In this episode, we discuss who else is podcasting about sleep apnea. Specifically, what patients are also trying to raise the awareness of sleep apnea.
Are you one of those people who really love podcasts and can't get enough information about sleep apnea (I'm one of those people)? There are some patients who have great podcasts and we are becoming a community of patients who are working to raise awareness and hopefully helping people take action.
I am someone who learns by listening to something more so than reading things. So, podcasts are a perfect format for me. I can slow them down and also play them again and again.
Since developing this drive to learn all that I can about sleep apnea, I turned to podcasts to find quality information. What I found was podcasts by sleep physicians as well as dentist who are board certified in dental sleep. Well that was not satisfying for me and I wanted more of a patient focus.
I found three podcasts that have been fantastic sources of information as well as inspiration. They are Emma Cooksey's Sleep Apnea Stories, The American Sleep Apnea Associations Awake podcast, and Dr. Steven Park's Breath Better, Sleep Better, Live Better podcast.
It may be curious that I am talking about other podcasts, but I believe the more information for people to listen to raise awareness the better. Our focus at Sleep Apnea Pathfinders has a distinct approach that sets it apart from these other fantastic podcasts.
Our first season was structured around discussing the Social, Physical, and Emotional impact of sleep apnea. This season we are interviewing patients and discussing related medical issues they experienced in addition to their sleep apnea. We also will dive deeper into issues around diagnosis and treatment. After all, there are millions of people diagnosed who could not find a treatment that worked for them. This is a staggering number on top of those who are also undiagnosed as yet. There are lots of myths out there which cause sleep apnea to be viewed as an overweight mans issue.
We as patients should feel empowered to advocate for ourselves and ask more questions. I hope to bring information which can help illuminate more issues which are actionable and useful to patients and their famililies.