Sleep Interrupted

I have been harping on the importance of breathing for years. My focus for breathing has been from a pain and biomechanics perspective - if your ribs do not move symmetrically and easily your spine and extremities will have to compensate. This book talks about the importance of breathing and sleep and how poor sleep breathing can lead to a multitude of problems/diseases. Most of us think of sleep breathing problems as being Obstructive Sleep Apnea (where you stop breathing for short periods while sleeping), but this is not the only problem. In stead Obstructive Sleep Apnea features at one end of a continuum of problems from mild sleep breathing problems, to snoring, to Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome to finally Obstructive Sleep Apnea. As you get into the UARS area of the continuum you might start to experience symptoms of low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when you stand up) and cold hands and feet. With sleep apnea you may have high blood pressure and feel tired throughout the day - even when you sleep well you do not feel rested. For me it was a good reminder that the exercises I hand out are not just to make breathing easier but their importance in maintaining optimal airway position both through the day and night plays a vital role in your overall health. Besides exercise there are other treatments to help breathing including: BreatheRight strips (to hold your nostrils open), Mandibular Advancement Devices (to be worn while sleeping - talk to your dentist about this), CPAP machines and various surgeries.

Remember to Breathe - Relax - Move!