Sleep Science Today

Improve Your Sleep and Improve Your Health

In this episode of Sleep Science Today, host Andrew Colsky interviews Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL and fitness author, about the importance of sleep for optimal health. Smith emphasizes the need for consistent physical activity, regardless of the type, to help manage stress and promote recovery. He also highlights the crucial role of sleep in the stress-recovery balance and provides tips for improving sleep quality, such as setting a bedtime alarm, creating a bedtime routine, and using breathing techniques like box breathing. Smith discusses the recognition of sleep in the fitness community and shares success stories of clients who have improved their sleep and overall health through exercise and lifestyle changes.

Sleep apnea treatment myths and stereotypes.

In this episode of Sleep Science Today, host Andrew Colsky interviews Monica Mallampalli, the executive director of the Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners. They discuss the importance of raising awareness and advocating for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and management of sleep apnea. They debunk the myth that sleep apnea only affects middle-aged overweight men and highlight the need for more awareness in women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and other populations. They also discuss the differences between sex and gender and how they intersect with sleep health. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of seeking treatment for sleep disorders and the potential risks of untreated sleep apnea.

Am I doomed to sleep no more?

In this episode of Sleep Science Today, Andrew Colsky interviews Sherry Boxall from Vital Rest and Recovery Clinic about sleep and the pursuit of perfect sleep. They discuss the use of sleep trackers, the importance of individualized approaches to sleep, and the concept of sleep perfection. Sherry explains the difference between CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) and ACTI (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Insomnia) and how they can help improve sleep. She also discusses the benefits of breathwork and yoga Nidra in promoting relaxation and better sleep.

Take control of sleep apnea.

Dr. David McCarty discusses his book 'Empowered Sleep Apnea' and the need for a different approach to educating patients about sleep apnea. He emphasizes the complexity of sleep apnea and the importance of understanding the different types and their implications. He challenges the traditional labeling system of mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea based on the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and highlights the need to unpack the AHI to determine the specific type of sleep apnea. Dr. McCarty also discusses the treatment options for central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea and the importance of individualized approaches. In this conversation, Dr. David McCarty discusses the complexities of sleep apnea and the importance of understanding the different types and causes of the condition. He emphasizes the need for patients to be educated about their own sleep health and to ask questions to their doctors. Dr. McCarty introduces the Empowered Sleep Apnea curriculum, which helps patients understand the complexities of sleep apnea and make informed decisions about treatment. He discusses the five reasons to treat sleep apnea and the five finger approach to understanding sleep-wake complaints. The conversation highlights the importance of patient empowerment and shared decision-making in sleep apnea treatment.

Help me understand nightmares and dreams.

Dr. Kristi Pruiksma discusses nightmares and their prevalence among individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly active duty service members and veterans. She explains that nightmares are vivid dreams with intense emotions that often wake up the sleeper. She also highlights that nightmares can be different from dreams in terms of content and emotional impact. Dr. Pruiksma explores conditions that mimic nightmares, such as sleep terrors and nocturnal panic attacks, and discusses the treatment options available, including medication and behavioral approaches like imagery rehearsal therapy.

Is there help for sleep deprived employees?

In this episode of Sleep Science Today, host Andrew Colsky interviews Jordon Epps, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about sleep issues in the tech sector. Epps shares his experience working with tech sector employees and discusses the importance of sleep in high-pressure work environments. They explore topics such as work-life balance, burnout, and the challenges of setting regular sleep hours. Epps also highlights the benefits of therapy and telehealth services offered by tech companies to support employee well-being. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the intersection of sleep and mental health in the tech industry. In this conversation, Andrew Colsky interviews Jordon Epps about sleep in the tech industry. They discuss common myths about sleep, the use of sleep trackers, the impact of technology on sleep, and the role of mental health in sleep issues. They also touch on the importance of recognizing sleep as an issue in the workplace and making meaningful changes to improve sleep. Overall, the conversation highlights the diverse challenges and experiences related to sleep in the tech industry.

The Cure for Tinnitus?

In this episode of Sleep Science Today, host Andrew Colsky interviews Scott Armbruster, CEO and inventor of the SoundPillow and SoundPillow Sleep System, about tinnitus. Scott shares his personal experience with tinnitus and how it led him to create a product that helps people with tinnitus sleep better. The SoundPillow is a non-allergenic pillow with built-in stereo speakers that emit soothing sounds to distract from the ringing in the ears. Scott discusses the development of the product and its impact on his own sleep. He also emphasizes the importance of finding sounds that work with tinnitus rather than against it.

Is Sleep Medicine Better in Spain?

In this episode of Sleep Science Today, host Andrew Colsky interviews Maria Jose Arostegui Ruiz, a psychologist specializing in sleep medicine in Spain. They discuss the differences in sleep treatment between Spain and the US, as well as the qualifications and training required to become a sleep specialist in Spain. They also explore the common sleep issues seen in Spain, such as insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and sleep apnea. The main treatment approach discussed is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), which focuses on addressing the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sleep problems. The episode concludes with tips for improving sleep hygiene, such as creating a comfortable sleep environment and practicing relaxation techniques before bed.

How to Improve my Teen's Sleep

Andrew Colsky interviews sleep coach Jenni Bumstead about teen sleep issues. Bumstead explains that teens face unique challenges with sleep due to rapidly changing bodies, emotional regulation, peer pressure, and a shift in their body clock. She discusses the importance of managing parental expectations and finding compromises between parents and teens. Bumstead also addresses the impact of blue light from screens on sleep and suggests personalized approaches to screen use. She highlights the need for sleep management plans, which may include advancements, bright light therapy, and stimulus control. Bumstead emphasizes the importance of motivation and finding what motivates each individual teen to make positive changes in their sleep habits.

Things that go 'Gasp' in the night.

In this episode of Sleep Science Today, Dr. Ashtaad Dalal, a sleep medicine doctor, discusses the reasons why people may not wake up feeling rested in the morning. He explains that snoring and sleep apnea are common causes, but there are also other factors that can impact sleep, such as age, demographics, routine schedule, medications, and medical conditions. Dr. Dalal emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation to understand the whole picture of a person's sleep health. He also discusses the different methods of diagnosing sleep apnea, including in-lab sleep studies and home sleep studies. Treatment options for sleep apnea range from lifestyle changes to oral devices and surgical interventions.