Emma is joined by Dr Dayna Johnson. Dr. Dayna Johnson, PhD, MPH, MSW, MS is a sleep epidemiologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University in Atlanta GA.  Dr Johnson explains:

* some reasons why communities of color have higher rates of sleep apnea but lower screening for the condition.

* unconscious and conscious biases playing into doctor visits and who gets referred to a sleep center.

* the need to promote awareness of symptoms of sleep apnea, especially in black communities.

* access to sleep doctors and transportation.

* how air pollution disproportionately affects black people and how that contributes to sleep apnea.

* safety concerns in lower income neighborhoods and how those can affect whether people are able to follow sleep hygiene advice.

* covid-19 and the impact on the black community's access to healthcare.

Follow Dr Johnson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrDaynaAJohnson

Follow the show on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories

This episode is sponsored by:

Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.com

eXciteOSA www.exciteosa.com

and Betterhelp www.betterhelp.com/emma

Disclaimer: this episode of the podcast includes people with sleep apnea discussing their own experiences of medical procedures and devices.  This is for information purposes only and you should consult with your own medical professionals before you start or stop any medication or treatment.