Blue light-filtering glasses are extensively marketed as devices that will reduce adverse effects of light-emitting screens on sleep, but there is little scientific evidence to support those claims. Blue Light Visible light includes a short segment of wavelengths tucked into the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Together, the wavelengths of visible light captured by our eyes are…
THE PURPOSE: Respiratory Care Week is a week set to honor and recognize respiratory therapists. Respiratory Care Week is celebrated internationally but most notably in Canada and the United States. Respiratory Care Week, a time to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of respiratory therapists to patient care. THE HISTORY: In November 1982, President Ronald…
Abuse of melatonin refers to the inappropriate use of melatonin supplements. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain and plays a key role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. It helps signal to the body when it’s time to sleep and when to wake up. Between 2007 and 2012…
Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This condition leads to various physical and cognitive developmental challenges. Individuals with Down syndrome are generally at an increased risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated…
Telemedicine has gained significant popularity and acceptance in various medical specialties, including sleep medicine. Below are some examples of its use: ADVANTAGES Remote Consultations: Telemedicine allows patients to have virtual consultations with sleep medicine specialists from the comfort of their own homes. Through video conferencing or telephonic communication, patients can discuss their symptoms, medical history,…
With RespiratoryEdu and SleepEdu partner, Mark Rasmus, MD. VIDEO SCRIPT We are giving a little summary of course production and how we work as a tightly knit group to find, discuss and review topics that might be of interest to you, our audience. First we consider our audience, which is predominantly Sleep Technologists, Respiratory Therapists…
Narcolepsy, a lifelong disorder, requires long-term treatment. It is often associated with multiple comorbidities, including significant cardiovascular conditions. One 2021 study published in Sleep was developed to estimate the incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities in adult patients with a narcolepsy diagnosis in the US.[i] Methods An administrative claims database was analyzed between January 2014 and June…
Insomnia is a common sleep abnormality. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have added to the statistical incidence of insomnia as well. Medications are utilized as one method to treat insomnia, including the relatively new drug, Quviviq (daridorexant). In January 2022, the FDA approved this new insomnia medication. Quviviq (daridorexant) Daridorexant is an oral tablet that’s…
The California Respiratory Care Board is the licensing agency for Respiratory Care Practitioners in the state of California. Its mission is to protect and serve California consumers by licensing qualified respiratory care practitioners, enforcing the provisions of the Respiratory Care Practice Act, expanding the availability of respiratory care services, increasing public awareness of the profession,…
Telemedicine in pediatrics has become an important consideration since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in an effort to reduce risk of illness to pediatric patients, their families, staff, and clinicians. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, few clinicians engaged in routine telemedicine visits because thorough examinations were difficult to perform; there was lack of consistent…