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Sister to take on some of UK's highest peaks in memory of Martin
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Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Sleep expert's warning over 'potentially serious' condition that often goes undiagnosed
It affects millions of people in the UK, and can increase the risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes A sleep specialist reveals that millions of Britons are battling a condition that countless people do not even know they have. Sleep apnoea represents a potentially dangerous sleep disorder where breathing continually ceases and resumes. This serious yet frequently ignored ailment affects approximately eight million individuals across the UK, with a concerning one in three cases remaining undetected. Among the most prevalent warning signs is relentless snoring, typically accompanied by spluttering or suffocation throughout the evening. These respiratory disruptions prevent you from achieving a deep sleep, potentially resulting in perpetual exhaustion. Martin Seeley, chief sleep specialist at MattressNextDay, cautions: "If you find yourself nodding off while watching TV, reading, or even stuck in traffic, it could be a sign of something more. "The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a quick questionnaire that helps you assess just how tired you are in everyday situations and whether it's time to speak to a doctor." When left without treatment, sleep apnoea may heighten the likelihood of grave health complications including elevated blood pressure, cardiac conditions, and diabetes, whilst potentially impacting psychological wellness too. "The good news is that once diagnosed, sleep apnea is very manageable and many people notice a huge improvement in their energy and quality of life," Martin adds. READ MORE: Cholesterol warning sign that can be found in your toenail To help manage symptoms of sleep apnea at home, Martin shares a few expert approved tips: Sleep on your side 'Back sleeping can cause your tongue and soft tissues to collapse into your airway, worsening symptoms. Try sleeping on your side instead and use a supportive pillow to maintain that position.' Keep your bedroom cool and dark 'Overheating at night can disrupt your sleep quality, especially if you're already prone to breathing difficulties. Aim to keep your room at a steady, cool temperature and reduce light exposure to encourage deeper sleep.' Avoid alcohol before bed 'Alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep. If you're prone to sleep apnea or suspect you may have it, it's best to avoid drinking in the hours before bed.' Maintain a healthy weight 'Extra weight, particularly around the neck, can put pressure on your airway and increase the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. Losing just a small amount of weight can sometimes lead to big improvements in sleep quality.' 'The position and support your mattress offers can significantly impact your breathing at night. A medium firm mattress that supports spinal alignment and reduces pressure points may help to improve airflow and reduce disturbances," Seeley. says. 'Most importantly, don't ignore the warning signs. 'If you wake up feeling exhausted despite a full night in bed, or your partner notices you snore loudly and stop breathing during the night, seek professional advice. Sleep apnea isn't just snoring, it's a serious health issue that deserves attention.'
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Powys County Times
Powys councillors urged to look into home schooling rise
More research needs to be done to find out why more Powys parents are choosing to school their children at home. Powys County Councillors brought up the issue as part of a broader discussion on a report following an assurance review into children's social services. The review had been conducted into children's services earlier this year. The work was commissioned by the council's chief executive Emma Palmer and was carried out by Stephen Walker the director of relational children's social work services at Leeds City Council. He was also the head of children's services at Swansea City Council between 2008 and 2011. Committee chairwoman, Cllr Amanda Jenner (Trelystan and Trewern, Conservative) pointed out that a part of the report said that one of the 'challenges' faced by Powys social workers since the Covid-19 pandemic is the increasing number of families who are home educating their children. At a Health and Care scrutiny committee meeting held on July 30, Cllr Jenner asked: 'I wonder from what you have seen elsewhere and from your perspective why this poses a challenge to children's services?' Mr Walker said that from a social work point of view it's 'not about' the right or wrong of children being educated at home, but whether children's services are in a position to provide help if needed. Mr Walker said: 'There are national issues because we have no right to access as children's services to see children being educated at home.' He went on to consider the broader issues. The expert in children's social care said that in 'some cases' parents believe they are able to 'better meet and understand' their child's needs and provide that support. 'If they need anything from children's services they will come to you, and that's absolutely fine,' Mr Walker said. He said other parents may have been 'persuaded' to take their child out of school because of difficult behaviour. This could be because they are 'reducing the overall achievement' of a class or school. Mr Walker added that educating them at home 'is better' than for the child to be excluded which would go on their official school record. 'Sometimes parents don't understand the effect of children not being around other children or seen in school," he continued. Cllr Jenner said: 'I think this is something we need to think about and potentially pick up with the education scrutiny committee as this ties in with the fact that school attendance since Covid -19 is a lot lower. The figures for elective home educated children in Powys is monitored regularly in reports produced by the corporate safeguarding board. Figures reported by the board in June show that 409 children and young people are being home schooled in the county. This figure has risen from June 2023 when the board would only say that the figure was 'more than' 300.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Three friends to tackle Welsh Three Peaks for Cwmbran dad
Joe Little, from Cwmbran, who has served with Gwent Police for more than 15 years, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer just before Christmas 2024. The 41-year-old fell seriously ill and was admitted to hospital with what was initially thought to be a stomach ulcer. However, after spending Christmas in hospital, he received the devastating diagnosis. Joe immediately began chemotherapy, with hopes that surgery would follow the first round of treatment. Unfortunately, further scans revealed that surgery was not an option, and he is now undergoing a more aggressive form of treatment. A GoFundMe page was set up to support Joe, his wife Sally, and their two sons, Oliver, 14, and Harry, 10, as they face the financial burden of cancer. The fundraiser aims to assist with travel for treatment, access to new therapies, and to allow the family to enjoy quality time together without financial stress. The GoFundMe has been a success, with people touched by Joe's story showing incredible generosity. To support their efforts and donate to Joe's GoFundMe, visit: However, Joe's lifelong friends, Chris Chaney, Kirk Hicks, and Tom Reardon, have decided to do even more. The trio, who have been friends since before their school days at Llantarnam Comprehensive School, are set to take on the Welsh Three Peaks challenge to raise further funds for their friend. The challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in Wales—Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Cadair Idris, and Pen y Fan—all within 24 hours. Chris said: "We've known each other since we were born, always been close. "The three of us wanted to do something for him. "Not many people have still got the same close gathering of school friends." Chris even joked about the fitness levels of the three of them and said: "The Welsh Three Peaks would be a challenge, one boy does HYROX [a fitness competition], one does StairMaster [a piece of gym kit] every day, and I'm the stair lift." Since the trio started training, with walks up Pen y Fan, the Skirrid and Sugarloaf, under their belts, Chris has seen his weight drop from 21.5 stone to 17.5 stone. He added that the success of the GoFundMe "says a lot about the lives that Jono [their nickname for Joe] and his family have touched". "Sally, [Joe's wife] has been immense, a proper rock. "They're such a lovely family." The friends have set up a Facebook page to record funny videos documenting their training. Chris said the friends enjoy "taking the mick out of each other" and "don't take each other too seriously", adding: "We want to keep that camaraderie. "He does enjoy seeing them [Joe watches their videos]." They plan to walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Cader Idris and Pen y Fan on Saturday, August 23. Chris' wife will be the driver, and plans to bring a gas stove to help keep the friends refuelled after each mountain. To support their efforts and donate to Joe's GoFundMe, visit:
