
Talking Sleep
The vast field of sleep medicine is always evolving. Listen to Talking Sleep, a podcast of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), to keep up on the latest developments in clinical sleep medicine and sleep disorders. Our host, Dr. Seema Khosla, medical director of the North Dakota Center for Sleep in Fargo, will take an in-depth look at issues impacting the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Episodes will feature conversations with clinicians, researchers, sleep team members and other health care experts working to help us sleep well so we can live well.
Latest episodes

Oct 7, 2022 • 39min
Spotlighting Central Sleep Apnea
In today’s episode of Talking Sleep, we discuss the complexities of central sleep apnea. Our guest, Dr. Safwan Badr, describes the multiple pathways that can cause different forms of central sleep apnea and how the disorder is more similar to obstructive sleep apnea than we think.

Sep 23, 2022 • 35min
CPAP in Pediatric Patients
In today’s episode of Talking Sleep, we discuss safe and effective CPAP use in pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Drs. Louella Amos and Robin Lloyd join us to share information about the AASM’s recent position statement on age and weight requirements for PAP therapy in pediatric patients and the importance of appropriate management of younger, smaller children.

Sep 9, 2022 • 43min
Mind After Midnight
Today’s episode of Talking Sleep explores the “Mind After Midnight” hypothesis. Dr. Andrew Tubbs, a researcher in the department of psychiatry at the University of Arizona, explains sleep and circadian mechanisms that lead to a disproportionately increased risk of suicide between 2 and 3 a.m. The discussion may be troubling to some listeners. If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Aug 26, 2022 • 36min
Untreated OSA and Alzheimer’s Disease
In today’s episode of Talking Sleep, we’re sitting down with Dr. Andrew Varga to discuss links between obstructive sleep apnea and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Varga is part of a research team from Mount Sinai that recently published findings showing just one night without using CPAP can increase the presence of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Aug 12, 2022 • 29min
How to Survive a Medicare Audit
In this episode of Talking Sleep, we highlight what to expect if your sleep practice is selected for a Medicare audit. AASM Coding and Compliance Committee Vice Chair Dr. Gabriela de Bruin discusses what auditors are often looking for, how to be prepared for an audit, the benefits of implementing a compliance program, and AASM resources available to help you.

Jul 29, 2022 • 31min
Sleep-Related Movement Disorders
In today’s episode of Talking Sleep, we look at sleep-related movement disorders. Dr. Afifa Uzzaman discusses when movements during sleep are incidental and when they are cause for concern. She also discusses common sleep-related movements in patients with Parkinson’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Jul 15, 2022 • 43min
Sleep Disorders in Women
This episode of Talking Sleep focuses on sleep in women and highlights the role that gender plays in the diagnosis of sleep disorders. Dr. Andrea Matsumura, who focuses her practice on women, discusses how sleep is different in women throughout their lives and the various ways in which sleep disorders present in women. She also talks about the need for more research on sleep in women.

Jul 1, 2022 • 36min
Updated Protocols for Evaluating Daytime Sleepiness and Alertness
In this episode of Talking Sleep, we visit with Dr. Donna Arand and Dr. David Davila, members of the AASM task force that recently updated protocols for the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). The guidance provides detailed information on patient management, testing procedures, and reporting to ensure the tests provide high-quality, consistent data.

May 20, 2022 • 35min
The Science of Smart Beds
In the latest episode of Talking Sleep, we’re visiting with Raj Mills, a medical device engineer at Sleep Number. She talks about the technology behind smart beds, what they measure, how they compare to polysomnography, and how they might alert a sleeper that they’re getting sick

May 6, 2022 • 34min
NIH Sleep Research Plan
In this episode, we discuss the goals of the National Institutes of Health’s Sleep Research Plan with National Center on Sleep Disorders Research Director Dr. Marishka Brown. Learn more about how the plan is aimed at advancing sleep and circadian research to promote public health.