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Sleep is My Waking Passion

Advertise on podcast: Sleep is My Waking Passion

Rating
★★★★★
4.9
from
25 reviews
This podcast has
101 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Alison Kole
Explicit
No
Date created
2023/04/27
Latest episode
2026/02/04
Average duration
31 min.
Release period
11 days

Description

Hosted by Dr. Alison Kole—a triple-boarded pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine physician, reformed chronic insomniac, devoted mom, and unapologetic sleep health creator—this hit podcast takes you on the real, unfiltered journey inside the science and soul of sleep. Each week, with wisdom forged from the trenches of night shifts and the chaos of motherhood, Alison sits down with top-tier experts and ordinary people with extraordinary sleep stories, unraveling how sleep shapes happiness, health, and destiny. If you want the 360° truth—the wins, the setbacks, the breakthroughs—about why every hour of sleep could be the most important hour of your life, this is the show that will change how you see your pillow forever. Sleep isn’t just her passion—it’s the key to waking up to your potential. Hit subscribe and transform your nights, days, and dreams.

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Check latest episodes from Sleep is My Waking Passion podcast


Cortisol, Tech Addiction, and Sleep: How to Escape “Stress Nation” with Justin Hai
2026/02/04
If you’ve ever blamed “high cortisol” for your anxiety, burnout, weight gain, or terrible sleep, this episode is your crash course in what’s really going on with your stress hormones in a tech-obsessed world. Dr. Alison Kole sits down with Justin Hai, CEO of Rebalance Health and bestselling author of Stress Nation: Escape the Technology Trap, Eliminate Stress, and Reclaim Rest, to unpack why cortisol isn’t the villain—and how our always-on relationship with phones, email, and social media is quietly hijacking our circadian rhythm, sleep, and sanity. They dive into how to work with your natural chronotype, what chronic fight-or-flight does to your hormones and deep sleep, why naps and “anchor sleep” can help (or hurt), and practical ways to cut through device
Pregnant, Snoring, and Exhausted: When Should You Seek Help?
2026/01/28
Pregnancy is often described as magical — but for many women, it’s also exhausting. When snoring gets louder and fatigue feels unrelenting, it could be more than just pregnancy catching up with you. In this powerful conversation with Dr. Ghada Bourjeily from Brown University, leading researcher and sleep medicine expert, we explore the growing — yet underrecognized — challenge of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy. Dr. Bourjeily unpacks why so many pregnant women report loud snoring, how hormonal and anatomical changes can obstruct breathing during sleep, and what that means for both maternal and fetal health. 💤 What you’ll learn: Why snoring and severe fatigue in pregnancy deserve closer attention.The key risk factors that should trigger early screening.How social determinants and insurance barriers affect access to care.The postpartum reality — does sleep apnea go away after birth?This episode is for expecting parents, clinicians, and anyone passionate about women’s health. Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea in pregnancy can make a life-changing difference — for both mother and baby. 🎧 Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — and find out when “just tired” is a warning sign worth acting on.  ...and remember to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!
Is Perimenopause Wrecking Your Sleep? Here’s How to Take It Back with Dr. Meredith Broderick
2026/01/21
That’s the question millions of women are asking — but most doctors still aren’t answering. In my latest episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion, I sat down with Dr. Meredith Broderick, MD — a Stanford-trained sleep neurologist and behavioral sleep medicine specialist — to unpack why women’s sleep so often falls apart in perimenopause… and why our healthcare system still treats it like a midlife inconvenience instead of a health crisis. We talk about: 🔹 The real physiological shifts behind 2–3 AM wakeups. 🔹 Why rising sleep apnea rates in women signal a looming epidemic. 🔹 The identity shift needed to stop calling yourself “a bad sleeper.” 🔹 And how to reclaim the rest your body is begging for — without more pills. 🧠 It’s one of the most honest, science‑backed conversations I’ve had yet about the sleep deprivation epidemic no one is talking about loudly enough. Tag a woman who’s been told, “That’s just midlife.” She deserves better sleep — and better answers. Website:  https://soundsleepguru.com/about/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTMkfJ6ghSuEeG8watmeBhaKfWLQQ712WBgx_9NamaB24FeTKf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepdoctormer/?hl=en
A Guided Fireplace Relaxation Bonus
2026/01/14
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.
Can the Fireplace Effect Fix Your Sleep?
2026/01/14
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.
ANESTHESIA UNCOVERED: What Every Sleep Apnea Patient Must Know Before Surgery (And the 7 Steps to Save Your Life!)
2025/11/12
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!
Why Losing Weight Is NOT About Willpower—The Science You NEED
2025/11/05
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
Optimizing Nutrition on GLP1s
2025/10/29
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 consultationsWhy targeted nutrition guidance beats overwhelming meal plan overhaulsFree educational resources available even without purchasing productsThe Protein-First, Fiber-Forward Philosophy: Simple baseline targets: 100g protein minimum, 25-30g fiber dailyThe "three strategic swaps" method that makes hitting goals effortlessHow specific fiber types promote satiety without GI distressMindset Mastery for Longevity: Why "readiness for change" predicts success more than any meal planBreaking free from food as comfort without feeling deprivedBuilding empowering habit loops that compound over timeGLP-1 Optimization Secrets: Preventing nutritional gaps while appetite is suppressedUsing med
The Future of Sleep Apnea Surgery: Inspire vs. Genio—Who Wins the Airway Wars?
2025/10/22
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-changingGenio’s bilateral approach vs. Inspire’s unilateral stimulation—and why that mattersUpdated AHI and BMI inclusion criteria and what they mean for real-world patientsWhy adherence and programming skill determine success more than the device itselfThe role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DICE) and the coming paradigm shift in patient selectionHow weight loss drugs like GLP-1s (and even potential oral muscle-tone pills) could merge with device therapyWhy “perfection” in patient candidacy may actually slow progress—and how sleep physicians can meet patients where they areThis episode challenges assumptions, sparks debate, and redefines what success looks like in treating sleep apnea. Good Clip Moments: “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.”“Can a therapy really be the gold standard if half the patients stop using it?”“Managing Inspire isn’t just science—it’s an art.”“Do we always have to have the perfect patient? Who is the perfect patient?”“If we can improve by 50%, that’s better than doing nothing at all.”Alison’s reflection: “Perfection needs to be thrown out the window—in our personal lives too.”“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.
Dr. Ashtaad Dalal SPILLS the Tea on Sleep Hacks Gone Wrong!
2025/10/15
🚨 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 supplementsWhy wearable sleep data might be making your insomnia WORSEThe only two times mouth tape is actually safe to useModius 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 medicinePresident of the DC Sleep Society (covering DC, Maryland, AND Virginia!)AASM Advocacy Committee member fighting for sleep health policyThe 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!
Surviving Sleep Deprivation: Science, Real Talk & Rescue Tactics with Dr. Rebecca Acabchuk & Vetern Firefighter Alan Pinsonneault
2025/10/08
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 .
Insomnia Meets Sleep Apnea: The Double Whammy and a Digital Solution (with Dr. Chelsea Reynolds)
2025/10/01
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!
Behind the White Coat: When the Sleep Expert Has Narcolepsy
2025/09/24
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.
Sleep Isn’t Simple: What Living With CP and Epilepsy Taught Kayla About Surviving, Thriving, and What Really Restores Us
2025/09/17
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 This Conversation Will Change Everything Sleep isn’t just downtime for Kayla—it’s the foundation for everything she does. In this raw conversation, Dr. Alison Kole and Kayla Ireland shed light on how living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy means every night's rest is an uphill fight against pain, exhaustion, and unpredictable seizures—where sleep can make or break daily life. From adaptive routines to seizure monitoring, you’ll learn how basic rest becomes a radical act of self-care—and how lack of sleep can sabotage independence for millions with chronic conditions. The Truth About Sleep, Disability, and Quality Of Life What makes this episode a must-listen? Invisible labor: Kayla shares how every night is “recovery from non-stop effort,” and why fatigue isn’t just tiredness—it impacts movement, thinking, and emotional health.Family secrets: The vital role families play in spotting subtle seizure warning signs, plus practical ways every household can make sleep safer for disabled loved ones.Adaptation > Advice: Why cookie-cutter sleep tips miss the mark, and how real strategies—from bed elevation to communication support—unlock better rest and real independence.Universal lessons: Sleep isn’t only a medical metric—it’s a core human right. This episode uncovers the emotional toll and the power of prioritizing sleep, for disabled and neurodivergent people, but also for everyone whose sleep is more complex than it seems.Who Should Listen? Anyone ready to challenge what they think they know about sleep, inclusion, and healing. If you work in health, education, support, or just want another reason to advocate for a better world—this episode will give you the tools and perspective you need.
Strokes, Sleep, & Second Chances: The Truth You’re Not Hearing About Brain Health
2025/09/10
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 Neurological Institute—she’s redefining stroke recovery and sleep medicine nationwide. With leadership roles at the American Academy of Neurology, the University of Arizona College of Medicine, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Lee-Iannotti brings rare experience to the table and is a driving force behind groundbreaking research like the Sleep SMART trial. Why You Can’t Miss ThisIf you think stroke only happens to “old people” or that sleep apnea is just a snoring problem, get ready to have your assumptions shattered. Alison and Joyce go raw on how sleep disorders triple your risk of stroke, why energy drinks may be fueling mini-epidemics in the young, and how real clinical data—and Joyce’s own journey—make the case for radical change in brain health advocacy. Unfiltered Stories, Viral InsightsThis isn’t just a clinical lecture—it’s a candid deep-dive into misdiagnosis, misunderstood risks among Asian Americans, and why stroke prevention starts in your bedroom, not just your doctor’s office. Dr. Lee-Iannotti reveals personal lessons learned the hard way, the missing research that needs urgent attention, and the truth about CPAP therapy—even sharing how sleep apnea nearly changed her own life forever. Who Should Listen?This episode is for leaders, health seekers, and anyone who wants to live—and think—sharper for decades to come. If you’re craving content with bold advocacy, and real solutions from experts who walk the walk, hit play.Subscribe to “Sleep Is My Waking Passion”—where visionary thought-leaders reveal what you never hear in the headlines. Social media accounts - primarily linked in and X: linkedin.com/in/joyce-lee-iannotti-44463226@phx_ua (X)  Reminder: Recent article: https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-health/sleep-whole-body/brain/stroke-prevention-sleep/

Podcast reviews

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4.9 out of 5
25 reviews
★★★★★
bikerguest159 2023/05/10
Excellent medically sound sleep podcast
This is a “must-listen” for those with sleep problems or those like me who help those with sleep disorders. Congratulations on your first episode Dr A...
★★★★★
DrClown Mona 2023/05/07
Sleep is my Waking Passion
I cannot wait for this!! I’ve personally suffered from chronic lifelong insomnia and even chose the pathway to a career of “required insomnia”(neonata...
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