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Why do so many bright kids struggle to focus, sleep well or speak clearly? Speech-language pathologist Laura Walls joins Patrick McKeown to explore how mouth breathing, tongue posture and body posture affect attention, sleep and speech, in children and adults alike. They cover where the tongue should rest, teeth grinding as a possible sign of airway problems, why surgery doesn’t automatically restore nasal breathing, and simple habit-building ideas for parents and teachers.

Patrick McKeown sits down with Dr. Tim Hughes, an anaesthetist, advanced breathwork instructor, and co-founder of The Breath Doctors. Tim uses breathing to calm patients before surgery and himself before he walks through the hospital doors. A conversation about performing under real pressure—and how something as simple as breath can be the difference.

Patrick McKeown and James Nestor meet face-to-face for the first time to discuss the science of breathing, functional breathing methods, and how nasal breathing transforms sleep, health, and well-being. After years of correspondence—Zoom calls, Instagram Lives, emails, voice notes—they finally sit down together. What was meant to be one episode ran long. They kept talking well into dinner. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:44 Introduction and meeting face-to-face 00:04:21 How the book almost became something completely different 00:08:48 Why breathing science has been overlooked by medicine 00:13:45 The role of the nose in breathing 00:18:54 Revisiting the book and updating the science 00:23:40 CO2: Why it's essential for health 00:28:33 The challenge of getting people to change their breathing 00:35:09 Daily breathing habits and personal routines 00:44:29 The power of breathing less 00:49:23 Nasal breathing as the foundation for health 00:52:21 Debunking myths: nose vs. mouth breathing 00:55:10 Why doctors and dentists resist breathing instruction 01:00:19 Breathing and spinal health 01:04:13 Oral hygiene, mouth breathing, and dental development 01:09:01 How breathing transforms overall health 01:12:18 Sleep breathing and sleep tape discussion 01:14:04 Experimenting with sleep tape 01:30:08 The science and safety of sleep tape 01:35:06 Patrick demonstrates MyoTape and mouth puffing 01:40:11 Breathing instruction in mainstream adoption 01:44:00 James Nestor's documentary series (Spring 2027) 01:49:26 Work-life balance and burnout 01:52:39 Deep creative work vs. external demands 01:55:52 Managing workload and personal limits 01:57:17 Future plans and documentary structure 02:01:30 Documentary modules: Actionable instruction 02:04:34 Three-part series structure 02:05:11 Global health impact and free access model 02:07:13 Documentary launch and industry response 02:10:02 Spring 2027 launch and raising awareness 02:13:32 Future of breathing science and industry trends 02:15:12 Long-term outlook for breathing field 02:16:43 Role of education in breathing health 02:18:26 Systemic change and personal responsibility 02:20:48 Final remarks and gratitude

What if the key to running further, calmer, and healthier wasn't in your legs — but in your nose? In this episode, Patrick McKeown sits down with Dr. Bill Hang: orthodontist, airway pioneer, and marathon runner approaching his 80th birthday. After hearing Patrick speak 15 years ago, Bill made two decisions that changed his life — taping his mouth at night and running with his lips sealed. He's since run the Boston Marathon multiple times breathing entirely through his nose, including once with his mouth taped the whole way. But this conversation goes far beyond running. Dr. Hang shares why he walked away from traditional extraction orthodontics, how forward jaw development can transform a child's airway, and what every parent should know before agreeing to have their child's teeth removed.

In this short, on-the-go episode, Patrick McKeown shares key insights on breathing as he reflects on a recent visit to physiotherapist Kelly Starrett in San Francisco. Patrick explores how breathing affects athletes, children, and women, with a special focus on sleep and the stress response. He explains why exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is often driven by over-breathing, why nose breathing in childhood is essential for healthy facial and dental development, and how female breathing patterns shift across the menstrual cycle. You’ll learn what the BOLT score (Body Oxygen Level Test) reveals about your breathing, why building CO₂ tolerance matters, and how simple practices—like nose breathing during light to moderate exercise and breathing light, slow, and deep (LSD)—can transform your health, sleep, and resilience to stress. Recorded against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, this mini episode invites you to step out of your head, into your body, and back into the present moment—one gentle breath at a time. Show Notes – Bullet PointsPatrick’s visit to Kelly Starrett in San Francisco and their shared focus on breathing and movementExercise-induced bronchoconstriction:How over-breathing and hyperventilation during exercise narrow the airwaysWhy “breathing harder” can make symptoms worseChildren’s breathing, growth, and dental health:Importance of nasal breathing for craniofacial developmentHow mouth breathing, low tongue posture, and dry mouth affect jaw growth and crowded teethLinks between oral breathing, the mouth–gut microbiome, and overall healthWomen’s breathing and the menstrual cycle:How progesterone post-ovulation and in the mid‑luteal phase stimulates breathingPotential drop in CO₂ levels (up to ~25%) and links to pain, fatigue, anxiety, and panicUsing the BOLT score to track breathing across the cycleBuilding CO₂ tolerance:Nose breathing during light to moderate exercise“Breathing less air” exercises: gentle air hunger for 3–5 minutesReducing sensitivity to CO₂ and improving biochemical breathingDiaphragmatic vs upper chest breathing:How mouth breathing reduces diaphragm recruitmentRole of nasal breathing, tongue on the roof of the mouth, and a BOLT score above 20–25 secondsSleep, upper airway resistance, and waking at night:Overview of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) and low arousal thresholdHow fast, upper‑chest, mouth breathing signals stress to the brain and disrupts sleepOptimal (LSD) breathing vs stress breathing:Stress pattern: fast, hard, upper chest, mouth breathing, quick exhale, irregular rhythmOptimal pattern: Light, Slow, Deep through the nose with soft inhale and relaxed, gentle exhalePatrick’s personal journey:Decongesting the nose, using breathing exercises for wheezing and sleepMouth taping since the late 1990s and later development of MyoTapeSafety note: why people with obstructive sleep apnea should not tape across the mouthClosing reflections at the Golden Gate Bridge:Using the breath to come into present-moment awarenessExperiencing beauty and awe through the body, not just analytical thoughtCall to action:Start by breathing through your nose, at rest and during gentle exercisePractice breathing light, slow, and deep to support sleep, calm, and overall health

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired—even when your sleep study says you’re “fine”? This episode will completely change how you think about breathing, sleep, and fatigue. Patrick McKeown sits down with Ronda Holman, dental assistant of 27 years, airway health advocate, and self-described “recovering mouth breather” and “former floppy tongue owner.” Ronda shares how she reached age 37 without ever being told she was a dysfunctional breather—and how changing her breathing transformed her sleep, energy, and life. You’ll learn: Why mouth breathing at night leads to snoring, fragmented sleep, “desert mouth,” and constant exhaustion How nasal breathing and proper tongue posture help keep your airway open while you sleep The difference between sleep apnea and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)—and why many especially women are told “nothing is wrong” when it clearly is How breathing patterns during the day shape your breathing and airway stability at night The role of CPAP, mandibular advancement devices, and why breathing training still matters even if you use them Why so many people wake at 3 a.m., and what might really be going on with your nervous system, blood sugar, and airway Simple, accessible starting points: Buteyko breathing, orofacial myofunctional therapy, nasal hygiene, and small behavior changes that move the needle fast Ronda also discusses: The dentist as a “gatekeeper of the airway” How clenching, grinding, and repeated dental work can be red flags for sleep-disordered breathing Why lip supports like MyoTape aren’t a fad, but a practical tool in a wider strategy to restore healthy breathing and sleep Her work with Airway Coach and an upcoming interactive workbook to help people navigate diagnoses, therapy, and at-home protocols If you’ve been told your sleep is “normal,” but you wake unrefreshed, snore, grind your teeth, or rely on caffeine and sugar to get through the day, this conversation is for you. 📌 Chapters 0:00 Intro – Meet Ronda Holman 0:45 From dentistry to “recovering mouth breather” 2:30 How mouth breathing wrecks sleep and relationships 5:06 AHI changes and what breathing training can really do 10:55 Appliances, CPAP & the missing piece: function 15:18 Nasal breathing, deviated septum & air hunger myths 20:25 Women, hormones & being “too good at surviving” 24:58 UARS vs sleep apnea (and why tests miss women) 31:42 The 3 a.m. wake-up – blood sugar, airway & REM 37:32 Dentists as airway gatekeepers & grinding at night 47:54 Weight, diabetes, blood pressure & sleep-disordered breathing 51:13 Is mouth taping a fad? Ronda’s 8-year experience 54:20 Airway Coach & Ronda’s new workbook

In this short episode, Patrick McKeown explains how nasal breathing, nitric oxide, and breathing less air can dramatically improve asthma control. You’ll learn simple tools like the nose unblocking exercise, small breath holds, and the control pause—plus why mouth breathing can worsen inflammation, sleep, and dental health. Patrick also shares clinical evidence showing reduced coughing, wheezing, and medication use with the Buteyko method.

Discover how modern life is reshaping our breathing, posture, and facial structure in this in-depth conversation between Patrick McKeown and renowned anatomist Tom Myers (Anatomy Trains). Tom shares insights from 50+ years of clinical practice and teaching, explaining: - How our “modern zoo” (agricultural → industrial → electronic age) creates a mismatch with our Paleolithic genes - Why chronic sitting, inactivity, and lack of movement are fundamentally altering our breathing patterns - The link between anxiety, environment, and dysfunctional breathing - How domestication (in humans and animals) leads to a narrower jaw, smaller face, crowded teeth, and restricted airways - Why head‑forward posture is now almost universal—and what it means for rib cage mechanics and breathing - The concept of tensegrity and how the rib cage functions as a dynamic, elastic structure rather than a simple “lever” system Patrick also shares his own background: - Personal struggles with asthma, nasal obstruction, poor sleep, and poor concentration - How these experiences led him into functional breathing, focusing on asthma, nasal breathing, sleep, and everyday breathing habits - If you’re interested in the deep biomechanics of breathing, facial development, and how our environment and lifestyle are shaping our health, this episode will give you a powerful new lens on the breath. #ButeykoClinic #PatrickMcKeown #TomMyers #AnatomyTrains #FunctionalBreathing #NasalBreathing #BreathingScience #Breathwork#AnxietyRelief #Posture #AirwayHealth #Asthma #SleepHealth #Fascia00:00 – Intro & Tom Myers’ Background 01:43 – Harvard, the 1960s & Buckminster Fuller 02:18 – Tensegrity & the Rib Cage as a Breathing System 03:40 – Modern Life as a ‘Zoo’ & Genetic Mismatch 05:00 – Laziness, Movement & Breathing Changes 06:42 – Domestication, Narrow Jaws & Airway Problems 09:36 – Sleep Apnea & The Shrinking Human Airway 10:45 – Breathing as the Fulcrum: Conscious vs Unconscious 12:39 – Sea Mammals, Diving Response & Human Breath Control 15:00 – Modern Life Disrupts All Basics: Sleep, Breathe, Walk, Eat 15:41 – Tongue Tie, Fascia & the Midline from Brain to Heart 17:15 – Mouth vs Nose Breathing & Posture 18:55 – Nose vs Mouth & Diaphragm vs Upper Chest 19:53 – Transition to Slides

Struggling with sleep apnea, poor sleep, or CPAP that doesn’t seem to fix everything? In this powerful conversation, Dr. David McCarty, author of Empowered Sleep Apnea, joins Patrick to unpack a new way of understanding and treating sleep apnea. Instead of treating sleep apnea as a simple “CPAP problem,” Dr. McCarty explains why it’s really a complex constellation of moving parts: Unstable breathing during sleep (obstructive + central sleep apnea) Mouth breathing vs nose breathing Craniofacial development (narrow palate, jaw position, tongue posture) Functional breathing and myofunctional therapy Posture, position, and lifestyle factors In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the traditional “label-based” approach (you have sleep apnea, here’s a CPAP) often fails How diagnostic thresholds (AHI, RERAs, oxygen desaturations) can miss real sleep-breathing problems The difference between obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea physiology How mouth breathing at night destabilizes breathing, drops CO₂ too low, and worsens airway collapse Why nose breathing, nitric oxide, and better diaphragm recruitment can help stabilize the upper airway The role of asthma, nasal obstruction, and inflammation in worsening sleep apnea How craniofacial development, narrow jaws, and tongue posture affect airway size Why the future of sleep medicine is collaborative: medicine, dentistry, myofunctional therapy, and breathing education working together What “narrative-based medicine” means and why your personal story matters more than just your AHI score If you or someone you love has sleep apnea, snores, wakes unrefreshed, or has been told “your AHI is normal” but you still feel awful, this discussion will give you a deeper framework to understand what’s really going on — and where new solutions may come from. Key Topics: - Empowered Sleep Apnea & Dr. David McCarty’s approach - Limitations of standard sleep studies and AHI-based diagnosis CPAP: when it helps, when it’s not the full answer - Nasal breathing vs mouth breathing during sleep - Loop gain / central apnea physiology explained in simple language - Functional breathing, posture, and myofunctional therapy - Airway-focused dentistry, craniofacial development, and high narrow palate - The need for interdisciplinary collaboration in sleep medicine #sleepapnea #cpap #sleephealth #nosebreathing #mouthbreathing #functionalbreathing #myofunctionaltherapy #snoring #sleepmedicine #drdavidmccarty #empoweredsleepapnea #airway #asthma #nasalbreathing #healthpodcast #breathing #sleepdisorders #restorativesleep #sleepbetter

Are mouth breathing, poor sleep, and dental problems silently sabotaging your health? In this powerful conversation, Patrick McKeown (Buteyko breathing expert and author) sits down with Dr. Staci Whitman, a pediatric and functional dentist, to reveal how your airway, oral microbiome, and breathing habits can shape your sleep, energy, brain, and long-term health. You’ll learn: Why mouth breathing can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and chronic illness The critical difference between nasal breathing vs mouth breathing for sleep, performance, and recovery How the oral microbiome links your mouth to your gut, brain, hormones, and immune system Why so many dentists miss airway and sleep issues (and what functional dentistry does differently) How children’s facial growth, adenoids, tonsils, and tongue posture affect their sleep and behavior Why teen trends like “mewing” and jawline optimization accidentally tapped into real airway science The hidden problem of sleep-disordered breathing in women and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) Practical steps: mouth taping, myofunctional therapy, nasal hygiene, and airway-focused dental care If you or your child struggle with: Snoring, mouth breathing, or dry mouth at night Frequent cavities despite “doing everything right” Brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, or poor recovery from exercise ADHD-like symptoms, restless sleep, or dark circles under the eyes …this episode will help you connect the dots between your breathing, sleep, dental health, and whole-body wellness. 🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations on breathing, sleep, airway health, and functional dentistry. CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro – Why this dentist changed how she practices 3:30 What functional dentistry really is 10:20 Mouth breathing, jaw growth & teen “mewing” 15:50 Oral microbiome, cavities & chronic disease 21:00 Mouth taping, nasal breathing & saliva 27:00 Kids, adenoids, tonsils & airway-first dentistry 34:00 Sleep studies, UARS & why women get missed 41:00 The future of dentistry & the airway revolution #mouthbreathing #nasalbreathing #functionaldentistry #airwaydentistry #dentalairway #oralmicrobiome #sleepapnea#sleepdisorderedbreathing #upperairwayresistancesyndrome#UARS #Buteykobreathing #PatrickMcKeown #DrStaciWhitman #pediatricdentist #holisticdentistry #biologicaldentist

In this NEW episode of the Buteyko Clinic Podcast, Patrick McKeown speaks with Professor Dave Singh (Stanford, craniofacial sleep medicine) about why the upper airway is a living system—not just a pipe—and how this controls sleep, breathing, and long‑term health. We cover: What good sleep really is (beyond “8 hours in bed”) Upper airway homeostasis – why the airway behaves like a dynamic, self‑regulating system Sleep apnea causes: craniofacial structure, obesity, neurology, muscle tone and more Tongue posture & nasal breathing – why waking up with your tongue on the palate matters Children’s sleep: bedwetting, grinding, mouth breathing, pacifiers, tongue‑tie & development Women’s sleep & UARS (Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome) – the subtle, underdiagnosed side of sleep‑disordered breathing Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia & sleep fragmentation Hormones, melatonin, growth hormone, cortisol and weight gain when sleep is disrupted Breathing retraining: nasal breathing, diaphragm function, nitric oxide and loop gain Cultural insights: didgeridoo, conch shells, bagpipes and airway vibration for sleep apnea The future of integrative craniofacial sleep medicine and accessible, affordable care worldwide 🔍 Who this episode is for People with snoring, sleep apnea, UARS, insomnia or unrefreshing sleep Women with chronic fatigue, pain, “normal” sleep studies but poor sleep Parents worried about children’s sleep, mouth breathing, bedwetting or teeth grinding Dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, sleep physicians, OMTs, breathing instructors & therapists Anyone interested in breathing retraining, nasal breathing and airway-focused dentistry 📅 Professor Dave Singh’s London Event Craniofacial Sleep Medicine – London, UK 📅 May 1–2 🔗 More info & registration: https://rema-sleep.com/product/sleep-medicine-london-2026/ 🔗 Resources & Links Professor Dave Singh – REMA Sleep: https://rema-sleep.com Buteyko Clinic & breathing retraining: www.buteykoclinic.com ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction & Prof. Dave Singh’s background 4:20 – Why sleep is central to human health 8:00 – Upper airway homeostasis explained 13:30 – Causes of airway collapse & sleep apnea 20:00 – Tongue posture, breastfeeding, pacifiers & development 27:30 – Women, UARS & underdiagnosed sleep disorders 36:00 – Sleep hygiene, blue light, diet & nervous system 45:30 – Hormones, weight, growth hormone & cortisol 52:30 – Breathing retraining, nasal breathing & nitric oxide 1:02:00 – Didgeridoo, conch, bagpipes & airway vibration 1:10:00 – Future of integrative craniofacial sleep medicine 1:18:00 – Dave’s London course & closing thoughts

Breathing plays a critical role in mental health, stress, and anxiety. In this talk for IMMH, Patrick McKeown, founder of the Buteyko Clinic, explains why up to 75% of people with anxiety and panic disorders experience dysfunctional breathing patterns. Patrick explores how chronic stress leads to over-breathing, mouth breathing, and irregular breathing habits that can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response. He explains the role of the brain’s pre-Bötzinger complex in regulating breathing and how fast, shallow breathing can negatively impact the nervous system, sleep quality, focus, and emotional regulation. You’ll learn why generic breathing advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how Buteyko breathing techniques—including nose breathing, reduced breathing, and gentle breath holds—can help retrain your breathing for better mental performance, calmer states, and improved sleep. This evidence-based presentation includes: - The link between breathing dysfunction and anxiety - How breathing affects the default mode network - Why nose breathing is essential for mental health - Practical Buteyko Clinic breathing exercises to reduce stress - How to improve breathing patterns for long-term wellbeing Whether you’re struggling with stress, panic attacks, poor sleep, or simply want to improve your breathing efficiency, this talk offers practical tools to help you breathe better and live better. 👉 Learn more about the Buteyko Method and breathing for mental health at Buteyko Clinic 👉 Subscribe for expert insights on breathing, anxiety reduction, and optimal health #buteykomethod #buteykohealth #breathingexercises #patrickmckeown #buteyko #breathingtechniques #breathwork

Join Patrick McKeown at the Vienna Airway Congress 2025 as he shares his powerful journey from childhood asthma to becoming a leading authority on breathing. Discover the surprising impact of nasal breathing on sleep, cognitive function, and overall health. Learn practical exercises and actionable advice for transforming your well-being—starting with your next breath!

Dr. Seb, a biological dentist, discusses his holistic approach to dental health, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall well-being. He highlights the importance of airway and breathing mechanics, noting that issues like sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) often go undiagnosed. Dr. Seb explains how dental practices can identify these conditions through symptoms like tongue scalloping and dry mouth. He stresses the significance of nasal breathing for oral health and overall health, as it helps maintain saliva and balance good and bad bacteria. Dr. Seb advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes myofunctional therapy, tongue positioning, and inflammation management to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Mark Burhenne reveals groundbreaking insights into how breathing, oral health, and facial development are interconnected. Learn about the critical role of nasal breathing, the oral microbiome, and why conventional dental care might be missing key health factors. Discover how mouth breathing affects sleep, mental health, and overall wellness in this eye-opening discussion. Key Topics: Sleep apnea and dental health Impact of facial development on breathing Importance of nasal breathing Oral microbiome and its systemic effects Risks of conventional oral care products