Sleep apnea affects about 20 million Americans and is a potentially serious sleep disorder. This problem is commonly associated with snoring and extremely irregular breathing throughout the night. Breathing actually stops for as long as two minutes at a time while the individual is asleep. When the breathing stops, the level of oxygen in the blood drops, resulting in oxygen deprivation. The individual then awakens, typically startled and gasping. A person with sleep apnea may awaken as many as two hundred times throughout the night. The affected individual may not remember these awakenings, but anyone else who is awake at the time usually becomes alarmed when a person with sleep apnea stops breathing. Central sleep apnea, a less common form, occurs when breathing is stop because the diaphragm and schist muscles stop working.
Sleep apnea is associated with higher than normal blood pressure. These people are more likely to have strokes than the general population. These people also possess increased risk for heart disease and emotional and psychotic disorders. Vitamins and herbs can help restore the body to normal function and sleep cycle.
The following herbs and nutrients are recommended for the prevention and treatment of insomnia: calcium, magnesium, melatonin, vitamin B complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, zinc, California poppy, hops, kava kava, lemon balm, passionflower, skullcap, valerian root, catnip, and chamomile.
Natural vitamins and herbs come in capsule, tablet, and liquid forms from your local or internet health food store. Always look for name brand vitamins and herbs to ensure quality and purity of the products your purchase.
Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.