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Summary

This episode discusses the benefits of wearing an eye mask while sleeping to block out light and improve sleep quality. The research shows that even small amounts of light exposure at night can be harmful to our health, affecting sleep architecture, insulin resistance, heart rate, and cognitive function. Wearing an eye mask can improve sleep quality and duration, reduce headaches, and help with insomnia. The episode provides tips for managing light at night, including getting an eye mask, making the bedroom darker, avoiding electronic devices before bed, and getting enough daylight during the day.

Takeaways

Wearing an eye mask while sleeping can improve sleep quality and duration.
Even small amounts of light exposure at night can be harmful to our health.
Managing light at night by using an eye mask, making the bedroom darker, and avoiding electronic devices before bed can help improve sleep.
Getting enough daylight during the day can offset the detrimental effects of light at night.

Chapters

Tips for Managing Light at Night
The Importance of Daylight for Sleep

HIGHLIGHTS

"Bedrooms are rarely as dark as they should be."
"Light exposure at night is associated with higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, obesity."
"Wearing an eye mask at night improves memory and alertness the next morning."

#eyemask, #sleepquality, #lightexposure, #health, #sleepapnea, #bedroomdarkness, #daylight #sierrasleepwell, #beyondbreathing

Keywords

eye mask, sleep quality, light exposure, health effects, sleep disturbances, insomnia, bedroom darkness, electronic devices, daylight

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In this episode, Dr.  Dassani, a bestselling author and Airway practitioner, discusses the crucial connection between airway and health. She shares her personal journey into the field of airway dentistry and the motivation behind her work. She explains the symptoms and diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing in both adults and children, highlighting the importance of early intervention. She emphasizes the role of dentists in airway treatment and the need for collaboration with other healthcare providers. Another podcast for you to check out: Podcast - Meghna Dassani
Airway is Life: Waking up to Your Family’s Sleep Crisis: Dassani, Dr. Meghna: 9781736658918: Amazon.com: Books

Takeaways

• Sleep-disordered breathing can have a significant impact on health and quality of life.
• Symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in adults include snoring, daytime tiredness, and frequent waking during the night.
• Symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in children can vary and may include snoring, mouth breathing, bedwetting, and difficulty concentrating.
• Early screening and intervention for sleep-disordered breathing in children is crucial for their overall health and development.
• Dentists play a key role in identifying and treating airway issues, and collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential.
• Parents and caregivers should advocate for their child's sleep health and seek multiple opinions if necessary.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:05
Journey into Airway Dentistry

10:19
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Adults

11:12
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

16:57
Screening and Early Intervention for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

19:17
Age and Development of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

21:28
Collaboration and Referral Network for Airway Treatment

24:20
The Role of Dentists in Airway Treatment

26:39
Resources for Further Information

28:22
Advice for Parents and Caregivers

WEBSITE: Children with Sleep Apnea - A Parents Resource by Meghna Dassani
Healthy Sleep Revolution Podcast: Podcast - Meghna Dassani
BOOKS:Book - Meghna Dassani

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In this episode, the host explores the world of sleep apnea and the quest to revolutionize treatment beyond the traditional CPAP machine. The limitations of the CPAP machine are discussed, leading to the exploration of emerging alternatives such as oral appliance therapy, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and positional therapy devices. The episode concludes with a recommendation to explore all available treatment options and work closely with sleep specialists to find the best approach for individual needs.  www.sierrasleepwell.com

Takeaways

• Sleep apnea disrupts sleep patterns and poses serious health risks.
• The CPAP machine has limitations and many patients struggle with compliance.
• Emerging alternatives to CPAP include oral appliance therapy, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and positional therapy devices.
• It is important to explore all available treatment options and work closely with sleep specialists to find the best approach for individual needs.
• www.sierrasleepwell.com

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Sleep Apnea and CPAP

01:56
Limitations of CPAP Machine

03:21
Emerging Alternatives: Oral Appliance Therapy, #vivos #mandibularadvancementdevice #VIVOSstarterappliance

07:07
Emerging Alternatives: Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation

07:35
Emerging Alternatives: Positional Therapy Devices

08:03
Conclusion and Recommendations

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Sleep Apnea's Impact on Relationships and School Performance

Sarah Jackson shared her personal and professional experiences with sleep and breathing. She highlighted how her husband's sleep apnea diagnosis and subsequent treatment improved his quality of life, mood, and motivation, and positively impacted their marriage. 

Additionally, Sarah discussed her daughter's sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. The treatment, which included tonsil and adenoid removal and a palatal expander, led to an improvement in her daughter's sleep, concentration, and overall enjoyment of school.

Sarah Jackson, MS, RDH is a tenured professor at Eastern Washington University. She has worked in the dental profession in several roles over the last 26 years. She is a passionate health and wellness advocate, yoga ambassador and Pilates instructor She leads wellness interventions with her community colleagues and students. Sarah is an international speaker and published author.  She co-founded Abundant Life, a health and wellness hub and she strive to inspire positive change for healthcare providers by promoting overall health and wellness. 

You can reach Sarah at www.healthandwellnesshub.com or [email protected]

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In this episode, I discuss sleep apnea and its impact on sleep quality. The importance of pillows and sleep positions in managing sleep apnea is highlighted. Different types of pillows suitable for individuals with sleep apnea are mentioned, along with the benefits of specific sleep positions. The benefits of sleeping on the right side and the left side are explained, as well as the option of sleeping at an incline. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance. 

Takeaways

• Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep and can be potentially life-threatening.
• Pillows play a crucial role in supporting the head, neck, and airway alignment during sleep for individuals with sleep apnea.
• Different types of pillows, such as memory foam pillows and those with cutouts for CPAP masks, are recommended for individuals with sleep apnea.
• Side sleeping is the most recommended position for managing sleep apnea, but sleeping on the right side or at an incline can also have benefits.
• Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as sleep coaches or chiropractors, is important to find the best pillow and sleep position for individual needs.
• For more information, you can check out www.sierrasleepwell.com or www.sleepfoundation.org

#sleepapnea; #sleepsolutions

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Sleep Apnea

01:55
The Importance of Pillows and Sleep Positions

03:23
Types of Pillows for Sleep Apnea

04:19
Sleeping Positions for Sleep Apnea

05:14
Benefits of Sleeping on the Right Side

06:39
Benefits of Sleeping on the Left Side

08:07
Sleeping at an Incline

09:06
Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

09:36
Conclusion

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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 slee

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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 fo

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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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