Sleep is My Waking Passion

Season 4 Episode 1 kicks off with an interview with Rachel Nesmith, a dynamic mom from Dallas, TX, living with obstructive sleep apnea and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (OSA/CSA), severe Type 1 narcolepsy, and autism spectrum disorder. Rachel is a dedicated Project Sleep ambassador committed to dismantling the stigma associated with narcolepsy and is known for her beautifully creative mind. As a singer and songwriter, she uses her talents to promote a more understanding and tolerant world through her music, which she describes as making the world a better place "One Melody at a Time."

Rachel believes in the power of pop culture to shape societal norms and ideals. She is concerned about the representation of narcolepsy in media, noting that inaccurate portrayals can reinforce stereotypes and misconceptions. By producing music with eye-opening lyrics, Rachel reaches thousands of fans, including those she affectionately calls her "Sleepy Peeps," who have shared how her music has made them feel less alone. Her non-narcolepsy fans also gain a better understanding of the condition, challenging the mythical perception of "Nap Land." Tune in to hear Rachel share her inspiring story and explore how she uses her platform to foster better public understanding and reduce stigma through relatable and accurate portrayals in her music. You can learn more and follow her journey at Rachel's Linktree.

Https://linktree.com/rachelnesmith

Anyone with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)  knows that CPAP is definitely not for everyone. In our Season 3 Finale, Stacy Ochoa, DDS, D-ABDSM,FICOI returns to discuss what sleep dentists can do to improve the airway of adults who cannot tolerate or do not want to use CPAP. Stacy started her journey in Dental Sleep Medicine 20 years ago when her Dad was found to be CPAP intolerant. She went on to receive specialized training is sleep dentistry and is one of the co-founders of ASAP Pathway, focused on making sure we get to kids at risk for sleep apnea early in their development. Her interest in pediatric sleep started after watching her own children struggle with sleep and breathing issues. 

Dr. Beth Ann Malow is Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Division, holds the Burry Endowed Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development, and serves as Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Neurology and director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Clinical Translational Core. She is also a fellow member of the AASM Advocacy Committee and serves on the Sleep Research Society (SRS) Advocacy Task Force. 

In this episode she discusses the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and sleep. She shares her personal journey as a parent of two sons on the spectrum and the lack of practical information available at the time. Dr. Malow explains that autism is a spectrum, with challenges in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. She highlights the importance of addressing sleep problems in individuals with autism and the impact it has on their overall well-being and the family's quality of life. Dr. Malow discusses her research on sleep in autism, including the common sleep problems and potential causes. She also explores the use of melatonin as a treatment option, emphasizing the need for quality supplements and appropriate dosing. Finally, she shares behavioral approaches to improve sleep in individuals with autism, such as delaying bedtime and reducing screen time before bed.

Takeaways

• Autism spectrum disorder is a spectrum condition that affects individuals differently, with challenges in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
• The prevalence of autism has increased over the years, with one in 36 children now affected.
• Sleep problems are common in individuals with autism, with difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep being the most common concerns.
• Melatonin supplements can be helpful in improving sleep in individuals with autism, but it's important to choose quality products and start with lower doses.
• Behavioral approaches, such as delaying bedtime and reducing screen time before bed, can also be effective in improving sleep in individuals with autism.

Dr. Logan Schneider, MD is a physician scientist specializing in Neurology and Sleep Medicine. He is a clinical assistant professor affiliated with Stanford University, a Neurologist at the Stanford/VA Alzheimer's Research Center, and a Clinical Specialist at Alphabet.

On this episode, he discusses idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), a central disorder of hypersomnolence that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and a need for extended sleep. He explains the challenges in diagnosing the condition and the impact it has on quality of life. Dr. Schneider also explores the potential mechanisms and causes of idiopathic hypersomnia, and less well known autonomic symptoms experienced more commonly in patients with IH. He discusses the available medications for treatment and emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment approaches.

Takeaways

• Idiopathic hypersomnia is a central disorder of hypersomnolence characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and a need for extended sleep.
• Diagnosing idiopathic hypersomnia can be challenging due to its similarity to other conditions and the lack of specific biomarkers.
• The condition can have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting relationships, social engagement, and career advancement.
• The underlying mechanisms and causes of idiopathic hypersomnia are still not fully understood.
• Treatment approaches for idiopathic hypersomnia often involve a combination of medications, such as oxybates with stimulants and wake-promoting agents, along with lifestyle modifications.

• *Reducing alcohol consumption and incorporating high-fiber, healthy fat, and complex carb foods into the diet can improve sleep for perimenopausal women.
• *Exercise and movement are key factors in promoting better sleep.
• *Screening for sleep apnea is important, as it often goes undiagnosed in women.
• *Advocating for yourself and seeking specialized care can lead to better sleep outcomes.
• *Mindset and accepting imperfections in sleep can contribute to overall well-being.

To learn more about Morgan and her services, and schedule your consultation, go to: 

Dr. Kim Hutchison is a Neurologist and Sleep specialist, CPAP expert and educator based in Portland, Oregon. She is also the inventor of Somnoseal. She is NOT sponsoring this podcast, though we will be mentioning her product in today’s discussion. She joins the podcast to discuss some of the most common problems faced by individuals with sleep apnea who use CPAP machines. The conversation covers topics such as dry mouth and mouth leaks, nasal masks and training to nasal breathe, the Somnaseal product, chin straps and full face masks, alternative solutions like mouth taping, mask leaks and mask liners, rain out and tips to prevent it, and expiratory pressure release feature and how to mitigate pressure issues.

Check out her website: Kimberlymd.com; Product website: somnoseal.com

Instagram: @kimberlymdsleep

Facebook: kimberlymd

Takeaways: Dry mouth and mouth leaks are common problems faced by individuals using CPAP machines. Mouth leaks are often caused by the mouth dropping open during sleep.

• Training to nasal breathe can help reduce dry mouth and mouth leaks. Myofunctional therapy and using devices like the Somnaseal can assist in nasal breathing.
• Chin straps and full face masks are options for individuals with mouth leaks, but they may not be comfortable for everyone. Mouth taping can be an alternative solution.
• Mask leaks can be addressed with mask liners and other accessories like the Gecko nasal pad. Finding the right mask style and fit is important.
• Rain out, which is condensation in the CPAP tube, can be prevented by using a heated tube, tube covers, or adjusting the humidity settings. Keeping the CPAP machine lower than the bed can also help.
• The pressure sensation of CPAP can be managed by adjusting the pressure settings, using expiratory pressure release, or trying the VCOM device.
• It's important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best solutions for individual needs and to not give up on CPAP therapy.

In this episode, Mikey joins me for a heart-to-heart conversation that started when I discovered his product about a year ago and decided to try it out for my 6-year-old daughter. The results were astonishing as we watched her thrive despite her vibrant yet restless mind. While this episode is brought to you by a sponsor, rest assured, it's far from a sales pitch. Instead, Mikey opens up about his personal battle with ADHD and together, we explore the critical link between ADHD and sleep challenges. My goal is to enlighten and educate you about the nuances of the ADHD brain and offer practical tips for improving sleep, even when ADHD seems to take on a life of its own. Join us for an insightful discussion that promises to leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for navigating life with ADHD.

Takeaways

• ADHD can have a significant impact on sleep, with symptoms such as difficulty sitting still, lack of focus, and sensory processing disorder.
• The prevalence of ADHD is stable globally, affecting approximately 7% of the pediatric population.
• ADHD often coexists with other mental health disorders, and individuals with ADHD may benefit from behavioral treatments and omega-3 supplementation.
• Medication, such as stimulants, can be effective in managing ADHD symptoms, but it may also have side effects and impact sleep. Alternative approaches, such as routine exercise and natural supplements, can be explored. There is an overreliance on medication for ADHD, with stimulants often being the preferred treatment option.
• ADHD is associated with various sleep issues, including sleep deprivation, comorbid sleep conditions, restless legs, and delayed sleep phase.
• Consistent wake-up time is more important than consistent bedtime for optimal sleep.
• Weighted blankets and pillows can provide deep pressure stimulation, which may help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and increase focus in individuals with ADHD.

Jen Walsh is a  Sleep researcher, educator & consultant   and Director of the Centre fro Sleep Science in Perth, Western Australia. She has studied cannabis for insomnia not associated with other medical conditions and has a fantastic TEDx talk on this topic available on YouTube. Have a listen as we talk honestly about the challenges of solid research on this topic and what we know and don't know about the use of this ancient plant for medicinal purposes in sleep. 

Dr.  Jeff Durmer, MD, PhD is a neuroscientist and sleep specialist, and former competitive rower. He is the current CMO for AbsoluteRest, and CMO and founder of Limbico Health. He is an expert in management of RLS and serves as board member for the RLS foundation. This condition has a genetic component and is an incredibly common reason for sleep disruption, which we know is bad for your overall health. In anticipation of upcoming updated RLS Guideline recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), this discussion is perfect timing. Hear what the experts are saying about what works and what doesn’t for your RLS symptoms.

Dr.  Jeff Durmer, MD, PhD is a neuroscientist and sleep specialist, and former competitive rower. He is the current CMO for AbsoluteRest, CMO and founder of Limbico Health, and has served as a sleep consultant assisting Olympic level athletes in treatment of sleep disorders and sleep quality optimization for maximal performance.