Sleep is My Waking Passion

Please welcome returning guest, Dr. Ruchir Patel, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, entrepreneur, and consultant with over 15 years of experience in sleep medicine and neuromodulation. Dr. Patel is recognized for his deep expertise in both medical devices and advanced therapies for sleep disorders. He’s the founder of a multi-location sleep medicine practice, has worked extensively with transcranial magnetic stimulation, and has consulted for companies at the forefront of sleep technology—including Zoll, the maker of the Remede device. Most recently, Dr. Patel has taken on the role of Vice President and Senior Medical Director at Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., the company behind the hypoglossal nerve stimulator for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

In this episode, we’re diving into the evolving field of neuromodulation for sleep apnea, discussing both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Dr. Patel’s unique clinical experience spans the use of Inspire therapy for OSA and Remede for CSA, making him a true leader in the integration of device-based therapies for complex sleep disorders.

Today’s conversation is sponsored by Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., whose support helps us continue exploring these important innovations in sleep medicine. We’ll be breaking down how hypoglossal nerve stimulation works for OSA, what makes it an alternative for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP, and how transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation is opening new doors for those with CSA. Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or simply passionate about sleep health, you’ll gain valuable insights into the current and future landscape of neuromodulation in sleep medicine.

For more information on Inspire therapy for Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation, watch this episode with Dr. Ahmad Mahmoud here: youtu.be/IT9pmqelmtM?si=yinCaF9bQy0qz-0L

Mollie Eastman is the creator of Sleep Is A Skill and host of the #2-ranked Sleep Is A Skill Podcast. After overcoming her own insomnia while traveling the world, Mollie combined her background in behavioral change with a passion for chronobiology to help others optimize their sleep. Through her company, she offers a technology-forward approach blending accountability, science, and practical tools. Mollie has worked with high-stakes poker players, luxury hotels, and everyday people, teaching that sleep is a learnable skill—no matter your starting point.

In this episode, Mollie shares her journey from insomnia sufferer to grassroots sleep expert and entrepreneur. They dive into the power of mindset and labels in sleep struggles, the science of chronobiology, and practical strategies for reclaiming restful nights—even for shift workers, city dwellers, and high performers. Mollie discusses how technology, consistency, and behavioral change can transform your relationship with sleep, offering hope and actionable advice for anyone ready to learn this essential skill.

https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimize

Welcome to Season 6 of Sleep Is My Waking Passion! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Thomas, pharmacist by day and ultra-marathon paddler by passion. Chris shares his incredible experiences tackling extreme endurance paddle races like the Yukon 1000 and Alabama 650, where sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and mental resilience are all part of the challenge.

Together, we explore:

Part 1:

• The unique demands of ultra-marathon paddle racing, from navigating 1,000-mile waterways to managing sleep in remote environments.
• The science behind sleep deprivation, its effects on cognition and performance, and strategies for recovery

and part 2:

• Tools and techniques like caffeine naps, sleep banking, breathing exercises, and even cutting-edge devices like Modia Sleep to optimize rest during intense races.

Chris opens up about his own sleep challenges during races, including moments of déjà vu and pushing through exhaustion with creative solutions. We also discuss how nutrition, teamwork, and preparation play a pivotal role in maximizing performance while staying safe.

Whether you're an athlete seeking tips for endurance sports or simply curious about the limits of human resilience, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of sleep science and extreme athleticism.

🔗 Join me for an inspiring conversation with Chris as we paddle through the uncharted waters of sleep deprivation and recovery!

Welcome to Season 6 of Sleep Is My Waking Passion! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Thomas, pharmacist by day and ultra-marathon paddler by passion. Chris shares his incredible experiences tackling extreme endurance paddle races like the Yukon 1000 and Alabama 650, where sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and mental resilience are all part of the challenge.

Together, we explore:

Part 1:

• The unique demands of ultra-marathon paddle racing, from navigating 1,000-mile waterways to managing sleep in remote environments.
• The science behind sleep deprivation, its effects on cognition and performance, and strategies for recovery

And part 2:

• Tools and techniques like caffeine naps, sleep banking, breathing exercises, and even cutting-edge devices like Modia Sleep to optimize rest during intense races.

Chris opens up about his own sleep challenges during races, including moments of déjà vu and pushing through exhaustion with creative solutions. We also discuss how nutrition, teamwork, and preparation play a pivotal role in maximizing performance while staying safe.

Whether you're an athlete seeking tips for endurance sports or simply curious about the limits of human resilience, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of sleep science and extreme athleticism.

🔗 Join me for an inspiring conversation with Chris as we paddle through the uncharted waters of sleep deprivation and recovery!

• The importance of mindset in endurance athletics and entrepreneurship
• Nutrition strategies for ultra-marathons and triathlons
• The critical role of sleep in athletic performance and recovery
• Tips for improving sleep quality and establishing a bedtime routine

• Links to social media accounts to include/mention
  • Anthony’s Instagram: @anthonyrussomano
  • Mano’s Website: manowellness.co 
  • Mano’s Instagram: @manowellness.co
  • Mano’s YouTube: Mano Wellness 

Dr. Ruchir Patel is a trailblazing sleep medicine expert, entrepreneur, and industry consultant with over 15 years of experience in the field. As the founder of multiple innovative healthcare ventures, including Knightly, Attara Labs, and the Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona, Dr. Patel is redefining how sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated. With expertise spanning neuromodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and obesity medicine, he is passionately committed to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care and cutting-edge research.

In this episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion, host Dr. Alison Kole dives deep with Dr. Patel into the intersection of weight loss drugs like tirzepatide (Monjaro/ZepBound) and their potential role in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). From the science behind GLP-1 agonists to the challenges of navigating insurance hurdles, Dr. Patel shares his candid insights on prescribing practices, patient counseling, and the broader implications for sleep medicine. Together, they explore critical topics such as metabolic inflammation, collaborative care models between specialties, and why tirzepatide should be seen as a powerful tool—not a standalone solution—for OSA management.

Dr. Monica Mallampalli is a transformative figure in women's health, renowned for her work as a biomedical scientist, science policy expert, and advocate. With a background that spans bench research to policy and advocacy, she has dedicated her career to bridging knowledge gaps in women's health. Currently, she serves as the CEO of the Alliance for Sleep Apnea Partners, where she focuses on raising awareness about sleep health disparities affecting women.

In this episode, Dr. Mallampalli shares her compelling journey from being a bench scientist to becoming a passionate advocate for women's health. Her personal experience with sleep apnea, which was initially overlooked despite her scientific background, has fueled her mission to empower women to take charge of their health. Dr. Mallampalli recounts how her mother's struggles with chronic health conditions in India inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. She highlights the critical need to move beyond the traditional focus on reproductive health, emphasizing that women's health encompasses everything from brain health to cardiovascular health.

Dr. Mallampalli's story is a testament to the challenges women face in getting proper healthcare. She notes that until 1993, women were not included in biomedical research, leading to significant gaps in understanding their health needs. 

Her own journey with sleep apnea, marked by symptoms like breathing difficulties and seizures, was initially misdiagnosed as hormonal issues. It wasn't until she attended a sleep conference that she realized she had sleep apnea, a diagnosis that changed her life.

Through her work at the Alliance for Sleep Apnea Partners, Dr. Mallampalli advocates for self-advocacy and proper diagnosis, emphasizing that sleep disorders can masquerade as anxiety or depression in women. She encourages women to seek diagnosis and treatment, providing tools and resources to help them navigate the healthcare system effectively. Her message is clear: women must prioritize their health, as their well-being impacts not just themselves but their families and communities.

Want to learn more? Here is a link to her published work and to free resources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4089020/pdf/jwh.2014.4816.pdf

https://www.apneapartners.org/free-resources

Katie Huddleston is a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor ( NPCP-PMA) with over 10+ years of teaching experience. Led to Pilates through an expansive dance career, she completed her comprehensive Pilates training through Core Pilates NYC in 2014 before starting a family.  Now based in NJ, and three children later, she teaches at Pure Pilates, located in Summit, NJ where she teaches an array of clients 6 days a week.  Using her classical roots and contemporary style, Katie carefully designs each client's session to create a personalized experience of motivation and transformation.

Insta : @Purepilatesnj   @khudds

promotion code SLEEPILATES for $25 off our already discounted Private Pilates Discovery Session. The discovery session is usually $75, but your listeners will get their first session for $50.00 when they use the code.

The direct link to purchase and schedule: https://purepilatesnj.com/services/

Dr. Atul Malhotra is a leading expert in sleep medicine, pulmonary care, and critical care medicine. He serves as a Professor of Medicine and Director of Sleep Medicine at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Dr. Malhotra's groundbreaking research focuses on the pathophysiology and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related breathing disorders. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, he is a respected authority on novel therapeutic approaches and diagnostic innovations in sleep medicine. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of OSA, positioning him at the forefront of efforts to improve patient care and outcomes in this critical field. And he is the 2024 recipient of Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Thoracic Society. 

On this episode we talk 

- weight loss

-the limitations of AHI, 

- CPAP myth-busting. 

- the future of home sleep testing

- the sleep apnea story you don't want to miss. 

BEFORE YOU SCROLL PAST – this isn’t another generic "get more sleep" lecture. Haley Wall, a 25-year-old occupational therapist and viral patient advocate, spent years being dismissed as the "tired friend" before uncovering the shocking truth: she has idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), a rare neurological disorder that traps sufferers in a cycle of relentless exhaustion even after 10+ hours of sleep.
Why This Episode Will Change Your Perspective

• "I fell asleep babysitting – the kids told me to nap": Haley’s shocking journey from high school naps to FDA advocacy1
• The IH red flags 90% of doctors miss: Sleep inertia (waking up feeling drugged), "automatic behavior," and why bloodwork always looks normal1
• "My roommate saved my life": How a college friend spotted what doctors didn’t (and how to recognize this in your circle)1

What You’ll Discover

• FDA-approved treatments vs. reality: Why "happy accidents" like sour spray help with daily survival when medications are insufficient
• Occupational therapy secrets: Sensory tricks to hijack your nervous system and stay awake (crunchy snacks FTW!)1

"I’d sleep 10 hours, take 3-hour naps, and still feel like I was underwater. No one believed me – until my roommate staged an intervention." – Haley Wall1

Perfect for: Night owls blaming caffeine, parents of "lazy" teens, and anyone who’s ever said, "Why am I still tired?!" Press play – your future self will thank you.🔗 Resources Mentioned: Hypersomnia Foundation | Project Sleep | RarusMed’s IH Documentary
👉 Follow Haley: @TheSleepyOT (Instagram/TikTok)