Beyond Breathing

Lancette VanGuilder

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. قبل ٤ أيام

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

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  2. ٨ أبريل

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

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  3. ١ أبريل

    GUT health and SLEEP health

    Send us Fan Mail Inspired by Mel Robbins’ Episode 382 with Dr. Trisha Pasricha, this episode expands the gut health conversation into the mouth-gut-brain-sleep axis. We unpack why the gut starts in the mouth, how oral health and the microbiome affect the rest of the GI tract, why reflux and sleep disturb each other, how sleep-disordered breathing may connect to oral and gut inflammation, and why the same habits that support brain health often support sleep, oral health, metabolic health, and mental well-being too. Mel Robbins Podcast: The Poop Episode: Harvard Doctor Reveals What’s Normal (and What’s Not) In our episode:  Why “gut health” is bigger than the intestines  The oral-gut axis and why the mouth is the front door of the gut  How the microbiome influences sleep through serotonin, melatonin, tryptophan, SCFAs, and GABA  The two-way link between GERD and sleep disturbance  The growing evidence tying sleep apnea to periodontal disease and systemic inflammation  Why oral, metabolic, mental, and brain health share common pathways Stats you can use on air Oral diseases affect nearly 3.7 billion people globally.  About 42.2% of U.S. adults age 30 and older have periodontitis.  About one-third of U.S. adults report short sleep duration, defined as less than 7 hours.  GERD is thought to affect up to 20% of the U.S. population.  The 2024 Lancet Commission estimates that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay about 45% of dementia cases. Reference list Mel Robbins. Episode 382: The Gut Health Episode: What a Harvard Doctor Wants You to Know. Official episode page and transcript.  Sejbuk M, et al. The Role of Gut Microbiome in Sleep Quality and Health: Dietary Strategies for Microbiota Support. 2024 review.  Rajasekaran JJ, et al. Oral Microbiome: A Review of Its Impact on Oral and Systemic Health. 2024 review.  Tan X, et al. Bidirectional correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2024.  Livingston G, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission.  CDC. Sleep in Adults: Facts and Stats.  NIDCR. Periodontal Disease in Adults (Age 30 or Older).  WHO. Oral health fact sheet / Global oral health status data.  Mi Z, et al. Genetically predicted obstructive sleep apnea is causally associated with an increased risk for periodontitis. 2023.  NHLBI, NIH. Sleep apnea symptoms and overview.  ACG. Acid Reflux/GERD.  Borrego-Ruiz A, et al. Human oral microbiome and its influence on mental health. 2025 review; evidence promising but still emerging.  Dibello V, et al. Impact of periodontal disease on cognitive disorders. 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis. A careful note on the evidence: the links among oral microbiome, mental health, and dementia are biologically plausible and increasingly supported, but many findings remain observational or early-stage. The strongest evidence in this set is for common risk-factor overlap, oral disease burden, sleep insufficiency prevalence, GERD-sleep bidirectionality, and the role of the gut microbiome in sleep-related pathways. Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

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  4. ٢٥ مارس

    Your DNA is your Blueprint to Better Sleep, Energy and Health

    Send us Fan Mail  What if one simple cheek swab could help explain your sleep struggles, low energy, your stress response, your nutrition needs and even how your body is built to recover? And what if functional genetic testing and coaching Think of genetic testing like the owner's manual to your car. You want to keep your car running at its optimal and best performance, and so it lasts you lots of years, right? You don't want to put a bunch of money into it. You want it to just work at its best level. Well, think of genetic testing like the owner's manual to your body. This is the thing that we're trying to maintain and take care of for 100 years. So knowing the results can help you know what diet might be best for you. The Living Light Metabolic Reset Program is really just a guided wellness program that focuses on improving metabolic health through personalized nutrition, some lifestyle changes, some supplements, and coaching support, which was really helpful. And the goals are just to have more energy, sleep better, eye loss weight, cortisol detox, and really developing some great long-term habits. I did my metabolic reset program through Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center in Reno, Nevada. They're sponsoring today's episode. You can do this reset program wherever you live. The kit can be mailed to you or picked up at their office. And the metabolic reset kit includes things like an aura ring, a red light, a metabolic spray, a food scale, and some other really cool things and additional services that can be added on for health or things like saliva testing for oral health. food sensitivity testing and genetic testing. So that brings me to today's episode. I chose to add on the genetic testing to give me some more insight about how my body works and really to continue my personalized health journey really for the rest of my life. I want to live out the last half of my life with vitality and longevity and energy. So this next step is personalized genetic testing and coaching. And this isn't ancestry testing. This is not entertainment based DNA data. This is functional, clinically meaningful information designed to help you better understand how your body works. So you can make more personalized decisions about your own health. The DNA test is through the DNA company and it looks at a functional set of about a hundred different genes across some of the most important systems in the body, including cardiovascular health,immune function, hormones, fitness, diet and nutrition, sleep, longevity and mood and behavior. This testing is designed to help people better understand how their body responds to food, stress, sleep, exercise, and how these patterns can be translated into real world strategies to help improve health, energy and resilience. So what are we exactly testing for today in today's genetic test? Well, we're looking at how your body handles energy production and cellular health. That includes how you respond to stress, how you respond under pressure, how efficiently your cells create and recycle energy, how well your body produces antioxidants, and even markers related to DNA repair and adaptation. Also looking at metabolism, nutrition, and weight-related patterns. This includes how your body breaks down fats and carbohydrates, how your genes influence blood sugar balance, heart health and weight loss, and whether you may have predispositions related to food sensitivities or nutrient activation. The report can provide insight into vitamin absorption and activation, including nutrients like B12, vitamin D, folate, iron, and more. Another ma Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

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  5. ١٨ مارس

    Awake but not Alive: A Pill to Wake You Up

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we break down emerging research on a new non-stimulant wakefulness medication designed to help early-morning and shift workers stay alert—and why that’s only part of the story. We explore the deeper issue behind chronic fatigue—circadian misalignment and compromised breathing during sleep—and why true restoration requires more than pushing through or masking symptoms. Whether you’re a nurse, firefighter, healthcare provider, or anyone navigating nontraditional work hours, this episode will give you a science-backed roadmap to protect your health, energy, and long-term well-being. Fatigue is not a failure—it’s a signal. And overriding it without understanding the cause can delay meaningful diagnosis and care. 🌬️ Root Cause Matters: Sleep + Airway Health If you are consistently tired, foggy, or unmotivated—even after “enough” sleep—this is your starting point: ✔️ Get a Sleep Study Sleep-disordered breathing (including obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway resistance) is: CommonUnderdiagnosedStrongly linked to daytime fatigue and poor performance✔️ Request a Comprehensive Airway Assessment Evaluate: Tongue size and postureTonsils and adenoidsNasal airflow and septal deviationJaw development and airway space👉 Sleep is not just about time in bed—it’s about how well you breathe while you’re there. ⏰ The Reality of Shift Work Shift work creates circadian misalignment, meaning your internal clock is out of sync with your environment. This has been associated with: Increased cardiovascular riskImpaired glucose metabolismHormonal disruptionMood changes and cognitive declineThe World Health Organization has even classified long-term night shift work as a probable carcinogen due to its impact on circadian biology. 🌿 Can You Be Healthy Working Nights? Yes—with intention. While not biologically ideal, shift work can be managed by actively supporting your body’s rhythms and recovery systems. 🛠️ Shift Work Survival: Evidence-Based Strategies 🌑 Control Your Light Environment Use blue-light blockers after night shiftsSleep in a completely dark room (blackout curtains, eye mask)Use bright light to signal wakefulness before shifts⏰ Protect Your Sleep Window Aim for 7–9 hours total sleep in a 24-hour periodKeep sleep timing as consistent as possibleConsider split sleep schedules if needed🌬️ Optimize Breathing During Sleep Prioritize airway evaluation and sleep testingAddress snoring, mouth breathing, or fragmented sleep early🍽️ Time Your Nutrition Avoid heavy meals overnightFocus on protein, healthy fats, and stable energy sourcesBe mindful of late-night sugar and processed foods☕ Use Stimulants Strategically Limit caffeine to early in your shiftAvoid within 6 hours of planned sleep💤 Use Strategic Naps 20–30 minute naps can improve alertness and performance🧬 Protect Long-Term Health Move your body daily (even light activity matters)Get naturaSierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness CenterDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

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  6. ١٢ مارس

    Breathing Is the Real Foundation of Rest

    Send us Fan Mail Sleep Awareness Month Special: Sleep Hygiene Is Trending — But Breathing Is the Real Foundation of Rest  Since it’s Sleep Awareness Month, today we’re diving into one of the biggest wellness trends happening right now: sleep hygiene. Everywhere you look, people are talking about it — blue-light glasses, weighted blankets, magnesium drinks, cooling mattresses, sleep apps, mouth tape, and elaborate nighttime routines. And to be clear: many of these tools can help. Sleep hygiene absolutely matters. But there’s a deeper question we have to ask: What if the problem isn’t your bedtime routine…  What if the problem is your breathing? Because the single most important factor in restorative sleep is not the routine — it’s the airway. If your breathing is disrupted during sleep, no amount of lavender spray or perfect bedtime rituals will fix that. Today we’re going to talk about why breathing is the foundation of sleep, why airway health deserves more attention in the wellness conversation, and what every person can do to protect their sleep and long-term health. The Sleep Hygiene Trend — and Why It Matters Sleep hygiene refers to the behaviors and environmental factors that help promote quality sleep. Things like: • Consistent bedtimes  • Limiting caffeine late in the day  • Reducing evening screen exposure  • Sleeping in a cool, dark room  • Relaxation routines before bed These habits absolutely support healthy sleep. In fact, research shows behavioral sleep strategies can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms for many individuals. But here’s the critical piece that often gets missed: Sleep hygiene assumes the body can breathe normally during sleep. And for millions of people, that assumption isn’t true. Sleep Is a Breathing Event Sleep isn’t just rest.  It’s a highly regulated physiological process that depends on stable breathing and oxygen delivery. When we fall asleep: • Muscle tone in the airway decreases  • The tongue relaxes  • Soft tissues shift  • The airway becomes more vulnerable to collapse If the airway is narrow or obstructed, breathing can become restricted or repeatedly interrupted. This condition is known as sleep-disordered breathing, which includes: • Mouth breathing  • Upper airway resistance  • Snoring  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) When breathing is disrupted during sleep, the brain repeatedly wakes the body to reopen the airway. These micro-arousals fragment sleep and prevent the body from entering deeper restorative stages. Even if someone thinks they slept through the night, their brain may have been waking dozens or even hundreds of times. The Airway Determines Sleep Quality The structure and function of the airway play a major role in sleep architecture. Several anatomical factors can influence breathing during sleep: Airway size and shape A narrow airway increases resistance to airflow. Tonsils and adenoids Enlarged tissues can obstruct breathing, especially in children but also in adults. Tongue posture and tongue size A low-resting or enlarged tongue can fall backward during sleep. Nasal obstruction A deviated septum or chronic congestion can force mouth breathing. Craniofacial structure Jaw position and palate width influence airway Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

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  7. ٦ مارس

    Sleep Awareness Month

    Send us Fan Mail Beyond Breathing Podcast Episode: Sleep: The Most Powerful Health Habit You’re Probably Ignoring National Sleep Awareness Month Special Episode Overview March is National Sleep Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about one of the most powerful — yet most overlooked — pillars of health: sleep. In this episode of Beyond Breathing, host Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, explores the science of sleep, why breathing plays such a critical role in restorative sleep, and why millions of people are unknowingly living with disrupted sleep due to airway issues. You’ll learn how sleep functions as the body’s overnight repair system, why poor breathing during sleep can leave you exhausted even after a full night in bed, and why sleep screening may soon become a routine part of preventive healthcare. Lancette also discusses how dental professionals are increasingly involved in sleep medicine, the early signs of sleep-disordered breathing in both adults and children, and why annual sleep testing beginning as early as age two may help identify problems before they impact long-term health. The episode also highlights telehealth sleep services available through Sierra Sleep, Airway & Wellness Center, making sleep evaluation more accessible than ever. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel tired despite sleeping, or if snoring and mouth breathing could be affecting your health, this episode will open your eyes to the critical role breathing plays in sleep quality and overall wellness. In This Episode You’ll learn about: Why sleep is one of the most powerful biological recovery processes in the bodyHow the brain cleans itself during sleep through the glymphatic systemThe connection between breathing disorders and poor sleep qualitySigns and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathingWhy snoring should never be ignoredThe growing role of dental professionals in identifying airway problemsHow oral appliance therapy can support airway stability during sleepWhy modern lifestyle factors are disrupting sleep for many peopleWhy sleep screening should start as early as age twoHow telehealth sleep services are making sleep testing more accessibleSigns Your Sleep May Not Be Healthy Even if you’re getting 7–8 hours of sleep, these symptoms may indicate disrupted breathing during sleep: Nighttime signs SnoringMouth breathingTeeth grinding or clenchingRestless sleepNight sweatsWaking up gasping or chokingMorning symptoms HeadachesDry mouthBrain fogFeeling unrefreshedDaytime symptoms FatigueDifficulty concentratingMood changes or anxietyLow motivationAfternoon energy crashesWhy Annual Sleep Screening Matters Sleep-disordered breathing can affect people of all ages, including children. Research suggests that 1–5% of children have obstructive sleep apnea, with many more experiencing milder airway obstruction that can impact: behaviorattentiongrowthemotional regulationlearningEarly evaluation helps identify airway and breathing issues before they affect long-term health. At Sierra Sleep, Airway & Wellness Center, sleep asse Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

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  8. ١١ فبراير

    Orthosomnia: Wearables, Wellness & Wake-Up Calls

    Send us Fan Mail Keywords wearables, sleep tracking, orthosomnia, health monitoring, sleep apnea, remote patient monitoring, dental health, clinical collaboration, sleep quality, technology in healthcare Summary In this episode of Beyond Breathing, Lancette VanGuilder discusses the impact of wearables and sleep trackers on health, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of orthosomnia, where individuals become overly fixated on sleep metrics. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body over relying solely on data from devices. The conversation also highlights the role of wearables in health monitoring, the need for clinical collaboration in addressing sleep issues, and the cultural normalization of poor sleep. Lancette encourages listeners to seek professional evaluation for sleep-related concerns and to prioritize their health and well-being. Takeaways Wearables can enhance awareness of health metrics. Orthosomnia is the fixation on sleep data over actual feelings. Sleep scores should not dictate how we feel about our sleep. Clinical collaboration is essential for addressing sleep apnea. Snoring is a significant indicator of potential sleep issues. Cultural norms often celebrate poor sleep as a badge of honor. Wearables should be used as tools for guidance, not absolute measures. Listening to one's body is crucial for health. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues. Professional evaluation is important for sleep-related concerns. Titles The Impact of Wearables on Sleep Health Orthosomnia: The Dangers of Sleep Tracking Obsession  sound bites "Wearables are not diagnostic tools." "Bad sleep is a badge of honor." "Listening to the body still matters." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wearables and Sleep Tracking 02:50 Understanding Orthosomnia and Its Impacts 05:38 The Role of Wearables in Health Monitoring 08:50 The Importance of Clinical Collaboration 11:34 Conclusion and Call to Action #beyondbrething #sleepapnea #sleepsolutions #sierrasleepwell #orthosomnia #wearables #oura #applewatch Support the show Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthem License code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ

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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!