The Project Sleep Podcast

If you think of sleep apnea as a condition that only affects men, you’re not alone. Women are still going undiagnosed too frequently owing to a lack of awareness about sleep apnea in women and screening designed with the needs of men in mind. About our Guests: Sabrina GlozerisSabrina Glozeris is the founder and administrator of Ladies Night – Women’s Sleep Apnea and CPAP Support, a thriving Facebook group dedicated to helping women navigate the unique challenges of sleep apnea. By day, she brings her professional expertise to the world of health insurance claims, offering her a behind-the-scenes look at the healthcare system that many patients find daunting. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, she lives with her husband, Paul, and their beloved dog and cat. She is passionate about ensuring no woman has to face the sleep apnea journey alone. Dr. Alison Kole is triple-board-certified in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine.  Dr. Alison Kole is a Medical Director at Ognomy Sleep, a telemedicine platform, as well as an in-person sleep specialist at PatientFirstMD in New Jersey and the founding medical director of the Oak Health Concierge Sleep telemedicine program. She focuses on advancing evidence-based, patient-centered models of sleep care, drawing on more than two decades of clinical experience. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at Barnard College, earned an MD/MPH from Tufts University School of Medicine, and pursued residency and fellowship training in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/UCLA. In addition to her clinical leadership, Dr. Kole is the creator and host of the Sleep Is My Waking Passion™ podcast and serves as Vice-Chair of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Advocacy Committee, with a professional mission to translate rigorous sleep science into scalable interventions that improve health, functioning, and quality of life. Monica Mallampalli, PhD Monica is the President and CEO of the Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners (ASAP), the only leading patient-centered organization serving people living with sleep apnea. Dr. Mallampalli brings a unique perspective to the sleep apnea community as an OSA patient, a trained biomedical scientist and a policy advocate. Experiencing treatment challenges after her OSA diagnosis a decade ago led her to her current role at ASAP, advocating for people living with sleep apnea. Prior to joining ASAP, Dr. Mallampalli advocated for the advancement of women’s health from a sex and gender perspective for over 15 years. She earned her PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Biochemistry from Osmania University in India. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Cell Biology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Afterward, Dr. Mallampalli worked at the National Institutes of Health as a Health Policy Analyst and as a Research Fellow before entering the nonprofit world. Women and Sleep Apnea toolkit coming soon. Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/  

Snoring in kids is often overlooked as cute or funny, but it’s something parents should pay close attention to. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is frequently thought of as a condition affecting older adults, but the truth is that this common sleep disorder can affect people of all ages, including children.  About our Guests: Nathan Pounds, MSRC, RRT, RPFT, AE-CNathan is a Springfield, Missouri–based respiratory therapist and educator who serves as Laboratory Coordinator for the Respiratory Therapy program at Ozarks Technical Community College. His oldest son has a complex medical history that includes failure to thrive, severe asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea, and because his presentation was not “typical,” he and his spouse navigated a long diagnostic journey before their son ultimately received a sleep study and accurate diagnosis. That experience drives his commitment to raising awareness about pediatric sleep apnea so that families and clinicians can recognize atypical presentations sooner, reduce delays in diagnosis, and ensure children receive the care they need to thrive. Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown Dr. Brown is a triple-board-certified sleep medicine physician. As a physician in practice for almost two decades and a mom of two who struggled with sleep issues, she fully understands the impact of sleep deprivation on our mental, physical, and emotional health. As a result, she has dedicated her career to helping others optimize and achieve restful sleep. Dr. Brown is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS). She has served on several committees locally, regionally, and nationally. She is also on several advisory boards, including BabyCenter, Project Sleep, and Primasun. Dr. Brown obtained her sleep medicine training at the University of Pennsylvania and was a member of the faculty at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia until recently. Sleep Apnea in Kids toolkit for more resources: https://project-sleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sleep-Apnea-in-Kids-Toolkit.pdf Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/  

Mouth taping is everywhere on social media. Influencers claim it can improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and encourage nasal breathing. But for people wondering about mouth taping and sleep apnea, the story is more complicated. Project Sleep brought together experts and patient voices to explore what mouth taping can and cannot do, and why getting evaluated for sleep apnea remains the most important first step. About Our Guests:Ronni Fuchs Ronnie is a native New Yorker who has lived her entire life in Brooklyn, NY. She is married and has two children: Emma, who is 28 and works as an Admissions Coordinator at a private pre-school in Tribeca, and Eric, who is 31 and works as a company manager on Broadway. Ronni and her husband are retired and enjoy the freedom of doing what they want, when they want.   Dr. Upneet (Neety) Chawla, MDDr. Upneet Chawla is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine. She serves as an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical Center with roles in both the Departments of Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Her efforts are dedicated to merging the fields of sleep health with hospital medicine and extending this knowledge to the public. Dr. Chawla completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Ohio and her fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Rush University Medical Center.Kaitlyn ShrumKaitlyn holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, is a Certified Myofunctional Therapist (CMT), a Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM), and a certified Buteyko Breathing Method (certBBM) instructor. She has completed continuing education focusing on dysphagia, orofacial myofunctional disorders, Buteyko Breathing, TOTS Training, the SOFFI method, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, and the Kaufman approach to treat childhood apraxia of speech.   Mouth Taping and Sleep Apnea toolkit for more resources: https://project-sleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mouth-Taping-and-Sleep-Apnea-Toolkit.pdf  Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/  

Brooke Buckley is a graduate from Duquesne University where she majored in biochemistry. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy about at 22 years old. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, she shares her story in hopes of helping others by bringing awareness to this often misunderstood condition. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Katy Roden is a small business owner from New Braunfels, TX who loves sports and outdoor adventures. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy type 1 with cataplexy at the age of 18. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Katy shares her story to improve the public’s understanding of this neurological condition. She hopes everyone will come away from her presentation with a better understanding of this silent and often misunderstood disorder. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Leah Boyle works in social media and has worked in a variety of industries from television to health. She lives in London and enjoys travelling and hiking among other activities. She has lived with narcolepsy since she was 7 years old. She was diagnosed at 11 and is now a trained speaker for Project Sleep’s Rising Voices. Neurological conditions are often invisible or misunderstood, so Leah aims to raise awareness of this condition by sharing her story. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Iris Vasconcelos is an avid advocate for invisible illnesses, freelance writer, and blogger from Portugal. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy at 28 years old after experiencing symptoms for 13 years. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices Program, she is telling her story with the hope of empowering others to do the same. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Connor Baker is a recent nursing graduate from Aurora University in Illinois. He was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at 20 years old. Now, as a trained speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, he wants to share his story to help spread awareness and end stigma surrounding narcolepsy. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Amanda Myers is a college student who splits her time between studying biology and competing in olympic weightlifting. At the age of 20, she was diagnosed with narcolepsy, and now serves as a speaker for the Rising Voices program. In her presentation, she’ll detail the symptoms most people don’t attribute to the condition and offer some perspective on de-stigmatizing invisible illness. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/

Kristen is a marketing professional and pageant titleholder from Florida. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy at the age of 35 after 25+ years of misdiagnosis. As a speaker with Rising Voices, Kristen shares her story with others to build awareness and to help others find a quicker path to diagnosis. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/

Alexa Cuevas is a pharmacist in Mexico. In this episode, Alexa recounts the hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations she has experienced. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy type 1 in 2019, and graduated from Project Sleep’s Rising Voices Program in 2020. Alexa uses her voice and social media platform to raise awareness of this often misunderstood condition and share empathy with others. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/

Kayla is a Life Coach from Indiana who loves learning. She has lived with narcolepsy her whole life, and now, as a Rising Voices speaker, is sharing her story to raise awareness and understanding of the condition. The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their experiences through the Rising Voices program. To request a Rising Voices speaker or apply for an upcoming training, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options, visit https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/

Could a pill help treat your sleep apnea? In this important discussion, we explored all medications for sleep apnea, including new prescription medication options being developed, when these might be available, and how different types of medications are used to help you feel informed for your next doctor’s appointment.    About Our Guest: Dr. Klar Yaggi Dr. Klar Yaggi is a professor of medicine and the Vice Chief for Research in the Yale Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. He also serves as the Director of the Yale Centers for Sleep Medicine.  His research employs translational methods applied to sleep science, circadian biology, and respiratory neurobiology to investigate the mechanistic pathways between sleep deficiency (sleep deprivation, noncircadian wakefulness/sleep, and impaired sleep quality/architecture due to insomnia/sleep-disordered breathing) and cardio-metabolic disease, substance use disorders, cognitive impairment, and mental illness.  His research approach integrates physiology, clinical medicine, and novel biostatistical methods in epidemiologic designs, including large, multicenter observational cohort studies of adult populations and mechanistic randomized controlled trials.  His work has 1) informed the prognostic implications of the phenotypic expression of sleep disorders through polysomnographic physiologic traits and biomarkers and 2) examined the impact of interventions targeting sleep deficiency that may help to improve markers of disease and health outcomes.  His lab, the Yale Translational Sleep, Circadian, and Respiratory Neurobiology Research Center on Yale’s West Campus, provides infrastructure for supporting multi-disciplinary translational sleep research.  He is committed to mentoring and training the next generation of scientists, which he considers the most rewarding aspect of his professional work, and he has successfully mentored postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty to independence.    The New Medications For Sleep Apnea Toolkit is coming soon!    Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/     Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/   Download podcast transcriptions here.

From being judged as “lazy” to worrying about a partner’s reaction to a CPAP machine, we’re breaking down the shame & stigma of sleep apnea––together.  In this powerful discussion, we address the issues no one is talking about. Young people can feel confused or even embarrassed by this diagnosis, often associating it with older adults.    We dive into the emotional side of living with sleep apnea and how we can help change the narrative.   This conversation is part of Sleep Apnea: Let’s Face It!, a campaign launched by Project Sleep to shatter stereotypes and showcase real faces of people living with sleep apnea.   To learn more and to participate in the campaign, visit https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-lets-face-it/.   About our Guests: Jason Webb Jason Webb lives in North Queensland with his girlfriend and comes from a family of four, including a younger brother. He enjoys gardening, fishing, and traveling. Diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea at 28 after experiencing symptoms for about a year, he faced numerous challenges in understanding and managing his condition. With no specialist in his rural town, he struggled to navigate his diagnosis alone. He has undergone nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum, battled depression, and now happily wears a CPAP every night. Having faced these obstacles firsthand, he is passionate about helping others on their sleep apnea journey, so they don’t have to go through the same struggles alone. Edgar Castro Tello Edgar Castro Tello is Venezuelan born and raised, but now calls Tampa, Florida his more humid, tropical home, where he lives with his partner, Frankie. He’s an environmental scientist with a passion for programs and policy in the field of refuse and waste reduction. His career started in environmental consulting with migratory birds and informal education in zoos, quickly falling in love with public service and policy change. He was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea in 2016 at the age of 25; a diagnosis that was too late in the making. Edgar hopes his story will shed some light on the prevalence of sleeping disorders in the gay bear community and early signs from teenage years.  The Fighting Sleep Apnea Shame & Stigma Toolkit is coming soon!    Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/ Download podcast transcription here.

Are you wrestling with CPAP therapy to treat your sleep apnea? Or maybe your CPAP has turned into a dust collector on your nightstand? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help!   About our Guests:   Kath Hope Kath Hope is the Founder & CEO of the Hope2Sleep Charity and a patient with severe OSA and nocturnal ‘non-obesity’ hypoventilation. Kath was diagnosed with severe OSA around 18 years ago and, like many, struggled at the beginning of her CPAP therapy with comfort issues. She went from dreading bedtime to now never considering sleeping without her machine for a full night’s sleep every night! Her passion was to help her fellow patients, which resulted in the formation of a charity that currently supports around 25k patients in the UK and even worldwide.   Dr. Sarah Silverman Dr. Sarah Silverman is a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and behavioral sleep medicine specialist who’s passionate about helping others improve their sleep through science-backed and non-medication treatment approaches. Dr. Silverman is an expert in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for insomnia (CBTi), the first-line, drug-free treatment approach for adults with chronic insomnia. CBTi is an effective way to improve sleep naturally and overcome chronic insomnia without medication. Dr. Silverman is also an expert in CBT for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, which is an effective way to help with any difficulty related to using CPAP and provide drug-free assistance with PAP therapy adjustment. Connect with Dr. Sarah @drsarahsleep on Instagram and other socials.   The Making CPAP Comfortable Toolkit is coming soon!    Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/ Download podcast transcription here.

In honor of World Sleep Day 2025, Hollywood, Health & Society and Project Sleep hosted an exciting panel discussion at the Writers Guild of America West, “Sleepless in Hollywood? Anxiety, Insomnia & the Truth About Sleep Disorders.” The conversation on March 13th, 2025, included hearing from sleep specialists, people living with sleep disorders, and industry professionals who have thoughtfully featured sleep disorder portrayals on TV including Brent Miller, Executive Producer of Amazon’s hit show Clean Slate (which features sleep apnea) and Al Jean, Executive Producer of The Simpsons (which featured narcolepsy). TV writers and industry professionals were so engaged and fascinated to learn more about sleep and sleep disorders. We look forward to continuing our efforts to educate and inspire Hollywood toward crafting accurate and authentic storylines involving sleep and sleep disorders. Learn more about Project Sleep’s partnership with Hollywood, Health & Society for accurate sleep disorder depictions on TV: https://project-sleep.com/hollywood-sleep-initiative/   Need support? Reach out to Project Sleep’s Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Download podcast transcription here.

This conversation was recorded in June 2023.What does LGBTQ+ identity have to do with sleep? More than you might think. Experiences shared by many LGBTQ+ people can affect sleep health and sleep disorders in challenging and often invisible ways. Our fantastic panel of community members shares how their identities and sleep are closely intertwined.This discussion is part of Project Sleep’s ongoing commitment to advancing sleep equity through real stories and lived experiences. Learn more about sleep equity and ways to promote healthy sleep for all: https://project-sleep.com/sleep-equity/.If you are an LGBTQ+ adult age 18 or older, we invite you to share your experiences in our LGBTQ+ Sleep Survey. Your insights will directly inform future advocacy and awareness campaigns. Take the survey and share it with your community: https://project-sleep.com/lgbtq-sleep-survey/Need support? Reach out to Project Sleep’s Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Download podcast transcription here.

During Project Sleep’s Sleep In 2024, narcolepsy community leader, writer, and artist extraordinaire, Tatiana Maria Corbitt, joined us to speak to their narcolepsy journey and artistic endeavors. During this interview, Tatiana also shares one of their favorite poems about their experience with narcolepsy in the outdoors.About Tatiana:Tatiana Maria Corbitt is a writer and multidisciplinary artist living in the Pacific Northwest. They have a M.S. in Applied Biological Sciences from Arizona State University. In addition to being published on narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net and in “Blood Sweat Tears," which can be ordered at https://www.ruggedoutdoorswoman.com/online-store/?aff=4 (please put “narcolepsy” in the purchase notes so that Tatiana can be partially credited for any sales), Tatiana recently published their first poetry book. “Wild Brujeria" includes many references to living with narcolepsy, and can be purchased at https://www.curiouscorvidpublishing.com/product-page/wild-brujeria?srsltid=AfmBOoqFtlUfh_NvqN22JKLNN5qTBeocnzqDsCwvbh4CyBAHsFXw0ICc.Tatiana is currently writing an autobiographical fictional fantasy novel starring a queer and narcoleptic ex-scientist who hikes into a new world (release date to be determined) and spends their days reading, napping, writing, painting, and hiking with their German shepherd service dog.   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Download podcast transcription here.

On Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, Project Sleep proudly hosted “Awakening America: A Congressional Briefing on Sleep and Public Health” followed by a first-ever Sleep Screening event on Capitol Hill. Over 100 people attended Project Sleep’s events, with great interest from Hill staffers looking to learn more about their sleep and Project Sleep’s activities, including Project Sleep’s free national Sleep Helpline and the new SLEEP Act!   Lindsay Scola moderated the briefing and shared about being a Hill staffer earlier in her career while facing an undiagnosed sleep disorder. Dr. Michael Grandner shared exciting scientific advancements in our understanding of the importance of sleep for our overall health and well-being. Next, Dr. Kali Cyrus shared her personal story of eventually finding a sleep disorders diagnosis after many years of experiencing symptoms while in medical school and beyond. Lastly, Project Sleep’s President & CEO, Julie Flygare, JD, discussed challenges we face to educate the public and medical providers about sleep and sleep disorders. Flygare shared about what Project Sleep is doing to help improve public awareness of sleep and sleep disorders and how policymakers can play a key role as well.   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/  Download podcast transcription here.

This conversation informed and educated media professionals on how to accurately cover sleep health and sleep disorders. In this conversation, people living with different sleep disorders shared insights from their journeys and what they wish they had read. Journalists toolkit and resources: https://project-sleep.com/sleep-media-center/   This broadcast was originally recorded in March 2023, during the annual Sleep In event. Learn more about the Sleep In here: project-sleep.com/sleepin/     Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Download podcast transcription here.

Dr. Robert W. Turner II is a former professional football player and Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Science. In this interview, Dr. Turner shared about his journey toward taking on innovative community-focused sleep research, including a new collaboration with Project Sleep & Dr. Michael Grandner to better understand Black Americans’ perspectives on sleep and sleep disorders to improve future awareness efforts.   This broadcast was originally recorded in March 2023, during the annual Sleep In event. Learn more about the Sleep In here: project-sleep.com/sleepin/     Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Download podcast transcription here.

CPAP is a commonly used first-line treatment for sleep apnea, but it’s not the only option! In this Sleep Apnea Squad broadcast, we explored ALL the currently available treatments for sleep apnea and how to access them.   About our Guests: Karen Wolk Karen Wolk was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea in late 2015 at the age of 44. Karen first tried using CPAP therapy for two years and had problems adapting to it.  Karen’s doctor suggested that a hypoglossal nerve stimulator could be a good treatment option for her, and she received her Inspire implant in July 2018. Following her successful implant, Karen is back to working full-time and enjoying life to the fullest. Her memory has drastically improved, and she no longer falls asleep unintentionally during the day. Karen is the mother of three adult children and three dogs. She works full-time managing a Petco store and uses her story to help others as a volunteer patient ambassador for Inspire Medical Systems. Karen is also an Advisor at the Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners. Dr. Meredith Broderick, MD Dr. Meredith Broderick is a triple board-certified sleep neurologist based in Seattle, WA.  Her passion is combining holistic, preventative, allopathic, and behavioral sleep medicine to optimize health and wellness.  In her personal life, she is passionate about the performing arts and outdoor adventure, and she has climbed some of the highest mountains on planet Earth.  She sees patients one-on-one from her boutique sleep practice, Sound Sleep Guru, and shares from her life and tips as a sleep medicine physician on Instagram and TikTok @sleepdoctormer. The Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Toolkit is coming soon!    Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/ Download podcast transcription here.

What’s a sleep apnea test? The latest Apple Watch alerts users of possible sleep apnea. But what kind of doctor do you see to get tested for sleep apnea and what’s the difference between an at-home test versus an in-lab test? Join us to discuss all the options, insurance v. paying out of pocket, and advocating for yourself and your health. About Our Guests:   Jody Martin Jody Martin is a husband, Marine Corps veteran, and business owner. He lives in Texas with his wife of 30 years, Rachel. In 2019, Jody underwent testing in a sleep clinic and received a diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnea. After a difficult start to CPAP therapy, Jody abandoned it. Later, when he tried to get help, he was told he would have to go through the entire process again, starting with his primary care doctor. It was a process he was unwilling to repeat. That was until he discovered Lofta, an online sleep apnea home testing company, and was able to go through testing, diagnosis, and getting set up on CPAP therapy entirely from home and with the support of Lofta staff. Jody is passionate about sharing his journey to encourage other people living with undiagnosed sleep apnea to learn about their testing options and get the testing, diagnosis, and treatment they need. Andrea Ramberg MS, CCSH, RPSGT Andrea Ramberg has spent 16 years in sleep medicine, learning every component of polysomnography, from clinical to administrative. She is double credentialed with her RPSGT and CCSH and holds a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.  Andrea is EnsoData’s Clinical Director, and she joined the team in 2020 because of her passion for bringing Sleep Medicine into the future. From 2021-2023, Andrea served as President of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists, BRPT, and her goal is to empower sleep technologists in new roles through the CCSH credential as Sleep Coaches, Sleep Educators, and Sleep Navigators.    The Sleep Apnea Testing Toolkit is coming soon!    Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/   Download podacst transcription here.

Sleep apnea symptoms can fly under the radar, even in the doctor’s office. Are you questioning if you or a loved one has sleep apnea symptoms? If you are living with sleep apnea, did you experience a delay to diagnosis?   About Our Guests:   Sam Kashani, MD Dr. Sam Kashani is a board-certified Sleep Physician who practices at UCLA Health in Los Angeles. His clinical interests include chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, parasomnias, pediatric sleep disorders, and the associations between sleep, mental, and metabolic health. Dr. Kashani completed his residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Southern California, where he worked with the medically underserved population of San Bernardino County with plans of becoming a primary care physician. Upon completing his residency, he chose to pursue his interest in Sleep Medicine and completed a fellowship in Sleep Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Dr. Kashani currently serves as President-elect of the California Sleep Society and is an enthusiastic member of Project Sleep’s expert advisory board. Bob File  Bob File is a former major league baseball player living with obstructive sleep apnea. At Jefferson University Bob was a 2004 Hall of Fame inductee and 2018 Retired Jersey Recipient was one of the strongest all-around baseball players in school history. He is only one of four Rams to have their jersey retired by the school. File was drafted in the 1998 MLB Amateur Entry Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 19th round (561st overall) and went on to appear in three 1/2 seasons for the Blue Jays with 89 appearances across 111.1 innings. Currently the Sr. Director of Solution Engineering at Ledger Run, Bob provides leadership and oversees Ledger Run’s solution engineering, ensuring successful solution architecture, application delivery, and standing up enterprise tech solutions for life sciences’ business challenges. Bob is a proud husband and father who enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.   Download the Could I Have Sleep Apnea Toolkit for more resources: https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad-could-i-have-sleep-apnea/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with Sleep Apnea. https://project-sleep.com/sleep-apnea-squad/ Download podacst transcription here.

Feeling like you might be more than “just tired?” Wondering how to talk about sleep issues with your primary care provider? You’re not alone. In Talking to Your Doctor About Sleep Issues, guests shared insights from clinical and patient perspectives on discussing sleep issues and daytime sleepiness with general practitioners, and how to get referred to a sleep specialist.   About our Guests:  Joshua Roland, MD Studied psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he developed an interest in sleep and its role in mental health and well-being. Before attending medical school, he worked in clinical research conducting studies on sleep pharmacotherapies. Dr. Roland completed his residency at Drexel University College of Medicine and then did a sleep medicine fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine. He practiced sleep medicine at UCLA, and worked on guidelines for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as well as serving on the California Sleep Society board of directors. He currently is the medical director of River at Thirty Madison.   Kristen Cascio Kristen Cascio is a clinical social worker and world traveler from Boston. She was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea at age 31. Kristen now hopes to raise awareness while encouraging others to never feel self-conscious about their diagnosis. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, she shares her story to increase public knowledge around sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.   Lauren Oglesby, MPH Lauren Oglesby serves as Programs Manager for Project Sleep, and is a public health educator and advocate focused on healthcare and resource accessibility. Recently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea at age 44 after experiencing symptoms for years, she shares her story to validate and empower others in self-advocacy and healthcare navigation.   Resources: Talking to Your Doctor About Sleep Issues Toolkit Coming Soon! Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Finding Your Sleep Healthcare Team: https://project-sleep.com/finding-your-sleep-healthcare-team/ Sleep Disorders Screener: https://sleephealthscreen.com/ Epworth Sleepiness Scale: https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-90 Hypersomnia Foundation's Directory of Healthcare Professionals who treat hypersomnias: https://www.hypersomniafoundation.org/directory/ Find an AASM Accredited Sleep Center: https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-center/   The Narcolepsy Nerd Alert series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with narcolepsy. project-sleep.com/narcolepsy-nerd-alert/ Download podcast transcription here.

In this Narcolepsy Nerd Alert we discuss everything from dating and early stages to long-term partnerships and marriage, with people living with narcolepsy and a supporter.   About our Guests:  Taylor Dillon is a Filipina-American NERD who loves hiking and dancing in Los Angeles. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy at age 18, and now creates educational resources, the Narcolepsy Nerd Alert toolkits with Project Sleep. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Taylor shares her story to increase public understanding of narcolepsy and decrease stigma around sleep disorders. Lindsay Scola is an entertainment impact strategist and outdoor enthusiast living in Los Angeles. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy at 35 and is now a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program. Lindsay shares her story of experiencing mysterious symptoms and advocating for her diagnosis to help others with sleep related issues get answers and seek the treatment they need. Bob Cloud is a retired lawyer living in Northern Vermont. He grew up in Ohio and married an Indiana girl, Margaret, with whom he has two children. His excessive sleepiness, cataplexy, and related symptoms appeared at age 33, during his first year of night law school. Bob practiced family, criminal, and general law for 30 years, during which time he learned to live with narcolepsy. As a Rising Voices speaker, Bob shares how supportive family, creative doctors and pharmaceutical providers, and understanding friends stood by him as a husband, father, lawyer, patient, and occasional fisherman with narcolepsy. Margaret Cloud has been married to Bob for 52 years. Following a career of 30 years in clinical laboratory leadership for major medical centers and national labs, she moved with Bob to northern Vermont. Margaret’s insights into supporting a spouse with narcolepsy raise issues not often discussed by individuals, families, and professionals. Jeff Discount is a father of three who enjoys a career as a sales engineer and business development consultant, and has a passion for building both his physique and meaningful relationships. He was diagnosed with narcolepsy at age 40, which provided considerable challenges in maintaining high levels of fitness and balancing important facets of his life. Jeff encourages other people with narcolepsy to connect and learn from each other, and is thrilled to share some of the ways he has overcome his own challenges with this neurological condition.   Narcolepsy + Relationships Toolkit Coming Soon!   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   The Narcolepsy Nerd Alert series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with narcolepsy. project-sleep.com/narcolepsy-nerd-alert/ Download podacst transcription here.

Cataplexy is a unique form of muscle weakness experienced by some people with narcolepsy, but how can you recognize this symptom? What are the emotional triggers? And how do you cope with cataplexy? During Narcolepsy Nerd Alert: Coping With Cataplexy, sleep medicine physician Dr. Katie Sharkey and Rising Voices speaker Katie Mehin shared their insights.   About our Guests:  Dr. Katie Sharkey, MD, PhD is a sleep medicine physician and associate professor of Medicine and of Psychiatry & Human Behavior at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She earned her MD-PhD and completed a combined internal medicine and psychiatry residency at Rush University in Chicago, IL. Dr. Sharkey is a recognized expert on sleep and circadian rhythms, particularly as they relate to mood regulation and women’s health. She is an Associate Editor of Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Frontiers in Sleep, and serves on the editorial board of Sleep Health.   Katie Mehin is a project analyst for an educational tech company specializing in empowering adult learners to thrive in higher education. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two elementary-age sons. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy as a college sophomore, almost five years after the initial onset of her symptoms. As a trained speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Katie hopes to spread awareness of this neurological sleep disorder to help others in obtaining more timely diagnoses.   Download theCoping With Cataplexy Toolkit for more resources: https://project-sleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Coping-with-Cataplexy-Toolkit.pdf Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ The Narcolepsy Nerd Alert series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with narcolepsy. project-sleep.com/narcolepsy-nerd-alert/ Download podcast transcription here.

Wondering if you or a loved one could have narcolepsy? Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Lindsay McCullough, MD joined us to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment and share her own journey to being diagnosed with narcolepsy.   About Our Guest:  Dr. Lindsay McCullough, MD is a sleep medicine specialist, assistant professor of sleep medicine, and associate program director of the sleep medicine fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. After struggling with unexplained daytime sleepiness and misunderstanding from those around her for ten years, she was diagnosed with type 2 narcolepsy without cataplexy as a fourth-year medical student. Dr. McCullough shared her story as a sleep physician living with narcolepsy in the Fall 2022 issue of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s member magazine, Montage. Download the Could I Have NArcolepsy? Toolkit Toolkit for more resources: https://project-sleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Could-I-Have-Narcolepsy-Toolkit-Final-2024.pdf   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   The Narcolepsy Nerd Alert series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with narcolepsy. project-sleep.com/narcolepsy-nerd-alert/ Download podcast transcription here.

What’s your creative outlet? In this Narcolepsy Nerd Alert, an incredible panel of artists from around the world share their work and discuss the relationship between creative expression and living with narcolepsy.   About Our Guests:   Ulrike Nordquist is a mother of two, photographer, painter, and Rising Voices speaker living in Sweden. She developed type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy at the age of 38 after receiving the Pandemrix H1N1 vaccine. During the years coping with her new situation, she made her passion for painting and photography into a business that fit her schedule. Ulrike conceptualizes her way of thinking: “I use self-luminous colors to lighten up dark parts in my paintings!” Silence Hands is a mother of two and a multidisciplinary artist from Tennessee. She was diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy at age 35 and wishes to motivate others to listen closely to what their bodies are telling them. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Silence shares her experiences with others to improve awareness of narcolepsy and hopes to undo misconceptions of this neurological condition. Shu Horiike is a freelance designer, web engineer, and digital art director living in Japan. His artwork expresses the specific feelings of narcolepsy and hypersomnia, with the fear of memories being sliced out, anxiety of shaking vision, distorted sounds, and feeling uncomfortable under the gaze of others. Shu is a member of  the Japan Narcolepsy Association, and hopes to use his art to raise awareness of narcolepsy in Japan. Jonathan Correa is a photography hobbyist and outdoor enthusiast. He was diagnosed with narcolepsy in 2014, more than 10 years after initial symptoms. Jonathan is a lifelong resident of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Dana Harel lives in Israel with her husband and two children. She is a developmental psychologist and an artist. She was diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy at age 34, after living with symptoms since she was 18. Her artwork primarily involves paper craft, scrapbooking and mixed media.  Jayden Rowland is an art major at Oklahoma Community College. They were diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy at age 15 and have been raising awareness ever since. As an artist and speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Jayden conveys the struggles of not being taken seriously, achieving a diagnosis, and their ongoing battle with depression and self-acceptance.   Download the Narcolepsy + Art Toolkit Toolkit for more resources: https://project-sleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Narcolepsy-and-Art-Toolkit.pdf   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   The Narcolepsy Nerd Alert series invites listeners to dive deeper into specific topics relevant to living with narcolepsy. project-sleep.com/narcolepsy-nerd-alert/ Download podcast transcription here.

Kim Leatherman works with preschoolers with autism and is a health and wellness coach. She was diagnosed with type 2 narcolepsy without cataplexy in her early 40s, but has been experiencing symptoms since her late teens. In sharing her story as a Rising Voices speaker, she hopes to shed light on this invisible sleep disorder and the impacts of living with it.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Kristyn Beecher is a storyteller and news producer from Houston, Texas. She was diagnosed with type 2 narcolepsy without cataplexy at age 24, but had lived with symptoms for many years before that. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, she tells her own story and hopes to let others living with narcolepsy know they aren’t alone.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Katie Williamsen is an entrepreneur and web designer. She has lived with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy for over six years and, by sharing her story, aims to raise awareness of this life-changing condition.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Victoria is a homeschooling mother of two, educational diagnostician, and major horse enthusiast. She was diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy at 26 years old and now hopes to raise awareness of this condition. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Victoria shares her experiences finding her diagnosis and living with narcolepsy. Through her story, she hopes to emphasize that feeling understood and accepted is important, even when you don’t understand and accept yourself.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

This episode is spoken in Spanish. Grisel Pantoja fue diagnosticada con narcolepsia tipo 1 con cataplejía en 2016 pero esto no le impidió cumplir sus sueños. Grisel recibió su Licenciatura en psicología en FIU (Universidad Internacional de la Florida) con una especialización en educación en el 2017. Actualmente está cursando su maestría de psicología en consejería con especialización en salud mental.   Grisel quiere crear conciencia de lo que es la narcolepsia compartiendo su experiencia como oradora en el programa Rising Voices de Project Sleep. Grisel también disfruta en su tiempo libre de tocar el violín, escribir, le gusta la fotografía y pasar tiempo con su familia.   Rising Voices es el programa de capacitación de liderazgo de Project Sleep para crear conciencia sobre la narcolepsia y al mismo tiempo ayudar a nuevas generaciones de pacientes que compartan su historia a través de escribirlas y comunicarlas a otros. Aprende más: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

This episode is spoken in French. Anne-Claude Foucault est associée aux opérations et à la mobilité des talents pour une agence de publicité pancanadienne. Elle est mère à temps plein et adore l'activité physique, en particulier le jogging et l'escalade. Elle a vécu sans le savoir avec une narcolepsie de type 1 avec cataplexie pendant 25 ans avant de recevoir son diagnostic en 2018. Aujourd'hui, en tant que conférencière pour Rising Voices of Narcolepsy, elle espère faire prendre conscience du vrai visage de ce trouble neurologique souvent mal compris. et entouré de clichés.   Rising Voices℠ est un programme de formation au leadership de Project Sleep  qui vise à sensibiliser aux troubles du sommeil tout en permettant à une nouvelle génération de défenseurs des patients de partager leurs histoires par l'écriture et la parole. Apprendre encore plus: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Anne-Claude Foucault is a Traffic Manager & Operation Partner in a Montreal-based marketing agency, a full-time mother, and a woman who loves physical activity, especially jogging and climbing. She lived with symptoms for 25 years before receiving her diagnosis of type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy in 2018. Now, as a Rising Voices speaker, she hopes to deconstruct the preconceptions and clichés that surround this neurological disorder.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/

Stephanie Manuli is an undergraduate student at North Carolina State University, where she is studying Biochemistry. Stephanie was diagnosed with type 2 narcolepsy without cataplexy in 2014 and is now a trained speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices leadership program. Stephanie shares her story with the goal to raise awareness of this misunderstood condition.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Rachel Nesmith is a wife, mother, and speaker. She was diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy in February 2002 and considers herself a real Superhero. As a Rising Voices trained speaker, she shares her story to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of this misunderstood neurological condition.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Jordan Taylor is a graduate of the University of Alabama where she had a prominent role on the university’s speech and debate and slam poetry teams. Diagnosed with narcolepsy type 1 at the age of 14, Jordan joined Project Sleep’s Rising Voices to share her story and raise awareness about the often misunderstood condition.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Kêta is a professional songwriter for SonyATV, traveling between LA and Atlanta for her work. She was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at age 17 and now, as a Rising Voices trained speaker, she is educating audiences about what it is actually like to have narcolepsy while encouraging them to dream big and live full lives. You can learn more by finding her on Twitter or Instagram at @ThisIsKeta.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Ming Lai lives in Nevada and is a Registered Nurse, permaculturist, and Council Member and co-Office Manager for an antinuclear weapons interfaith peace nonprofit. He has lived with narcolepsy for over 30 years and now, as a Rising Voices writer, hopes to spread awareness and share his story.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: https://project-sleep.com/helpline/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Amy Desmarais is an SEO Analyst living in the Boston, MA area. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Hypersomnia Foundation from 2017 – 2020, which she became involved with after being diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in 2015. As a Rising Voices trained speaker, Amy hopes to spread awareness of hypersomnia by sharing her story.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Eilís Finnegan completed her Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Interior Architecture Degrees from Auburn University. Eilís was diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy in 2017 as a college sophomore and is now a trained speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program. In her presentation, Eilís educates on the basic facts of narcolepsy while also taking you on a journey through her “dreamscape”— her road to diagnosis, how she creatively manages symptoms today, and how she uses her career in Architecture to advocate for research into sleep conditions.   Check out Eilís' DREAM*S artwork on Instagram: @eilis_arch   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Rachel Miyazaki is a production coordinator and houseplant enthusiast originally from Hawai’i, now living in Seattle. She struggled with sleep disorders since childhood and is living with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy. Now, as a Rising Voices writer, she wants to advocate for fellow people with narcolepsy, especially students and employees. In this episode, Rachel reads her thoughtful and witty essay, “The Awakening,” followed by a Q&A. Read her essay here: http://www.bmpvoices.com/the-awakening   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/

Elizabeth Terry is a lifelong “Hoosier,” Indiana University graduate, and recreational therapist. Diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy while in college in 2015, she became a trained speaker through Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program in 2018. By sharing her story, Elizabeth continues to build awareness for this misunderstood neurological condition and encourages others to do the same.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Download episode transcription Here

Ebony is a telecommunications engineer and identical twin from Leawood, KS, living with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy. As a trained speaker of Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Ebony shares her story to help separate facts from myths and spread awareness about this often misunderstood neurological condition.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Download episode transcription Here

Matthew Horsnell is a father of three, amateur strength athlete, and science nerd who incorporates invertebrate fossils into rock sculptures. Matt calls Nashville, TN, home. He was diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy in 2007 and now, as a trained speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices leadership program, aims to raise awareness about narcolepsy and sleep.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Download episode transcription Here

Brittany Matthews is a Texas girl living in a Chicago world. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston. At the age of 19 after more than 12 years of struggling with mysterious symptoms, she learned she had type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy. As a trained speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, Brittany shares her story to health care professionals and the general public to shed light on the reality of living with this challenging and misunderstood condition.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Download episode transcription Here

Anna Marr is an LA-based actor, writer, and voiceover artist living with type 1 narcolepsy. When not performing or writing comedy, she enjoys consuming odd ice cream flavors, female-driven TV shows, and theme parks. She is a co-founder of Bluelaces Theatre Co., a non-profit that creates interactive, multi-sensory theatre for individuals with developmental differences. Anna was diagnosed with narcolepsy as a senior at Northwestern University. As a Rising Voices writer, she aims to change how the media represents this chronic neurological condition. She developed an award-winning short film about narcolepsy, Walking through Peanut Butter, based on her experiences navigating New York’s comedy scene with narcolepsy. You can learn more at https://project-sleep.com/walking-through-peanut-butter/   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/ Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Download episode transcription Here

Dr. Mindi McKenna is a retired grandmother of five, with a third-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, living in Kansas City. She has been living with narcolepsy type 2 for over 25 years and shares her story because she hopes to help accelerate diagnosis and improve treatment for this often misunderstood condition. As a speaker with Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, she will help us all understand what it can be like to be diagnosed with and live with this serious sleep disorder.   The Rising Voices Series features a variety of first-hand stories from people living with sleep disorders around the world. At Project Sleep, we believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and break down stigma. This is why we train people with sleep disorders on how to share their stories through the Rising Voices training program. To request a Rising Voices speaker for your conference or apply for an upcoming training program, visit: https://project-sleep.com/rising-voices/   Please note: this audio was originally recorded in 2020. For up-to-date facts about narcolepsy treatment options: https://project-sleep.com/facts-about-narcolepsy/ Download episode transcription Here