Beyond Breathing

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Dr. Tom Waldorf discusses the importance of breathing and its impact on sleep and overall health. He  also highlights the role of nitric oxide, brain tap, sleep apnea oral appliances and electrolytes in optimizing breathing and health. He suggests that healthcare should focus on wellness rather than just treating illness. Dr. Waldorf offers resources and a complimentary consultation for individuals interested in improving their breathing and overall well-being.  To learn more or schedule an appointment to receive complimentary nitric oxide testing, visit www.activelifereno.com

Takeaways

• Breathing is the most important function of the body, and proper breathing is essential for overall health.
• Sleep apnea and snoring can indicate breathing issues and should be addressed for better sleep and health.
• Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in vasodilation and oxygenation of the body, and its levels can be tested and supplemented.
• Electrolytes are important for muscle function and blood flow, and their depletion can lead to various health issues.
• Healthcare should shift towards a focus on wellness and preventive measures rather than just treating illness.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Dr. Tom Waldorf

02:20
The Importance of Breathing

05:25
The Impact of Breathing on Sleep

09:50
The Role of Nitric Oxide in Breathing

12:28
The Importance of Electrolytes

18:02
The Connection Between Breathing, Sleep, and Chronic Diseases

20:23
The Future of Healthcare

23:31
Resources and Offer from Dr. Tom Waldorf

25:30
Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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It's  Wellness Wednesday Mini-Episode!
 Today's topic, sleep divorce. What is it and what are the pros and cons? By now, we all know that sleep is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. Yet for many couples, sharing a bed can become a battleground when one partner suffers from snoring or sleep apnea. A recent survey showed that one out of every four couples would rather sleep separately, and some marriages even end due to loud snoring and restless sleep. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 90 million Americans snore, and at least 50 % of them have obstructive sleep apnea. Both of these conditions are serious health issues and require treatment. But the fact is, if you or your partner's snore, it's harmful to both people in the relationship. 

Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea and snoring, not only disrupt the affected individual's rest and health, but can also disturb their partner's sleep, leading to frustration, resentment, and even strained relationships. In such cases, the concept of sleep divorce emerges as a practical solution where partners choose to start sleeping in separate beds or even separate bedrooms, offering both partners the opportunity to reclaim their sleep quality and preserve their bond without compromising their health. 

Snoring and sleep apnea are common sleep disorders characterized by disruptions in breathing during sleep. This cuts off the oxygen to the body, including the heart and the brain. When oxygen is cut off, the result is loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds. While these conditions can have serious health implications for the affected individual, they also pose challenges for their partner who may struggle to sleep through the night due to the noise, interruptions, fragmented sleep, and even anxiety and stress over their partner's poor health. The consequences of disrupted sleep extend beyond mere annoyance. They can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, daytime fatigue, irritability, and even exacerbate existing health conditions. And over time, the strain on the relationship caused by sleep disturbances can erode intimacy, communication, and overall relationship satisfaction. There are some benefits of sleep divorce in snoring and sleep apnea cases. You know, sleeping in separate beds allows both partners to prioritize their sleep quality by creating separate sleeping arrangements that minimize disruptions. By sleeping apart, individuals can enjoy uninterrupted rest, leading to increased energy levels, improved mood, and better overall health. Sleep divorce can alleviate feelings of resentment and frustration that may arise when one partner's sleep disturbances affect the others. Contrary to common misconceptions, sleep divorce does not signify a lack of intimacy in a relationship. On the contrary, by prioritizing each other's sleep needs and finding alternative ways to nurture their connection outside the bedroom, couples can strengthen their emotional bond and intimacy. While sleep divorce can offer relief from the challenges posed by snoring and sleep apnea, it's crucial for couples to approach this decision with empathy, communication, and a shared commitment to their relationship. 

Some other ideal strategies for navigating poor sleep and the potential of sleep divorce is for people to get sleep tested.

Know your numbers. 
Get to the root cause of the snoring and sleep apnea.
 Seeking professional help can address the underlying causes of snoring and sleep apnea and explore treatment options that may alleviate the symptoms and improve sleep quality for both people. At -home sleep testing is fast, cost -effective, and a reliable way to screen for sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, there are a variety of ways to treat sleep apnea, like myofunctional therapy and dental appliances that can reduce or eliminate snoring altogether and reduce the risk for severe health problems li

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In this episode, Anne Rice discusses the impact of poor quality sleep on the brain and the importance of slow wave sleep for brain health. She explains the concept of fragmented sleep and its effects on the brain, as well as the various causes of fragmented sleep. Anne also highlights the link between fragmented sleep and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of getting a sleep test and seeking help. She envisions a future dental office that integrates medical and dental care for comprehensive health. Finally, Anne provides tips for improving sleep and brain health and emphasizes the importance of sleep testing and knowing your numbers.

Takeaways

• Poor quality sleep can have a significant impact on the brain, affecting oxygen and blood flow, white matter, and the removal of amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
• Fragmented sleep, characterized by interruptions in sleep cycles, can lead to cognitive decline and is often a symptom of underlying health issues such as sleep apnea or menopause.
• It is important to get a sleep test to identify and address any sleep disorders or issues that may be affecting brain health.
• The dental office of the future should integrate medical and dental care, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral health and overall health.
• To improve sleep and brain health, create a sleep-friendly environment, regulate sugar intake, exercise regularly, and consider techniques such as nasal breathing and cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Check out what Anne has to offer: www.anneorice.com or email: [email protected]
• Anne has published her manuscript Alzheimer's Disease and Oral-Systemic Health for Frontiers, she has consulted for Weill Cornell Alzheimer's Prevention Center, The Atlantic Center for Brain Health and The Artria Institute.  She was included in an international Consortium of diverse network of brain researchers, clinicians and institutions who support Alzheimer's prevention. She is available to speak at medical and dental events to support healthy  mouths and healthy brains. 

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Speaker Bio

01:51
The Impact of Poor Quality Sleep on the Brain

04:13
The Importance of Slow Wave Sleep for Brain Health

05:27
Understanding Fragmented Sleep and its Effects on the Brain

07:17
Causes of Fragmented Sleep

08:33
Fragmented Sleep as a Red Flag for Cognitive Decline

10:47
Getting a Sleep Test and Seeking Help

13:28
The Dental Office of the Future

16:10
Preventive Neurology and Integrative Healthcare

17:05
Tips for Improving Sleep and Brain Health

21:17
Importance of Sleep Testing and Knowing Your Numbers

22:22
Conclusion and Contact Information

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. Podcast episodes release every Wellness Wednesday. Alternating weeks will feature a guest interview with medical and dental specialists as well as people who are conquering their sleep struggles and newly added mini episodes that feature quick tips and tricks to inspire wellness through better breathing and sleep.

All podcasts are now on the YouTube channel: Beyond Breathing - YouTube

This episode is all about mouth taping, You can see the  various mouth tapes on the YouTube channel.

Mouth taping 101: Have you taped your mouth shut?

In the pursuit of improved health, many people are turning to mouth tape to breathe and sleep better. Viral TikTok videos, sleep and wellness specialists, and even elite athletes are touting mouth tape to enhance physical performance, eliminate snoring, reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality by encouraging more optimal breathing through the nose. This idea might seem strange or uncomfortable, but there can be a wide range of health benefits. 

What is mouth taping?

Mouth taping involves placing a small piece of tape over the lips (vertical or horizontal) before going to sleep. The purpose behind this practice is to help keep the mouth closed, lips together and help relax muscles to encourage your body to breathe through the nose. This can be done throughout the day or night to prevent mouth breathing. You have heard all about nasal breathing on nearly every podcast episode. 

Why is mouth breathing bad?

When we breathe through our mouth, cold, dry and unfiltered air reaches our body. This is an unhealthy and inefficient way to breathe since it exposes our body to irritants and decreases the amount of oxygen our body gets. Breathing through the nose is the natural and best way for humans to breathe. Our noses are designed to filter, humidify, and warm the temperature of the air we breathe in, allowing for oxygen to easily get to the parts of the body that need it the most.  Nasal breathing also produces nitric oxide, a gas that can relax muscles, help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, enhance physical performance, increase blood flow in the body, support wound healing, support sexual performance and improve overall oxygen uptake. When we breathe through our mouth, we bypass all these important functions, potentially leading to a variety of health issues. Mouth breathing is also now been shown to negatively alter the growth and development of the nasal passages, face and dental arches. 

The MANY Benefits of Mouth Taping

1.     More Oxygen: Nasal breathing leads to better oxygenation of the blood due to the filtration and humidification processes that occur in the nasal passages. This can have positive effects on overall energy levels and cognitive function.

2.     Better Sleep Quality: Nasal breathing promotes deeper and more restful sleep. It encourages proper oxygen exchange and ensures that the body receives adequate oxygen levels throughout the night.

3.     Reduced Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Mouth taping can help reduce snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea by encouraging the airways to stay open. When we breathe through our mouth, the soft tissues at the back of the throat are more likely to collapse, causing snoring or interruptions in breathing.

4.     Improved Oral Health: Mouth breathing also contributes to a dry mouth, leading to increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Nasal breathing creates an environment for a healthier mouth and body.

5.     Helps Growth and Development: Nasal breathing helps promote proper development of the jaws and face. It can also assist with developing space for the tongue and the ideal placement of 

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for more information:  visit  Home - Sierra Sleep - Airway and Wellness Center (sierrasleepwell.com) or Myo for Adults | Mountain Myology (mtnmyo.com)
#sleepapnea #sleephygiene #myo #sierrasleepwell #sleep #CPAP #snoring #mouthbreathiing #sleepbetter #sleepdisorder #sleepapneaawareness #function ##health#osa #insomnia #myofunctionaltherapy #healthcare #sleepapneareno

• Myofunctional therapy focuses on training the muscles of the head and neck to support better nasal breathing and overall facial muscle function.
• Customized treatment plans are essential to address individual needs and goals, with exercises typically done for five minutes in the morning and evening.
• Early intervention is crucial for proper jaw growth and development, as well as preventing future issues such as sleep apnea and TMJ disorders.
• Fun activities and games can be used to promote nasal breathing in children and make the therapy process enjoyable.
• Myofunctional therapy can benefit adults by improving TMJ issues, sleep apnea, and overall muscle function.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy

04:04
Customized Treatment Plans

05:30
Importance of Early Intervention

08:27
Jaw Growth and Development

09:35
Nasal Breathing and Nose Blowing Techniques

12:15
Nasal Sprays and Sinus Rinses

13:44
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Adults

15:32
Personal Journey and Success Stories

17:20
Importance of Early Intervention

18:26
Fun Activities to Promote Nasal Breathing

20:44
Key Takeaways

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Summary

Dr. David McIntosh discusses the dangers of snoring and the impact it has on various body systems. He emphasizes the importance of early intervention in addressing breathing issues in children and the role of dentistry in airway assessment and intervention. Dr. McIntosh also provides additional resources for learning and encourages a shift away from complacency and neglect in managing these issues. You can find his books, Snored to Death and A Parent's Guide, on Amazon. 

You can visit www.sierrasleepwell.com for more information  on sleep, function and breathing- including at home sleep testing. 

Please download and share the podcast, Beyond Breathing and we would love to have your 5 star rating too! #sleepapnea #breatheeasy #beyondbreathing #sleepapneareno #breathe #sierrasleepwell #cpapalternatives #ENT  #snoring #children #nomoremanagementbyneglect #davidmcintosh #mouthbreathing

Takeaways

• Snoring is a noise made during sleep due to a blockage or movement in the upper airway, and it can be potentially life-threatening.
• Snoring has significant health implications, including an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, reflux, and throat and esophageal cancer.
• Breathing issues, such as snoring and sleep apnea, can have a profound impact on various body systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological systems.
• Breathing problems in children can manifest as waking up tired, concentration and behavior issues, speech development problems, and physical activity limitations.
• Early intervention is crucial in addressing breathing issues, as the age of onset and duration of exposure to these problems can significantly impact long-term outcomes.
• Dentistry plays a vital role in airway assessment and early intervention, as dentists often identify signs of breathing issues and can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Chapters

02:22
Understanding Snoring and its Dangers

05:16
Impact of Snoring on Different Body Systems

09:22
Connection Between Breathing, Sleep, and Mental Health

11:16
Signs of Breathing Issues in Children

17:56
Challenges in Getting a Diagnosis and Treatment

18:55
Importance of Early Intervention

28:13
Role of Dentistry in Airway Assessment and Intervention

32:24
Additional Resources for Learning

34:15
Conclusion and Sponsor Acknowledgment

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Mason had just turned 9 when he received his sleep apnea diagnosis. This was a monumental turn of events after his mom had been searching for answers for years for his recurring strep throat and sinus infections, continuous bedwetting, exercise intolerance and snoring. You may be surprised to know that it was his dental team that became his biggest health advocate and helped solve all of his medical issues by addressing his airway and growth and development. 
Mason's Journey:
1. A comprehensive Airway Assessment: at-home FDA cleared sleep test ring, CBCT to map out airway, tonsils, nasal passages and dental arches. Examination, measurements, photos and digital scan of teeth. 
2. Referral to an AIRWAY FOCUSED ENT. Sinus and nasal surgery and removal of tonsils and adenoids. 
3. Myofunctional Therapy for exercises to train the muscles and fascia of the head and neck. 
4. Assist with nasal breathing: nasal hygiene with Xlear, kids breathe right strips and mouth taping. 
5. Identify and treat the root causes of obstructions: tongue tie release and oral appliance therapy with the VIVOS Guided growth series. 
It's never too early to take a sleep test to evaluate mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, night terrors, bed wetting, fatigue, anxiety, poor exercise tolerance,ADHA and more!

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In this episode, Lancette VanGuilder interviews Xuan-Thu, an oral facial myofunctional therapist, about the mind-body-spirit connection and the impact of childhood trauma on health. Xuan-Thu  shares her personal experience of childhood trauma and how it inspired her to become a healer. They discuss the physical and emotional effects of trauma, the importance of proper tongue position and nasal breathing, and the polyvagal theory.  Xuan-Thu also guides the audience through a breathing exercise to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for awareness and collaboration in healthcare and providing access to care for all.
www.breathewellnessboutique.com

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health.
• Proper tongue position and nasal breathing are important for overall health and well-being.
• The polyvagal theory explains how trauma can hijack the nervous system and affect the body.
• Awareness and collaboration are key in improving healthcare and breaking through barriers to access care.

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 Lancette VanGuilder and Dr. Sachin Patel introduce themselves and discussed their mission to improve people's health. The focus of this episode emphasizes the power of breathing and better sleep for the future of healthcare.

Sachin Patel shared his personal experience with his son's oral health issues and how it led him to discover the importance of airway dentistry and breathing. They discussed the benefits of breathing through the nose, including sterilizing the air, preserving oral health, and increasing oxygen intake. Sachin Patel emphasizes the importance of breathing techniques and how they can improve overall health and wellness.

Sachin Patel shares several resources for people interested in improving their health, including a fully guided breathwork experience and a free 30-day program called 30 Ways in 30 Days. He highlights the importance of teaching people to be their own doctor and provided a link to his website, www.becomeproof.com, for those seeking help. Additionally, he mentions his books on Amazon, including The Motivation Molecule, Become Proof, and Perfect Practice, as well as his podcast for practitioners.

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In this conversation, Ami shares her expertise on sleep assessment and the importance of addressing sleep issues. She discusses the symptoms and signs of sleep problems and highlights the role of breathing in sleep quality. Ami also explores various treatment options for sleep issues and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in finding the right practitioners. The conversation concludes with closing remarks and gratitude. Favorite products can be found here:  www.favami.com

Takeaways

• Getting a sleep assessment is crucial for identifying and addressing sleep issues.
• Common symptoms of sleep problems include snoring, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
• Proper breathing plays a significant role in sleep quality and overall health.
• Treatment options for sleep issues include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, and surgery.
• Self-advocacy is important in finding the right practitioners and taking responsibility for one's health.
• Here is the list of the products that I mentioned finding helpful:
  REMplenish Straw
  https://remasteredsleep.com/products/eco-friendly-remplenish
  Exercise your upper airway while you drink water, helping to reduce snoring and improve your breathing.
  (NOT their water bottle – very expensive & I found a better option, see below)
  BUILT 20 Ounce Double Wall Stainless Steel Tumbler
  https://www.builtny.com/products/20oz-tumbler
  I drink warm water with apple cider vinegar with the straw
  Oura Ring
  https://ouraring.com
  A biometric device to maximize your sleep, optimize your readiness and track your daily activity.
  Apollo Neuro
  https://apolloneuro.com/
  A Wearable Hug for Your Nervous System That Helps You Become a Calmer & More Mindful You.
  And VIVOS, of course!! 
• Contact info: www.pndc.com, www.combsconsulting.com

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