Sleep Apnea Stories

By Emma CookseyHealth & Fitness

Sleep Apnea Stories episodes

March 02, 2022 51 - Christina Sanghera - Sleep Apnea, Panic and Anxiety
Emma is joined by Christina Sanghera, a holistic health coach who helps burned-out women with chronic illnesses. Together they discuss:
* Christina's own health journey with a thyroid condition, Hashimoto's;
* How Christina felt waking up at night before her obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis;
* Misdiagnosis with panic attacks and anxiety and calling 911;
* Stereotypes in sleep apnea diagnosis and how they keep young women from accurate diagnoses;
* The importance of working with the nervous system and especially the vagus nerve to soothe fight or flight responses.
Follow Christina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christinasanghera
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by: Somnomed https://somnomed.co/en/find-a-clinic/ and Betterhelp www.betterhelp.com/emma
Links Emma mentioned:
To join Emma's fundraising team for Project Sleep's "Sleep In" fundraiser click here: https://projectsleep.salsalabs.org/sleepin2022/t/sleepapneastories/index.html or find out more about the 'Sleep In' here: www.project-sleep.com
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.
57 min
February 23, 2022 50 - Bob Stanton - Truck Drivers with Sleep Apnea
Emma is joined by Bob Stanton, a former over the road (OTR) truck driver with experience of all the issues facing truck drivers with sleep apnea. Together they discuss:
* Bob's personal journey to diagnosis with sleep apnea and his treatment with CPAP;
* Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations relevant to obstructive sleep apnea;
* Department of Transport medical examinations required to receive and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL);
* Challenges facing truck drivers using CPAP, including power supply issues and humidification issues;
* Political challenges with passing legislation about truck drivers with sleep apnea;
* Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) and the compliance chips that could make it accessible to truck drivers;
Contact Bob at Dedicated Sleep Health & Wellness by emailing [email protected]
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by: Somnomed https://somnomed.co/en/find-a-clinic/ and Betterhelp www.betterhelp.com/emma
Links Emma mentioned:
To join Emma's fundraising team for Project Sleep's "Sleep In" fundraiser click here: https://projectsleep.salsalabs.org/sleepin2022/t/sleepapneastories/index.html or find out more about the 'Sleep In' here: www.project-sleep.com
Dr Sai Parthasarathy shared this information for individuals to get peer support for sleep apnea struggles: https://www.sleepapnea.org/peer-mentors/mentees/join-asaa/ This is a PCORI funded program partnering with the American Sleep Apnea Association. There is also a web-based mentor training website here: https://sleep.uahs.arizona.edu/patients
Dr Vik Veer's YouTube video about the new NICE guidelines for treating Sleep Apnea in the UK is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNbPhogMTzM
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.
1 hr 13 min
January 19, 2022 49 - Emma Cooksey - Emma's Update
Emma wraps up season 5 with an update about what she's working on to raise awareness about sleep apnea in 2022. In this episode she shares:
* Project Sleep recently appointed Emma to its Board of Directors. Emma shares how she hopes to help Project Sleep expand its programs to include sleep apnea;
* Emma is looking for people interested in joining her fundraising team for Project Sleep's "Sleep In" in March. Sign up for email below if you're interested!
* Plans for the podcast in 2022. Are you interested in telling your story on the podcast? If so, email [email protected] with the subject line "podcast guest".
To join the email list go here: https://www.sleepapneastories.com/emailsignup and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
Learn more about Project Sleep here: https://project-sleep.com/
This episode is sponsored by: Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
15 min
January 12, 2022 48 - Dr Joshua Roland - Erectile Dysfunction and Sleep Apnea
Emma is joined by Dr Joshua Roland, a board-certified sleep medicine physician to talk about erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea. Together they discuss:
* the shame and stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction;
* the possible relationship between untreated sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction;
* men being reluctant to see the doctor and what can be done about it;
* reduced libido/sex drive and hormonal impacts of untreated sleep apnea;
* sleep testing, including home testing, and sleep data from wearables;
* Dr Roland's interest in idiopathic hypersomnia and the link between sleep disorders and Alzheimer's.
Follow Dr Roland on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepdoctorroland
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by: Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
45 min
December 29, 2021 47 - Candy Sparks - Compromised Airways in Children
Emma is joined by Candy Sparks. Together they discuss:
* Candy shares her story as a mother of a child with a compromised airway;
* Early warning signs that were missed by health professionals who aren't routinely trained to examine airways;
* Orthodontic work for Savvy as a child;
* Finding Dr William Hang https://facefocused.com/ and preparing Savvy for orthognathic surgery with Dr Larry Wolford https://drlarrywolford.com/
* Jaw joint replacement surgery;
* How closely mental health is linked to airway problems;
* Savvy's diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome);
* Setting up the Children's Airway First Foundation and some of the goals Candy is working towards.
Candy's Children's Airway First Foundation: https://www.childrensairwayfirst.org/
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by: Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
1 hr 33 min
December 22, 2021 46 - Dr Dar Radfar - Dental Sleep Medicine and RAD Zzz Supplements
Dr Dar Radfar is a Dentist and joins Emma for a conversation about his personal journey with his own sleep apnea and his mission to help others improve their sleep. Together they discuss:
* Dr Radfar's personal journey with sleep apnea and his wake up call to get tested and treated;
* Becoming the first patient in his dental practice to try an oral appliance to treat sleep apnea;
* Working to build relationships with sleep specialists in his community;
* The importance of identifying a patient's co-existing health conditions and working with all the medical specialists they see;
* Developing RADzzz, a supplement, to help people with sleep apnea get the rest they need without sedatives and sleep aid medications;
Find out more about the RAD Zzz supplements Dr Radfar discussed on the episode here: https://www.radhealthinc.com/products/rad-zzz
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by: Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
50 min
December 15, 2021 45 - Ernestine Key - Sleep Apnea and Stroke
Ernestine Key joins Emma on the podcast to share the story of her husband, Fredrick's journey with undiagnosed sleep apnea. He had a debilitating stroke and passed away in September 2018. Together they discuss:
* What a wonderful husband and father Fred was and what memories Ernestine has of him;
* The signs of undiagnosed sleep apnea such as snoring and gasping at night;
* Difficulties in getting spouses to go to the doctor, especially men;
* Fredrick's stroke and the impact on the family;
* Testing for sleep apnea after the stroke and difficulties adjusting to CPAP therapy;
* Ernestine becoming a board member of the American Sleep Apnea Association and setting up a fund in Fredrick's memory.
To donate to the ASAA in Fredrick's name click here: https://www.sleepapnea.org/memorials-and-tributes/
Follow the show on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by:
Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
38 min
December 08, 2021 44 - Rhonda Greig - Central Sleep Apnea
Emma is joined on the podcast by Rhonda Greig. Rhonda is the first person on the podcast to tell a story about central sleep apnea. Topics covered include:
* Rhonda coping with symptoms of exhaustion but keeping up with her friends as a teenager;
* Going to the hospital and the nurse calling a "code blue" because Rhonda's lips were blue from lack of oxygen;
* Rhonda being on life support and doctors no knowing what was wrong;
* Recovery and continuing with college classes;
* Mental health impacts and Rhonda's decision to see a therapist and start anti-depressants;
* The Philips CPAP recall and Rhonda learning that her ventilator was on the list of recalled machines.
If you'd like to connect with Rhonda, her email is [email protected]
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by: Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
51 min
December 01, 2021 43 - Chris Kelly - CPAP Masks and Positional Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Emma is joined by Chris Kelly, the first guest to come back for a second interview.
Together they discuss:
* Chris gives his opinion on the best CPAP masks and why he prefers nasal masks to full face masks;
* Proper mask fit and how Chris tried customizing masks;
* Chris's favorite mask - Brevida by Fisher and Paykel but with the strap from the Eson Nasal CPAP Mask;
* Mechanics of breathing and using an inspiratory muscle trainer for obstructive sleep apnea;
* How Chris manufactures his oral appliances;
* The tongue posture shield Chris designed which can help with tongue position and lip seal at night;
* Positional Therapy and Chris's recommendation of the Nightshift device and pregnancy pillows;
* The Philips CPAP recall.
For more about Chris and his company, Aer Healthcare, and the oral appliance, tongue shield, and inspiratory muscle trainer he mentioned visit: https://www.aerhealthcare.com.au/
This is the "Nightshift" device discussed on the episode: https://www.advancedbrainmonitoring.com/products/night-shift-sleep-positioner
Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
This episode is sponsored by: Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
1 hr 23 min
November 24, 2021 42 - Larry Shaw - Dual Band Chin Strap
Emma is joined by Larry Shaw, the inventor of the Knightsbridge Dual Band Chin Strap.
Together they discuss:
* Larry's own personal journey with snoring and sleep apnea;
* How his symptoms of increased daytime sleepiness mounted gradually over time;
* Larry's reluctance to go to a doctor about his sleep apnea and his approach of trying to figure it out himself;
* The impact of sleep problems on his relationships;
* Trying chinstraps on the market to keep his mouth closed at night;
* Coming up with a better design for the Knightsbridge Dual Band Chin Strap to keep the mouth closed without undue pressure being placed on the TMJ;
Larry's Knightsbridge Dual Band Chin Strap: https://dualbandchinstrap.com/
Follow the podcast (and enter the winter giveaway!) on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepapneastories
Emma mentioned Dr Steven Park's podcast on Sleep Apnea - watch or listen here.
She also mentioned Instagram live on the men's health with Dr Joshua Roland with "The Coach" app. Find it here.
This episode is sponsored by: Mute Nasal Dilators www.mutesnoring.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.
45 min

About Sleep Apnea Stories

From the publisher's feed

Sleep Apnea Stories is a podcast featuring guests who are coping with sleep apnea and the medical experts who treat them. The goal of the podcast is to shatter stereotypes around sleep apnea. We also want to build a community of people coping with Sleep Apnea to provide inspiration and hope to listeners. Do you have Sleep Apnea? Would you be willing to share your story with our community? If so, I'd love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]