BuddyBed Memory Foam Pet Beds

Memory foam has become increasingly affordable over the last few years, so much so that you can even buy memory foam pet beds. Now BuddyBeds has introduced what it describes as the ultimate orthopedic dog bed.

The BuddyBed uses Tempurpedic memory foam with a protective waterproof, breathable liner. This keeps the bed anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and hypoallergenic.

Buddybeds describe their memory foam dog bed as: "Perfect for older dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis, and joint problems ".

Oral Exercise Could Help Treat Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome(OSAS) is a common condition that can lead to snoring and possibly far more severe effects. Now new research points the way to a possible treatment through mouth and tongue (oropharyngeal ) exercises derived from speech therapy.

The research, Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Patients with Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, is published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The study, led by Dr. Geraldo Lorenzi-Filho at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, looked at 31 patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Those who followed a procedure of tongue and pharyngeal exercises showed an average 40% decrease in the severity of their symptoms.

The researchers concluded: "Oropharyngeal exercises significantly reduce OSAS severity and symptoms and represent a promising treatment for moderate OSAS."

Narcolepsy Linked to Immune System

Narcolepsy is a rare and unpleasant condition that affects around 1 in 2,000 people. Sufferers experience extreme daytime sleepiness and can suddenly fall asleep without warning. There's no cure and until now even the cause of the disease has been a mystery.

Now new research has shed at least a little light on the subject and points to a problem with the immune system. More specifically: "Narcolepsy is strongly associated with the T-cell receptor alpha locus".

The research, published in Nature Genetics, is said to provide strong evidence for a link between narcolepsy and a genetic fault involving the immune system. Lead researcher Dr Emmanuel Mignot said:

Narcolepsy is probably the result of a series of unfortunate events, starting with genetic predisposition, involvement of an environmental trigger such as an infection, then T-cell activation, then effects on many other arms of the immune system."

The new findings might one day lead to genetic screening for narcolepsy and possibly the development of new treatments.