Sleep is My Waking Passion

Have you ever done everything “right” all day and still found your mind racing the moment your head hits the pillow? This bonus ASMR track is a guided relaxation created for the women who give their all—in their work, their homes, and their relationships—yet still struggle to switch off at night. Picture a cozy fire crackling in the background as you’re led through gentle affirmations that remind you of your worth, your strength, and your right to rest. This is your invitation to exhale, to let go of the day, and to remember that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your inner peace. Press play, close your eyes, and allow yourself to simply be.

The winter “cozy” scene you’re craving might be the most powerful sleep tool you’re not using—and it has nothing to do with perfection, supplements, or a cabin in the woods. In this season‑kickoff episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion, Dr. Alison Kole introduces The Fireplace Effect: a simple, science‑backed way to calm your nervous system, lower arousal, and finally make it easier to fall asleep.

Drawing on clinical research linking relaxation practices with lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and better nighttime cardiovascular health, Alison breaks down why your body responds so strongly to those quiet, “fireside” moments—and how to recreate that state even if you don’t own a fireplace or find fire imagery comforting. You’ll learn how poor sleep and insomnia are tied to elevated nighttime blood pressure and “non‑dipping” patterns, and why an intentional wind‑down routine can be as important as what time you set your alarm.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What The Fireplace Effect actually is—and why that calm, slow, dimly lit window before bed is a physiologic reset button, not just an aesthetic.
• How simple practices like slow breathing, soft light, and single‑tasking can reduce stress, support healthy blood pressure, and set up your brain for sleep.
• Why winter’s dark mornings and “hibernation” energy make it harder to sleep well—and how bright morning light plus an evening Fireplace Effect can realign your internal clock.
• A step‑by‑step, no‑perfection version of an evening Fireplace Effect routine you can start tonight, even in a small apartment or busy household.

This is not another “just turn off your phone” episode. It’s a practical  framework for designing your nights with the same intentionality you bring to your days: clear inputs, clear boundaries, and a repeatable system that your nervous system can trust.

Step into the hidden world of surgery with “Anesthesia Uncovered”—the evidence-packed season finale of Sleep Is My Waking Passion. Dr. Alison Kole hosts the renowned Dr. Christopher O’Mahony, whose 10+ years of expertise cross every corner of the operating room: from general, pediatric, obstetric to high-stakes transplant anesthesia. Trained at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia and SUNY, with a career spanning leading medical centers like RWJBarnabas, Newark Beth Israel, and Hackensack Meridian, Dr. O’Mahony is the definition of veteran skill.

But what really sets him apart? His calm, patient-focused approach—even in the most high-acuity, nerve-rattling environments. In this episode, you’ll hear first-hand why colleagues trust him in crises, and why patients remember his warmth, empathy, and power to turn anxiety into reassurance in their most vulnerable moments.

What does a top anesthesiologist wish every patient knew? What mistakes still put millions at risk, and how can YOU avoid them?

🔑 Action Takeaways & Teaching Points:

• 📝 Always tell your anesthesia team about all health issues—especially sleep apnea!
• 🫁 Arrive with your CPAP/BiPAP (clearly labeled)—make sure the staff can set it up.
• 🍽️ Follow fasting instructions religiously; safety starts with an empty stomach.
• 💊 Bring an up-to-date, complete medication list—including injectables and supplements.
• 🏠 Never go home solo—arrange for an adult to monitor you after your procedure.
• 💤 Post-op “deep sleep,” trouble waking, or breathing issues? Immediate attention required.
• 📞 Any doubt? Call your doctor, your surgery center, or head straight to the ER.

👑 Meet the Guest:

Dr. Christopher O’Mahony is more than a board-certified anesthesiologist—he’s a leader with over a decade of hands-on experience at the highest levels. His impressive background stretches from Columbia University Medical Center to serving New Jersey’s busiest hospitals. Colleagues revere his calm control in high-pressure situations. Patients remember the way he turns fear into trust, explaining every step and treating every concern with genuine human care. Dr. O’Mahony’s combination of clinical mastery and empathetic bedside manner sets the gold standard in perioperative medicine.

📈 Viral Hashtags:

#AnesthesiaUncovered #SurgerySecrets #PatientPower #SIMWPseasonfinale #WhatDoctorsKnow #BePrepared #SleepApneaAwareness #MedicalTruths #TrustYourAnesthesiologist #DiaryOfASurgeon

Don’t miss your chance to listen, learn, and share—because every surgery story should end well-prepared!

Unlock the episode everyone’s talking about! This week on "Sleep is My Waking Passion," Dr. Alison Kole welcomes the pioneering Dr. Linda Anegawa, MD, FACP, Dipl. ABOM, NBPAS—Chief of Metabolic Health and Obesity Medicine at Ognomy Sleep and former CMO of Noom—for a no-holds-barred journey through the dynamic world where obesity, sleep apnea, and innovative medical care collide.

Hear the truth behind the bi-directional link between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea; why sleep loss drives our hunger hormones; and how GLP-1 meds are shaking up obesity care in 2025—without judgment or shaming. Dr. Anegawa reveals the secrets big media gets wrong about weight loss, exposes the power of fat as a living, active organ, and gives you a front row seat to the next wave of weight health tools and certifications for clinicians.

Packed with advice, science, and real-world strategy for both patients and providers, this episode is pure gold for anyone ready to crush weight stigma, understand the latest in sleep-metabolic medicine, and get actionable insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Don’t miss Dr. Kole and Dr. Anegawa’s witty, empowering energy—plus, a surprise preview of the future of GLP-1 therapy, insurance hacks, and why metabolically healthy obesity might be the topic you never knew you needed.

Hit play, subscribe, and join the sleep health revolution now! #sleepismywakingpassion #sleeppodcast #obesitymedicine #sleepapnea #metabolichealth #GLP1 #healthadvocacy #restrevolution #weightlossjourney #cuttheweightstigma

Tired of waiting months for a nutritionist appointment? There's a better way. In this episode, Dr. Alison Kole sits down with registered dietitian Kristina Spellman to reveal how you can access personalized nutrition guidance—without the wait, without the overwhelm, and without the outdated "diet and exercise" lectures.

Meet Your Guide: Kristina Spellman, MS, RD

With over 20 years of experience transforming nutrition care, Kristina Spellman is a registered dietitian who's done it all—from inpatient and outpatient care to research and bariatric nutrition. She earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of New Hampshire and has spent the last 13+ years revolutionizing how patients access nutrition support through ReadyPro Nutrition. As a food scientist, educator, and patient advocate, Kristina works behind the scenes formulating protein-optimized foods while empowering healthcare providers and patients with practical, sustainable nutrition strategies. Her mission? Making nutrition simple, convenient, and delicious—because if it doesn't taste good, nobody's eating it.

What if nutrition wasn't about restriction—but about adding the right foods to transform your health?

For years, sleep apnea patients have heard the same advice: "lose weight, eat better, exercise more." But nobody talks about HOW. Kristina breaks down the revolutionary approach that's changing everything: protein-first, fiber-forward nutrition that works WITH your body, not against it.

Here's what makes this different:

✨ Convenient, targeted nutrition counseling through ReadyPro Nutrition's mobile app and RD support—no more driving across town for appointments

✨ Strategic food swaps that hit 50% of your protein goals with just three simple changes (yes, really)

✨ Science-backed protein foods designed to satisfy cravings WITHOUT triggering overeating—finally break free from the chip-binge cycle

✨ GLP-1 optimization strategies that prevent the hair loss, fatigue, and muscle loss nobody warned you about

The Mindset Revolution: Why Your Head Matters More Than Your Fork

But here's the real secret sauce: lasting change requires a mindset shift. Kristina reveals why patients who come "ready for change" with a positive mindset see the best results—and how modern nutrition support has completely flipped the script from restriction to empowerment.

"Instead of 'no, no, no,' it's now 'let's add this to optimize your energy, preserve your muscle, and get glowing skin,'" Kristina explains. This isn't your grandmother's diet advice.

For sleep apnea patients specifically: Obesity is the MOST modifiable risk factor for OSA. Yet the vicious cycle continues—poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, leading to weight gain, worsening sleep apnea. Kristina's approach helps you break that cycle with 100g+ protein targets, 25-30g fiber goals, and hydration strategies that actually work in real life.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Alternative Nutrition Access Models:

• How to get personalized RD support through mobile apps and targeted consultations
• Why targeted nutrition guidance beats overwhelming meal plan overhauls
• Free educational resources available even without purchasing products

The Protein-First, Fiber-Forward Philosophy:

• Simple baseline targets: 100g protein minimum, 25-30g fiber daily
• The "three strategic swaps" method that makes hitting goals effortless
• How specific fiber types promote satiety without GI distress

Mindset Mastery for Longevity:

• Why "readiness for change" predicts success more than any meal plan
• Breaking free from food as comfort without feeling deprived
• Building empowering habit loops that compound over time

GLP-1 Optimization Secrets:

• Preventing nutritional gaps while appetite is suppressed
• Using med

What happens when surgical innovation meets sleepless nights? In this episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion, Dr. Alison Kole sits down with Dr. Ruchir Patel, one of the nation’s most experienced sleep physicians specializing in hypoglossal nerve stimulation, to unpack the fascinating evolution of sleep apnea treatment. If you’ve ever wondered what those Inspire commercials are really about—or what’s next on the horizon with Genio—this is the conversation you can’t sleep on.

From tongue “pacemakers” to device wars and the ethics of "the perfect patient," Alison and Ruchir go deep into how these technologies are reshaping sleep medicine. They debate payer-driven policies, the art of clinical fine-tuning, and why the future of sleep may look more like cardiology—with combination therapy and precision care.

Key teaching takeaways include:

• The evolution of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and what makes Inspire 5 game-changing
• Genio’s bilateral approach vs. Inspire’s unilateral stimulation—and why that matters
• Updated AHI and BMI inclusion criteria and what they mean for real-world patients
• Why adherence and programming skill determine success more than the device itself
• The role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DICE) and the coming paradigm shift in patient selection
• How weight loss drugs like GLP-1s (and even potential oral muscle-tone pills) could merge with device therapy
• Why “perfection” in patient candidacy may actually slow progress—and how sleep physicians can meet patients where they are

This episode challenges assumptions, sparks debate, and redefines what success looks like in treating sleep apnea.

Good Clip Moments:

1. “It’s exciting for what I call the neglected patients—the ones who gave up on CPAP because they thought there were no other options.”
2. “Can a therapy really be the gold standard if half the patients stop using it?”
3. “Managing Inspire isn’t just science—it’s an art.”
4. “Do we always have to have the perfect patient? Who is the perfect patient?”
5. “If we can improve by 50%, that’s better than doing nothing at all.”
6. Alison’s reflection: “Perfection needs to be thrown out the window—in our personal lives too.”
7. “We’re entering a cardiology-like era for sleep—combination therapies, individualized care, and maybe even an oral pill to tone your airway.”

This is not just a conversation about devices—it’s a glimpse into the next frontier of sleep medicine.

🚨 WARNING: Your Oura Ring Might Be RUINING Your Sleep! 🚨

Get ready for a mind-bending conversation with Dr. Ashtaad Dalal, the sleep doc who's about to drop some SERIOUS truth bombs about the sleep industry's biggest lies! This Georgetown University sleep medicine expert and president of the DC Sleep Society is here to expose what's really going on behind those viral TikTok sleep hacks.

🔥 VIRAL MOMENTS YOU CAN'T MISS:

"Your smartwatch is making you an insomniac!" - Dr. Dalal reveals the shocking truth about "orthosomnia" - when your Oura Ring becomes your sleep's worst enemy!

"Mouth tape without sleep study = DANGEROUS!" - These docs are coming for the influencers who claim mouth tape can cure sleep apnea. Spoiler alert: It can't, and it might hurt you!

"Magnesium glycinate vs. citrate" - One helps you sleep, the other keeps you in the bathroom all night. Guess which is which?

"Eight Sleep: Bougie or Brilliant?" - $1,100 for a smart mattress? These sleep experts break down whether it's worth your rent money!

💊 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• The real truth about magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, and other viral supplements
• Why wearable sleep data might be making your insomnia WORSE
• The only two times mouth tape is actually safe to use
• Modius Sleep device review: Does a $1,100 headband actually work?
• Why Eight Sleep has doctors excited (and your wallet nervous)
• The temperature trick that could revolutionize your sleep tonight

🎪 THE GUEST:

Dr. Ashtaad Dalal isn't your average sleep doctor. This LSU-to-Georgetown success story is:

• Board-certified in family practice AND sleep medicine
• President of the DC Sleep Society (covering DC, Maryland, AND Virginia!)
• AASM Advocacy Committee member fighting for sleep health policy
• The tech-savvy doc who uses AI to streamline patient care

🌟 WHY THIS EPISODE IS UNMISSABLE:

Two sleep medicine powerhouses go head-to-head against the misinformation machine! Dr. Kole and Dr. Dalal aren't holding back as they expose the dark side of sleep influencer culture while revealing the devices and supplements that ACTUALLY work.

Perfect for: Anyone who's ever checked their sleep score at 3 AM, bought a supplement because of TikTok, or wondered if that $1,000 mattress pad is worth it!

Is chronic sleep loss just part of “the grind”—or is it a crisis hiding in plain sight? Join Dr. Alison Kole as she sits down with neuroscientist and wellness expert Dr. Rebecca Acabchuk, plus veteran firefighter Alan  Pinsonneault   of the Holyoke Fire Department, for an eye-opening, actionable episode of “Sleep Is My Waking Passion” .

Discover:

• What sleep deprivation really looks like for frontline heroes and high-stress professionals, plus why it could be an invisible epidemic across America .
• “Tactical athletes” explained: how firefighters, police, medics, and military professionals manage sleep loss, and what civilians can learn from their battle-tested routines .
• Science-backed tips for recognizing and responding to serious fatigue—including why “listening to your body” and support from seasoned colleagues can literally save lives .
• Dr. Acabchuk’s practical, everyday hacks: mastering naps, the “sigh of relief” mindfulness practice, trigger points for self-check-ins, and how to set up safe, sleep-friendly spaces—even at work or on the road .
• Firefighter Alan’s in-the-trenches tricks: quick resets, portable sleep routines, and the importance of exercise and decompression for stamina and recovery .
• Research behind yoga nidra, NSDR (non-sleep deep rest), and progressive muscle relaxation—plus simple cues to cultivate safety and presence, for everyone from first responders to overstressed parents .
• The “WIN” mantra: What’s Important Now—an essential mental tool for resetting in moments of nighttime anxiety and racing thoughts .

Whether working 24-hour shifts, wrangling toddlers through sleepless nights, or just looking for no-nonsense ways to refill the tank, this episode is packed with candid stories, expert tips, and next-step strategies that anyone can use .

Want more?

• Learn about holistic workplace resilience at O2X, Dr. Acabchuk’s human performance company.
• Reach out to Becky and Alan for questions or mindfulness resources—links and contacts in the show notes.

Share this episode, subscribe for more expert-led sleep strategies, and join a fast-growing community reshaping what healthy, high-performance living really means—one better night’s sleep at a time .

Ever wondered why some people can’t sleep—even after treating their sleep apnea? Or why “just getting more sleep” doesn’t always work? This week, Dr. Alison Kole welcomes Australian clinical psychologist and sleep researcher, Dr. Chelsea Reynolds of Wink Sleep and Bedtime Window, for a deep dive into the world of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the little-known but scientifically explosive condition that connects them: COMISA (comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea) .

Get the straight talk on:

• What really separates insomnia from COMISA, and why tackling both matters for your health and longevity .
• Brand-new digital tools and CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) apps that deliver real, research-backed results—even for people struggling with BOTH insomnia and sleep apnea .
• The surprising science: digital CBTI can reduce insomnia, fatigue, and sleepless beliefs for people with insomnia alone—and also those with COMISA, with lasting improvements up to 6 months out .
• Why “just treating the sleep apnea” doesn’t always fix insomnia, when to combine digital therapy and medical treatments, and how to break the cycle of frustration and sleepless nights .
• Behind the scenes of the latest clinical research and how to access these programs—sometimes for free if you join their research trial .

As a bonus, Dr. Reynolds gives an insider’s look at using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for anxiety-ridden, racing-thought nights—and how even the daytime habits can set you up for sleep success .

Whether you or someone you love is stuck in a never-ending loop of poor sleep, or curious about the future of digital sleep medicine, this episode is for you. Subscribe to "Sleep Is My Waking Passion," share this episode with anyone who needs real answers, and discover how evidence-based, actionable behavioral therapy can revolutionize your sleep—starting tonight .

Connect with our guest: Find Dr. Reynolds’ research and digital CBTI info at BedtimeWindow.com. Want to try the platform? Listen in for details on joining ongoing trials .

Don't miss this one—it could change how you sleep forever.

Share, tag, and rate to join a growing community passionate about better sleep health!

What if everything you think you know about narcolepsy is wrong—and what if the doctor teaching you about it is living through it right now? World Narcolepsy Day (Sept 22) sets the stage for this raw, unmissable episode featuring Dr. Lindsay McCullough: Assistant Professor, Associate Program Director at Rush University Medical Center, Project Sleep Ambassador, and a leader shaping tomorrow’s sleep doctors—all while managing her own narcolepsy.

Here are just three things this episode will change your mind about:

• Sleepiness isn’t always sleep apnea: Dr. McCullough pulls back the curtain on what narcolepsy really looks like—beyond the pop culture myths, revealing the truth about brain fog, emotional hurdles, medical gaslighting, and the impossible pressure to “power through.”
• High performers can risk everything by hiding invisible illness: She shares a heart-stopping journey from medical school burnout and misdiagnosis to finally demanding accommodations and finding her tribe—a cliffhanger every med student and doctor should hear.
• You’ll get hacks for energy, productivity, and real self-care—direct from a sleep expert living the science: From writing symptom diaries for diagnosis secrets, to real strategies for sleep hygiene and leveraging social support, these life lessons are the actual survival kit Dr. McCullough uses—and teaches the next generation.

If you’ve ever doubted your exhaustion, wondered if you’re “just tired,” or questioned whether your fatigue is really sleep apnea, this episode is for you. Your story—like so many—may be more than OSA.

This is not just another medical podcast. It’s a masterclass in resilience, self-advocacy, and redefining what’s possible for patients, trainees, and doctors alike.

Spread the word for World Narcolepsy Day—and be brave enough to ask if your exhaustion could be something else.