Ep204 - Myth and Treatment options around Sleep Apnea with Christopher Allen, MD

"If you feel like there's something wrong with your sleep, bring it up to your provider. Find a sleep professional that can help you with it because, you know, people will try everything.”

Welcome back to the Deep Into Sleep Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Christopher Allen—also known as Sleep Dr. Chris on social media—to dive deep into the world of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With over 25% of adults in America affected by OSA (and nearly a billion people worldwide!), this sleep disorder is far more common than most of us realize. Yet, many people go undiagnosed for years, and only a small percentage actually seek treatment. Tune in for more!

Known as "Sleep Dr. Chris," Dr. Christopher J. Allen is a board-certified Sleep Medicine Physician and Pediatric Neurologist, Sleep Science Advisor at Aeroflow Sleep, board-certified Sleep Medicine Physician and Pediatric Neurologist. He holds certifications by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with subspecialties in Sleep Medicine and Child Neurology. He serves as a Sleep Science Advisor to Aeroflow Sleep. 

Furthermore, he owns his own practice and is knowledgeable in heart health. Although Dr. Allen loves neurology, sleep is his passion. He has made it his personal mission to ensure patients like you get quality sleep.

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

Sleep Apnea Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All:
Many people assume sleep apnea only affects a certain “type” (e.g., men, those who are overweight), but Dr. Allen debunks this. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can occur in people of any gender, age, or body type. Don’t dismiss symptoms based on stereotypes!

Snoring Is Not Normal:
We may think of snoring as a harmless quirk or even something funny in cartoons—but Dr. Allen emphasizes it’s actually a sign of partial airway obstruction. Chronic snoring should be checked out, as it can signal underlying sleep disorders.

More Than Just CPAP:
Worried about using a CPAP forever? The episode highlights a variety of treatment options for sleep apnea, from dental devices and myofascial therapy to new medications and innovative implants. There is no “one-size-fits-all”—and working with a qualified sleep professional is key to finding what works for you.

Sleep quality is as crucial as nutrition or exercise—don’t take symptoms lightly, and always consult with a professional rather than relying on trends or social media “hacks.”

“I've seen that when you treat obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes it makes their insomnia better as well. Because if you think you have this disorder where you're pausing and breathing and your body's waking up constantly, that can help perpetuate insomnia” - Christopher Allen, MD

WHAT WILL WE LEARN

00:00 Sleep Apnea's Impact on Disorders

04:10 Treating Sleep Apnea Eases Insomnia

08:31 New Treatments for Sleep Apnea

10:25 Sleep Study's Enduring Gold Standard

15:54 Exploring CPAP Therapy Options

17:08 Myofascial Therapy for Sleep Apnea

22:09 Becoming a Sleep Influencer

25:01 Sleep Disorders: The Hidden Health Threat

28:07 "Bed Partners and Sleep Issues"

31:21 Prioritize Sleep for Better Health

34:14 Personalized Sleep Improvement Guide

Are you so sleepy that you cannot focus? Are you tired of getting through the day drinking coffee? Are you worried how your poor sleep may impact your health? Checkout Dr. Yishan Xu’s Insomnia Treatment Course! 

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Yishan Xu, PhD, DBSMsleep, sleep disorder, sleep better, sleep apneaComment