The causes of sleep disorders are too many to name. Like most health problems, they stem from many factors, some of which are genetic and others due to lifestyle choices. Here at Total Nutrition and Therapeutics, we consider both factors by applying a holistic approach to health, nutrition, and functional medicine. 

Today’s blog is extra special, as we invite the celebrated Dr. Jose Diaz of the Pulmonary Group of Central Florida. Though Dr. Diaz specializes in the lungs, he holds a special interest in sleep disorders, partly because of his own experience. After a long and thought-provoking interview, we’re anxious to pass on some of what we learned about assessing and treating sleep disorders. 

Why We Need Sleep And What Happens Without It

So, why do we really need sleep? Though it seems obvious, scientists are still studying this question. We know a lot about what happens during sleep, and even what happens when we don’t get it. But exactly why we need to fall into four highly complex stages of sleep (and for two cycles!) is still of great mystery. 

While there are understood reasons, it’s perhaps easier to understand sleep by studying what happens when we don’t get enough of it. 

The dangers of sleep deprivation are too great to ignore. Beyond the fatigue, your immune system, nervous system, cognitions, and hormones are thrown all out of whack. Your natural ability to reach homeostasis, the primary indicator of good health, turns precarious at best. You become more susceptible to illnesses, injuries, and because of the fatigue and mental fogginess, accidents. 

Worse than the physical symptoms are the mental ones. Sleep deprivation is highly correlated with depression. The inability to perform basic tasks, let alone those at a high level, can damage one’s self-esteem. Despite the mysteries of sleep, one thing’s for certain: we absolutely need it.  

Sleep Apnea And Insomnia: The Sleep Nexus

Individual causes of sleep disorders are too many to name. However, two overarching disorders make up the overwhelming majority of cases: sleep apnea and insomnia. This fact might be surprising to hear. To many, sleep apnea sounds too specific to be widespread. Insomnia, on the other hand, is an infamous plague of the night. But, things aren’t always as they seem.

Insomnia affects just about a quarter of adult Americans. Sounds like a lot, right? Well, that same percentage applies to sleep apnea. 

Insomnia

Tossing and turning, pacing around the house, making warm milk—we have a good picture of the insomniac. And yet, unlike sleep apnea, Dr. Diaz assures us that there’s far more mystery. 

If sleep is a mystery, insomnia is an enigma. There’s no clear, homogenous cause of insomnia that would allow professionals to treat it effectively. Dr. Diaz invokes the infinite complexity of the human mind quite succinctly in saying, “It’s psychological.” 

Insomnia requires changes in lifestyle, attitude, and behavior. These can be difficult to implement, but when done, many people address the problem successfully. As we believe here at Total Nutrition & Therapeutics, it’s all about taking into account the whole picture of health and wellness. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

There are two types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea occurs when your body quite literally ‘forgets’ to breathe while you sleep. Central sleep apnea can present itself when inactive lung muscles or a lack of brain signaling disrupt, pause, or even stop breathing during sleep. 

Central sleep apnea, however, accounts for just 10% of all sleep apnea disorders. The other 90% is constituted by obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is a severe disorder noted by disrupted breathing during your sleep. The obstructions are marked by snoring, sudden changes in breath, and overall abnormalities in breathing. One of the most frightening facts about sleep apnea is that many suffer from it without knowing. 

Take Dr. Diaz, for example. It wasn’t until he was on vacation in his homeland of Peru that his children took a videotape of him snoring. What had started as a funny prank during a family trip ended as no laughing matter. 

Dr. Diaz explained that he had struggled with poor sleep for years. Unwittingly, he had been suffering from sleep apnea for what could have been a significant amount of time by then. 

Abnormal breathing sounds dangerous enough. But pair that with the effects of constantly disrupted sleep, and you begin to see the toll it takes on a human body. Fatigue, irritability, fogginess of mind, weakness, weight gain, and aches across the body—so reliant upon sleep, the human body begins to break down, from the mind outward, at the hands of sleep apnea’s relentless symptoms. 

In what can only be called a cruel twist, oftentimes, the end result is insomnia itself, as the psychological damage caused by a lack of sleep becomes self-perpetuating. 

Assessment And Treatment Of Sleep Disorders

Sleep studies are the gold standard for assessing sleep disorders. Sleep studies take place either at a clinic or practice, or even in one’s own home. 

The idea is to monitor the patient and their sleep signals. Using key metrics, professionals pin down the symptoms and causes of a sleep disorder. 

Assessing And Treating Insomnia

Sleep studies for insomnia can be challenging. As a highly psychological disorder, while certain signals can identify problems during the night, it’s difficult to understand why the patient isn’t falling asleep in the first place. More often than not, healthcare providers will offer a list of suggestions to help patients exhibit better sleep hygiene. 

Common suggestions include: 

• Avoiding food three hours prior to bed
• Using the bed only for sleep (and sex)
• Avoiding screens before bedtime and while in bed
• Avoiding stimulants before bed, such as coffee, tea, and sugar
• Eating smaller meals throughout the day
• Eating whole, nutritious foods that regulate hormones properly
• Getting plenty of exercise
• No napping 
• Getting out of bed when insomnia strikes

The hardest part for insomniacs is the lack of medicinal options. “I would never prescribe sleep medicine to any of my patients,” asserts Dr. Diaz. Because there’s no clear cause, there’s no such thing as a cure, let alone a clean, effective medicine. Sleep medicines run you through a gauntlet of side effects and can even be habit-forming. 

When it comes to insomnia, the holistic way is the only way. Many people start with their mental and emotional wellbeing, as insomnia is often associated with racing thoughts and worries. As mentioned above, another great place to start is with your diet. In addition to a healthy diet, there are many specific foods and substances to avoid:

• Caffeine 
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Heavy late night meals
• Sugar (especially at night)
• Chocolate
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods
• Water right before bed
  

It’s important to consult a professional about your insomnia. Our team here at Total Nutrition & Therapeutics develops detailed plans for attacking sleep disturbances and disorders. But keep in mind that if you’re unwilling to change your lifestyle, the problem is unlikely to go away on its own. 

Assessing Sleep Apnea

There are three major types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common of the three. Obstructive is marked by relaxed throat muscles, which can cause blockages.
• Central sleep apnea is caused by improper signals communicated between your brain and the muscles that control breathing.
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. This type is a combination of the above, showing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. 

Additionally, Dr. Diaz mentioned particular demographics more prone to sleep apnea. Dr. Diaz ranked the following traits in order of significance:

1. Obesity
2. Age
3. Alcohol consumption
4. Male
5. Blood Pressure
6. Diabetes

Professionals may squabble over the exact ordering. But there’s no doubt about what belongs on this list. Other traits include smoking, drug use, and yes, neck circumference, which is related to sex (males tend to have bigger necks). 

Treating Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea may begin with continuous positive airway pressure—better known as CPAP. This machine aids and monitors your breathing. It comes with a mask that fits over the nose, and can sometimes encompass the entire face. Though many complain that it’s cumbersome to wear to bed, it can effectively combat sleep apnea. 

As mentioned above, CPAP doesn’t only assist in breathing. Some machines, especially those used during sleep studies, monitor your sleep’s effectiveness by tracking the cycles throughout the night. After waking, patients, using new technology, have apps they can use to check their readings and garner how well they slept, among other factors. Many CPAP machines are even equipped with Bluetooth devices. 

Holistic Health And Wellness To Fight Sleep Disorders

Though many get better, sleep apnea is rarely cured. Many insomniacs must deal with sleep issues their whole lives. The ones who get better are usually the ones who work at it the most. Both Dr. Diaz and TNT’s founder, Lori Esarey, see the most results out of those who put the most in. 

That’s why it’s essential to take a holistic approach to treatment. Exercising, eating well, and avoiding unhealthy habits will do wonders over any purported miracle cure. But these won’t come without the choice and ensuing action. Total Nutrition’s wellness programs treat every aspect of your body, mind, and lifestyle, from motivational factors to the tiny details that make a difference in the end. 

Sleep disorders can be some of the most difficult barriers to a happy and healthy life. But they’re not insurmountable. Better yet, in treating them, you will be treating the host of other health issues that contribute to them. Check out Total Nutrition & Therapeutics’ full-service offerings to see how we can help you get started today. 

Contact Total Nutrition and Therapeutics for more information about sleep disorders. 

Sleep disorders affect tens of millions of Americans on a nightly basis. They wreak havoc on both mind and body. The path to beating any sleep disorder begins with a full battery of diagnostic testing and an ensuing personalized plan. Providing a holistic approach to health and wellness, that’s exactly what we do here at Total Nutrition & Therapeutics. Visit our website to find out more about how Total Nutrition & Therapeutics is fighting sleep disorders!

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be painful, both physically and emotionally. And when talking about ED, the majority of the time, women hear about the man’s perspective. This is somewhat understandable. After all, it’s men who suffer from the disease. However, ED can be quite difficult for women as well. Though women don’t experience the direct physical impact, sexual problems will arise within the relationship. This lack of intimacy and sexual stimulation can cause a range of strong emotions. 

Total Nutrition and Therapeutics takes a holistic approach to sexual health. The psyche plays an enormous role, and mental health is proven to be highly correlated to physical health–particularly for chronic conditions. Women in relationships with men suffering from ED are therefore left open to a variety of health risks; moreover, they’re tasked with taking care of their significant other as they cope with the emotions that come with an inability to perform, such as shame and embarrassment.

It’s time we talk about ED from the woman’s perspective. How can women cope with the temporary loss of intimacy? What can women do to empower themselves rather than perhaps feel at fault for their partner’s affliction? 

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Causes for ED Include Both Physical & Psychological Reasons

Erectile dysfunction is a condition characterized by the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Before diving in deeper, let’s quickly cover how erectile dysfunction arises and in whom. This is important as women will confront different sets of challenges depending on the reasons for their partner’s ED. 

ED generally emerges from four causes: 

1. Physiologically-induced ED – ED resulting from physical maladies, like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, is a very common cause. In fact, there’s usually a direct link between high blood pressure and this medical condition.
2. Psychological ED – Although it isn’t the most common cause, psychological ED occurs in 10-20% of men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Considering that an equivalent percentage of men suffer from ED for every decade of age, even 10% translates to millions of men. In younger men, ED tends to rear its ugly head due to fears, nerves, and phobias, creating a feedback loop that can be quite difficult to cut off.
3. Peyronie’s Disease – The more infrequent cause of decreased blood flow, Peyronie’s Disease occurs when scar tissue, otherwise called plaque, accumulates within the blood vessels in the penis. If enough plaque accretes within these vessels, the penis will become bent or even crooked when erect. 
4. Aging – The more frequent cause of ED is aging. Older men represent the larger share of those afflicted by erectile dysfunction. This demographic most often experiences ED because of physical causes, which boil down to decreased blood flow to the penis.

Getting Him to Talk About His ED

The First Step to Treating ED Is to Talk About It

Patients of all kinds have trouble talking about their afflictions. In many Asian cultures, it’s forbidden to talk about cancer, and until recently, it was taboo in many Western cultures as well, including the United States. For many couples, discussing ED is awkward and uncomfortable. However, openly communicating about the issue is crucial.

But with most forms of ED, there’s no cell mass or fracture he can point to, which explains why he can’t perform. Your partner might get frustrated, change the subject after another attempt, or become upset when you bring it up. But if he’s not bringing it up, and you don’t know how to get him to, what should you do? Here are some things to keep in mind when opening up to your partner, or getting him to open up to you, about ED:

1. The burden isn’t entirely yours. You’re in this together. You have a right to be involved with this process. It’s not fair if he refuses to acknowledge it, and if he does, don’t accept any fault for it either.
2. Don’t rush to a solution. Finding a cursory will only worsen the problem. Take your time, and keep your mind open. You can ease his mind by showing that you’re not worrying too much about it. 
3. Address the issue with a light touch–but don’t be vague. Don’t get defensive or label it as his problem. 
4. Assure him that it happens to almost every man. With time and patience, you’ll get back to a healthy sex life, and that makes him no less of a man. 
5. Stay open to other forms of sexual activity. Communicate that it’s not the only form of sex. Once he begins opening up about it, you’re halfway there.

What Can a Woman Do to Help With Erectile Dysfunction

Helping Him Cope With ED While Maintaining Boundaries

94% of men suffering from ED express a need for their partner’s support. However, you need to take care of yourself. Part of this requires maintaining boundaries. You’re still a person, too! You still have needs! 

Be sure to take time for yourself. Yes, you want to show your support, but on the other hand, you have to balance out your time. Here are some ideas for taking care of your mental health while supporting your partner during a stretch of erectile dysfunction:

1. Carve out alone time. All healthy relationships need it for both parties. 
2. Step away from the issue at times. You don’t want to live in a cage when life offers much more than sex. 
3. Some men may obsess over psychological ED, only making the problem worse. Stay clear of any codependent tendencies on his part. 
4. Don’t permit his ED to take all of your time. Just as you don’t want to find yourself obsessing over the issue yourself, it’s unfair that he keeps you trapped in his own thoughts should he be in such a state. 
5. Have a plan for if and when obsessive conversations persist. State kindly yet firmly that you need to take a walk, see a friend, or change the subject for a while, reminding him that this does not take away from your commitment to him. 

Don’t Push to Solve the Problem Quickly

While Effective Treatments Are Available, He May Not Want to Hear It

If getting him to open up about erectile dysfunction wasn’t hard enough, men can just as often be remiss to discuss it with a medical professional. Whether it’s to a doctor or counselor, because of conventional values about masculinity or merely the shame of admitting it, men do not like to open up about ED. So, while even sex therapy is a valid treatment option for his sex drive, it might prove to be very difficult to convince him to go.

After the first few episodes, start with general affirmations. Remind him that you’re always here to talk. Tell him you’re willing to help him in any way you can. When you’re both comfortable talking about ED, and if the problem persists, then you can refer to medical solutions as an option. Remind him that HIPAA protects any professional from disclosing information about their visit—to anyone, including you. 

How Erectile Dysfunction Affects a Woman

Don’t Obsess Over His Erectile Dysfunction& Don’t Let Him Make You Obsess Over It!

For women, ED may lead to feelings of confusion, self-doubt, or insecurity. It’s common for a partner to wonder if the lack of physical arousal is due to a loss of attraction or emotional disconnection. However, ED is rarely linked to how a man feels about his partner. It’s usually due to physical, psychological, or lifestyle factors such as stress, health issues, or medications.

In line with avoiding codependent behavior, don’t let erectile dysfunction become the focus of your relationship. Yes, sex is important, but it’s not the most important part of any long-term relationship. If problems keep cropping up from persistent erectile dysfunction, take a break from addressing it entirely. You can start by bringing up counseling, which you can use as a safe space to address the issue openly (and as another way to maintain boundaries). 

Remember that a woman’s feelings on erectile dysfunction are completely relevant. You’re both suffering from this, but it’s not the end of the world. This isn’t to minimize the issue–it’s certainly difficult, and very difficult for some—but the key is to make the best of it while it lasts. If boundaries become an issue, and he refuses to seek help, it’s imperative that you take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to seek counseling for yourself. You’ll only be helping the both of you.

Dealing With Erectile Dysfunction in a New Relationship

Erectile dysfunction is not just a physical condition; it affects the dynamics of a relationship. From a woman’s perspective, navigating ED can bring about feelings of insecurity, frustration, and concern. However, through open communication, emotional support, and a team-oriented approach, couples can overcome the challenges ED presents and emerge stronger together. By focusing on emotional intimacy and understanding the root causes, you can reaffirm the connection that initially brought you together.

If you or your partner are struggling with ED, don’t face it alone. Seek medical advice, explore available treatments, and remember that intimacy is about more than physical performance—it’s about the connection you share as a couple.

Contact Total Nutrition &Therapeutics in Lakeland, FL, for More Information About Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction affects hundreds of millions of men around the globe–yet very few of them are willing to discuss it with even their closest confidantes. Total Nutrition and Therapeutics takes this disease personally by staying updated on the latest treatments and information. Visit our website to find out more about what Total Nutrition and Therapeutics is doing to fight the stigma surrounding ED!

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In our last blog, we talked about the dangers and side effects that come along with specific treatments for erectile dysfunction (otherwise referred to as ED). Today, we’re going to scale out a little so we can give an overview of the basics about ED, including treatment options. Specifically, we’re going to introduce shockwave therapy, a revolutionary technology for treating ED. 

What is erectile dysfunction? 

Erectile Dysfunction is a symptom, with a range of causes, in which certain males can’t gain an erection required for sexual intercourse. 

The mechanism for male arousal involves a complicated coordination of many parts of the body, from organs to hormone release. In the end, this mechanism should cause blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. 

Any break in this chain can cause ED. Furthermore, psychological issues, such as stress and anxiety, can also cause or exacerbate ED. 

General Causes

As mentioned earlier, erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical abnormalities. Common physical causes of ED include but aren’t limited to:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use

Peyronie’s disease

Another specific cause of ED is Peyronie’s Disease, which occurs with a build-up of plaque and/or scar tissue in the penis. This build-up can cause significant curvature in the penis when achieving an erection, which can cause a great deal of pain and hinder sexual function.

Unlike other causes of ED, Peyronie’s Disease doesn’t have to do with blood flow to the penis—at least not directly. A lack of blood flow might occur as a result of one’s misgivings to gain an erection because of the pain it will inevitably cause. 

Regardless of the cause, the risk of showing symptoms of ED increases in direct correlation with age. 

Treatment for erectile dysfunction

Treatments for ED, though effective, have often come with a price—whether in literal dollar terms, or in the form of side effects and other dangers. Over the past few decades, millions of men have turned to prescription medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These pills, while effective, also come with a laundry list of risks and side effects. In many cases, these risks and side effects heavily outweigh the benefits. 

Total Nutrition and Therapeutics has come up with a life-changing alternative: Shockwave Therapy. 

Shockwave therapy, also known as shockwave therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is the premium brand of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for ED. Put simply, this means that ED is treated from the outside, using electrical stimulation. The high frequency, low-intensity shockwaves emitted remove micro-plaques, increase blood flow, and develop new blood vessels. 

The result is an extremely versatile treatment: shockwave therapy treats men who suffer from ED because of a basic lack of blood flow and Peyronie’s Disease, alike. And the best part? Because shockwave therapy treats the root causes of erectile dysfunction, its effects will be felt within just 6-12 sessions, each session lasting only 15-20 minutes.

Shockwave therapy has treated countless men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Check out our website, which includes testimonials from real people and their success with shockwave therapy. 

Contact Total Nutrition and Therapeutics for more information about shockwave therapy and how it can treat your ED today. 

Are you, your spouse, or partner experiencing erectile dysfunction? Shockwave therapy, brought to you by Total Nutrition and Therapeutics, is designed to treat ED of all causes. Visit our website to find out more about how shockwave therapy can treat ED, and find a provider near you!

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