Deep into Sleep Ep204 - Myth and Treatment options around Sleep Apnea with Christopher Allen, MD
Jun 20, 2025
Dr. Christopher Allen, known as Sleep Dr. Chris, is a board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatric neurologist. He delves into the pervasive issue of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), revealing that over 25% of adults are affected, many undiagnosed. Topics include the interplay of OSA with insomnia and restless leg syndrome, new treatment options, and myths surrounding the disorder. He highlights the importance of polysomnography for diagnosis and warns against trendy DIY fixes, emphasizing the significant health risks of untreated OSA.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
OSA Often Coexists With Other Disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often coexists with other sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome and insomnia (COMISA).
- Treating OSA first can improve or resolve these comorbid conditions, so prioritize diagnosis and tailored therapy.
Combine Meds And Weight Loss For OSA
- Consider new pharmaceutical options and weight-loss strategies as part of OSA management.
- Combine medical treatment with lifestyle changes for the best long-term outcomes.
Keep The Sleep Specialist In Charge
- Use the polysomnogram as the diagnostic gold standard and involve sleep specialists in testing and interpretation.
- Evaluate new home devices under clinician supervision, not as replacements for expert-led diagnosis.
