The Health Hunt: Real Healing Journeys, Everyday Wellness & Expert Tips

Ep 36 - Can Sleep Apnea Improve? Dan's 7-Year Journey from Moderate to Mild

Can sleep apnea actually improve? Most people assume that once they're diagnosed with sleep apnea, they'll need treatment forever. But what if the story isn't that simple? In this episode, Dan shares something incredibly personal: the results of three sleep studies spanning seven years. From a diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea in 2019 to dramatically improved numbers in 2026, we explore what changed, why it may have happened, and what his experience could mean for others living with sleep apnea. You'll learn what AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) actually measures, why oxygen saturation and sleep position matter, and how weight loss, side sleeping, and lifestyle changes may influence sleep apnea severity. This isn't medical advice, and everyone's journey is different. But it's an encouraging reminder that some aspects of health aren't fixed in stone and that tracking your progress can be just as important as getting your initial diagnosis. In This Episode: • Dan compares three sleep studies over seven years • What AHI really means and why it matters • Why oxygen saturation may be just as important as AHI • The surprising impact of sleeping on your side • How a 20-pound weight loss changed Dan's numbers • Can CPAP therapy improve your breathing over time? • Why Dan is transitioning from CPAP to a new oral appliance • The importance of retesting instead of assuming your sleep apnea will always stay the same Mentioned in This Episode: • Obstructive Sleep Apnea • Home Sleep Studies vs. In-Lab Sleep Studies • CPAP Therapy • Oral Appliance Therapy (ProSomnus) • AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) • Oxygen Saturation • Positional Sleep Apnea Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545472/fan_mail/new] All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt * Website [https://www.thehealthhunt.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thehealthhunt_podcast] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealthHunt_Podcast] *  Email: info@thehealthhunt.com * The Health Hunt Fullscript Store [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/thehealthhunt/store-start] - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% off * The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount [https://prenuvo.com/?discount=HEALTHHUNT] - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scan * Igniton [https://www.igniton.com/HEALTHHUNT] (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Ep 35 - The Sleep Doctor Answers Your Biggest Sleep Questions: Sleep Apnea, Dreams, Relationships & More | Dr. Michael Breus

What do sleep trackers, naps, CPAP machines, sleep apnea, and even your dreams have in common? They're all part of the final installment of our three-part conversation with Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor. In this episode, Dr. Breus tackles some of the biggest questions in modern sleep health. Are devices like Oura Ring, Whoop, and Apple Watch actually accurate? How much deep sleep do you really need? Are naps helping or hurting your sleep? And if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are CPAP machines your only option? We also dive into the differences between obstructive and central sleep apnea, emerging treatment options, why sleep disorders in women are often overlooked, and what Dr. Breus believes is the next frontier in sleep science. If you've ever wondered whether you're getting enough deep sleep, whether your sleep tracker is making you anxious, or whether your daytime fatigue might be a sign of something more serious, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of the world's leading sleep experts. In This Episode: • How accurate are sleep trackers like Oura, Whoop, and Apple Watch?  • Why you should focus on sleep trends, not nightly scores  • What healthy REM, deep sleep, and light sleep percentages look like  • The truth about naps and who should avoid them  • Obstructive vs. central sleep apnea: what's the difference?  • CPAP alternatives, including oral appliances, Inspire, ExciteOSA, and emerging treatments  • Why sleep apnea in women is often missed or misdiagnosed  • The surprising relationship between sleep, dreams, and emotional processing  • How sleep can impact a relationship and what to do about it  • Why sleep may be the most important longevity tool available Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website [https://sleepdoctor.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesleepdoctor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheSleepDoctor] Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz [https://sleepdoctor.com/pages/chronotypes/chronotype-quiz] Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545472/fan_mail/new] All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt * Website [https://www.thehealthhunt.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thehealthhunt_podcast] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealthHunt_Podcast] *  Email: info@thehealthhunt.com * The Health Hunt Fullscript Store [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/thehealthhunt/store-start] - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% off * The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount [https://prenuvo.com/?discount=HEALTHHUNT] - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scan * Igniton [https://www.igniton.com/HEALTHHUNT] (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Ep 34 - Can't Stay Asleep? The Sleep Doctor's 3 A.M. Wake-Up Protocol + 5 Sleep Habits That Can Transform Your Sleep | Dr. Michael Breus

Do you ever find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling while your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay every awkward conversation you've ever had or solve problems that don't even exist yet? You're not alone. In Part 2 of our conversation with renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, we tackle one of the most common sleep complaints on the planet: waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep. Dr. Breus explains why it happens, what you're probably doing wrong when it does, and shares the exact strategies he recommends to help you fall back asleep faster. Plus, he reveals his simple, science-backed 5-step framework for better sleep that anyone can start using tonight. Dr. Michael Breus is a double board-certified clinical psychologist, clinical sleep specialist, Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and one of the world's most recognized voices in sleep health. He has spent more than 25 years helping people improve their sleep and overall health and is the author of five bestselling books. In this episode, we discuss: • Why waking up between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. is actually part of normal human biology • The biggest mistakes people make when they wake up in the middle of the night • Why checking the clock may be making your sleep problem worse • Dr. Breus' "3 A.M. Wake-Up Protocol" • How 4-7-8 breathing can help lower your heart rate and calm your nervous system • The role of mindset and "monkey mind" in middle-of-the-night awakenings • When you should stay in bed and when you should get up • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep restriction therapy • Dr. Breus' 5-Step Plan for Better Sleep • Why wake-up time matters more than bedtime • The ideal caffeine cutoff time • How alcohol impacts sleep quality • The connection between exercise and restorative sleep • Why morning sunlight may be one of the most powerful sleep tools available Whether you're struggling with 3 a.m. wake-ups, trying to improve your sleep quality, or simply looking for practical sleep advice that actually works, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start using immediately. Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website [https://sleepdoctor.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesleepdoctor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheSleepDoctor] Resources Mentioned Sleep Reset (CBT-I program) [https://www.thesleepreset.com/] Sleep Doctor's Video "How to fall back asleep in the middle of the night" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpdRKmLePaQ] Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545472/fan_mail/new] All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt * Website [https://www.thehealthhunt.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thehealthhunt_podcast] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealthHunt_Podcast] *  Email: info@thehealthhunt.com * The Health Hunt Fullscript Store [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/thehealthhunt/store-start] - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% off * The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount [https://prenuvo.com/?discount=HEALTHHUNT] - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scan * Igniton [https://www.igniton.com/HEALTHHUNT] (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Ep 33 - The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Michael Breus: Why You're Tired, Stressed, and Sleeping at the Wrong Time

Sleep is one of the most important and misunderstood pillars of health. We've spent a lot of time discussing sleep on The Health Hunt, including an entire three-part sleep series, but for this conversation we decided to bring in one of the biggest names in the field. Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, has spent more than 25 years helping people understand and improve their sleep. In this first part of our conversation, we explore why sleep is so foundational to health, how poor sleep impacts everything from memory and mood to relationships and longevity, and some surprising symptoms that could be signs your sleep isn't as healthy as you think. We also dive into one of Dr. Breus's most fascinating concepts: the idea that not everyone is designed to sleep, wake, and function the same way. Some people thrive in the morning, some come alive at night, and understanding your unique sleep type (your chronotype) may completely change how you think about your energy, productivity, and overall health. Whether you're someone who wakes up refreshed at dawn, struggles through every morning, or simply wants to sleep better, this episode is packed with insights that may change the way you think about sleep forever. In this episode, we discuss: • Why sleep is the foundation of overall health • The difference between sleep quantity and sleep quality • Surprising signs and symptoms of poor sleep • Why sleep affects memory, mood, focus, metabolism, and relationships • Sleep disorders people often overlook • The connection between sleep and long-term health outcomes • Why some people seem to function on very little sleep • Dr. Breus's four sleep types: Lion, Bear, Wolf, and Dolphin • The genetics behind sleep timing and energy patterns • Why your sleep patterns may change as you age • How understanding your sleep type can improve your daily routine Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz [https://sleepdoctor.com/pages/chronotypes/chronotype-quiz] Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website [https://sleepdoctor.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesleepdoctor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheSleepDoctor] Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545472/fan_mail/new] All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt * Website [https://www.thehealthhunt.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thehealthhunt_podcast] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealthHunt_Podcast] *  Email: info@thehealthhunt.com * The Health Hunt Fullscript Store [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/thehealthhunt/store-start] - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% off * The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount [https://prenuvo.com/?discount=HEALTHHUNT] - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scan * Igniton [https://www.igniton.com/HEALTHHUNT] (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Ep 32 - The Missing Nutrient? Michelle Fletcher on Fiber, Gut Health, Blood Sugar and Better Health

If you're eating more protein, tracking your glucose, taking supplements, and trying to make healthier choice, but still overlooking fiber, you may be missing one of the most important pieces of the health puzzle. In part two of our conversation with wellness educator and Holistic Business Network founder Michelle Fletcher, we dive into the surprising role fiber plays in colon health, blood sugar regulation, metabolic health, digestion, and long-term disease prevention. We also explore why most people aren't getting nearly enough fiber, how processed foods have changed the way we eat, and the simple habits that can have the biggest impact on overall health. In this episode, Michelle shares practical strategies for increasing fiber without completely overhauling your diet, why gradual changes are often more sustainable than dramatic ones, and how nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management work together to support long-term wellness. We discuss: * How much fiber men and women should be getting each day  * Why most people fall far short of recommended fiber intake  * The connection between fiber, colon health, and digestion  * Fiber's role in blood sugar control and metabolic health  * High-fiber foods to prioritize, including fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds  * Why processed foods contribute to the fiber gap  * The risks of making dietary changes too quickly  * The "Core Four" habits of health: nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management  * Holistic wellness approaches and complementary health modalities  * The importance of community, connection, and social wellness  Whether you're focused on gut health, improving your metabolic health, building healthier habits, or simply trying to feel your best, this conversation offers practical and realistic insights that anyone can start applying today. Connect With Michelle Fletcher * Instagram: * @theholisticbusinessnetwork  [https://www.instagram.com/theholisticbusinessnetwork] *  @healthcoachmich [https://www.instagram.com/healthcoachmich] * Website: TheHolisticBusinessNetwork.com  [https://www.theholisticbusinessnetwork.com/] * Facebook: Michelle Fletcher South Florida  [https://www.facebook.com/michelle.fletcher.7902] * LinkedIn: Michelle Fletcher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellefletcher/] Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545472/fan_mail/new] All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt * Website [https://www.thehealthhunt.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehealthhunt_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thehealthhunt_podcast] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealthHunt_Podcast] *  Email: info@thehealthhunt.com * The Health Hunt Fullscript Store [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/thehealthhunt/store-start] - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% off * The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount [https://prenuvo.com/?discount=HEALTHHUNT] - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scan * Igniton [https://www.igniton.com/HEALTHHUNT] (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)