Deep into Sleep

In this episode, Dr. Yishan sits down with Dr. Kendall Stewart — a former skull-based surgeon who has spent the past two decades pioneering a data-driven approach to functional medicine, genetics, and neuroimmune health. Together, they explore the biological roots of sleep struggles that behavioral advice alone often can't fix: neurotransmitter imbalances, genetic variants, and inflammation in the nervous system. Dr. Stewart breaks down how genes governing GABA production, melatonin receptor sensitivity, dopamine methylation, and adenosine signaling can silently undermine sleep — and how targeted nutritional support can restore the balance that makes the brain ready for rest.Dr. Stewart also shares remarkable insights from his work with thousands of patients, including children on the autism spectrum, revealing how lessons from neuroimmune research are shaping a new model of precision sleep medicine. He explains why psychological and behavioral sleep therapies work dramatically better when the brain is first supported biologically, and introduces accessible tools — including at-home genetic panels through his company Helix Revolution — that are making personalized care available without a doctor's visit. If you've ever felt that generic sleep advice just doesn't apply to you, this conversation will show you why — and what to do about it.Show Notes: deepintosleep.co/episode/ep209-kendall-stewartRESOURCESAre 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!Connect with Dr. YishanInstagram: @dr.yishanTwitter: @dryishanFacebook: @dr.yishanConnect with Dr. Kendall StewartPodcast: Coffee with Dr. StewartGenetics: Fagron Genetics (formerly GX Sciences)Longevity: ExtendingMeDirect-to-Public Panels: Helix RevolutionNewsletter and Download Free Sleep Guidance E-Book:https://www.mindbodygarden.com/sleepCBT-I Courses:English: https://www.deepintosleep.co/insomniaChinese: https://www.mindbodygarden.com/shimianPodcast Links:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/deepintosleepStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/deep-into-sleepSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vxyyj9Cswuk91OYztzcMSiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-deep-into-sleep-47827108/Support our Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dryishanLeave us a Rating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.

This year's reflection delves into the complexities of sleep, highlighting the often misunderstood phenomenon of children's sleep terrors. Insights reveal that nightmares are treatable, with daytime strategies proving essential for improvement. Snoring is a critical health signal, indicating potential sleep apnea, emphasizing the need for personalized care. The discussion also teases the future of sleep medicine, where genetics and behavior intersect, ensuring each person's sleep needs are uniquely met.

Mikael Kågebäck, Chief Technology Officer at Sleep Cycle and AI expert, dives into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in sleep health. He reveals how audio data can unveil global sleep patterns and identify health risks like sleep apnea. Mikael discusses the groundbreaking 'Cough Radar' feature, which uses cough detection to predict respiratory illness trends. He also shares insights on the ethical management of user data, the future of personalized sleep coaching, and how these advancements could revolutionize sleep medicine.

In this episode, host Dr. Yishan welcomes Dr. Nicole Fleischmann, a renowned board-certified urogynecologist and urologist, to delve into a topic that’s rarely discussed: the hidden connections between breathing, pelvic floor health, and women’s well-being.Dr. Fleischmann, author of "The Second Mouth: A Woman's Journey to Decoding a Hidden Language for a New Era in Women's Health," shares her groundbreaking perspective on how the way we breathe—specifically through our diaphragm and belly—can have a profound impact not just on relaxation and sleep, but also on pelvic health, urinary incontinence, and even sexual well-being. Together, Dr. Yishan and Dr. Fleischmann bust long-standing myths about Kegel exercises, posture, and what it really means to have a “strong” pelvic floor.They also explore why so many women live with undiagnosed pelvic floor issues, the culturally ingrained habits that might actually be harming us, and how simple but intentional breathing techniques can empower women to reconnect with their bodies and improve their quality of life.If you’re curious about better sleep, nervous system health, and what it really takes to care for your pelvic floor, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips you won’t want to miss. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that just might change the way you think about your own body.Show Notes: deepintosleep.co/episode/breathingRESOURCESAre 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! Connect with Dr. YishanInstagram: @dr.yishanTwitter: @dryishanFacebook:@dr.yishanConnect with Nicole Fleischmann, MDLinkedInWebsiteNewsletter and Download Free Sleep Guidence E-Book:https://www.mindbodygarden.com/sleepCBT-I Courses:English: https://www.deepintosleep.co/insomniaChinese:  https://www.mindbodygarden.com/shimianPodcast Links:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/deepintosleepStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/deep-into-sleepSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vxyyj9Cswuk91OYztzcMSiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-deep-into-sleep-47827108/Support our Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dryishanLeave us a Rating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.

Do nightmares keep you awake at night? Wondering if frequent nightmares mean you have trauma—or if they can ever truly be cured? In this powerful episode, Dr. Yishan welcomes Dr. Courtney Worley, nightmare specialist, board-certified clinical psychologist, and co-author of “The Nightmare and Sleep Disorder Toolkit.” Together, they explore what nightmares really are, why they happen (even if you don’t have PTSD), and how evidence-based treatments like imagery rehearsal therapy and lucid dreaming can help you take back control of your nights.Dr. Worley shares real-life breakthrough moments, explains the difference between nightmares and night terrors, and reveals common mistakes people make when trying to manage distressing dreams on their own. Discover actionable hope, scientific guidance, and practical resources—whether you’re struggling with trauma-related nightmares or looking for ways to simply sleep better.If nightmares are disrupting your life, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Tune in for cutting-edge expertise, self-help strategies, and the encouragement to seek help and finally find rest.Show Notes: deepintosleep.co/episode/nightmareRESOURCESAre 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! Connect with Dr. YishanInstagram: @dr.yishanTwitter: @dryishanFacebook:@dr.yishanConnect with Dr. Courtney WorleyDrCourtneyWorley.comUpwardBehavioralHealth.com@DrWorleyConsultNewsletter and Download Free Sleep Guidence E-Book:https://www.mindbodygarden.com/sleepCBT-I Courses:English: https://www.deepintosleep.co/insomniaChinese:  https://www.mindbodygarden.com/shimianPodcast Links:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/deepintosleepStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/deep-into-sleepSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vxyyj9Cswuk91OYztzcMSiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-deep-into-sleep-47827108/Support our Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dryishanLeave us a Rating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.

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.

Douglas Krohn, MD, a primary care physician and sleep medicine innovator, explains obstructive sleep apnea and his struggle with long, costly diagnostics. He describes how apnea fragments sleep, risks to cognition and relationships, alcohol and risk factors, limits of traditional testing, and a faster digital diagnostic path with remote APAP therapy and support.

Stephanie Romiszewski, a behavioral sleep medicine expert and founder of the Sleepy Head Clinic, shares her insights on sleep misconceptions. She debunks the myth that everyone needs eight hours of sleep and explains that longer time in bed can worsen insomnia. Relaxation apps, while popular, do not address the root causes of sleep issues. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of circadian timing over duration for quality sleep and warns against the dangers of misinformation from sleep tech and social media trends.

In this episode of Deep Into Sleep Podcast, we talked about the essentials of selecting the right mattress with expert Derek Hales. From understanding the appropriate firmness to considering materials and addressing individual sleep needs, Derek shares insights from testing hundreds of mattresses. Whether you're a side sleeper needing medium firmness or a stomach sleeper requiring additional support, there's a mattress out there for you. We also explore the rise of smart beds and the importance of balancing comfort with technology. Take control of your sleep quality by understanding what you truly need in a mattress. Show Notes: deepintosleep.co/episode/mattressRESOURCESAre 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! Connect with Dr. YishanInstagram: @dr.yishanTwitter: @dryishanFacebook:@dr.yishanConnect with Derek Haleshttps://naplab.com/https://www.youtube.com/@NapLabReviewsNewsletter and Download Free Sleep Guidence E-Book:https://www.mindbodygarden.com/sleepCBT-I Courses:English: https://www.deepintosleep.co/insomniaChinese:  https://www.mindbodygarden.com/shimianPodcast Links:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/deepintosleepStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/deep-into-sleepSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vxyyj9Cswuk91OYztzcMSiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-deep-into-sleep-47827108/Support our Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dryishanLeave us a Rating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.

Welcome to this special 200th episode of the Deep Into Sleep podcast! Join Dr. Yishan as she takes you on a journey through her evolving understanding of sleep medicine since the podcast's inception in 2019. From her early days at Stanford's Sleep Medicine Center, she's gained profound insights into myriad sleep disorders—over 90 types, with insomnia being just one of them. Through interviews with esteemed sleep experts, Dr. Yishan has grown not only in her knowledge but also in her career, with her mental health clinic expanding exponentially. She also shares her exciting plans to launch a sleep center in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tune in as Dr. Yishan reveals her top travel tips for better sleep on long flights, including the benefits of eye masks, earplugs, supportive neck pillows, and cozy socks. Embrace the new year with hopeful perspectives on improving sleep quality. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and enjoy the episode!Show Notes: deepintosleep.co/episode/travelsleeptipsRESOURCESAre 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! Connect with Dr. YishanInstagram: @dr.yishanTwitter: @dryishanFacebook:@dr.yishanNewsletter and Download Free Sleep Guidence E-Book:https://www.mindbodygarden.com/sleepCBT-I Courses:English: https://www.deepintosleep.co/insomniaChinese:  https://www.mindbodygarden.com/shimianPodcast Links:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/deepintosleepStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/deep-into-sleepSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vxyyj9Cswuk91OYztzcMSiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-deep-into-sleep-47827108/Support our Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dryishanLeave us a Rating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-into-sleep/id1475295840If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.