Sleep is My Waking Passion
Hosted by Dr. Alison Kole—a triple-boarded pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine physician, reformed chronic insomniac, devoted mom, and unapologetic sleep health creator—this hit podcast takes you on the real, unfiltered journey inside the science and soul of sleep. Each week, with wisdom forged from the trenches of night shifts and the chaos of motherhood, Alison sits down with top-tier experts and ordinary people with extraordinary sleep stories, unraveling how sleep shapes happiness, health, and destiny. If you want the 360° truth—the wins, the setbacks, the breakthroughs—about why every hour of sleep could be the most important hour of your life, this is the show that will change how you see your pillow forever. Sleep isn’t just her passion—it’s the key to waking up to your potential. Hit subscribe and transform your nights, days, and dreams.
Sleep is My Waking Passion
Rare Disease Alert: Idiopathic Hypersomnia, featuring Logan Schneider
Dr. Logan Schneider, MD is a physician scientist specializing in Neurology and Sleep Medicine. He is a clinical assistant professor affiliated with Stanford University, a Neurologist at the Stanford/VA Alzheimer's Research Center, and a Clinical Specialist at Alphabet.
On this episode, he discusses idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), a central disorder of hypersomnolence that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and a need for extended sleep. He explains the challenges in diagnosing the condition and the impact it has on quality of life. Dr. Schneider also explores the potential mechanisms and causes of idiopathic hypersomnia, and less well known autonomic symptoms experienced more commonly in patients with IH. He discusses the available medications for treatment and emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
Takeaways
- Idiopathic hypersomnia is a central disorder of hypersomnolence characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and a need for extended sleep.
- Diagnosing idiopathic hypersomnia can be challenging due to its similarity to other conditions and the lack of specific biomarkers.
- The condition can have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting relationships, social engagement, and career advancement.
- The underlying mechanisms and causes of idiopathic hypersomnia are still not fully understood.
- Treatment approaches for idiopathic hypersomnia often involve a combination of medications, such as oxybates with stimulants and wake-promoting agents, along with lifestyle modifications.
