Beyond Breathing

Lancette VanGuilder
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Health & Fitness

Beyond Breathing: The podcast for everyone who breathes and sleeps! Get ready to breathe well, sleep well and live well!  In each episode, we'll be joined by expert medical professionals, sleep specialists, wellness coaches, and individuals who have conquered their sleep struggles (adults and kids). We'll dive into the science of sleep and breathing and its impact on our health, we will explore sleep technology and uncover practical tips and techniques to enhance your sleep quality, your mood and overall health and wellness.     We're on a mission to empower you with knowledge, inspire positive change, and ultimately help you embrace a healthier life.  Our first episode is just around the corner so stay tuned for more empowering conversations. Let's start this incredible voyage, one breath at a time. Thank you, Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center in Reno, Nevada for sponsoring this journey! 

  1. Aug 6

    Personalized Wellness: from the Inside-Out!

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 5 of Beyond Breathing! After a short summer break, I'm so excited to be back and to kick off a brand-new season focused on one of my favorite topics—personalized wellness and longevity. What if healthcare wasn't just about treating disease after it develops? What if it focused on helping you sleep better, breathe better, think clearer, prevent disease, age healthier, and truly thrive? In this episode, we explore what it really means to care for your health from the inside out and why the future of healthcare is shifting from reactive medicine to proactive, personalized wellness. This season, I'll also be joined by incredible guests who will share the latest innovations in health optimization, airway health, sleep medicine, nutrition, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. In this episode, we discuss: Why healthcare is evolving from disease treatment to prevention and health optimizationThe connection between sleep, breathing, oral health, nutrition, genetics, movement, and longevityWhy sleep may be your greatest health superpowerThe importance of identifying and treating sleep apnea earlyWhy annual sleep screening deserves to become part of routine preventive healthcareHow genetic testing can provide personalized insights into nutrition, inflammation, stress response, and overall wellnessThe role food sensitivity testing may play in identifying hidden contributors to inflammation and fatigueSimple ways to support better sleep, including nasal breathing, nasal hygiene, nasal strips, mouth taping (when appropriate), and targeted sleep supplementsMy experience with Emface and why I'm excited about its inside-out approach to healthy agingHow Exomind is helping advance brain wellness through non-invasive neuromodulationThe importance of collaborative healthcare and building a personalized wellness teamWhy oral health is truly connected to overall healthThe growing role of myofunctional therapy, guided growth appliances, and oral appliance therapy for sleep-disordered breathingWhy longevity isn't just about living longer—it's about living healthier, happier, and with more energy for the people and experiences you loveThis Season on Beyond Breathing This season is packed with conversations about: Wellness Reset ProgramsPersonalized wellness strategy sessionsSleep apnea and oral appliance therapyLaser therapiesEmface and ExomindBrain neuroplasticityMouth taping and nasal breathingSleep supplementsWellness retreats and workshopsHealthy nutrition and food strategiesVampire facials and regenerative aestheticsGenetics and personalized medicineFunctional wellnessOral-systemic healthAnd much more!My Takeaway You don't have to settle for feeling "fine." Feeling exhausted, waking up unrefreshed, struggling with brain fog, living with chronic inflammation, or assuming that poor sleep is simply part of getting older should never be accepted as normal. Ask questions. Be curious. Advocate for yourself. Build a healthcare team that listens. Invest in prevention. Invest in sleep. Invest in personalized wellness. Most importantly, invest in you. Because the future of healthcare isn't simply helping us live longer. It's helping us live better. Connect with Sierra Sleep, Airway & Wellness Center If you'd like to learn more about the personalized wellness services discussed in this episode—including sleep testing, oral appliance therapy, genetics, wellness programs, Emface, Exomind, and collaborative care—visit www.sierrasleepwell.com or contact our team to schedule a wellness strategy session. Enjoyed the Episode? If this episode inspired you, please: ⭐ Follow or subscribe to Beyond Breathing⭐ Leave a review⭐ Share this episode with someone you care about⭐ Join us next week for another conversation designed to help you breathe well, sleep well, live well...and ultimately, age well.Remember: Small changes today create extraordinary health tomorrow. Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

  2. Jun 3

    Menopause, Sleep & the Silent Epidemic: What Every Woman Needs to Know

    Send us Fan Mail What if your hot flashes, brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, or mood swings aren't just menopause? In this episode of Beyond Breathing, we explore the powerful connection between women's health, hormones, sleep, and one of the most underdiagnosed conditions affecting women today: sleep apnea. For years, sleep apnea was considered a "man's disease," leaving millions of women undiagnosed and untreated. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the risk of sleep-disordered breathing rises dramatically, often presenting with symptoms that are easily mistaken for normal hormonal changes. Join us as we uncover why sleep is foundational to healthy aging, how menopause impacts breathing during sleep, and what every woman should know about protecting her brain, heart, metabolism, and quality of life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✔ How estrogen and progesterone influence sleep quality and breathing ✔ Why menopause significantly increases the risk of sleep apnea ✔ The surprising symptoms of sleep apnea in women ✔ The connection between sleep apnea, weight gain, and metabolic health ✔ Why brain fog, memory issues, anxiety, and depression may be linked to poor sleep ✔ The impact of sleep-disordered breathing on cardiovascular health ✔ Signs that it may be time to consider a sleep evaluation ✔ Treatment options that can improve sleep and overall wellness Key Takeaway Menopause is a natural transition, but chronic fatigue, poor sleep, brain fog, and declining health should not be accepted as inevitable. Sleep apnea is common, treatable, and frequently overlooked in women. Understanding the connection between hormones and sleep may be one of the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term health. Statistics Discussed  Up to 60% of menopausal women experience sleep disturbances.  Studies suggest that 47% to 67% of postmenopausal women may have obstructive sleep apnea.  Women with sleep apnea often present differently than men, frequently reporting insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and cognitive concerns rather than excessive daytime sleepiness. Signs You May Need a Sleep Evaluation  Snoring  Morning headaches  Daytime fatigue  Brain fog  Memory concerns  Anxiety or depression  Night sweats  Frequent nighttime awakenings  High blood pressure  Weight gain or difficulty losing weight  Family history of sleep apnea Resources Mentioned  American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)  North American Menopause Society (NAMS)  American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)  Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center Take Action If you're experiencing symptoms commonly attributed to menopause, consider looking deeper. Sleep-disordered breathing may be contributing to how you feel. At Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center, we provide comprehensive airway assessments, FDA-cleared at-home sleep testing, and telehealth consultations to help uncover the root causes of sleep and breathing issues. Because better sleep isn't just about feeling rested. It's about protecting your brain, heart, metabolism, relationships, and future health. Connect With Us For information on airway health, sleep testing, and whole-person wellness: Health & Wellness Hub https://www.healthandwellnesshub.com Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center https://www.sierrasleep.com Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

  3. May 27

    Dream On: What Sleep Is Telling You

    Send us Fan Mail Why do we dream? Why do some people remember vivid nighttime adventures while others swear they never dream at all? And could strange sleep behaviors like sleepwalking, nightmares, bedwetting, or frequent nighttime urination actually be signs of something more serious? In this episode of Beyond Breathing, Lancette VanGuilder explores the fascinating science behind dreams, REM sleep, nightmares, night terrors, and parasomnias while uncovering the surprising connection between sleep disorders and airway health. From emotional processing and brain restoration to hidden signs of untreated sleep apnea, this episode dives into what your nighttime experiences may be trying to tell you. Because sometimes dreams are just dreams. And sometimes your body is asking for help. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✨ Why humans dream and what science currently understands about dream function ✨ Common dream themes and what they may symbolize:  Teeth falling out  Falling  Being chased  Showing up somewhere completely unprepared ✨ Why some people think they "don't dream" ✨ The role REM sleep plays in:  Memory consolidation  Emotional processing  Brain recovery  Learning and creativity ✨ How sleep deprivation and untreated sleep apnea can disrupt REM sleep ✨ The difference between:  Nightmares  Night terrors  Sleep talking  Sleepwalking  Parasomnias ✨ Why children with sleep-disordered breathing may experience:  Night terrors  Bedwetting  Behavioral concerns  ADHD-like symptoms  Mouth breathing  Grinding teeth ✨ The surprising connection between sleep apnea and frequent nighttime urination (nocturia) ✨ How untreated sleep apnea impacts overall health:  Cardiovascular disease  Hypertension  Diabetes  Stroke risk  Cognitive decline  Mood disorders  Fatigue  Brain fog  Quality of life Key Takeaway Sleep is not passive. Sleep is active healthcare. Your brain restores itself. Hormones regulate. Immune systems recalibrate. Memories organize. Healing happens during sleep. And disrupted sleep deserves attention. Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore Consider a sleep evaluation if you experience: ✔ Snoring  ✔ Mouth breathing  ✔ Grinding teeth  ✔ Nightmares  ✔ Night terrors  ✔ Sleep talking  ✔ Sleepwalking  ✔ Frequent nighttime urination  ✔ Daytime fatigue  ✔ Brain fog  ✔ Morning headaches  ✔ Frequent awakenings  ✔ Behavioral concerns in children Call to Action Annual sleep evaluations matter. Airway health matters. Breathing matters. Sleep matters. Early identification can change lives. Lancette encourages annual sleep screening for everyone ages 2 and older and reminds listeners that small signs can point toward bigger health concerns worth evaluating. Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center provides:  Comprehensive airway evaluations  FDA-cleared home sleep testing  Telehealth sleep support  Interdisciplinary collaboration  Root-cause, evidence-based airway care Helping patients breathe better, sleep better, and live better. Favorite Quote From This Episode "Sometimes your dreams are just dreams. But sometimes they're your body asking for help." Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

  4. May 21

    Sleepcations

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

  5. May 14

    “They’ll Grow Out of It”… Until They Don’t: The Dangerous Delay in Treating Childhood Sleep Apnea

    Send us Fan Mail Hello everyone, and welcome back to Beyond Breathing—the podcast for everyone who breathes and sleeps. I’m your host, Lancette VanGuilder, and today we are talking about something that is quietly affecting millions of children while many loving parents and healthcare providers are unintentionally missing the signs. Today’s episode is called: “They’ll Grow Out of It”… Until They Don’t. We are diving into the dangerous myth that children simply outgrow obstructive sleep apnea. That mouth tape alone will fix it. That traditional braces automatically solve it. That snoring is normal. That melatonin is harmless. That sleeping in on weekends can make up for poor sleep during the week. And that “watch and wait” is always the safest approach. This episode is not about blame. Most parents are doing the very best they can with the information they have been given. And many healthcare providers simply were not trained in pediatric airway health, sleep-disordered breathing, or the lifelong impact of disrupted sleep in children. But children are not miniature adults. And childhood is not a waiting room. A child’s brain, airway, nervous system, hormones, facial structure, metabolism, immune system, and emotional regulation are all developing while they sleep. Sleep is not passive. Sleep is biological construction. And when breathing is disrupted during sleep—even mildly—the ripple effects can impact nearly every system in the body. So today, we are going to talk about why delaying treatment matters, why “watch and wait” can become “wish we hadn’t waited,” and why annual sleep studies should become as routine as annual physicals and dental exams for children with symptoms or airway concerns. What Is Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea—or pediatric OSA—is a condition where a child’s airway repeatedly partially or fully collapses during sleep. That means the child may: snore, gasp, pause breathing, toss and turn, sweat excessively, mouth breathe, grind teeth, wake frequently, sleep in unusual positions, or wake up exhausted. And here’s something incredibly important: Children often do not present like adults. Adults with sleep apnea tend to become sleepy. Children often become dysregulated. Instead of appearing tired, they may appear: hyperactive, emotional, anxious, impulsive, distracted, aggressive, or unable to focus. Some children diagnosed with ADHD may actually have underlying sleep-disordered breathing contributing to symptoms. Not all. But enough that sleep should always be evaluated. Because a child who is struggling to breathe all night may spend the entire day trying to compensate neurologically and emotionally. “They’ll Grow Out of It” This phrase has delayed treatment for countless children. And yes—some children improve as they grow. But many do not. And the larger issue is this: What happens to the brain and body during the years they are struggling? Because childhood is one of the most critical developmental windows of human life. A child’s airway is developing.  Their face is developing.  Their brain is wiring itself.  Their hormones are calibrating.  Their nervous system is learning regulation. If a child spends years under-oxygenated, fragmented in sleep, inflamed, and stuck in stress physiology, that matters. Children are remarkably adaptive. But adaptive does not mean healthy. A child can survive Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

  6. May 6

    REM Surge: Vivid dreams are trying to tell you something

    Send us Fan Mail  What REM surge is really telling us about sleep apnea, stress, and your body’s attempt to heal Key Takeaways:  REM surge = compensatory response to disrupted sleep  Strong link between REM instability and sleep apnea  REM is often where apnea is most severe  Both high and low REM are clinically meaningful  Sleep studies are essential to identify patterns  Stabilizing sleep improves both REM and deep sleep Topics Covered:  What REM sleep does  REM rebound and REM surge  Sleep apnea and REM vulnerability  Sleep architecture instability  REM-related sleep disorders  ADHD and low REM  Strategies to improve deep sleep Call to Action:  Screen for airway and sleep disorders  Use validated questionnaires (STOP-BANG, Epworth)  Encourage annual sleep testing  Integrate medical-dental collaboration Close: If you’re tired, dreaming intensely, or waking up exhausted— it’s time to look deeper. Sleep isn’t just about hours.  It’s about quality. And testing matters. Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

  7. Apr 22

    Sleep Tech is Exploding… But Are We Missing the Point?

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Beyond Breathing—the podcast for everyone who breathes… and sleeps. Today we are stepping into the future. Sleep technology is evolving faster than ever.  And one of the biggest places this shows up each year is at CES. CES stands for the Consumer Electronics Show. It is one of the largest global technology conferences, where companies from around the world introduce innovations shaping how we live, work, and care for our health.¹ CES 2026 took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2026, bringing together global leaders in technology, healthcare, and innovation. And this year, sleep wasn’t just a category—it was a major focus. We are talking about:  AI-powered sleep systems  Contact-free monitoring  Nervous system stimulation  At-home medical-grade testing It’s exciting. It’s innovative. It’s everywhere. And it raises a critical question: 👉 Are we actually improving sleep…  or simply getting better at managing poor sleep? Let’s go deeper. 🧠 SEGMENT 1: Sleep Tech Has Entered a New Era Sleep is no longer a passive state we hope goes well. It has become:  👉 measurable  👉 trackable  👉 modifiable At CES 2026, the shift was clear. Technology is moving beyond simple tracking and into active intervention.² We are seeing:  Smart environments adjusting light, sound, and temperature in real time  Devices stimulating the nervous system to calm the body  AI platforms analyzing sleep patterns across nights  Contact-free sensors tracking sleep without wearables We are no longer asking, “How did I sleep?” We are now asking, “How can I engineer better sleep?” 🔬 SEGMENT 2: From Data to Intervention The sleep space is shifting from awareness to optimization. Devices are now influencing:  Circadian rhythm  Autonomic nervous system balance  Behavioral patterns Some technologies are even moving toward early identification of sleep apnea.² Access to sleep data has never been greater. And yet… There is still a critical gap. ⚠️ SEGMENT 3: The Missing Layer—Root Cause You can improve sleep metrics without improving sleep health. Technology can:  ✔️ increase duration  ✔️ improve perceived quality  ✔️ guide relaxation It cannot:  Open a restricted airway  Correct dysfunctional breathing  Address craniofacial structure  Resolve airway collapse Sleep-disordered breathing remains one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in healthcare.³ Many individuals experience disrupted sleep for years without recognition. 🌬️ SEGMENT 4: Airway First—Always Sleep begins with breathing. Airway function determines:  Oxygen delivery  Sleep continuity  Brain restoration Sleep-disordered breathing exists on a spectrum:  Snoring  Mouth breathing  Upper airway resistance  Obstructive sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apnea affects an estimated 1 billion people globally, with many undiagnosed.³ Untreated airway dysfunction has been associated with:  Cardiovascular disease  Cognitive decline  Metabolic dysfunction  Mood disorders⁴ This is not just about sleep. This is about whole-body health. 🧩 SEGMENT 5: Why Annual Sleep Testing Mat Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

  8. Apr 8

    Sleep, Presence, and How You Show Up

    Send us Fan Mail We are living in a world where exhaustion has become normal. Late nights. Early mornings. Packed schedules. Constant stimulation. At the same time, sleep is trending—wearables, podcasts, and “sleep hygiene” tips are everywhere. Yet despite all of this awareness, most people are still not getting the restorative sleep their brain and body require. In this episode, we go beyond surface-level sleep advice and explore the deeper truth: 👉 You cannot be fully present in your life if you are not fully rested. This conversation connects the science of sleep with real-life impact—how disrupted sleep affects your ability to show up for your relationships, your work, and your overall health. 🧠 What You’ll Learn  Why fatigue is not just about being tired—but about brain function and emotional regulation  How poor sleep impacts patience, connection, and presence with loved ones  The critical role of airway anatomy in sleep quality  Why conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia are often overlooked or misunderstood  How tongue ties, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, sinus issues, and a deviated septum can silently disrupt sleep  The influence of hormones, stress, aging, diet, and lifestyle on sleep quality  Why wearables and sleep tracking are helpful—but not diagnostic  The importance of annual sleep testing and comprehensive airway assessments  Practical strategies to improve sleep, recovery, and overall well-being 🫁 The Airway–Sleep Connection Sleep is not just about time in bed—it is about how well your body can breathe and restore. Even subtle disruptions in airflow can fragment sleep and prevent the brain from reaching deep, restorative stages. Key contributors to poor sleep quality may include:  Restricted tongue mobility (tongue ties)  Enlarged tonsils and adenoids  Chronic nasal congestion or inflammation  Structural limitations like a deviated septum These factors can lead to disrupted breathing patterns and are commonly associated with conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. ⏳ Modern Life vs. Biological Sleep Our current lifestyle is fundamentally misaligned with how the body is designed to sleep. We have normalized:  Late-night screen exposure  Early wake times that cut off sleep cycles  Overbooked schedules with little recovery  High stress and constant stimulation Just because it is common does not mean it is healthy. 📊 Sleep Is Trending—But We Need to Go Deeper Wearables and sleep apps can provide helpful insights, but they cannot:  Diagnose breathing disturbances  Measure oxygen fluctuations accurately in all cases  Detect sleep fragmentation at a clinical level 👉 This is why objective sleep testing is essential. Annual sleep testing—especially when combined with a comprehensive airway assessment—can identify root causes that are often missed. 🌿 Practical Ways to Support Better Sleep Improving sleep requires a multi-layered approach that includes physiology, behavior, and environment. Nervous System Support  Mindfulness and meditation  Gratitude journaling before bed  Breathwork focused on nasal breathing and slow exhalation Sleep Hygiene  Consistent sleep and wake times  Reducing screen exposure in the evening  Creating a dark, cool, quiet sleep environment Lifestyle Foundations  BalaSupport the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Beyond Breathing: The podcast for everyone who breathes and sleeps! Get ready to breathe well, sleep well and live well!  In each episode, we'll be joined by expert medical professionals, sleep specialists, wellness coaches, and individuals who have conquered their sleep struggles (adults and kids). We'll dive into the science of sleep and breathing and its impact on our health, we will explore sleep technology and uncover practical tips and techniques to enhance your sleep quality, your mood and overall health and wellness.     We're on a mission to empower you with knowledge, inspire positive change, and ultimately help you embrace a healthier life.  Our first episode is just around the corner so stay tuned for more empowering conversations. Let's start this incredible voyage, one breath at a time. Thank you, Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center in Reno, Nevada for sponsoring this journey! 

Information

  • Creator
    Lancette VanGuilder
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond Breathing
  • Show Website
    Beyond Breathing