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Psychiatry Meets Sleep Medicine: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Apnea & Beyond â with Dr. Nnamdi Orakpo
ð§ What if symptoms that look psychiatric are being influenced â or worsened â by poor sleep or an underlying sleep disorder?
ADHD. Anxiety. Depression. Irritability. Difficulty concentrating. Emotional dysregulation. Insomnia. PTSD.
In this episode of Airway Answers, Nicole Goldfarb sits down with Dr. Nnamdi Orakpo, MD, PhD â psychiatrist, sleep medicine physician, and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine â to explore the fascinating intersection of sleep, psychiatry, mental health, and airway health.
ð¡ What does a psychiatrist who specializes in sleep see that the rest of us may be missing?
We discuss why ADHD symptoms can overlap with poor-quality sleep and sleep-disordered breathing; why insomnia may sometimes be a clue to undiagnosed sleep apnea; and why asking âHow is your sleep?â may not be enough.
Dr. Orakpo also explores the two-way relationship between sleep and mental health: poor sleep can contribute to or worsen psychiatric symptoms, while anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and psychiatric medications can also affect sleep.
ð¡ IN THIS EPISODE:
ð§ ADHD or sleep apnea? Why symptoms can overlap
ðŽ Insomnia medications vs. undiagnosed sleep apnea
ð« Sleep apnea, intermittent hypoxia & the brain
ð Antidepressants, psychiatric medications & REM sleep
ð° Anxiety, depression, PTSD & sleep-disordered breathing
ð REM Sleep Behavior Disorder & Parkinsonâs disease
ð Why psychiatrists need more sleep medicine training
ðŠ· Snoring, gasping, bruxism & other clues psychiatrists may miss
ð« Teen sleep deprivation & early school start times
ð© Women, menopause, hormones & sleep apnea
ðšââïž Why sleep education matters across medical specialties
â±ïž CHAPTERS
0:00 Welcome to Airway Answers
0:32 Meet Dr. Nnamdi Orakpo: Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine
4:13 From Professional Basketball to MD/PhD & Sleep Medicine
10:27 The Parkinsonâs Patient Who Changed His Career
14:23 REM Sleep Behavior Disorder & Parkinsonâs Disease Risk
17:35 Why Psychiatrists Need to Ask About Sleep
22:03 Insomnia Medications vs Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
25:08 How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart, Lungs & Brain
27:00 ADHD or Sleep Apnea? Symptoms That Can Overlap
36:04 Intermittent Hypoxia: How Sleep Apnea Affects the Brain
39:35 Teen Sleep Deprivation & Early School Start Times
46:34 Sleep Apnea Screening: Questions Psychiatrists Should Ask
49:47 Anxiety, Depression, PTSD & Sleep-Disordered Breathing
54:11 Antidepressants, REM Sleep & Sleep Architecture
1:01:22 Womenâs Health, Menopause & Sleep Medicine
ðšââïž ABOUT DR. NNAMDI ORAKPO
Nnamdi Orakpo, MD, PhD, is a psychiatrist, sleep medicine physician, and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. His clinical interests span sleep-disordered breathing, insomnia, ADHD, mental health, chronic pain, sleep technology, and emerging treatments in sleep medicine.
Before becoming a physician, Dr. Orakpo pursued basketball internationally and later played Division I basketball in the United States. He earned a PhD in gerontology before attending medical school and later completed his sleep medicine fellowship at Stanford.
ðïž ABOUT THE HOST
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, is a speech-language pathologist and Certified Orofacial Myologist® specializing in orofacial myofunctional disorders, airway health, and sleep-disordered breathing. She is the owner of the San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy and host of Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb: Expanding Your Breath of Knowledge.
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#AirwayAnswers #SleepApnea #MentalHealth #Psychiatry #SleepMedicine #ADHD #Anxiety #Depression #SleepDisorderedBreathing #Insomnia #PTSD
ðŠ· Could the dental office be one of the most important places to identify children at risk for sleep-disordered breathing?
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is not simply a story of enlarged tonsils and adenoids â and removing them does not always resolve the problem. So what else should we be looking for?
In this episode of Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb, Nicole sits down with Dr. Rakesh Bhattacharjee, pediatric pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist, to explore what decades of research have taught us about pediatric sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) â including residual sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy, craniofacial risk factors, obesity, insomnia, and the different phenotypes of pediatric OSA.
ð¬ Dr. Bhattacharjee also discusses new 2026 research examining craniofacial risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in dental and orthodontic practices and why the mouth and craniofacial structures may provide important clues that help dentists and orthodontists recognize children who need further evaluation.
ð¡ IN THIS EPISODE:
⢠Why tonsil and adenoid removal does not always resolve pediatric OSA
⢠The surprising rate of residual sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy
⢠The fascinating brain-lung connection
⢠COMISA: when insomnia and sleep apnea coexist
⢠Craniofacial clues dentists and orthodontists can look for
⢠New 2026 research on pediatric sleep-disordered breathing screening
⢠Why pediatric sleep apnea has different phenotypes
⢠The importance of interdisciplinary airway care
â±ïž CHAPTERS
00:00 Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Why Dentists Should Be Paying Attention
00:27 Meet Dr. Rakesh Bhattacharjee
02:39 Why Tonsil & Adenoid Removal Does Not Always Cure Pediatric Sleep Apnea
04:56 Dr. Bhattacharjeeâs Research & Career
08:13 The Brain-Lung Connection: Sleep, Breathing & the Brain
11:49 COMISA: Insomnia + Sleep Apnea in Children
16:59 Residual Sleep Apnea After Adenotonsillectomy
22:09 Can Early Intervention Change Future Sleep Apnea Risk?
27:46 Obesity, Weight Loss & Tirzepatide in Sleep Apnea
33:05 New 2026 Research: Craniofacial Risk Factors for Pediatric SDB
38:21 Screening for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Dental Practices
43:55 Why Sleep Physicians Need to Look Inside the Mouth
51:27 The Different Phenotypes of Pediatric Sleep Apnea
56:17 Final Thoughts & Takeaways
ðšââïž ABOUT DR. RAKESH BHATTACHARJEE
Rakesh Bhattacharjee, MD, is Director of Pediatric Sleep Medicine at Rady Childrenâs HospitalâSan Diego and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California San Diego. A pediatric pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist, his clinical and research work focuses on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, sleep-disordered breathing, and related health outcomes.
His research has helped advance our understanding of residual OSA following adenotonsillectomy and the different factors contributing to sleep-disordered breathing in children. He is also a co-author of the 2026 study examining pediatric craniofacial risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in dental and orthodontic practice settings.
ðïž ABOUT THE HOST
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, is a speech-language pathologist and Certified Orofacial Myologist® specializing in orofacial myofunctional disorders, airway health, and sleep-disordered breathing. She is the owner of the San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy and host of Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb: Expanding Your Breath of Knowledge.
Nicole lectures nationally and internationally on the relationship between orofacial function, airway health, sleep, speech, and interdisciplinary care and has presented more than 50 lectures to dental, medical, and allied-health audiences.
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â¶ïž Watch & subscribe on YouTube:
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ð Airway Answers:
www.AirwayAnswers.info
ð¥ San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy:
www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.com
ð© Email:
[email protected]
ð Facebook:
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ð Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a dentist, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, pediatrician, SLP, sleep professional, or other provider who works with children.
#PediatricSleepApnea #SleepDisorderedBreathing #DentalSleepMedicine #PediatricDentistry #AirwayDentistry #PediatricOSA #AirwayAnswers
What should parents and healthcare professionals really know about tongue-tie? In this episode of Airway Answers, Nicole Goldfarb interviews Autumn Henning, MS, CCC-SLP, COM®, IBCLC, one of the leading educators in tethered oral tissues (TOTs), infant feeding, and orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Together, we explore how to evaluate tongue-tie across the lifespan, what makes an infant feeding evaluation unique, why function matters more than anatomy alone, and how thoughtful interdisciplinary care can improve outcomes for both children and adults. Autumn also shares her insights on therapeutic readiness before a frenectomy, post-release care, common misconceptions about tongue-tie, and what every parent and healthcare professional should know.
In this episode, we discuss: Tongue-tie ⢠Tethered oral tissues (TOTs) ⢠Infant feeding ⢠Breastfeeding ⢠IBCLC ⢠Orofacial myofunctional disorders ⢠Myofunctional therapy ⢠Therapeutic readiness ⢠Frenectomy ⢠HOPE Healing Protocol ⢠Airway health ⢠Interdisciplinary care
âž»
CHAPTERS
0:00 Meet Autumn Henning, SLP, COM®, IBCLC
0:33 Autumnâs Background and Clinical Specialties
1:52 Autumnâs Bio and Areas of Expertise
4:35 How Autumn Became Passionate About Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs)
9:45 The Oral Function Trifecta & Becoming an IBCLC
16:11 What Happens During an Infant Tongue-Tie Evaluation?
34:05 Jaw and Tongue Mechanics During Breastfeeding
37:00 Tongue-Tie vs. Other Breastfeeding Challenges
38:56 Why Lip Ties Rarely Exist Without Tongue-Ties
40:45 Evaluating Tongue-Tie Across the Lifespan
42:11 Preparing for a Successful Tongue-Tie Release
45:46 Aftercare and the HOPE Healing Protocol
1:02:13 Busting Common Tongue-Tie Myths
1:06:12 Autumnâs Courses & Where to Learn More
âž»
ð If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with colleagues interested in airway health and orofacial myofunctional therapy.
ð¬ What surprised you most about this conversation? Leave a comment belowâwe would love to hear your thoughts and questions!
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ð§ Prefer to listen? Subscribe to the Audio Podcast:
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âž»
About Autumn Henning
Autumn R. Henning, MS, CCC-SLP, COM®, IBCLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist®, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, educator, and founder of Chrysalis Orofacial in Greenville, South Carolina. She specializes in evaluating and treating tethered oral tissues, infant feeding, swallowing, and orofacial myofunctional disorders across the lifespan.
Autumn also serves as a voluntary Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences and was a founding board member of the International Consortium for Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals (ICAP).
Through her internationally recognized continuing education programsâincluding TOTS® (Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training), Plot the TOT®, The STONES Approach®, and the E3 Model of Care®âshe has educated thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide, emphasizing functional assessment, critical clinical reasoning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-informed care.
âž»
About Nicole Goldfarb
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, international speaker, educator, podcast host, and founder of the San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy.
âž»
ð Airway Answers:
www.AirwayAnswers.info
ð¥ San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy:
www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.com
ð© Email:
[email protected]
ð Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503
ðž Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sandiegospeechandmyotherapy/
ðµ TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@airway.answers
âž»
#TongueTie #InfantFeeding #AirwayHealth
#Breastfeeding #IBCLC #MyofunctionalTherapy #TetheredOralTissues #TOTs #Frenectomy #AirwayAnswers
âž»
â ïž Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical or dental advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis or treatment. Reliance on the information presented is at your own risk. Mention of specific providers, products, or services does not constitute an endorsement.
What can an airway-educated pediatrician teach us about sleep, breathing, tongue-tie, and child development? In this episode of Airway Answers, Nicole Goldfarb interviews Dr. Erik Galindo about his journey from traditional pediatrics to an airway-informed approach to patient care.
Discover how airway health influences pediatric practice, why tongue-tie and sleep-disordered breathing are often overlooked, and what pediatricians, dentists, speech-language pathologists, myofunctional therapists, and parents should know to better recognize early signs of dysfunction.
Topics discussed: Pediatric airway ⢠Airway health ⢠Tongue-tie ⢠Tethered oral tissues (TOTs) ⢠Sleep-disordered breathing ⢠Pediatric sleep ⢠Infant feeding ⢠Child development ⢠Whole-child care ⢠Myofunctional therapy ⢠Interdisciplinary healthcare
CHAPTERS
0:00 Welcome to Airway Answers
0:28 Meet Dr. Erik Galindo, Airway-Focused Pediatrician
1:38 Dr. Erikâs Bio and Credentials
3:34 Why Heâs Called âDr. Erikâ
6:33 From Traditional Pediatrics to Whole-Child Care
11:08 Suck-Swallow-Breathe: Why Infants Are Oral-Centric
12:45 Nicoleâs Story: Airway Signs Missed From Infancy
16:38 Identifying Dysfunction Before It Becomes Pathology
20:26 Discovering Tongue-Ties and The Breathe Institute
24:57 Then vs. Now: How His Exams Have Evolved
32:18 Five Minutes That Matter: Sleep, Feeding & Daylight
39:13 Tongue-Tie Evaluation and the TRMR Debate
45:30 Practical Steps Pediatricians Can Use Tomorrow
56:48 Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Systemic Inflammation
59:58 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice
ð If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with colleagues interested in airway health and orofacial myofunctional therapy.
ð Subscribe for future conversations with leading experts in airway health, sleep medicine, dentistry, orthodontics, speech-language pathology, and myofunctional therapy.
About Dr. Erik Galindo
Dr. Erik Galindo is a pediatrician with a special interest in airway health, pediatric sleep, infant feeding, tongue-tie, and whole-child development. His practice emphasizes identifying early dysfunction before it progresses to pathology, helping families and healthcare professionals better understand the connections between breathing, sleep, oral function, and long-term health.
About Nicole Goldfarb
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, international speaker, educator, podcast host, and founder of the San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy.
ðïž Watch the Video on YouTube & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/JajcMwmbpnc
ð§ Subscribe to the Audio Podcast:
https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow
ð Airway Answers:
www.AirwayAnswers.info
ð¥ San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy:
www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.com
ð© Email:
[email protected]
ð Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503
ðž Instagram:
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#AirwayHealth #Pediatrics #TongueTie
#SleepDisorderedBreathing #ChildDevelopment #MyofunctionalTherapy #Pediatrician #InfantFeeding #AirwayAnswers
â ïž Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical or dental advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis or treatment. Reliance on the information presented is at your own risk. Mention of specific providers, products, or services does not constitute an endorsement.
Can tongue-tie contribute to cancer treatment complications, airway dysfunction, and sleep-disordered breathing? In this episode of **Airway Answers**, Nicole Goldfarb interviews **Dr. Hilary Pada** about the connection between tongue mobility, oral oncology, craniofacial development, and airway health.
Learn how the **Tongue Range of Motion Ratio (TRMR)**, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), oral mucositis, infant feeding, craniofacial development, and interdisciplinary care may influence patient outcomes in both oncology and airway-focused practice.
**Topics discussed:** Tongue-tie ⢠Tethered oral tissues (TOTs) ⢠Airway health ⢠Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) ⢠Oral oncology ⢠Oral mucositis ⢠Infant feeding ⢠Craniofacial growth ⢠Myofunctional therapy ⢠Interdisciplinary healthcare
---
**CHAPTERS**
0:00 Introduction to Airway Answers & Meet Dr. Hilary Pada
3:17 Dr. Hilary Pada's Background in Oral Oncology & Airway Health
10:48 Tongue-Tie and Cancer: Why This Research Matters
17:25 The "Episode Four" Analogy: Why We're Missing Early Signs
18:48 Case Study: Tongue-Tie in a Multiple Myeloma Patient
23:22 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Oral Mucositis & Cancer
26:48 Tongue Range of Motion Ratio (TRMR): How to Assess Tongue Mobility
31:31 Before & After: Real Patient Tongue-Tie Treatment Results
35:07 The Seven Oral Frenula & Tongue-Tie Anatomy
41:20 Craniofacial Development: Midlines, Jaw Growth & Airway
51:58 Anterior vs. Posterior Tongue-Tie: What's the Difference?
1:05:23 Research Findings: Severe Tongue Restriction in Cancer Patients
1:20:32 Why Tongue-Tie Is Often Missed in Infants
1:29:18 Sleep, Cancer Risk & Long-Term Health
1:36:47 Infant Feeding, Tongue Function & Early Intervention
1:48:50 Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
---
ð **If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with colleagues interested in airway health and orofacial myofunctional therapy.**
ð **Subscribe for future conversations with leading experts in airway health, sleep medicine, dentistry, orthodontics, speech-language pathology, and myofunctional therapy.**
---
**About Dr. Hilary Pada**
Dr. Hilary Pada is an oral oncology researcher whose work focuses on tongue mobility, airway health, craniofacial development, sleep-disordered breathing, and cancer care. She is passionate about advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes.
---
**About Nicole Goldfarb**
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, international speaker, educator, podcast host, and founder of the San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy.
---
ð§ **Subscribe to the Audio Podcast:**
https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow
ð **Airway Answers:**
[www.AirwayAnswers.info](http://www.AirwayAnswers.info)
ð¥ **San Diego Center for Speech & Myofunctional Therapy:**
[www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.com](http://www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.com)
ð© **Email:**
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
ð **Facebook:**
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503
ðž **Instagram:**
https://www.instagram.com/sandiegospeechandmyotherapy/
ðµ **TikTok:**
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---
#TongueTie #AirwayHealth #MyofunctionalTherapy
---
â ïž **Disclaimer:** This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical or dental advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis or treatment. Reliance on the information presented is at your own risk. Mention of specific providers, products, or services does not constitute an endorsement.
â ïžðððððððððð: NO MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE. Nicole Goldfarb and Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb does not give medical advice. The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. You should not use these materials to diagnose or treat any health issues, illnesses or diseases. In addition, we do not recommend or endorse any provider of health care or health-related products, items, or services.Â
_______________Â
ð Episode Summary
⢠â
How does the "adaptive process" force the human body to compensate for poor respiration from early childhood through adulthood? ð§
⢠â
Why are dentists uniquely positioned to screen the 80% of sleep apnea cases that currently remain undiagnosed? ðŠ·
⢠â
Discussion highlights why anatomy and function must be viewed as "two sides of the same coin" in airway health. ðª
⢠â
Experts explain how oral appliances manage the airway by stabilizing the mandible to prevent soft tissue collapse. ðš
⢠â
Future technology and AI, including mobile phone scans of the skull and nasal airflow, will revolutionize early risk assessment. ð±
ðªðððð ððð ðððð ððððððððð ðð ðððð»ððð ðð ððð ðð ðððð ðððððððð ððð
ðððð ððððððððð!Â
ðð ððšð®ðð®ðð: https://youtu.be/6sxzI6xGjbs
ðð§ ðð®ðð¢ðš: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow
_______________
ABOUT OUR GUEST:Â
Dr. Steve Carstensen is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Carstensen has devoted decades to the study and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea, helping to bridge the gap between dentistry and sleep medicine. He is a Past President of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and has served as a consultant to the American Dental Association on sleep-related breathing disorders. He is also the Sleep Education Director for both Spear Education and The Pankey Institute, two of the most respected educational institutions in dentistry. Dr. Carstensen has lectured internationally, co-authored a leading textbook on dental sleep medicine, and has been instrumental in advancing interdisciplinary collaboration among dentists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals in the treatment of airway and sleep disorders.
In 2023, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to the field. In 2026, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (FAASM), one of the organization's highest professional honors recognizing significant contributions to sleep medicine.Â
_______________
ABOUT THE HOST:Â
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP- COM® is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, international speaker, and author. She has completed numerous presentations on orofacial myofunctional therapy as it relates to sleep-disordered breathing in both children and adults. She is the author of a 2023 article in Dental Sleep Practice Magazine âWhy Every Dentist and Orthodontist Should Have an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist on Their Teamâ, and she also wrote an article for Sleep World Magazine for sleep MDs, respiratory technicians, and other sleep specialists titled âHelping to Restore Proper Rest: How orofacial myofunctional therapy can aid in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathingâ. She is also the author of a two-part chapter on orofacial myofunctional therapy in a medical textbook "Sleep, Craniofacial Form, and Airway Function Disorders" with the world renowned editors Dr. David Gozal, MD, Dr. Bill Harrell (orthodontist), and Dr. David McIntosh (ENT). Nicole is the author of a childrenâs book series âThe Adventures Captain Airway and Mr. Mighty Mouthâ, helping to bring airway insight to young children, their parents, teachers, and other medical professionals. She is the owner of San Diego Center For Speech Therapy & Myofunctional Therapy and serves as a mentor and consultant in the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Nicoleâs life-long quest is to help in the early identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and airway issues.
 _________________Â
ð§ðð®ðð¬ðð«ð¢ðð ððš ðð®ðð¢ðš ððšðððð¬ð: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/followÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.AirwayAnswers.infoÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.comÂ
ð©ððŠðð¢ð¥: [email protected]Â
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ð
ðððððšðšð€: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503Â
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð§ð¬ððð ð«ððŠ: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegospeechandmyotherapy/
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð¢ð€ððšð€: https://www.tiktok.com/@airway.answers
â ïžðððððððððð: NO MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE. Nicole Goldfarb and Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb does not give medical advice. The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. You should not use these materials to diagnose or treat any health issues, illnesses or diseases. In addition, we do not recommend or endorse any provider of health care or health-related products, items, or services.Â
_______________Â
EÍpÍiÍsÍoÍdÍeÍ ÍSÍuÍmÍmÍaÍrÍyÍ
â
How ð¬ð¥ððð©-ðð¢ð¬ðšð«ððð«ðð ðð«ðððð¡ð¢ð§ð (SDB) impacts maternal and fetal health and outcomes including being a trigger for maternal ð¡ð²ð©ðð«ððð§ð¬ð¢ðšð§, ð©ð«ðððð¥ððŠð©ð¬ð¢ð, ðð§ð ð ðð¬ðððð¢ðšð§ðð¥ ðð¢ðððððð¬.ð€°
â
The impact of ðð¢ð«ðððð¢ðð§ ðŠð¢ð¬ðð¥ð¢ð ð§ðŠðð§ð and shift work on increased maternal risks for ðŠð¢ð¬ððð«ð«ð¢ðð ð ðð§ð ð©ð«ðððð«ðŠ ðð¢ð«ðð¡.
â
Why is ð¬ð®ð©ð¢ð§ð ð¬ð¥ððð© (back sleeping) a significant risk factor for late stillbirth? ð
â
The critical role of sleep as the " ðð¡ð¢ð«ð ð©ð¢ð¥ð¥ðð« ðšð ð¡ððð¥ðð¡ " for stabilizing maternal metabolism, immune function, and hormonal balance.
â
Discussion highlights ðððð ð¢ð§ððð«ð¯ðð§ðð¢ðšð§ as a non-pharmacological tool to stabilize maternal blood pressure, increase fetal movement, and improve depressive symptoms. ðš
â
ððð«ð¥ð² ð¬ðð«ððð§ð¢ð§ð and intervention during pregnancy can improve long-term cardiovascular health for both mother and child. âš
â
Utilizing pregnancy as a vital " ð°ð¢ð§ððšð° ððš ð¢ð§ððð«ð¯ðð§ð to prevent maternal ððð«ðð¢ðšð¯ðð¬ðð®ð¥ðð« ðð¢ð¬ððð¬ð and metabolic issues decades later. ð€±âšð¥
ðªðððð ððð ðððð ððððððððð ðð ðððð»ððð ðð ððð ðð ðððð ðððððððð ððð
ðððð ððððððððð!
ðð ððšð®ðð®ðð: https://youtu.be/oKCbnxmTkWc
ðð§ ðð®ðð¢ðš: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow
_______________
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Dr. Louise OâBrien is a Professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine and holds a joint appointment in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Michigan. Originally trained as a physiologist in the United Kingdom, her early research focused on sudden infant death syndrome and maternal-fetal health. After completing her PhD, she moved to the United States and specialized in pediatric sleep medicine, later becoming a pioneer in the study of sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy. For more than two decades, Dr. OâBrien has led influential research examining the impact of sleep and breathing disorders on maternal, fetal, and infant health, helping advance awareness of this often-overlooked area of medicine.
_______________
ABOUT THE HOST:Â
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP- COM® is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, international speaker, and author. She has completed numerous presentations on orofacial myofunctional therapy as it relates to sleep-disordered breathing in both children and adults. She is the author of a 2023 article in Dental Sleep Practice Magazine âWhy Every Dentist and Orthodontist Should Have an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist on Their Teamâ, and she also wrote an article for Sleep World Magazine for sleep MDs, respiratory technicians, and other sleep specialists titled âHelping to Restore Proper Rest: How orofacial myofunctional therapy can aid in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathingâ. She is also the author of a two-part chapter on orofacial myofunctional therapy in a medical textbook "Sleep, Craniofacial Form, and Airway Function Disorders" with the world renowned editors Dr. David Gozal, MD, Dr. Bill Harrell (orthodontist), and Dr. David McIntosh (ENT). Nicole is the author of a childrenâs book series âThe Adventures Captain Airway and Mr. Mighty Mouthâ, helping to bring airway insight to young children, their parents, teachers, and other medical professionals. She is the owner of San Diego Center For Speech Therapy & Myofunctional Therapy and serves as a mentor and consultant in the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Nicoleâs life-long quest is to help in the early identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and airway issues.
_________________Â
ð§ðð®ðð¬ðð«ð¢ðð ððš ðð®ðð¢ðš ððšðððð¬ð: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/followÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.AirwayAnswers.infoÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.comÂ
ð©ððŠðð¢ð¥: [email protected]Â
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ð
ðððððšðšð€: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503 ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð§ð¬ððð ð«ððŠ: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegospeechandmyotherapy/
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð¢ð€ððšð€: https://www.tiktok.com/@airway.answers
â ïžðððððððððð: NO MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE. Nicole Goldfarb and Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb does not give medical advice. The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. You should not use these materials to diagnose or treat any health issues, illnesses or diseases. In addition, we do not recommend or endorse any provider of health care or health-related products, items, or services.Â
_______________Â
ð Episode Summary
â
Why is the floor of the mouth a vital concept for providers to understand in lingual restriction cases?
â
How does torsional debt create spiral tension patterns stretching from the head down to the big toe?
â
The Floor 4 protocol (targeting the head, throat, sides, and feet) helps patients achieve a "phase shift" of global suppleness.
â
Diastasis recti is identified as a frequently overlooked midline issue that significantly impacts airway posture and breathing development.
â
Holistic care must combine manual therapy, photobiomodulation, and intuitive movement to address the root causes of dysfunction rather than simply cutting tissue. ðâšð£
ðªðððð ððð ðððð ððððððððð ðð ðððð»ððð ðð ððð ðð ðððð ðððððððð ððð
ðððð ððððððððð!Â
ðð ððšð®ðð®ðð: https://youtu.be/ed2Y-eryHa4
ðð§ ðð®ðð¢ðš: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow
_______________
ABOUT OUR GUEST:Â
Dr. Neel Bulchandani is an integrative specialist and chiropractor. He developed an interdisciplinary manual therapy system, called Functional Mandibular Diaphragmatic Integration (FMDI), and in this system he has linked jaw mechanics with cranial, visceral, and foot dynamics and has synthesized many fields and modalities to comprehensively investigate and unlock whole-body pain, tension, and dysfunction. He also developed the Floor 4, a protocol connecting 4 key areas of the body to Floor of Mouth tension. He works in person and virtually, has created online courses for both practitioners and patients; and he also is teaching this method to healthcare professionals worldwide to apply it directly with clients seeking rapid, lasting transformation. Dr. Neel collaborates with many osteopaths, midwives, doulas, nurses, physicians, nutritionists, lactation consultants, dentists, ENTs. chiropractors, physical therapists, naturopaths, and massage therapists. He's often a go-to provider for pre- and post-op bodywork for patients undergoing frenectomies and frenuloplasties. He has helped many moms breastfeed with more ease, less pain, and more success by utilizing his knowledge of freeing tension associated with oral ties. Dr. Neel also sees many children and adults who suffer from issues related to tethered oral tissues: feeding, airway, digestion, sleep, and TMJ issues. Heâs also an advisor to two neuroacoustic companies, and he utilizes and educates on photobiomodulation. His practice base is in Santa Barbara, California and he also sees patients in Los Angeles.
_______________
ABOUT THE HOST:Â
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP- COM® is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, international speaker, and author. She is the owner of San Diego Center For Speech Therapy & Myofunctional Therapy and serves as a mentor and consultant in the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy.Â
 _________________Â
ð§ðð®ðð¬ðð«ð¢ðð ððš ðð®ðð¢ðš ððšðððð¬ð: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/followÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.AirwayAnswers.infoÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.comÂ
ð©ððŠðð¢ð¥: Nico
â ïžðððððððððð: NO MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE. Nicole Goldfarb and Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb does not give medical advice. The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. You should not use these materials to diagnose or treat any health issues, illnesses or diseases. In addition, we do not recommend or endorse any provider of health care or health-related products, items, or services.Â
_______________Â
ð Episode Summary
⢠â
Why are midlife women frequently misdiagnosed with "normal" sleep studies despite suffering from chronic exhaustion and brain fog?
⢠â
The episode explores Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), a condition where the brain arousals occur from breathing effort without significant oxygen drops.
⢠â
Discussion highlights how hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy can trigger nasal congestion and airway instability.
⢠â
Experts emphasize that AHI numbers are often arbitrary and fail to capture the physiological strain felt by symptomatic "thin, fit" females.
⢠â
Red flags like depression, anxiety, headaches, tooth grinding, TMJ pain, voice loss, reflux, and cold hands are identified as some critical indicators of a hidden airway struggle.
⢠â
Long-term recovery requires a "team approach" using myofunctional therapy, structural surgery, dental appliances, and even in some cases CPAP to restore functional sleep breathing.
ðªðððð ððð ðððð ððððððððð ðð ðððð»ððð ðð ððð ðð ðððð ðððððððð ððð
ðððð ððððððððð!Â
ðð ððšð®ðð®ðð: https://youtu.be/BAll7yQqm7M
ðð§ ðð®ðð¢ðš: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow
_______________
ABOUT OUR GUEST:Â
Dr. David McIntosh is a Paediatric ENT Specialist with a particular interest in airway obstruction, facial and dental development and its relationship to ENT airway problems, and middle ear disease. . He has undertaken advanced surgical training in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery and Paediatric training at Starship Childrenâs Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.
_______________
ABOUT THE HOST:Â
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP-COM®, is a speech-language pathologist, certified orofacial myologist, and international speaker. An author and owner of San Diego Center For Speech Therapy, she specializes in myofunctional therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing and airway issues.
 _________________Â
ð§ðð®ðð¬ðð«ð¢ðð ððš ðð®ðð¢ðš ððšðððð¬ð: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/followÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.AirwayAnswers.infoÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.comÂ
ð©ððŠðð¢ð¥: [email protected]Â
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ð
ðððððšðšð€: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503Â
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð§ð¬ððð ð«ððŠ: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegospeechandmyotherapy/
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð¢ð€ððšð€: https://www.tiktok.com/@airway.answers
â ïžðððððððððð: NO MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE. Nicole Goldfarb and Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb does not give medical advice. The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. You should not use these materials to diagnose or treat any health issues, illnesses or diseases. In addition, we do not recommend or endorse any provider of health care or health-related products, items, or services.Â
_______________Â
ð Episode Summaryð
⢠â
How neurodevelopmental traits like ADHD serve as early signals of lifelong physiological strain and how these characteristics are modifiable ð§
⢠â
Why is comprehensive sleep and airway care often treated as a "luxury good" rather than a standard of health? ð
⢠â
The discussion emphasizes moving from blame to agency, empowering parents with modifiable pathways for their childrenâs growth. ð€
⢠â
Key points include the critical role of masticatory competence and diet (Firm, Fresh, Fibrous foods) as well as good breathing in developing the craniofacial respiratory complex. ð
⢠â
Experts advocate for a shared narrative-based language across medical and dental silos to prioritize early intervention. ð£ïž
⢠â
Strategies are discussed as to how to speak to patients, parents, and families in order to help guide them without overwhelming them. ð
⢠â AND MORE...
ðªðððð ððð ðððð ððððððððð ðð ðððð»ððð ðð ððð ðð ðððð ðððððððð ððð
ðððð ððððððððð!Â
ðð ððšð®ðð®ðð: https://youtu.be/pb-fnF6nCpo
ðð§ ðð®ðð¢ðš: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/follow
_______________
ABOUT OUR GUESTS:Â
Dr. Kevin Boyd, DDS, MSc, is a pediatric dentist and researcher in Chicago. An instructor at Lurie Childrenâs Hospital, he specializes in evolutionary medicine, focusing on how early childhood feeding and the craniofacial-respiratory complex impact long-term health, sleep, and breathing.
Dr. Dave McCarty is a board-certified sleep specialist and Chief Medical Officer of Reebus Health. An award-winning educator, he created the Empowered Sleep Apnea project to simplify complex sleep-wake disorders through patient-centered public education and shared clinical language.
Dr. Stefan Decker is a German orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic specialist. As Director of the Orthodontic Specialist Academy, he focuses on early preventative care, holistically connecting breathing, teeth, and function to optimize development and airway health.
_______________
ABOUT THE HOST:Â
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP-COM®, is a speech-language pathologist, certified orofacial myologist, and international speaker. An author and owner of San Diego Center For Speech Therapy, she specializes in myofunctional therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing and airway issues.
 _________________Â
ð§ðð®ðð¬ðð«ð¢ðð ððš ðð®ðð¢ðš ððšðððð¬ð: https://airwayanswers.buzzsprout.com/2408017/followÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.AirwayAnswers.infoÂ
ð»ðð¡ððð€ ðšð®ð ðšð®ð« ðððð¬ð¢ððð¬: www.SanDiegoCenterForSpeechTherapy.comÂ
ð©ððŠðð¢ð¥: [email protected]Â
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ð
ðððððšðšð€: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565074499503Â
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð§ð¬ððð ð«ððŠ: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegospeechandmyotherapy/
ðð
ðšð¥ð¥ðšð° ð®ð¬ ðšð§ ðð¢ð€ððšð€: https://www.tiktok.com/@airway.answers
From the publisher's feed
Nicole Goldfarb is a Speech-Language Pathologist & Certified Orofacial Myologist, providing information through "Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb". She interviews professionals in the fieldâŠ

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