The Hemp Connection:
sleep apnea

Most of you reading this blog have some sort of sleep disorder. Sleep apnea shows up quite often with PCOS…and with it, comes a prescription for a noisy fighter pilot mask contraption called a CPAP machine.

I have yet to hear anyone say that a CPAP actually improves quality of life, as it requires trading one discomfort for another.

So I was more than interested when a Google ad recently popped up, in which it was reported that regular didgeridoo playing helped to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you're not a music geek, a didgeridoo is an instrument traditionally played by native Australians. (I'm including a video with a sample of the music below, you may recognize its unique sound once you listen.)

Apparently, the muscles that are strengthened with didgeridoo playing, are the ones that are weak in people with sleep apnea. In the study referenced below, with 25 minutes of playing a day, 6 days a week, study participants experienced significantly less daytime sleepiness. And their sleep partners reported improved quality of sleep as well!

If you're musically inclined, or adventurous, it is certainly worth a shot to see if it helps your condition! If you're a sleep-deprived sleep apnea significant other…you may just have found your perfect birthday/anniversary gift for that person who has everything.

If you live in the Los Angeles area, and you have sleep apnea, whether or not you have PCOS, we're hoping to collaborate with a small business over there specializing in didgeridoo crafting. We think a beach front class in how to play this interesting instrument could be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon! If you're interested in knowing more, please contact me at marika@google.com.

If you're interested in the instrument, but can't get yourself to LA, please visit our new friends' website, http://www.laoutback.com/. Be sure to tell them where you heard of their instruments.

Puhan MA, Suarez A, Lo Cascio C, Zahn A, Heitz M, Braendli O Didgeridoo playing as alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2006 Feb 4;332(7536):266-70. Epub 2005 Dec 23.

Working with PCOS has taught me how prevalent the problem of poor sleep is. People who don't sleep well tend to gravitate toward caffeine and sugar all day long, and the vicious cycle can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain.

I've become increasingly concerned about the percentage of inCYST clients on Ambien and Lunesta, not to mention CPAP machines. I just have never been able to believe that this has to be the fate of the non-sleeper.

But…I also knew that even if insomniacs were motivated to spend all of a weekend day in a workshop designed to help them, they'd likely drift off right in the middle of it! So I've been working with colleague Nancy Carballo to develop an experiential alternative giving participants a chance to learn and experience a few different opportunities to look at insomnia a little more naturalistically.

I'm excited! We've planned yoga on the beach, a didgeridoo lesson (since this instrument helps to strengthen the muscles commonly weakened in sleep apnea), a couple of laid back lectures, and sleep-friendly eating (including dinner with popular LA dark dining restaurant, Opaque). Our spa partner in this endeavor, Creative Chakra, is also offering additional massages and light therapy sessions.

We have a Facebook page for the event…you can join us there to let us know you'd like to be notified when we open registration, or you can write me directly at marika@google.com

Anyone with insomnia, whether or not they have PCOS, is welcome to participate.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz you there!

If you're on this blog, chances are you don't sleep well. The majority of women with PCOS that we've surveyed have some sort of sleep disorder. Chances are, your spouse isn't sleeping that well either. (I've actually had a couple of clients who became pregnant after the husbands started paying more attention to their bedtime hour!)

Poor sleep can lead to increased insulin levels, weight gain…all the things you're likely trying to resolve if you have PCOS and would like to either lose weight, conceive, or both.

We've developed a special event for people who don't sleep well. And, knowing that the last thing you really want to do on a beautiful Southern California Saturday…is sit inside and listen to a bunch of dry medical lectures…we've created an agenda that would be fun even if you DIDN'T come to learn about better sleep.

The first Insomniacfest will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010, in Marina del Rey, California. We've got a few things happening on the beach: a yoga class and a didgeridoo session. We've got fun, sleep-friendly food and drink (including our own signature alcohol-free drink, The Knockout, pictured above.) Opaque Restaurant is also providing a dark dining experience you won't soon forget.

Sandie West, our friend at Creative Chakra Spa, is hosting the event, and we've made room for you to add on massages and special light therapy to your day.

Consider spending the day with us! Our Facebook group is the best place to keep up with event and registration details.