Ever wondered what really happens during a sleep study — and why we still rely on them more than 50 years after their invention? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the overnight sleep study, from its surprisingly quirky origins to its modern-day role in diagnosing sleep apnea, narcolepsy, parasomnias, and more. In this episode we will:

• Learn how the polysomnogram was born — and why it became the gold standard in sleep medicine
• Understand what actually happens during an overnight sleep study (yes, all those wires have a purpose)
• Cover the rise of home sleep testing — when it works well, and when it can miss important diagnoses
• Review special considerations for kids, athletes, and patients with complex sleep concerns
• Take a peek at where sleep testing is headed next, from wearable tech to at-home EEG

Produced by: Maeve Winter

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• Twitter: @drchriswinter
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• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!

You probably saw the headlines out of California as they sent a jolt through the sleep world as well as social media: Do common sleep medications increase your risk of dementia? In this episode we will:

• Review what the UCSF study actually found — and what the headlines got wrong
• Determine which medications are most often implicated (benzodiazepines vs Z-drugs vs trazodone)
• Take a deep dive into the three best studies on sleeping pills and dementia risk
• Find out why some large studies do show a connection… and others don’t
• Learn the real risks you should take seriously — even if dementia isn’t one of them
• Think about how doctors should actually practice prescribing sleep meds in older adults

Produced by: Maeve Winter

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• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!

This week marks the 7th month we have put out the Top 10 Sleep Threats Power Rankings, but it's the first time we have devoted an entire episode to the list. this week, we have a special guest assessor, Dr. Jade Wu. In this episode we will:

• Find out what Jade thinks are the top threats to your sleep
• Focus on mental health as a sleep detractor
• Learn more about the concept of FOMO or "fear of missing out" and how research is indicating it is a real threat to the sleep of many

Produced by: Maeve Winter

More

• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!