Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

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 painExplore the relationship between sleep disturbances and painLearn how sleep disturbances can be a strong predictor of the development of painExamine studies linking REM sleep loss and increased pain indicesReview specific sleep research on the various regions of painList treatment options and weigh their effectivenessProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

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 storiesExplore what makes them useful for some as a bedtime ritual for sleepDiscuss the role these techniques play in insomniaDissect the ways in which these stores could actually work against someone overcoming their insomniaThink about the specific role these stories can play in healthy insomnia recoveryProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

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 color choices affect relaxation and sleepDesign the lighting that will best support our sanctuary's missionConsider how decorations can work to sooth or distract from the goal of restEvaluate the role of air filters in our room designLook at materials on the floors and walls in terms of sound dampeningDefine 'biophilic design' and explore how it will shape the direction of the roomEmbrace organic and natural bedding materials instead of syntheticsRemove clutter from the space and thoughtfully consider the pros and cons of electronicsCreate a "travel version" of our room choices when possibleProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

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 patient receives. In this episode we will:Understand the obstacles and misperceptions baked into a career in medicine.Examine the debt of the typical medical doctor after finishing medical schoolCalculate the problematic combination of 1) starting a career in debt, and 2) starting a career relatively lateCompare the rate of the rising costs of running a medical practice with the relative rate of medical insurance reimbursementEvaluate the massive burdens that insurance companies place on providers in the form of prior authorizations (PA)Learn how to navigate your own care in this difficult climateProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

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 hypersomniaLook at its incidence rate next to narcolepsyList the key characteristics that differentiate it from narcolepsyLearn the factors that make it difficult to diagnoseHighlight the first FDA-approved treatment for the disorderProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

Delve into the intriguing technique of cognitive shuffling, designed to calm racing thoughts and promote sleep. Discover its origins alongside classic methods like counting sheep. The conversation includes playful listener feedback and humorous anecdotes, plus a critique of medical dramas seen through a neurologist's eyes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of engaging with sleep issues, showcasing research and personal insights into overcoming insomnia. Get ready to rethink your approach to a good night's rest!

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"Review the symptoms of the phenomenonSpeculate of the evolutionary causeCharacterize individuals at the highest riskList the causes of hypnic myoclonusDiscuss diagnostic and treatment optionsProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

Over 26 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea, yet a staggering 80-90% are undiagnosed. The podcast dives into the obstacles that keep diagnosis rates high, including a lack of symptom specificity and provider awareness. Fear also plays a significant role, preventing patients from seeking help. The hosts advocate for increased awareness and promote the benefits of home sleep studies over traditional methods, calling for conversations that highlight the importance of addressing this silent epidemic.

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 square off in a battle the likes of which have never been seen. In this episode we will:Explain the first annual Sleep Unplugged Pillow Fight tournamentTouch upon how important choosing the right pillow is for sleepBreakdown the scoring system (25% Committee, 25% my blinded experience, 25% Sleep Specialist input, 10% Crowd/Social Media (Instagram) following, 10% 'Induced Fit', and 5% Packaging and Extras).Introduce the 17 competitors: Atluxe, Authenticity50, Bedgear, Cariloha, Casper, Coop, DozyBoy, Lagoon, Layla, Luxome, MVMI, Nest, Pillow Cube, Pluto, Silk & Snow, Tempurpedic, and TwillaProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

As we recover from yet another "spring forward" into Daylight Saving Time again, it seems a good time to revisit the topic we initially covered in episode 18. While that episode sought more to explain the origins of the practice and how to best adjust, this episode is more of a declaration as to why the entire practice should be abolished in favor of permanent standard time. In this episode we will:Unpack the support for eliminating the clock change and why many lawmakers have ignored science and pushed for a permanent adoption of daylight saving time (DST)List the many entities and groups that support the adoption of permanent standard timeBriefly touch upon the few "cons" to permanent standard time and how they are both questionable and dwarfed by the available research in favor of permanent standard timeExplain the circadian and health benefits of permanent standard timeExplore the school performance benefit of eliminating DSTMeasure the positive environmental impact of adopting standard time all yearDive into productivity increases when the standard time is adoptedLearn why permanent daylight saving time already failed in the 1970sDebunk the noting that the practice was started to benefit farmers; not only is this not true, but farmers opposed it because of the reduction in morning lightProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!