In a person with sleep apnea the airway can be blocked by tissue, tonsils, the tongue or muscles collapsing. When a person is suffering from sleep apnea they will usually not know. Other people may notice it when they are sleeping and wake the person or tell them they were snoring or making funny noises when they were sleeping.

The symptoms of sleep apnea are usually extreme tiredness even after what seems to be a good nights sleep. This is because once a person stops breathing they are woken up out of the deep sleep. They never really do get to enjoy the deep sleep that is necessary for a good nights rest. They may also snore, have headaches upon waking up, have a dry mouth and have mood changes.

Sleep apnea can be very dangerous, so it is important that if a person suspects they may suffer from it that they seek medical help as soon as possible. Sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, stroke and impotence. A doctor will administer a sleep test either in a clinic or for the person to do at home. This test will measure the oxygen levels in the person’s blood, as well as their sleep patterns.

Once a person is diagnosed with sleep apnea the doctor will usually start to see why exactly the condition is present. The cause of the sleep apnea will usually dictate the treatment. Sometimes if a person loses weight or changes sleeping positions they can stop their sleep apnea. There are also medical devices like mouth guards, that can be used. For example, a C-PAP is a machine that is often used to treat sleep apnea. It blows air into the person’s nose and helps to keep the airway open. In some cases where the cause is a physical deformity, surgery may be a good option.

Sleep apnea is quite easy to treat once a person is diagnosed. The diagnosis can be the hardest part of dealing with sleep apnea, since a person is usually unaware they are even having problems. However, if a person experiences any of the symptoms of sleep apnea they should see their doctor and get tested. Letting the condition go without treatment could be fatal, so any suspicion should be checked out.

The inability to sleep is another stress related condition which most people have suffered from at some point in their lives. It is when insomnia continues for a long period of time that secondary problems can occur such as chronic fatigue, depression, reduced concentration, irritability etc.

Simple Aromatherapeutic Treatments

Add 8 to 10 drops in total of Lavender, Chamomile or Marjoram to a warm bath before going to bed

Use any of the above oils in a burner in the bedroom to help you sleep

Massage a few drops of Lavender or Chamomile into the soles of the feet at night.
This is one of the quickest ways in which essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream!

Put a few drops of Lavender on a tissue and place next to your pillow or in the top pocket of your pyjamas so you inhale the scent as you drift off to sleep

*NB It is worth pointing out that even though Lavender is an excellent oil for insomnia, if you use too much of it the effect is the opposite – it will act as a stimulant and actually keep you awake!

Another key oil for insomnia and restlessness is Valerian. However, there are two factors to take into consideration when using this: firstly, the smell!! It is not the most pleasant smelling oil but if you blend it with Lavender and only use a small amount it is not too bad, secondly and more importantly, if you use it in large amounts and regularly it can cause headaches, mental agitation and delusions!! I would suggest only using this oil under the guidance of a qualified aroma therapist.

Oil Safety

Chamomile – can cause dermatitis in some people (use fewer drops if you have sensitive skin)

AROMATIP from holistic therapies spain: Using carrier oils and essential oils regularly can help improve the condition of your hands and nails aswell!