Best Wake Up Narcolepsy Podcasts (2025)

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#173 - Sleep and Altitude: Only Look Up 21:32

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2h ago21:32

21:32

Whether you’re skiing in Aspen, hiking Kilimanjaro, or just wondering why sleep feels so strange in the mountains, altitude messes with your rest in fascinating ways. In this episode we will: We’ll explore the biology of what’s really happening in the brain and body when oxygen thins out Find out why your sleep becomes fragmented and restless, and …

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Surviving Sleep Deprivation: Science, Real Talk & Rescue Tactics with Dr. Rebecca Acabchuk & Vetern Firefighter Alan Pinsonneault 27:15

5h ago27:15

27:15

By Alison Kole

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#172 - Sleep Hygiene is Not Insomnia Therapy: Save Me Tonight 29:04

7d ago29:04

29:04

We’ve all heard the sleep hygiene advice: turn off your screens, keep your room cool, avoid caffeine after lunch. While we can agree that these practices set the stage for better sleep, does engaging in them actually help those with sleep problems? In this episode we will: Examine the intended role of sleep hygiene Look at what research tell us in …

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Insomnia Meets Sleep Apnea: The Double Whammy and a Digital Solution (with Dr. Chelsea Reynolds) 34:26

7d ago34:26

34:26

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 (…

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#171 - Getting Your Kid To Sleep Through The Night: Crying In My Sleep 28:22

10d ago28:22

28:22

Few parenting debates stir more passion than how to help a baby sleep. In this episode, we will: Explore the science and controversy behind “cry it out,” Ferber/check-and-console, and gentler alternatives Review what research says about sleep outcomes, stress, and attachment Think about this concept in relationship to varyting sleep needs Unpack th…

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Behind the White Coat: When the Sleep Expert Has Narcolepsy 26:23

14d ago26:23

26:23

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…

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#170: Sleep Earbuds and Earplugs: Of Course I’ve Had It In The Ear Before 28:19

17d ago28:19

28:19

When it comes to sleep, sometimes silence is golden—and sometimes it needs a little help. In this episode, we’ll explore the world of earplugs and earbuds designed to quiet the night and protect your rest, because sometimes the best way to protect your dreams is to put a little something in your ear. In this episode we will: Determine why reducing …

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Sleep Isn’t Simple: What Living With CP and Epilepsy Taught Kayla About Surviving, Thriving, and What Really Restores Us 19:23

21d ago19:23

19:23

Guest Spotlight: Kayla Ireland Meet Kayla Ireland—author, disability advocate, and host of Kindly Neurodivergent with Kay. Kayla’s lived experience with cerebral palsy and epilepsy is not just a story of overcoming challenges; it’s a blueprint for thriving in a world that too often overlooks disability, sleep struggles, and neurodivergence. Why Thi…

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#169 - Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: Out At Night Moving 28:38

26d ago28:38

28:38

We’ve all seen it—or maybe we’ve been told we do it: twitching, jerking, or kicking in the night. But when does this common sleep quirk cross the line into a diagnosable condition? In this episode, we will: Define Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and explain how it differs from simple nighttime movements Explore its surprising prevalence in b…

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Stroke & Sleep Apnea: What You’re Missing Could Cost You Everything with Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti 37:02

28d ago37:02

37:02

Host Dr. Alison Kole sits down with powerhouse neurologist Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation that will make you rethink everything you know about sleep, stroke, and longevity. Guest Spotlight: Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti. She’s not just the interim Director of the Petznick Stroke Center and Sleep Division at Barrow N…

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#168 - #MASA (Make America Sleep Again): Wake Me Up When September Ends 47:03

1M ago47:03

47:03

Did you know… Only 57% of Americans now say science has a mostly positive effect on society—down 16 points since before COVID? And yet, 83% of people still trust their doctor more than anyone else when it comes to vaccine advice? We’ve all lived through it—the pandemic reshaped our health, our trust, and our divisions, and those dividisions have be…

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I Was Just Tired: How Kristen Survived 15 Years Before a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis 35:02

1M ago35:02

35:02

What if the thing holding you back isn’t ambition, or effort, or even luck... but sleep? Today, you're going to hear a story that breaks every rule in the sleep medicine playbook. Kristen Cascio spent 15 years searching for answers—dismissed as “just tired,” overlooked by experts, and forced to live in a fog. Diagnosed with sleep apnea at 31 (and w…

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#167 - Frequent Nighttime Urination: All Through The Night 29:18

1M ago29:18

29:18

When it comes to insomnia, many people begin their journey staring at the clock after yet another middle-of-the-night bathroom trip and wondering: is it my bladder or my sleep that’s broken? In this episode, we will: Define what nocturia is—and what counts as normal versus abnormal Explore why most people wake up first and then feel the urge to uri…

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#166 - 10 Ways to Sleep Better in a Hotel: Take Me to The Hotel 25:18

2M ago25:18

25:18

We’ve all been there—different bed, strange noises, mystery thermostat settings—and suddenly your “dream” vacation or business trip comes with a side of sleeplessness. But hotel sleep doesn’t have to be a gamble. In this episode, we will: Explore why the “first night effect” sabotages rest in unfamiliar places Share 10 science-backed strategies to …

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#165 - Headache and Sleep: Gotta Painful Swelling Brain 32:08

2M ago32:08

32:08

Headaches don’t punch the clock at bedtime — in fact, for many, night is when they strike hardest. In this episode, we’ll: Explore how disrupted sleep can trigger and intensify migraines, cluster headaches, hypnic headaches, and chronic daily headache Examine the role of sleep apnea in “morning headaches” and how CPAP therapy can make them disappea…

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#164 - Temperature vs. Tired: Which Sign is Vital? 33:43

2M ago33:43

33:43

At every medical appointment, certain rituals unfold: height, weight, blood pressure, and—almost reflexively—temperature. But in asymptomatic patients, how often does that temperature reading actually matter? In this episode, we will: Examine the origins of routine temperature checks and their current clinical value Explore data showing how infrequ…

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#163 - Insomnia and Public Health: You're Looking Tired And More Than A Little Human 34:57

2M ago34:57

34:57

We all think we know what insomnia is: trouble sleeping, tossing and turning, maybe staring at the ceiling until sunrise. But does the public really have a clear picture of insomnia and does that impact the massive health impact it has? In this episode, we will: Explain how insomnia is not a single problem but a progressive condition, starting with…

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How CrossFit Games Athlete Dr. Julie Foucher Prioritizes Sleep & Health 31:08

2M ago31:08

31:08

Welcome to "Sleep Is My Waking Passion" with Dr. Alison Kole! In today’s episode, we’re joined by the legendary Dr. Julie Foucher—a true powerhouse at the intersection of medicine and athletics. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Biomedical Engineering and completed her medical school and residency training at …

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#162 -Sleep in the Gilded Age: If You Know Your History 29:46

3M ago29:46

29:46

In our modern world of blue light and burnout, it’s easy to forget that sleep has always been shaped by the forces of its time. In this episode, we travel back to the Gilded Age—a period of dazzling progress, deep inequality, and curious beliefs about sleep. In thenis episode, we will: Explore how medical professionals in the late 19th century unde…

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Grinding, Snoring & Finding Sleep featuring Dr. Maria Sokolina, DDS 31:43

3M ago31:43

31:43

Sleep Is My Waking Passion Podcast: Special Feature Where Medicine and Dentistry Collaborate for Your Healthiest Sleep Discover a dynamic conversation between Dr. Alison Kole, host of the Sleep Is My Waking Passion podcast, and renowned dental sleep expert Dr. Maria Sokolina, DDS. With over 15 years' experience, Dr. Sokolina is dedicated to bridgin…

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#161 - Sleep on Television: The Dream’s Dream on the Small Screen 26:39

3M ago26:39

26:39

We’ve talked extensively about sleep and its science, but what happens when sleep becomes the story itself—on screen? Television has portrayed sleep, sleeplessness, and dreaming across decades of iconic storytelling. In this episode we will: Highlight classic TV episodes where sleep or sleep disorders play a central role Examine how sleep is portra…

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Neurospicy & Sleepless: Breaking the Cycle with Science featuring Dr. Jill McGarry 44:12

3M ago44:12

44:12

Welcome to the Sleep Is My Waking Passion podcast with Dr. Alison Kole! This episode features guest expert , Dr. Jill McGarry, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience in the UK's National Health Service (NHS)—the main provider of healthcare in England. Dr. McGarry began her NHS career in Brain Injury services, but for …

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#160 - Still Sleepy After CPAP: I'm Not Dead, I'm Not Myself 29:02

3M ago29:02

29:02

We’ve explored sleep apnea in depth on the podcast—its causes, its severity, and the many ways it’s treated. But what happens when the sleepiness lingers, even after treatment? In this episode, we will: Define sleep apnea, what it is—and what it isn’t Learn how excessive daytime sleepiness is defined, both on its own and in the context of sleep apn…

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Vincent Arthur on Nascar and Narcolepsy 37:38

3M ago37:38

37:38

In this episode of Sleep is My Waking Passion, I sit down with Vincent Arthur—mechanical engineering student, NASCAR race engineer, and fierce advocate for narcolepsy awareness. Vincent shares his journey from years of misdiagnosed symptoms to finding his place on the track and in the sleep community. What you’ll learn: The winding road to a narcol…

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#159 - Extreme Insomnia: You're Killing Yourself If You Don't Believe It 34:30

3M ago34:30

34:30

The Atlantic recently published a feature article entitled "Why Americans Can't Sleep." The article was written by Jennifer Senior, and fantastically accomplished writer (2022 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing, the 2022 National Magazine Award for Feature Writing, and the 2024 National Magazine Award for Columns & Essays) and details not only her …

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Menopause, Sleep, and the Power of Personalized Care: What Your Doctor Might Miss! 42:48

3M ago42:48

42:48

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Meryl Kahan joins Dr. Kole for a candid, empowering conversation about the realities of women’s health, menopause, and why the traditional medical model often leaves women behind. Together, they break down the myths, the science, and the practical solutions for sleep and wellness at every stage of life. Key Takeaways from …

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#158 - Bruxism: Put You Through the Grind 28:52

4M ago28:52

28:52

Bruxism or teeth grinding is a remarkably common occurrence and often happens during our nightly sleep period, disrupting sleep quality and continuity. In this episode we will: Define bruxism Explore the epidemiology of the condition Look at some of the causes of teeth grinding Touch upon proposed mechanisms of bruxism Review recent bruxism researc…

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Cerebral Palsy, Neurodivergence, and Sleep: understanding Unique Challenges and Holidtic Solutions 50:15

4M ago50:15

50:15

In this powerful episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion™, Dr. Alison Kole sits down with Kayla Ireland—host of @KindlyNeurodivergentwithKay, advocate, and educator living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy—to explore the intersection of sleep and neurodivergence. From autism and ADHD to sensory sensitivities, delayed circadian rhythms, and sleep apnea…

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#157 - Weight Loss Drugs and Sleep Apnea: One Pill Makes You Small 38:58

4M ago38:58

38:58

Weight loss drugs are everywhere and recently Zepbound (tirzepitide) made big news when it became the first FDA-approved sleep apnea therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea. In this episode, we will: Introduce and explain weight loss medications Review the studies that convinced the FDA to approve Zepbound for sleep apnea Provide an overview on th…

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Dr. Chris’s Sleep Apnea Journey: How Personal Struggles Transform Patient Care 38:06

4M ago38:06

38:06

Welcome to Sleep Is My Waking Passion, the podcast where sleep medicine gets personal, practical, and empowering. Hosted by Dr. Alison Kole, a board-certified sleep specialist, each season explores the science, challenges, and breakthroughs in sleep health—one honest conversation at a time. This season, Dr. Kole is joined by Dr. Christopher Allen, …

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#156 - Research from the 2025 SLEEP Scientific Conference: Make Me a Poster 40:29

4M ago40:29

40:29

You are looking live at the Seattle Conference Center where sleep researchers from around the world are converging to carry around tote bags and share the latest and greatest sleep research. I was there and saw it all. In this episode we will: Discuss AI and its emerging role in sleep research Learn why napping continues to show positives in attent…

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Wired for Sleep: Dr. Ruchir Patel on Neuromodulation for OSA & CSA 48:32

4M ago48:32

48:32

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 sle…

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#155 - Oral Appliance and Sleep Apnea: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 24:01

4M ago24:01

24:01

So far on the podcast we had talked about sleep apnea as well as the treatments CPAP and surgery. On this episode of the podcast, we discuss another popular treatment option: oral appliances. In this episode we will: Review the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea Outline the mechanism via which oral appliance work List the pros and cons of o…

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Mollie Eastman’s Secrets to Sleeping Like a Pro 37:06

4M ago37:06

37:06

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 ble…

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#154 - Sleep and the Threat of Danger: I Won’t Do You No Harm 39:26

4M ago39:26

39:26

One of the biggest obstacles in insomnia treatment is the perceived threat of physical harm related to the sleep difficulty. It's a major cog in the insomnia-fear-arousal cycle. In this episode we will: Utilize two case studies to illustrate the disruption that fear of harm causes with insomnia recovery Discuss insomnia is a disorder of distress, n…

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#153 - The Ten Worst Things For Sleep: Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing 27:15

5M ago27:15

27:15

When we did the snooze button episode of the podcast, it all started with a declaration that the snooze button was the worst thing for sleep. While it's fairly clear the snooze button is not, what is? In this episode, we list the top 10 worst things for sleep. In this episode we will: List what I believe the top ten worst things for sleep are Provi…

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#152 - Sleep and Temperature Regulation: Gonna Make You Sweat 29:59

5M ago29:59

29:59

Sweating at night is a common complaint in the sleep clinic. While night sweats are often thought of as being the exclusive domain of post-menopausal women, their causes can be surprisingly varied. In this episode we will: Review the epidemiology of night sweats List the cause both benign and more concerning Discuss how night sweats specifically im…

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#151 - Sleep and Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain: Sorry For The Hurt 31:30

5M ago31:30

31:30

When it comes to symptoms that cause us to seek medical help, there are few that top pain. Pain occupies a unique space within the world of sleep, in particular back, neck, and shoulder pain. In this episode we will: Provide an overview of sleep-related pain Explore the relationship between sleep disturbances and pain Learn how sleep disturbances c…

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#150 - Bedtime Stories: Without You, I Just Can’t Go To Sleep 38:06

5M ago38:06

38:06

Over the last several years, adult 'bedtime stories' have become a ubiquitous internet method used by many to help themselves fall asleep at night. In this episode we will: Define bedtime stories Explore what makes them useful for some as a bedtime ritual for sleep Discuss the role these techniques play in insomnia Dissect the ways in which these s…

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#149 - Creating a Bedroom Sanctuary: Here May Ye Rest A While 34:42

6M ago34:42

34:42

There is nothing more pleasing to the soul than wandering into a space that makes you feel protected, present, and at peace. Many elements involved in the creation of a comfortable bedroom sanctuary have been covered on the podcast. Now, we work to synthesize them all into your Zen den masterpiece. In this episode we will: Think about how room colo…

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#148 - The Truth About Medical Practices: It’s an Illusion 34:54

6M ago34:54

34:54

As the owner of a private medical practice, I know how difficult it is for the solo provider/small group to keep the doors open and deliver quality care, especially if the providers participate with insurance carriers. This fact not only affects providers, but as we will explore in the episode, it can often directly impact they options for care a p…

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#147 - Idiopathic Hypersomnia: All I Wanna Do Is Wake Up In The Morning 39:10

6M ago39:10

39:10

We have talked extensively about Type 1 and Type 2 narcolepsy on the podcast, but what about its mysterious cousin idiopathic hypersomnia (IH)? What is IH and why is it so hard to diagnose? What is its relationship with narcolepsy, and how do we treat it? In this episode we will: Define idiopathic hypersomnia Look at its incidence rate next to narc…

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Paddling Through Sleep Deprivation: Ultra Marathon Adventures with Chris Thomas Part 2 33:08

6M ago33:08

33:08

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 pa…

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#146 - Cognitive Shuffling: Ain’t Nothin’ To It 31:01

6M ago31:01

31:01

A recent New York Times article entitled "A Simple Technique to Help You Fall Asleep" by Christina Caron details a technique dubbed cognitive shuffling that took the internet by storm as a treatment for a racing mind at night. In this episode we will: Define cognitive reshuffling Explore its origins in other 'distracting' techniques including the o…

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Paddling Through Sleep Deprivation: Ultra Marathon Adventures with Chris Thomas Part 1 30:37

6M ago30:37

30:37

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 pa…

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#145 - Hypnic Myoclonus: Jerk Your Body 26:55

7M ago26:55

26:55

We have all experienced it...you're sitting in bed, nodding off, and suddenly you awaken with a start feeling like you are about to fall down stairs. Hypnic myoclonus is estimated to affect as many as 60-70% of individuals, but what is it? In this episode we will: Define hypnic myoclonus, often referred to as "sleep starts" or "hypnagogic jerks" Re…

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Anthony Russamano on the Unique Nutrition and Sleep Needs of Elite Ultrarunners 43:02

7M ago43:02

43:02

In this episode of the Sleep Is My Waking Passion podcast, host Dr. Alison Kole sits down with Anthony Russomano, founder of Mano Wellness, coach, and endurance athlete. Anthony shares his journey from playing rugby to becoming an ultra-runner and triathlete, discussing the mental and physical challenges of endurance sports.Key topics include: The …

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#144 - Missing Sleep Apnea: I Thought Someone Would Notice 42:18

7M ago42:18

42:18

26 million adult Americans have sleep apnea and 80-90% represent undiagnosed cases. Why have these numbers remained so high when there are easier diagnostic and treatment options than ever? In this episode we will: Discuss obstacles to diagnosis See how the lack of symptom specificity adds to the problem Consider if lack of provider awareness is re…

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Can Weight Loss Drugs Cure Sleep Apnea? Dr. Ruchir Patel Breaks It Down" 36:43

7M ago36:43

36:43

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 trea…

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#143 - Pillow Fight 2025: Simply The Best 39:57

7M ago39:57

39:57

Everyone loves the NCAA basketball tournament...teams colliding in a winner-take-all tournament for basketball supremacy. Haven't you ever dreamed about a similar competition between different pillows? Well dream no longer because that bedding showdown is here. Pillows are so important to our sleep, which is why I have assembled 17 of the finest to…