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What if treating sleep apnea didn't always mean sleeping with a CPAP machine? Oral appliance therapy sometimes dismissed as simply a "snoring mouth guard" has evolved into a sophisticated treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. But how does an oral appliance actually keep your airway open, who is a good candidate, and can it help people with severe sleep apnea?
In Part 1 of this fascinating two-part series, Sandi and Dan sit down with Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette, a dentist with more than 15 years of experience and a special focus on dental sleep medicine. Dr. Forrester Cadette leads Boca Dentique and the Deep Sleep Center in Boca Raton, Florida, where she works with patients using oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.
This conversation is especially personal for Dan: after years of sleep studies, CPAP and exploring ways to improve his sleep apnea, he is now Dr. Forrester Cadette's patient and is using a new precision oral appliance himself.
In this episode, we explore what separates a custom sleep apnea oral appliance from an over-the-counter snoring mouth guard, how advancing the jaw can help keep the airway open, and how newer materials and precision manufacturing have changed these devices. Dr. Forrester Cadette also explains potential concerns like bite changes, why follow-up sleep testing matters, and how dentists and sleep physicians can work together to make sure treatment is actually working.
We also tackle an important question: Can oral appliance therapy work for severe obstructive sleep apnea? Dr. Forrester Cadette explains where CPAP still fits, what happens when someone can't tolerate CPAP, and how combination therapy may allow some patients to use an oral appliance alongside CPAP at a lower pressure.
Plus, we look at the newest generation of oral appliances, including technology designed to provide objective information about oxygen levels and treatment use.
And we're just getting started.
In Part 2, we dig into how oral appliances compare with CPAP when you look beyond what works best in a controlled setting and consider something equally important: whether patients actually use their treatment. We also get into insurance coverage, AHI and emerging measures of sleep apnea severity, Inspire, new sleep apnea technologies and where treatment may be headed next.
And stay tuned for a future episode of The Health Hunt, when Dan will share the results of his own follow-up sleep testing to find out how well his new oral appliance is actually treating his sleep apnea.
In this episode:
• What dental sleep medicine is and why a dentist may be part of your sleep apnea care
 • Why sleep apnea treatment can require collaboration between dentists and physicians
 • Why testing before and after treatment matters
 • Custom oral appliances vs. over-the-counter snoring mouth guards
 • How mandibular advancement helps open the airway
 • How oral appliance technology and materials have evolved
 • Bite changes, jaw position and morning aligners
 • Who may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy
 • Oral appliances for mild, moderate and severe sleep apnea
 • What happens when someone can't tolerate CPAP
 • Combining CPAP with an oral appliance
 • New technology for monitoring oxygen and treatment use
Contact Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette
https://deepsleepcenter.com/
https://bocadentique.com/
https://www.instagram.com/boca_dentique/
https://www.facebook.com/BocaDentique
Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message.
All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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If you're preparing for ACDF surgery, what do you actually need to know before surgery and what should you expect during recovery?
After sharing his personal ACDF journey in Episodes 37 and 38 of The Health Hunt, Dan is answering the practical questions that kept coming up as he researched anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), talked with his medical team, and connected with other patients going through cervical spine surgery.
Think of this episode as an ACDF surgery and recovery FAQ based on Dan's personal experience.
We cover preparing your body before surgery, protein and hydration, pain medication and constipation, walking after ACDF, nicotine and bone fusion, GLP-1 medications, omega-3 supplements and NSAIDs, plus the practical realities of preparing your home for recovery.
Dan also shares what he found helpful after surgery—including his five-motor recliner, bed wedge options, ice packs, long straws, slip-on shoes and other recovery items—and talks about whether you can recover from ACDF alone.
Then we get into some of the questions people may not think about until surgery is approaching: What should you know about your incision? Will you need a neck brace? What's it really like living and sleeping in one? How much time should you take off work? When does physical therapy begin? And when can you drive again?
In this episode, we answer:
Every surgeon, hospital and patient is different. Dan is sharing his personal experience and the questions he found helpful, not giving medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your own surgeon and medical team.
Want Dan's full ACDF story? Listen to Episodes 37 and 38 of The Health Hunt to hear how his symptoms began, what his MRIs revealed, why three neurosurgeons gave him different opinions, why he ultimately chose ACDF surgery, and what surgery day and his first weeks of recovery were really like.
If you're preparing for ACDF, have already been through it, or have a question Dan didn't answer, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out through The Health Hunt website or social media, or email us at [email protected].
Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message.
All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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Dan made the decision to have ACDF neck surgery. Now comes the part you don’t see on an MRI: What is ACDF surgery and recovery actually like?
In Part 2 of Dan’s cervical spine surgery journey, we pick up with the whirlwind of pre-op testing and follow him through surgery day, anesthesia, waking up in a cervical neck brace, and the unexpected news that he could go home that very same day.
Then we get into the realities of ACDF recovery.
Dan shares what the first days and weeks after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) looked like for him: the sore and scratchy throat, difficulty eating, sleeping in a neck brace, why a five-motor recliner became his favorite recovery purchase, getting back to walking almost immediately, and preparing to begin physical therapy.
But some of the most interesting changes were neurological.
Before surgery, Dan had experienced unusual cold sensations in his legs and feet and a gait issue that caused his right foot to kick outward. Less than a month after surgery, he shares what has and hasn’t changed, including one symptom that unexpectedly disappeared.
We also talk about something that doesn't always make the ACDF recovery checklist: the mental and emotional side of having major surgery. Dan lives alone, and the experience gave him a new appreciation for family, friends, the people who show up when you need them, and the importance of having support during recovery.
Plus, Dan takes us up close to his ACDF incision and explains what he learned about how the different layers are closed and how his scar is healing.
Finally, we look back at the biggest lessons from his entire cervical spine surgery journey: listen when your body changes, get multiple medical opinions, ask questions—even a lot of them—and advocate for yourself when something doesn't feel right.
In this episode:
If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, start there to hear how changes in Dan's gait led to MRIs, three different neurosurgical opinions, and ultimately his decision to undergo ACDF surgery.
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All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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What do you do when three highly respected neurosurgeons give you different opinions?
In this deeply personal episode of The Health Hunt, Dan shares the story behind one of the biggest health decisions of his life, undergoing ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) surgery after years of neck issues suddenly took a dramatic turn.
It all started with one unexpected symptom: a subtle change in the way he walked. That single change led to new MRIs, consultations with multiple specialists, and the discovery of severe spinal cord compression, cervical spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and a herniated disc.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dan explains how he navigated conflicting medical opinions, what his MRI actually revealed, and why he ultimately decided that surgery was the right choice.
Whether you're dealing with chronic neck pain, spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or simply facing a difficult medical decision, this episode offers practical insight into becoming a better advocate for your own health.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• The subtle symptom that changed everything
• What severe cervical spinal stenosis really means
• Bone spurs (osteophytes), herniated discs, spinal cord compression, and cervical myelopathy explained in plain English
• Why Dan sought opinions from three different neurosurgeons
• What ACDF surgery is and how it's performed
• The surprising "33% Rule" discussed during surgical consultations
• How to approach major medical decisions with confidence instead of fear
This is Part 1 of Dan's spinal surgery journey. In Part 2, he takes you inside surgery day, shares what recovery has really been like, and reflects on the biggest lessons he learned along the way.
Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message.
All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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Can sleep apnea actually improve?
Most people assume that once they're diagnosed with sleep apnea, they'll need treatment forever. But what if the story isn't that simple?
In this episode, Dan shares something incredibly personal: the results of three sleep studies spanning seven years. From a diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea in 2019 to dramatically improved numbers in 2026, we explore what changed, why it may have happened, and what his experience could mean for others living with sleep apnea.
You'll learn what AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) actually measures, why oxygen saturation and sleep position matter, and how weight loss, side sleeping, and lifestyle changes may influence sleep apnea severity.
This isn't medical advice, and everyone's journey is different. But it's an encouraging reminder that some aspects of health aren't fixed in stone and that tracking your progress can be just as important as getting your initial diagnosis.
In This Episode:
• Dan compares three sleep studies over seven years
• What AHI really means and why it matters
• Why oxygen saturation may be just as important as AHI
• The surprising impact of sleeping on your side
• How a 20-pound weight loss changed Dan's numbers
• Can CPAP therapy improve your breathing over time?
• Why Dan is transitioning from CPAP to a new oral appliance
• The importance of retesting instead of assuming your sleep apnea will always stay the same
Mentioned in This Episode:
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Home Sleep Studies vs. In-Lab Sleep Studies
• CPAP Therapy
• Oral Appliance Therapy (ProSomnus)
• AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index)
• Oxygen Saturation
• Positional Sleep Apnea
Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message.
All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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What do sleep trackers, naps, CPAP machines, sleep apnea, and even your dreams have in common?
They're all part of the final installment of our three-part conversation with Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor.
In this episode, Dr. Breus tackles some of the biggest questions in modern sleep health. Are devices like Oura Ring, Whoop, and Apple Watch actually accurate? How much deep sleep do you really need? Are naps helping or hurting your sleep? And if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are CPAP machines your only option?
We also dive into the differences between obstructive and central sleep apnea, emerging treatment options, why sleep disorders in women are often overlooked, and what Dr. Breus believes is the next frontier in sleep science.
If you've ever wondered whether you're getting enough deep sleep, whether your sleep tracker is making you anxious, or whether your daytime fatigue might be a sign of something more serious, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of the world's leading sleep experts.
In This Episode:
• How accurate are sleep trackers like Oura, Whoop, and Apple Watch?
 • Why you should focus on sleep trends, not nightly scores
 • What healthy REM, deep sleep, and light sleep percentages look like
 • The truth about naps and who should avoid them
 • Obstructive vs. central sleep apnea: what's the difference?
 • CPAP alternatives, including oral appliances, Inspire, ExciteOSA, and emerging treatments
 • Why sleep apnea in women is often missed or misdiagnosed
 • The surprising relationship between sleep, dreams, and emotional processing
 • How sleep can impact a relationship and what to do about it
 • Why sleep may be the most important longevity tool available
Connect with Dr. Michael Breus:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz
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All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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Do you ever find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling while your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay every awkward conversation you've ever had or solve problems that don't even exist yet? You're not alone. In Part 2 of our conversation with renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, we tackle one of the most common sleep complaints on the planet: waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep. Dr. Breus explains why it happens, what you're probably doing wrong when it does, and shares the exact strategies he recommends to help you fall back asleep faster. Plus, he reveals his simple, science-backed 5-step framework for better sleep that anyone can start using tonight.
Dr. Michael Breus is a double board-certified clinical psychologist, clinical sleep specialist, Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and one of the world's most recognized voices in sleep health. He has spent more than 25 years helping people improve their sleep and overall health and is the author of five bestselling books.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Why waking up between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. is actually part of normal human biology
• The biggest mistakes people make when they wake up in the middle of the night
• Why checking the clock may be making your sleep problem worse
• Dr. Breus' "3 A.M. Wake-Up Protocol"
• How 4-7-8 breathing can help lower your heart rate and calm your nervous system
• The role of mindset and "monkey mind" in middle-of-the-night awakenings
• When you should stay in bed and when you should get up
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep restriction therapy
• Dr. Breus' 5-Step Plan for Better Sleep
• Why wake-up time matters more than bedtime
• The ideal caffeine cutoff time
• How alcohol impacts sleep quality
• The connection between exercise and restorative sleep
• Why morning sunlight may be one of the most powerful sleep tools available
Whether you're struggling with 3 a.m. wake-ups, trying to improve your sleep quality, or simply looking for practical sleep advice that actually works, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start using immediately.
Connect with Dr. Michael Breus:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Resources Mentioned
Sleep Reset (CBT-I program)
Sleep Doctor's Video "How to fall back asleep in the middle of the night"
Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message.
All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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Sleep is one of the most important and misunderstood pillars of health. We've spent a lot of time discussing sleep on The Health Hunt, including an entire three-part sleep series, but for this conversation we decided to bring in one of the biggest names in the field.
Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, has spent more than 25 years helping people understand and improve their sleep. In this first part of our conversation, we explore why sleep is so foundational to health, how poor sleep impacts everything from memory and mood to relationships and longevity, and some surprising symptoms that could be signs your sleep isn't as healthy as you think.
We also dive into one of Dr. Breus's most fascinating concepts: the idea that not everyone is designed to sleep, wake, and function the same way. Some people thrive in the morning, some come alive at night, and understanding your unique sleep type (your chronotype) may completely change how you think about your energy, productivity, and overall health.
Whether you're someone who wakes up refreshed at dawn, struggles through every morning, or simply wants to sleep better, this episode is packed with insights that may change the way you think about sleep forever.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Why sleep is the foundation of overall health
• The difference between sleep quantity and sleep quality
• Surprising signs and symptoms of poor sleep
• Why sleep affects memory, mood, focus, metabolism, and relationships
• Sleep disorders people often overlook
• The connection between sleep and long-term health outcomes
• Why some people seem to function on very little sleep
• Dr. Breus's four sleep types: Lion, Bear, Wolf, and Dolphin
• The genetics behind sleep timing and energy patterns
• Why your sleep patterns may change as you age
• How understanding your sleep type can improve your daily routine
Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz
Connect with Dr. Michael Breus:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message.
All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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If you're eating more protein, tracking your glucose, taking supplements, and trying to make healthier choice, but still overlooking fiber, you may be missing one of the most important pieces of the health puzzle. In part two of our conversation with wellness educator and Holistic Business Network founder Michelle Fletcher, we dive into the surprising role fiber plays in colon health, blood sugar regulation, metabolic health, digestion, and long-term disease prevention. We also explore why most people aren't getting nearly enough fiber, how processed foods have changed the way we eat, and the simple habits that can have the biggest impact on overall health.
In this episode, Michelle shares practical strategies for increasing fiber without completely overhauling your diet, why gradual changes are often more sustainable than dramatic ones, and how nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management work together to support long-term wellness.
We discuss:
Whether you're focused on gut health, improving your metabolic health, building healthier habits, or simply trying to feel your best, this conversation offers practical and realistic insights that anyone can start applying today.
Connect With Michelle Fletcher
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All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out the “right” way to eat, this episode is for you. In part one of our conversation with Michelle Fletcher, founder of the Holistic Business Network and longtime wellness educator, we dive into plant-based nutrition, whole foods, processed foods, sugar, smoothies, protein, and the growing confusion around modern health trends. We talk honestly about veganism, vegetarianism, personalized nutrition, and why there may not be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to feeling your best. From blood sugar spikes and protein smoothies to cheese addictions and French fries, this conversation is packed with practical health insights, humor, and relatable moments that almost everyone will recognize in their own relationship with food.
Michelle shares her personal journey from working in IT and data analysis to becoming deeply immersed in the wellness world after discovering the power of whole food nutrition and plant-based eating. She also explains why she believes modern society has become increasingly disconnected from where food actually comes from, and how that disconnect may be impacting our health.
In this episode, we discuss:
And yes… there is also a very passionate side discussion about cheese, French fries, and why some of us are emotionally attached to comfort foods.
In part two, we shift into a deeper conversation about fiber, colon health, metabolic health, holistic wellness, stress, movement, sleep, and the importance of community and human connection in overall health.
Connect With Michelle Fletcher
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All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated.
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From the publisher's feed
🎙️ Real Healing Journeys, Everyday Wellness & Expert Tips.Â
Health is messy. One minute you’re blending kale smoothies, the next you’re having a 2am heart-to-heart with ChatGPT…