interferes with daily functioning, from sleep patterns and basic tasks to changing appetite and gain. Other symptoms may include changes in appetite (loss or gain not related to diet), difficulty thinking and concentrating, slow movements or speech, handwringing, feeling guilty all the time or not being able to think of anything true or significant that’s worth thinking about, as well as thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression may take longer to treat than other disorders, but its treatment can still be managed. Psychiatric medications may alter brain chemicals that control mood while psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”) with a mental health professional can assist people in replacing unhealthy emotions and behaviors with healthier ones.

Doctors can help evaluate whether physical illnesses or medications are causing mood disruptions and suggest appropriate treatments, if needed. Individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression may benefit from lifestyle modifications that increase sleep quality, increase exercise intensity and include healthy food options into their routines.

Antidepressants can help those experiencing more severe symptoms reduce feelings of sadness and fatigue while helping regain energy. However, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol could actually make depression worse.

At times of depression, seeking support from family and friends is also essential. Depression can severely impact on how someone interacts with those they love; individuals may become irritable and angry when depressed; they may blame themselves or withdraw altogether from being around their loved ones, creating strain within relationships; however it is essential to remember that depression is a disease and needs your understanding and love in order to thrive.

June 7, 2025|Editorial

The Instutute of Wave Genetics Enrollment

Finding a genetic cause of neurological disorders not revealed by conventional sequencing technologies can provide physicians and patients with relief, opening new avenues of clinical care and research, as well as enrolling into gene-specific clinical and research trials.

Intramural trainees participating in the Short Course gain valuable experience in project management, research coordination and education – perfect preparation for careers outside the bench!

2. How do I enroll?

Wave genetics was initially developed by two Russian scientists during the 1920s and 1930s. Their theories advanced the hypothesis that our DNA operates at the quantum level as waves and fields; this idea became the cornerstone of Dr Peter Gariaev and his team’s wave genetics system. By providing your body with healthy quantum information it will eventually heal itself over time; but keep in mind this process may take time, patience, commitment as well as diet/lifestyle changes; but ultimately the results will be rewarding – your health is worth investing in!

3. What are the benefits?

Wave genetics enrollment is a crucial element of making genomic research accessible for all patients. Proactive population outreach strategies can increase participation rates among previously underrepresented groups in genomic research; furthermore, gaining an understanding of patient preferences across demographic groups will aid future outreach efforts.

Wave, located within MaRS Discovery District near four research hospitals and three medical research institutes, works to transform health by unlocking the power of DNA. Wave’s PRISM platform uses quantum physics and linguistic principles to analyze gene and chromosome structures as well as find novel ways of encoding hereditary information; furthermore it has the unique capability of detecting mutations within human genomes for repair enabling new drug treatments that treat specific conditions.

Wave’s proprietary chemistry provides outstanding results in five areas, such as intracellular uptake; endosomal release; cellular residency; nuclear uptake and target engagement. This enables Wave to deliver therapeutic agents such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and RNA editing therapies more readily into cells for delivery into therapeutic trials, with applications from increasing drug efficacy to improving safety of clinical trials being explored with their technologies.

Studies have demonstrated the benefits of proactive population screening over reactive approaches for increasing enrollment rates in newborn sequencing studies. Geisinger Health System’s MyCode biobanking program achieved an 85% consent rate when eligible patients were approached during outpatient clinic visits with researchers or clinicians; another recent project, BabySeq project, found parents enrolling their newborns for newborn sequencing at rates between 7.8% with brochure plus digital approach and 6.9% when used digital-only approach alone.

Overall enrollment rates between both groups were similar; however, their differences reflect how patients were reached and engaged. Enrollment rates among those covered by Medicaid coverage or living in rural areas were considerably higher in the Brochure + Digital group than other options; suggesting additional opportunities for digital outreach may be necessary to reach these populations and increase WGS enrollment rates overall.

June 7, 2025|Editorial

How to Become a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner

Holistic health practitioners provide their clients with holistic wellness assessments and support via an integrative approach, using bodywork, nutrition, herbs or other forms of natural healing techniques as appropriate.

Standard doctors can usually quickly and correctly identify an illness like strep throat or diabetes, while holistic health practitioners have more difficulty dealing with symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. Here are some steps for becoming board certified holistic health practitioners.

Education

Holistic health practitioners utilize various treatments for their patients. Some examples of these techniques include herbal medicine, massage therapy, acupuncture and dietary changes. If interested in becoming holistic health practitioners themselves they should attend a school that offers comprehensive education in this field and provides hands-on industry externship opportunities so students can gain real world experience in their chosen profession.

Holistic health practitioners should also become knowledgeable of state regulations pertaining to their titles and the services they provide. For instance, many states require Registered Dietitians to have obtained both a college degree and state license before being permitted to practice as dieticians; similar requirements exist for other health care professionals like naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists; additionally some states may even mandate any individual who claims to be “health coaches” obtains their state’s licensing before offering advice about diet and exercise to clients.

Holistic health practitioners should have extensive knowledge about nutrition and human anatomy as well as natural healing practices, and be familiar with current research findings on both. Furthermore, holistic practitioners must know how to collaborate with clients or customers in setting realistic health and wellness goals and setting personal objectives together – many people choose this profession because of the personal relationships formed with clients as well as seeing lives improve through their guidance.

Once someone has received both education and work experience to become a holistic health practitioner, they must pass an examination that covers many topics related to this field, including anatomy, physiology and clinical nutrition.

Holistic healers are becoming increasingly prominent within the healthcare industry, with alternative treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine now being recognized by mainstream medicine. Holistic therapies typically have fewer side effects than standard treatments, making them suitable for managing chronic or acute health conditions as well as supplementing conventional treatments to maximize patient outcomes.

Experience

Some professions within the holistic health industry require their practitioners to possess specific work experience or credentials before being permitted to practice. If you want to become a licensed holistic nutritionist, for example, the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) requires you to complete an educational program approved by them before passing an exam and documenting contact hours with clients – these steps must all take place for certification by them. They have multiple approved holistic nutrition programs so it’s essential that you find one which best meets your needs.

Alternative health careers that require certification include acupuncture, ayurveda, naturopathy and massage therapy. These careers usually allow sole proprietors or entrepreneurs to open their own businesses that allow them to set their own rates and schedules; however it’s important to remember that income levels for holistic health practitioners can differ widely depending on education level, qualifications and level of experience.

If you’re thinking about becoming a holistic health practitioner, it is a wise move to conduct some preliminary research online and find practitioners near your area willing to allow shadowing sessions with them. Doing this will provide a greater sense of the field while helping you choose which path best matches up with your interests and career objectives.

Holistic health practitioners are specialists who employ traditional alternative medicine practices to treat their clients holistically. They believe that all aspects of a person – mental, emotional and physical health – play an integral part in his or her overall wellbeing and thus aim to address its source rather than simply mask symptoms. Holistic practitioners encourage clients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits which will support long-term wellbeing.

Holistic health practitioners are highly-skilled professionals that may work in any number of environments, including private practice, hospitals, clinics and spas. Furthermore, holistic practitioners may collaborate with other healthcare providers, including doctors and nurses, in order to offer patients the highest standard of care possible.

Examination

Anyone seeking a career as a holistic health practitioner must pass an in-person or written examination in order to become certified. Depending on the specialty, an examination could last from one day to multiple weeks and is designed to test both knowledge of subject matter as well as its application in practice. Exams on subjects such as biology, nutrition and the human body tend to include questions on subjects such as biology, nutrition and anatomy. Candidates taking this test can find study guides and reference materials online or at libraries to prepare themselves for it; each reference should be studied so as to prepare optimally for each section on the examination blueprint; each section typically has an assigned number of items that need to be taken care of in preparation for test day.

Once a written exam is complete, successful candidates must pass an oral interview conducted by the certification board. At this interview they are asked questions regarding their experience and education in their chosen field as well as personal philosophy. Furthermore, an interviewer also questions whether or not what they are doing helps people.

All holistic health practitioners share similar day-to-day tasks. First, they meet with clients and conduct a comprehensive wellness evaluation, including reviewing medical history and symptoms before providing recommendations or advice regarding wellness plans or referrals to other professionals for additional evaluation or treatment as necessary.

After meeting with their client, holistic health practitioners create custom treatment plans tailored specifically to each person’s needs and goals. This may include herbal medications, standard medication dosages, hand therapies like acupuncture or massage and supplements. A holistic health practitioner also follows up regularly with clients to make sure they remain on track with their wellness plans, monitoring any concerns or difficulties as necessary.

Holistic nutrition may appear like just another passing dietary trend to outsiders; however, market projections show it to be an expanding industry that could serve as the cornerstone of America’s healthcare system in the near future. To remain successful within this field, holistic health nutritionists must continue their education via multiple means in order to maintain professional careers within this ever-expanding niche market.

Ethics

Holistic health practitioners use natural methods to assist people in maintaining balance in their lives. Holistic practitioners believe that all aspects of an individual’s well-being – physical, emotional and spiritual — are interdependent; furthermore they recognize the body’s inherent healing capabilities and offer services like massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga or dietician counseling as part of holistic practices or clinics.

Most individuals who choose holistic health practitioner as a career do so out of a desire to help others reach their full potential by adopting healthy lifestyle choices. Holistic health practitioners are trained to educate clients and patients on making smart choices at home and at work while offering ways to cope with stress through mindfulness meditation, tai chi or other relaxation techniques.

Holistic health practitioners provide more than education and advice; they conduct wellness assessments and customize treatment plans specifically for each client, using traditional Western medicine alongside alternative therapies like yoga or aromatherapy, to create tailored plans. Furthermore, holistic practitioners may suggest supplements, herbs, or natural remedies in order to enhance a client’s wellbeing.

Holistic healthcare stands apart from conventional practices by emphasizing prevention measures and encouraging patients to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. Furthermore, they promote team approaches of care wherein both patient and doctor collaborate on devising an action plan to address any health issue.

Nutritionists board-certified in holistic nutrition have pledged their allegiance to the ethical standards set out by the National Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals and Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board. This ensures they comply with high educational and ethical standards demanded by modern health consumers; additionally, 10 hours of continuing education each year must be completed in order to retain certification.

Holistic health practitioners can find career satisfaction through helping others while also enjoying flexible scheduling and salary options. While group health insurance may be popular among employees, companies can also provide cost-cutting alternatives like flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements to satisfy employees.

June 7, 2025|Editorial

Working on Many People at Once

Chapter 16: Working on Multiple People at Once

Gordon successfully adjusted multiple audience members’ hips with QT2 during a presentation, showing how healing energy can be directed through ears to promote collective healing without physical contact.

This chapter covers how to utilize energy for various forms of body-based healing as well as distance healing. Furthermore, joy and gratitude should play an integral part of any healing journey.

How does Quantum-Touch work?

Quantum Touch (QT) uses energy to assist the body’s own natural healing processes by targeting an intersection point on a subatomic or quantum level where consciousness and matter intersect. Practitioners believe QT manipulates this point, enabling individuals to activate their own healing process with love and intent.

QT works to augment life-force energy, also known as chi or prana, through breathing and body awareness exercises. This energy can then be harnessed for emotional and physical healing through resonance and entrainment; when two objects vibrate at the same frequency. According to theory, as more energy vibrations synchronize at one frequency they become increasingly powerful; QT helps balance and amplify an individual’s natural healing energies as a result.

Certified QT practitioners focus their sessions on connecting with their client’s chi through conversation and creating an enjoyable rapport, then when the client feels relaxed they use an energy transfer technique known as sandwiching or the hand sandwich to send energy into specific parts of their body. Furthermore, practitioners are trained in releasing suppressed emotions which may impede physical healing while also balancing emotional energy flows to balance them out.

Quantum-Touch differs from Reiki by not requiring specific hand positions, attunements or special skills to practice. Many massage therapists integrate Quantum-Touch into their work because it can quickly accelerate the body’s natural healing processes to reduce pain, improve digestion and boost immune function – plus it can even be done remotely – making it an attractive option for health care professionals looking to enhance existing practices.

Basic techniques

Quantum-Touch practitioners employ various techniques to bring energy into the body and support the healing process. Their methods are founded upon resonance and entrainment principles; light touches may be placed directly onto their client or remotely via remote access; focus is given on tuning in to clients’ frequencies by holding high vibrations that attract their energies entrain with them, speeding up natural healing processes; practitioners also utilize an assessment technique called “Where Does It Hurt?” in order to identify which parts need attention first.

Many therapists employ Quantum-Touch in combination with traditional massage techniques and the results are often remarkable. Studies indicate that Quantum-Touch can significantly decrease back pain and speed up recovery from physical injuries. Furthermore, its holistic approach encompasses mental and emotional wellness as well as physical well-being – research has demonstrated this connection through spiritual practices such as Yoga that help improve medical treatment adherence while encouraging positive outlook on life for enhanced healing.

Quantum-Touch embraces consciousness research which has demonstrated how thoughts and intentions have real physical consequences, providing clients with more than just energy treatment. One important element of Quantum-Touch is intention’s influence over energy transmitted to clients. This idea aligns perfectly with Quantum-Touch’s holistic nature.

Quantum-Touch should not be seen as a replacement for medical or therapeutic treatment, yet many healthcare practitioners, including physicians, nurses, chiropractors, and physical therapists have adopted it for use with patients. As it’s a gentle yet noninvasive technique that’s safe for all ages- including children- it has also proven useful with pets who tend to respond quickly to its energy.

Intermediate techniques

Quantum Touch practitioners rely on breathing techniques and body awareness exercises to effectively harness life-force energy, and then channel it towards specific parts of their bodies such as pain points or areas of dis-ease – often called energy centers. Proper hand positioning is crucial here; one technique involves sandwiching the area with both hands using thumb and middle finger as tripods in order to get closer to its source of discomfort.

Quantum Touch sessions can be enhanced by the practitioner’s dedication and intention for healing. Relaxed mind and body are necessary for an efficient flow of energy; this approach works on humans as well as animals; physical or emotional imbalance can be treated similarly with this approach. Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Enjoy every step along the journey.

Quantum-Touch practitioners must remain fully present during each session to create an enjoyable and effective experience for both themselves and their client. Also important when performing Quantum-Touch is building strong rapport and trust between client and practitioner – this ensures they feel safe while supporting energy healing to take place effectively.

Quantum-Touch is an easy-to-learn energy healing system designed for use on humans and animals alike. As it’s noninvasive and performed from a distance, Quantum-Touch can be combined with other healing modalities for maximum effectiveness in treating physical or emotional imbalance, or chronic diseases.

Advanced techniques

Quantum-Touch sessions involve practitioners placing their hands near or on the body to stimulate energy flow and facilitate healing. This noninvasive therapy typically accompanies other therapeutic treatments and is generally relaxing for clients; though occasionally mild discomfort or emotional release may occur.

Quantum-Touch sessions can be conducted both physically and virtually. Many practitioners prefer in-person sessions as this allows them to build rapport with their clients; however, virtual or online services may be more convenient and come at a lower cost than in-person services.

Quantum-Touch sessions can be administered in any position for patients and practitioners can use their fingertips or backs of hands as tools in treatment sessions. A technique known as sandwiching may also be utilized, with one hand holding onto the area to be treated while simultaneously sandwiching it with their other hand.

Advanced techniques may include the use of energy colors and polarity to improve healing. Learn to utilize yellow ocher, emerald green, aquamarine royal blue, magenta for emotional healing as well as how to utilize instructor slope breath timing energy for greater strength and efficiency.

Quantum-Touch offers multiple levels, each building upon the other. Most people begin their learning of Quantum-Touch through books or video courses, with some continuing on by attending workshops – both provide valuable opportunities to expand one’s understanding and network with like-minded healers.

Applications

All throughout this book, readers are encouraged to explore and experiment with Quantum-Touch. According to its creators, this “transparent therapy” integrates easily with other healing modalities and places a strong emphasis on love and intention as essential factors of successful healing sessions. Furthermore, attitudes can greatly influence outcomes of healing processes.

Advanced techniques involve creating a vortex of energy and using sound to magnify its resonance during healing sessions. The authors provide specific breathing techniques (e.g. 4-4 breath, 1-4 breath and 2-6 breath) and hand positions designed to maximize energy flow and alter posture with energy. Furthermore, they describe methods for running energy for different kinds of body-based healing, deepening self-healing capabilities, and exploring distance healing as well as various altering posture techniques with energy flow.

Quantum-Touch can help with an array of physical and emotional ailments, including pain relief, structural realignment and emotional healing. Furthermore, Quantum-Touch has also proven useful for improving sports performance and speeding recovery after injury – helping athletes to push themselves to new levels of endurance, strength and power.

June 7, 2025|Editorial

Sleep Apnea Therapy Alternatives

Treating sleep apnea can help you feel more energized during the day, decrease your risk for health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure, and lessen fatigue-related accidents and injuries. Here are some FDA-approved therapies that may help:

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is an increasingly popular treatment option for sleep apnea; but what options exist if it does not suit?

CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, is the go-to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine supplies pressurized air through a mask worn over mouth or nose while sleeping to maintain openness in airways and ensure uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.

CPAP can be beneficial in most instances; however, not everyone responds positively. Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep trying as untreated obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to serious health issues; increasing your risk for high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and depression while contributing to fatigue which increases risk for motor vehicle or workplace injuries as well as stroke due to ruptured or blocked arteries supplying oxygen to the brain.

People who cannot tolerate CPAP may benefit from other conservative and device-based therapies to treat obstructive sleep apnea, including oral appliances like mandibular advancement devices that hold the tongue in place or ease jaw forward; such devices can reduce snoring while helping improve mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea; similarly, nasal expiratory airway pressure (EPAP) devices generating backpressure during expiration may provide another form of therapy.

Positional therapy involves altering your sleeping habits to decrease obstructive sleep apnea or snoring by moving from side sleeping positions to back. Diet and weight loss can also help alleviate its severity.

Myofunctional therapy may also be an option; this involves exercises designed to strengthen tongue, face, oral, pharyngeal structures or increase muscle tone on tongue, palate throat or jaw in order to offset anatomical mechanical loads that contribute to airway narrowing when snoring and obstructive sleep apnea occur. Unfortunately, research on myofunctional therapy remains limited and an European task force did not endorse its use as standard treatment for OSA.

Many CPAP users experience complications with their machines, including leaky masks, discomfort, dry nose/mouth conditions, difficulty sleeping/waking up and sores. If this is the case for you, it is essential to discuss alternatives with a sleep specialist or CPAP therapist as soon as possible.

Oral Appliances

Although CPAP remains the gold standard treatment for OSA, oral appliances can also help. Oral appliances have proven effective at reducing snoring and improving sleep quality in adults and children alike. Similar to orthodontic retainers or athletic mouth guards, these devices keep tongue and lower jaw protruded, helping prevent airway obstruction during sleep. More than 100 different oral appliances have received FDA clearance to treat OSA.

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are among the most frequently prescribed oral appliances. These work by moving the lower jaw forward and keeping tongue from falling back and blocking airway passageways.

Tongue-stabilizing devices, which hold the tongue forward in order to prevent it from collapsing over the airway, can reduce snoring and improve mild-to-moderate OSA symptoms. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) devices expand upper palate and throat size in order to open airway passageways more freely; studies indicate RME devices may help stop snoring while increasing quality and duration of sleep for children with OSA.

While these devices are very popular among both doctors and patients alike, they’re not as effective at treating obstructive sleep apnea as CPAP is. Furthermore, these appliances may cause unpleasant side effects, including excessive salivation, dry mouth discomfort, permanent changes to occlusion, TMJ pain or permanent changes in occlusion; many individuals cannot tolerate these side effects and so discontinue use of the appliance altogether.

Sleep specialists can help you select an oral appliance tailored to your diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and physician recommendations. They’ll recommend a custom-fitted device and monitor its use to track progress while offering guidance and solutions when issues arise. In collaboration with physicians and dentists, this teamwork approach may give you the restorative sleep needed for living an enjoyable, fulfilling and healthy life.

Positional Therapy

People suffering from mild to moderate positional obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from adopting sleeping postures that improve airflow, oxygen levels and rest quality during sleep. Our dental team in Burlington CT encourages this simple treatment approach as part of their holistic sleep management plans.

Research has demonstrated that individuals are more prone to sleep apnea events while sleeping on their back than on their side, prompting sleep apnea specialists to advise patients to use pillows designed to elevate the head, wearable belts with foam inserts that prevent rolloff, vibration alarm systems that activate when moving between sleeping positions, or vibration alarm systems that activate when they shift from side sleeping position back onto back sleep while asleep.

The European Respiratory Society Task Force on Non-CPAP Therapies for OSA recommends positional therapy as an effective secondary treatment option (Randerath 2011). A Cochrane review of studies showing this effect found an average reduction of 1.58 points when using positional therapy; this may not meet clinically meaningful differences; perhaps due to confounding factors like BMI.

However, the review did find that people tend to adhere better to positional therapy than CPAP and that it may help in reducing snoring, apnea events and quality-of-life measures for those intolerant of it. Positional therapy can also be combined with lifestyle modifications like weight loss strategies to lower airway pressure as well as forgoing alcohol or sedatives before bedtime in order to improve symptoms associated with sleep apnea.

Our team of oral surgeons can work in collaboration with your healthcare provider to devise an individualized treatment plan for sleep apnea that may include positional therapy and/or other appliances or surgical options depending on your individual needs and the results of a sleep study. In addition, we can offer resources and recommendations regarding additional treatments like teeth whitening or orthodontics that could also improve overall health and wellbeing beyond sleep apnea treatment.

Surgery

Patients unable to benefit from CPAP therapy due to intolerance, poor adherence or compliance issues, or having a high baseline severity of sleep apnea should also explore conservative, pressure-based and surgical modalities as non-CPAP solutions. A systematic selection process based on patient characteristics, efficacy research results and recent guidelines will guarantee successful treatment results in these instances.

Surgery as a therapy alternative for sleep apnea involves procedures designed to open or widen the upper airway, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty – altering the shape of soft palate and roof of mouth – or mandibular advancement devices – both of which have proven highly successful at relieving OSA symptoms and increasing quality of life for individuals living with OSA.

Behavior changes may also be beneficial to those suffering from sleep apnea, especially when the root of their problem lies within lifestyle habits. Losing weight, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption altogether and sleeping on one’s side are among many behavioral changes which could help alleviate OSA symptoms or eliminate them completely; they could even improve health conditions associated with sleep apnea like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Positional therapy is a noninvasive form of sleep apnea therapy that encourages patients to sleep on their sides rather than back or stomach, which may help relieve airway blockage for some individuals with OSA. Positional therapy may be ideal for mild-moderate cases as it’s relatively inexpensive.

Myofunctional therapy for sleep apnea involves performing exercises to strengthen facial, tongue and oropharyngeal muscles to promote neuromuscular compensation for airway narrowing. Though not generally recommended by European task forces due to limited clinical impact evidence and low quality research findings, myofunctional therapy may prove useful for patients who fail to respond to other treatments.

Sleep Better Columbus professionals specialize in various sleep apnea therapies, and can assist you in finding an appropriate solution for you. Reach out now to make an appointment for a consultation session!

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