Results show that more than half the sample reported having trouble sleeping, with 26 percent reporting moderate or severe trouble sleeping. Compared with patients who reported no trouble sleeping, patients with moderate to severe trouble sleeping reported significantly more fatigue, pain and depressed mood. Using structural equation modeling analysis to evaluate causal relations and directions of effect, the best-fitting model indicates that trouble sleeping led to increased ratings of pain.

According to the authors, the relationship between pain and sleep often has been assumed to be reciprocal. In the present study, however, a model of reciprocal causation could not be fit to the data, and models in which pain caused trouble sleeping did not fit as well as the model in which trouble sleeping caused pain.

“We believed we would find a bi-directional relationship between insomnia and pain, but instead found that trouble sleeping was more likely a cause, rather than a consequence, of pain in patients with cancer,” said lead author Edward J. Stepanski, chief operational officer at the Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network in Memphis, Tenn.

The study included demographic, clinical and patient-reported outcomes data from 11,445 cancer patients undergoing treatment at the West Clinic, a large community oncology practice in Memphis. Participants had an average age of 61.5 years, and 74 percent were female. Breast cancer was the most common form of cancer, and about 25 percent of study subjects had received chemotherapy in the last 30 days. Increases in depressed mood also led to increased ratings of pain.

Younger age and recent administration of chemotherapy were both associated with increased trouble sleeping. According to the authors, younger patients often receive more aggressive chemotherapy than older patients; therefore, younger patients may be exposed to more treatment-related toxicity.

Stepanski stated that several studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves sleep in cancer patients who have insomnia. He believes that this type of intervention may decrease patients’ pain and fatigue by improving their sleep.

Adapted from materials provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:

1. . The Relation of Trouble Sleeping, Depressed Mood, Pain, and Fatigue in Patients with Cancer. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, April 15, 2009

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

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Adapted from materials provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
Journal Reference:
1.The Relation of Trouble Sleeping, Depressed Mood, Pain, and Fatigue in Patients with Cancer. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, April 15, 2009

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Relazovac: naturally regulates the nervous system to relieve stress, anxiety & mild depression

Relazovac

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Soothe Insomnia

• Reduce Stress
  
• Regulates nervous system
• Relieves stress, anxiety, mild depression, and insomnia
• Promotes optimal sleep patterns
• __________________________________________________________

By: Chuck Arnone

Many studies have shown a link between stress and illness. Stress seems to have become a constant factor in today’s fast-paced society which can weaken the immune system and accelerate the aging process.
We talk about the three most significant stressors, namely, unwanted aloneness, loss of control, and loss of hope.If you can address those three stressors, you can enhance the power of the immune system,which may have an effect on how it’s able to fight those cancer cells and lessen the effects of cold and flu symptoms.

What we are looking at is if you can enhance the power of the immune system by doing things that make you happy, you will be healthier. Immune cells spend much of their lives circulating in those blood vessels.Immune systems of optimistic people have been found to fare much better under stressful conditions than those with a negative attitude.Chemotherapy has an affect on many cells in your body.

There is no question that good nutrition is necessary for a healthy immune system and that means a healthy variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, fluids, etc. Your nutrition choices as well as your emotions can have a big impact on your body’s ability to keep up your energy levels and immune system.

In one small study, researchers found that moderate exercise (three or more times a week) increased the immune cell counts of women undergoing breast cancer treatment back to normal levels, and also improved the women’s mood and ability to handle their feelings comfortably. A healthy immune system regulates our body’s healing process and protects it against infections and diseases. Premature aging and fatigue are just part of the problem with stress and your immune system. Sleep time is when your body and immune system do most of its repairs and rejuvenation. Tea is a wonder drink as it has the ability to strenghten your immune system and fight off germs.

The field of study that examines the link between stress and the immune system is known as psychoneuroimmunology. Several studies in this area indicate that physical and emotional stress can have either good or bad effects on the immune system’s response. Autoimmune diseases are a result from this attack; the more commonly occurring examples include systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), Grave’s disease of the thyroid, and rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune diseases are very sensitive to any kind of stress and symptoms worsen during that time. It is also interesting to note that many autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and Grave’s disease, occur more commonly in women than in men. A positive attitude, connecting to other human beings, and minimizing stress all have a lot to do with immune system health, as well.

Part of the solution to living longer and being healthy is to protect your immune system. A healthy system regulates our body’s healing process and protects it against infections and diseases. Stress influences our health so profoundly because of the way it affects our nervous and immune systems. Because of the connection between stress and health, stress management should be a cornerstone of your healthy lifestyle. Think about your state of health for a moment. And also the health of those you know. How we learn to deal with stress makes a huge difference in how healthy we are. Studies have shown that how a person deals with stress affects your health.

About the Author:

Chuck Arnone’s research into the immune system and it’s affect on your health can be very informative.

Printed From: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stress-will-harm-your-immune-system-296958.html

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Soothe Insomnia

Secondary Benefits

• Regulates nervous system
• Relieves stress, anxiety, mild depression, and insomnia
• Promotes optimal sleep patterns
• ************************************************************

7 Serious Long Term Lack of Sleep Effects

By Carla Chausser

Lack of sleep is a rising problem in our society, and lack of sleep effects are getting stronger and more dangerous as the time goes by. Almost everybody has suffered of it at one time or another. If you have mild insomnia, it is easy to fix it with some home remedies. But if your lack of sleep is chronic, you might encounter some long term effects which can prove to be really dangerous.

1. The first long term lack of sleep effect is getting various heart diseases.

2. Diminished concentration and memory lapses is another nasty effect of a prolonged lack of sleep.

3. Depression is something that people automatically associate with lack of sleep, and with good reason.

4. Sadly, a prolonged lack of sleep can even cause death.

5. Hallucinations and psychotic episodes have been also noticed in various cases of insomnia.

6. Also several physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, blurred vision and even nausea.

7. Weight loss – and not of the good kind, is often experienced in people who are constantly fighting with lack of sleep.

These are just the most common serious lack of sleep effects one can experience. It does not mean that one will have all these symptoms and effects at all times. You can have one of them, or several. It really depends on many factors, such as for how long are you already suffering of lack of sleep, what is your physical condition throughout (if your immune system is weaker, you will be stronger affected by it), whether you are a male or female. Studies showed that females are most prone to lack of sleep, and particularly effects such as depression, weight loss and nausea.

For further information on lack of sleep symptoms, causes, [http://lack-of-sleep.com/category/lack-of-sleep-effects]effects and treatments, visit my [http://lack-of-sleep.com/]lack of sleep blog, where you can take the insomnia test and see for yourself if you need help in conquering your lack of sleep.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_Chausser http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Serious-Long-Term-Lack-of-Sleep-Effects&id=1885771

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There are many ways that people develop Fatigue conditions, including Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) as well as Fibromyalgia (FM). Some of the more common causes are viruses, bacterial infections, operations, vaccinations, etc. The onset can also occur after a stressful incident or a build up of stress. There is one common factor – the system is under stress.

What happens when we are under stress?

As a result of entering this state we produce a cocktail of chemicals – including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin. This powerful group of chemicals is also produced during the fight or flight response – this is the natural process that is triggered in reaction to a threat – either real or perceived.

Physiological changes take place during fight or flight

A number of changes take place, due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Additional fuel is directed to the major muscles groups by increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Thyroid and blood sugar levels are affected. Increased energy is needed for emergency systems which causes nonessential functions including digestion and immune system to shut down.

What’s the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. has already under put the system under stress. If there were other stressors present or the person was run-down at the time, the recovery period could be prolonged. If the recovery is slow this can be a cause for concern, which results in more stress. The immune system, which is already challenged becomes depleted, further slowing the process of recovery.

Sufferers Search for Help

Sufferers are typically tested for other ailments by their doctors. After receiving the negative test results, the symptoms persist. People often turn to alternative approaches. Some people get temporary relief, but again the symptoms come back. It’s common for people to lose trust in their body and energy levels. This can help to further entrench the stress – symptom – stress cycle.

The stress response over the long-term

The system becomes depleted when subjected to the stress response over the long-term. The chemistry designed to help us out of danger becomes toxic. The immune system becomes depleted and most other bodily systems are disrupted. Adrenalin levels can become depleted after prolonged activation. The dysregulation of stress chemistry is responsible for more fatigue and physical symptoms.

Is it all in the mind?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is certainly not all in the mind. It’s a physical and debilitating illness affecting most bodily systems. However, purely physical approaches to recovery, or those that focus on specific symptoms rarely work. We need to recognize that the mechanisms that trigger these physiological responses are very much a part of the mind. Until these patterns are addressed, full recovery over the long term is unlikely.

Breaking the cycle

It is possible to break free of these cycles and it can be done quickly, given the right tools. Fortunately, the length of time of the illness does not determine the length of the recovery time. What’s needed is an understanding of the mind – body connection and an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles. We can then learn to use new physical and cognitive strategies that influence our health in a positive way.

You are not broken!

Sufferers of fatigue related conditions can typically feel broken or flawed in some way. Although the physical symptoms can be so severe that it feels as if this is so, this is not the case. Human health is incredibly buoyant, it is just necessary to discover what is in the way. Once we can bring balance to the system, we can create the opportunity for energy to return and physical symptoms to naturally resolve.

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Eezapein
Ease Pain Naturally:neck,back, shoulder,arms,menstrual cramping

Secondary Benefits

• Non-addictive hot tea
• Stimulates the body’s natural healing response
• Calms the mind and body
• Natural herbal remedies

Dick Aronson

Pain is a massive problem in our society, in fact it is estimated that at any given time, around one third of the population are in pain. Pain of any type is the most frequent reason for physician consultation. It is a major symptom in many medical conditions, significantly interfering with quality of life and general functioning. Pain management is therefore an extremely important part of health care because people forced to continue living with extreme pain often become depressed and have poor treatment outcomes. Some types of pain are still not really understood with as many as a third of cases having unknown origins. Here are some of the things we do know: * Pain is constant for about 20% of people. * Back pain is the most common pain. * Most chronic pain sufferers have had pain for at least 3 years. * As can be expected, the incidence of pain increases with advancing age. * Women report pain more often than men. * Only 70% of sufferers look for professional help. Pain Management Modern pain management programs should be multidisciplinary combining the input of Medical practitioners, Acupuncturists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Clinical psychologists and Occupational therapists, amongst others. 1. Narcotics are often prescribed for severe pain, but narcotics carry with them a potential for side effects and addiction, so patients and caregivers must weigh the level of pain against these dangers in the pain management process. 2. Numerous studies have found that certain complementary therapies are effective in pain management. 3. Massage therapy can hasten pain relief, soothe stiff sore muscles, and reduce inflammation and swelling. 4. Psychological pain management teaches people skills to cope with pain. Research has shown that having realistic, helpful thoughts is an important part of pain management. 5. Natural pain relief is a sought after alternative to medication and drugs based on chemicals and other synthetic medication. Herbs have been used for centuries for pain relief, but many have not undergone extensive study. Some allergic reactions might occur with some patients using natural pain relief, but these can be easily controlled or prevented by doing a skin test before using the natural pain relief. 6. One of the pain management modalities are trigger point injections and nerve blocks utilizing long acting anesthetics and small doses of steroids. 7. NSAID pain relief medication will not only relieve pain, but also reduce fever and inflammation. However there are real disadvantages associated with the long term use of these drugs. 8. Aspirins, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen are other common remedies used for the relief of acute pain. 9. Morphine is the major active substance in opium and a very potent pain relief medication. Morphine will act directly on the central nervous system and is commonly used as a pain relief medication for acute and severe pain caused by surgery or major trauma. Morphine is also used as a pain relief medication for moderate and severe chronic pain, such as pain caused by cancer. 10. TENS machines give short term pain relief to many people. These machines are fairly cumbersome but at least they do not have side effects. 11. Finally there is a new modality which has just been released on to the market and that is the rather unique pain patch which combines nano technology with crystals activated by body heat to produce an energy wave. The waves are transmitted to the origin of the pain where they produce an acupuncture effect which relieves pain. There are reports of pain of 40 year duration being relieved instantly.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/modern-pain-management-techniques-750244.html

About the Author:

The author has 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and alternative medicine fields. He has supervised clinical trials in a number of countries and has been responsible for the launch of one of the first low GI meal replacement bars. Visit Medicine for the Future for more information and articles on healthcare.

Article which outlines the massive problem of pain in our society, where at any one time around a third of the population lives with pain and goes on to describe some of the latest pain mPain,pain Mahttp://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/modern-pain-management-techniques-750244.htmlnagement,pain Relief,pain Patchesanagement techniques.

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P.Bhargav Kashyap

Oh! Pain in the Neck?! Neck pain, at times, can become pain in the neck’ quite literally. People who have experienced neck pain alone know how painful the neck pain can turnout to be. Neck is one of the most flexible regions of the spine, which consists of vertebrae, seven shock absorbing discs, muscles, and vertebral ligaments to hold them in place. The uppermost cervical disc connects the top of the spinal column to the base of the skull. The spinal cord, which sends nerve impulses to every part of the body, runs through a canal in the cervical vertebrae and continues all the way down the spine. What causes neck pain? Most people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Neck pain can be acute, lasting for few hours or a few weeks, or it can be chronic. Neck pain that lasts several weeks or longer is considered chronic neck pain. Neck pain can be caused by an activity or injury or by a medical condition. Your head and neck region is vulnerable to many different stresses. Bad posture can cause misalignment of your neck, head, and spine. Car accidents can cause whiplash. Age and wear and tear can cause arthritis. Even activities such as chewing gum and reading in bed and cause pain. How do we avoid these potential problems? And if we can’t avoid them, how can we recover as quickly as possible. Non-specific neck pain Many people develop a stiff and painful neck for no obvious reason. It may happen after a minor twisting injury, for example while gardening. Since the underlying cause for this type of neck pain is not fully understood hence it is called ‘non-specific neck pain’ Having non-specific neck pain does not mean that your neck is damaged. Often it happens in people whose necks would appear completely normal under an x-ray. It is the most common type of neck pain and disappears after a few days. Activities that cause neck pain Neck pain mostly is caused by activities that result in repeated or prolonged movements of the neck’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, or joints. This can result in a strain(an overstretched or overused muscle), a sprain (injury to a ligament), a spasm of the neck muscles, or inflammation of the neck joints. 1. Holding your head in a forward or odd position for long periods of time while working, reading, watching TV, or talking on the telephone. 2. Sleeping on a pillow that is too high or too flat or doesn’t adequately support your head, or sleeping on your stomach with your neck twisted or bent. 3. Spending long periods of time resting your forehead on your upright fist or arm. 4. Work that uses the upper body and arms, such as painting a ceiling or other overhead work. Injuries that cause neck pain The Spine consists of interlocking bones(vertebrae) and discs that separate the vertebrae. The portion of the spine that runs through the neck is known as the cervical spine. Muscles and ligaments in the neck hold the cervical spine together. Injury to any of these structures may result in neck pain. Minor injuries may occur from tripping or from excessive motion of the cervical spine. Severe neck injuries may occur from whiplash in an accident, falls from significant heights, direct blows to the face or the back or top of the head, sports-related injuries , a penetrating injury such as a stab wound, or pressure applied to the outside of the neck, such as strangulation. Pain from an injury may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may develop soon after the injury. Sudden (acute) injuries can result in strain and pain in the neck, dislocation of the spin, or a ruptured disc. Medical conditions that cause neck pain 1. Neck pain may be caused by or related to medical conditions such as: 2. Cervical Spinal Stenosis 3. Cervical Spondylosis 4. Illnesses, such as meningitis, which cause inflammation around the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. 5.Chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis Torticollis (wryneck): Torticollis is caused by severe muscle tightness or a shortened muscle on one side of the neck, causing the head to be tilted to one side. Referred pain: Referred pain occurs when a problem in one place in the body causes pain in another place. For example, a problem with your jaw or your heart can cause neck pain. Infection or a tumor in the neck area. Signs and Symptoms

Neck pain takes many forms. Signs and symptoms of neck pain may include: 1. Pain in your neck that may be sharp or dull 2. Stiffness in your neck 3. Difficulty going about your daily tasks because of pain or stiffness in your neck 4. Shoulder pain in addition to neck pain, in some cases 5. Back pain in addition to neck pain, in some cases. Help yourself to prevent neck pain. Take frequent breaks: Don’t sit in one place for a long time, such as your car or at your desk. Arrange some of the items in your office that cause inconvenience. This will force you to get up, stretch or walk around. Maintain good neck posture: Adjust the seat of your computer or desk chair so that your hips are slightly higher than your knees. Your head and neck will naturally follow in the correct position. While traveling in a car, airplane or train, place a small pillow or rolled towel between your neck and a head rest to keep the normal curve in your neck. Avoid too many pillows: Avoid sleeping with too many pillows or falling asleep in front of the television with your head on the arm of a couch. Exercise: Treat your body to a consistent regimen of stretching and strengthening to balance your muscle groups. This protects your neck as well as helping your whole body. Walking at any pace is excellent exercise for your neck. The rotation of the spine provides a great natural workout for the neck muscles. Eat smart and Drink water: Good nutrition and staying well hydrated are not only important to stay healthy, but vital in the healing process. For more Health Tips: http://fitnus.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/ouch-pain-in-the-neck-517422.html

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Neck pain, at times, can become pain in the neck’ quite literally. People who have experienced neck pain alone know hhttp://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/ouch-pain-in-the-neck-517422.htmlowNeck Pain painful the neck pain can turnout to be.

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by Michael Porteous

Getting tired is a fairly natural thing, if we push our bodies too far we expend too much energy and we end up tired and run down. Sometimes this can be good after we exercise or par for the course when it gets late and we need sleep but if you are asking why am I so tired all the time, then there might be more too it.

People who feel tired all the time even when they have a good amount of rest and do not overly exert themselves face a problem with fatigue that is all too common in modern society. Compare how our ancestors used to live without electricity and media and with an entirely different work and lifestyle. We tended to work hard back then during the daylight hours giving us exercise and expending energy in certain ways then we ate and slept at night and did this over an again without too much variation. Now however we live in an age we often sit in offices all day glaring at computer screens that glare back expending too little energy having largish lunches then we can stay up late into the night being mentally stimulated by whatever media we choose to entertain us then get to sleep at odd hours; quite a change.

Now, while your life may not resemble that example I bet yours still has many elements of that. A combination of diet, sleep patterns and lifestyle throw our body into situations we are not evolved for and while we are incredibly adaptable animals this can start to impact on our health and energy levels leading us to question why am I so tired all the time

Sleep is an especially important part of the cycle and some of the least understood by the general public. You see everyone has a sleep cycle which is often around four hours long but can vary between three to five hours in some people. When we sleep, the middle of these cycles are the deepest sleep and if we wake up during this period we end up being sleepy and tired all day. This is why it is recommended you get eight hours sleep a night, enough for two cycles and then wake up refreshed. This is why you can also only have a few hours sleep sometimes and feel ok when you wake … but you will need to recover that time lost in sleep sometimes also.

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To stop asking “why am I so tired all the time” and start saying “I feel full of energy today!” click below to find out more about why your body is so run down and how to turn this around! http://Stop-Being-Tired.1001-Solutions.info

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/why-am-i-so-tired-all-the-time-an-explanation-472287.html

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Originally posted at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Am-I-So-Tired-All-the-Time?—An-Explanation&id=1231302

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by Gabriel Adams

You often don’t think about your Immune System, however as soon as it fails you are quick to realize how vitally important the Immune System is for your overall health. The Immune System is responsible for preventing all bacteria, germs, viruses, and other microorganisms from entering the body and causing complete destruction.

You may not realize it, but the Immune System works 24 hours a day, every day of your life protecting you from all sorts of sickness, disease, and ultimately death. In fact, as soon as any living organism dies, the Immune System immediately stops functioning and the organism is subject to all manner of parasitic invasion. When you stop to think about it, it is truly amazing how the Immune System functions at not only keeping you alive, but also in perfect health.

The Immune System consists of a number of different organs and components. The main components of the Immune System are the Lymph System, The Thymus, Hormones, Bone Marrow, The Spleen, Leukocytes (White Blood Cells), Antibodies, Complement, Tonsils, and Adenoids. Together these components work together to ensure that the Immune System is working in proper order and defends the body against foreign invaders.

In addition to these components, there is another very important organ that is invaluable to ensuring that the Immune System is working and that is the Skin. Skin is often the body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders such as germs, viruses, and bacteria. Therefore, by keeping the skin clean, frequent hand washing, and treating cuts or wounds to prevent infection you can help the Immune System by preventing many invaders from entering the body.

It is a proven fact that stress negatively impacts the Immune System. Therefore, one of the best strategies that you can implement to ensure that your Immune System is operating in its best capacity is to reduce stress. You should also ensure that you receive plenty of sleep every night, and take a vitamin and mineral supplement. Also, there are many herbs that help strengthen the Immune System, adding these to your diet can have a powerful impact on the overall health of your Immune System.

Learn how glyconutritionals can boost immune system function.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Your-Immune-System–How-It-Works/173250

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