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Sleep, Interrupted: A physician reveals the #1 reason why so many of us are sick and tired
If you either breathe or sleep, then this book is for you. Most of us take it for granted that we breathe well when we sleep, but I propose in my book that many of us cannot. Due to recent changes in our upper airway anatomy, modern humans are not able to achieve deep efficient sleep. This is thought to be due to a change in our diets and possibly from bottle-feeding, leading to dental crowding and narrowed jaws. The implications are profound.
Through the lens of the my “sleep-breathing paradigm,” I discuss in more detail a wide variety of medical and mental health issues from depression and anxiety, menopause, and ADHD to snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease. One of my colleagues called the concepts in my book a “Kuhnian paradigm shift.”
What the Experts Say About Sleep, Interrupted:
"There are many good books on better breathing. But none of them address why you need to breathe well when sleeping. Let Dr. Steven Park, an ENT physician, show you how you can breathe better while sleeping. Not only will this improve your energy, it can also save your life."
• Christiane Northrup, M.D., Author of New York Times bestseller, The
Wisdom of Menopause
"Both patients and physicians must read Dr. Park's unique and enlightening perspective on health issues related to poor breathing."
• Dean Ornish, M.D., Author of New York Times bestseller, Dr. Dean
Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease
"The unique concepts presented by Dr. Park questions traditional models of health and disease and challenges physicians and patients alike to be inspired towards better health."
• Mark Liponis, M.D., co-author of New York Times Bestseller, Ultraprevention
“Dr. Park’s revelation of the vicious cycle of interrupted sleep and health problems turns the medical community on its head. More importantly, it provides answers for so many who struggle to understand why they feel so lousy, and how they can feel better.”
• Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., leading authority on chronic fatigue syndrome, author
of best-seller, From Fatigued to Fantastic
“Many physicians treat only the symptoms of illness. Dr. Park carefully identifies what is causing millions of us to be sick, and shows us how to get and stay healthy and happy.”
• James, O'Keefe, M.D., author of The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle
“Dr. Park's book offers not only a fascinating look at the critical role sleep plays in health and wellness, but practical advice to help resolve health- and energy-sapping sleep problems.”
• Mary Shomon, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Thyroid Diet:
Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss
"So many health problems result from sleep interrupted by breathing problems, poor sleep position, and other causes, yet few physicians make the connection and treat accordingly. T his book will begin to change that and lead people to better health."
• Eric Braverman, M.D., Author of the bestselling book, The Edge Effect
Through the lens of the my “sleep-breathing paradigm,” I discuss in more detail a wide variety of medical and mental health issues from depression and anxiety, menopause, and ADHD to snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease. One of my colleagues called the concepts in my book a “Kuhnian paradigm shift.”
What the Experts Say About Sleep, Interrupted:
"There are many good books on better breathing. But none of them address why you need to breathe well when sleeping. Let Dr. Steven Park, an ENT physician, show you how you can breathe better while sleeping. Not only will this improve your energy, it can also save your life."
• Christiane Northrup, M.D., Author of New York Times bestseller, The
Wisdom of Menopause
"Both patients and physicians must read Dr. Park's unique and enlightening perspective on health issues related to poor breathing."
• Dean Ornish, M.D., Author of New York Times bestseller, Dr. Dean
Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease
"The unique concepts presented by Dr. Park questions traditional models of health and disease and challenges physicians and patients alike to be inspired towards better health."
• Mark Liponis, M.D., co-author of New York Times Bestseller, Ultraprevention
“Dr. Park’s revelation of the vicious cycle of interrupted sleep and health problems turns the medical community on its head. More importantly, it provides answers for so many who struggle to understand why they feel so lousy, and how they can feel better.”
• Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., leading authority on chronic fatigue syndrome, author
of best-seller, From Fatigued to Fantastic
“Many physicians treat only the symptoms of illness. Dr. Park carefully identifies what is causing millions of us to be sick, and shows us how to get and stay healthy and happy.”
• James, O'Keefe, M.D., author of The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle
“Dr. Park's book offers not only a fascinating look at the critical role sleep plays in health and wellness, but practical advice to help resolve health- and energy-sapping sleep problems.”
• Mary Shomon, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Thyroid Diet:
Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss
"So many health problems result from sleep interrupted by breathing problems, poor sleep position, and other causes, yet few physicians make the connection and treat accordingly. T his book will begin to change that and lead people to better health."
• Eric Braverman, M.D., Author of the bestselling book, The Edge Effect
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2008
About the author
Steven Y. Park
5 books3 followersDr. Steven Y. Park is an author and surgeon who helps people who are always sick or tired to once again reclaim their health and energy. For the past 10 years in private practice, he has helped thousands of men and women breathe better, sleep better, and live more fulfilling lives. His passion is to identify and empower people to overcome sleep-related breathing problems, which most people don’t realize is the real reason for many of their common medical ailments.
Dr. Park received his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians & Surgeons. His otolaryngology residency training was completed at Albert Einsten/Montefiore. He is:
• a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
• a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• board-certified in Otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat) – Head & Neck Surgery
• a clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
• actively involved in teaching residents and other surgeon in cutting-edge surgical techniques.
Dr. Park practices integrative medicine and surgery, with a firm belief that other models of health and disease can complement traditional, Western medicine. He provides monthly live tele-seminars with experts not only related to his field, but also professionals in other areas—he has interviewed an acupuncturist, dietician, and a neuro-linguistic programming and hypnosis expert in the past.
He firmly believes that one must treat the whole person first, including addressing his or her diet, lifestyle, stresses and emotional states, rather than focusing on one simple symptom or area of the body.
He is a published author of the book, Sleep, Interrupted: A physician reveals the #1 reason why so many of us are sick and tired. It was endorsed my numerous New York Times best-selling authors such as Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Dean Ornish, and Mary Shomon.
Dr. Park received his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians & Surgeons. His otolaryngology residency training was completed at Albert Einsten/Montefiore. He is:
• a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
• a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• board-certified in Otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat) – Head & Neck Surgery
• a clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
• actively involved in teaching residents and other surgeon in cutting-edge surgical techniques.
Dr. Park practices integrative medicine and surgery, with a firm belief that other models of health and disease can complement traditional, Western medicine. He provides monthly live tele-seminars with experts not only related to his field, but also professionals in other areas—he has interviewed an acupuncturist, dietician, and a neuro-linguistic programming and hypnosis expert in the past.
He firmly believes that one must treat the whole person first, including addressing his or her diet, lifestyle, stresses and emotional states, rather than focusing on one simple symptom or area of the body.
He is a published author of the book, Sleep, Interrupted: A physician reveals the #1 reason why so many of us are sick and tired. It was endorsed my numerous New York Times best-selling authors such as Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Dean Ornish, and Mary Shomon.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 8, 2023
Park even admits it’s anecdotal, lacking scientific evidence. Although it overlaps with my grass allergy, the cynic in me notes it overlaps with almost everything.
January 29, 2020
I also recommend this PDF for more solutions!
http://www.uarsrelief.com/uarsreliefe...
tldr:
try taking claritin at bed time (NOT DAY TIME) and flonase spray during the day
http://www.uarsrelief.com/uarsreliefe...
tldr:
try taking claritin at bed time (NOT DAY TIME) and flonase spray during the day
April 4, 2021
Excellent overview of possible causes of sleep problems and gives medical solutions beyond common sleep hygiene advice.
December 28, 2020
It has a wealth if information that is accurate and helpful - but for my level...it’s all basic information I already knew. I encounter a lot of this in my profession so it wasn’t very surprising to me which made the book drag on a bit. I would recommend it to people who do not know how important sleep is - or rather why it’s so important. And the mechanisms behind quality sleep. Could be good for clients/patients who are new to this area. I also felt the book made it sound like fixing your sleep would fix every ailment ever - but while this can be a component of health issues, I know that no one simple thing ever fixes the whole gamut. Glad I read it though - definitely did learn a few things and my husband didn’t know a lot of the data so it was enjoyable to discuss it in the evenings!
October 5, 2014
Recommended by my dentist. Upper Airway Respiratory Syndrome (UARS) discussed as are all types and degrees of disordered sleep. I did not read every word but the paradigm shift to looking at sleep disorder as a root cause of some other issues struck me as logical.
October 10, 2014
Discusses the links between upper-respitory ailments, allergies, and chronic sinusitis with Sleep Apnea. If you have developed Sleep Apnea and have a history of allergies, this is a MUST read!
January 9, 2020
3-1/2. Interesting. A little heavy on the surgical recommendations.
January 5, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of Sleep Interrupted.
I became interested in sleep problems after my doctor suggested that some of my health issues might be connected to poor sleep quality, specifically related to oxygen desaturation. A sleep study diagnosed me with mild sleep apnea. I don’t have trouble falling asleep, nor do I feel significantly unrested, even though my weekday sleep averages about six hours. However, I wanted to learn more about sleep problems and their solutions. When I saw this book at my doctor’s office, I decided to read it.
The author is an ENT doctor, and I appreciated his holistic approach to diagnosing sleep-related issues. The method he describes for evaluating patients in the book aligns with what I would expect from an ENT specialist. Unfortunately, not all ENT doctors seem to follow such thorough practices. For example, the ENT I visited didn’t conduct a detailed examination. I wish I had read this book beforehand. The author makes it clear that a proper evaluation should include examining the tongue's position in a sleep-like posture and possibly using a scope. In contrast, a typical ENT visit, like mine, often consists of a quick check of the tonsils and a discussion about potential surgery, especially when simpler issues haven’t been thoroughly examined first.
The book suggests potential connections between sleep issues and other health problems, including diabetes and cancer. The author is cautious with these claims, emphasizing that while sleep issues might not be the sole cause, they can significantly contribute to or exacerbate existing health conditions. He highlights how oxygen desaturation during sleep—something that happens during about one-third of your life—can gradually harm your body over time.
I particularly liked how the book explains sleep study results and the terminology used in those reports. After reading it, I reviewed my sleep study and those of two family members. The data in these reports is much clearer to me now. The book also offers a comprehensive overview of solutions for managing sleep apnea, such as weight loss, CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgeries.
The author frequently emphasizes how stomach acid can reflux into the throat and cause damage. He uses an example of a straw to explain how apnea creates ideal conditions for this, with a vacuum effect leading to collapse. This was something I hadn’t considered before. I also found it fascinating that the author advises viewing surgery as a long-term relationship with your ENT and surgeon, as one surgery is often not sufficient—a perspective that was new to me.
The book motivated me to take action. Initially, I was hesitant to try a CPAP machine because of concerns about the mask and noise, especially since my apnea is mild. However, I decided to follow the author’s advice and just give it a try and see. There is no lifetime commitment. I’ve just started using a CPAP machine and found that modern devices are surprisingly quiet. The mask isn’t as uncomfortable as I feared, especially since I sleep steadily on my back. The author also recommends trying simple, inexpensive oral appliances before committing to custom-made ones, which I think is practical advice.
It’s worth mentioning that many smartwatches can now track sleep, measure oxygen saturation, and even screen for potential sleep apnea. I use mine every night to monitor my sleep.
One thing I missed in the book was information on tongue-tie release surgery and its impact on sleep quality. I’d also be curious to hear the author’s opinion on whether sleep apnea could sometimes serve as a protective mechanism for the body.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about sleep problems. It’s an important topic that I feel is still significantly underdiagnosed today.
I became interested in sleep problems after my doctor suggested that some of my health issues might be connected to poor sleep quality, specifically related to oxygen desaturation. A sleep study diagnosed me with mild sleep apnea. I don’t have trouble falling asleep, nor do I feel significantly unrested, even though my weekday sleep averages about six hours. However, I wanted to learn more about sleep problems and their solutions. When I saw this book at my doctor’s office, I decided to read it.
The author is an ENT doctor, and I appreciated his holistic approach to diagnosing sleep-related issues. The method he describes for evaluating patients in the book aligns with what I would expect from an ENT specialist. Unfortunately, not all ENT doctors seem to follow such thorough practices. For example, the ENT I visited didn’t conduct a detailed examination. I wish I had read this book beforehand. The author makes it clear that a proper evaluation should include examining the tongue's position in a sleep-like posture and possibly using a scope. In contrast, a typical ENT visit, like mine, often consists of a quick check of the tonsils and a discussion about potential surgery, especially when simpler issues haven’t been thoroughly examined first.
The book suggests potential connections between sleep issues and other health problems, including diabetes and cancer. The author is cautious with these claims, emphasizing that while sleep issues might not be the sole cause, they can significantly contribute to or exacerbate existing health conditions. He highlights how oxygen desaturation during sleep—something that happens during about one-third of your life—can gradually harm your body over time.
I particularly liked how the book explains sleep study results and the terminology used in those reports. After reading it, I reviewed my sleep study and those of two family members. The data in these reports is much clearer to me now. The book also offers a comprehensive overview of solutions for managing sleep apnea, such as weight loss, CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgeries.
The author frequently emphasizes how stomach acid can reflux into the throat and cause damage. He uses an example of a straw to explain how apnea creates ideal conditions for this, with a vacuum effect leading to collapse. This was something I hadn’t considered before. I also found it fascinating that the author advises viewing surgery as a long-term relationship with your ENT and surgeon, as one surgery is often not sufficient—a perspective that was new to me.
The book motivated me to take action. Initially, I was hesitant to try a CPAP machine because of concerns about the mask and noise, especially since my apnea is mild. However, I decided to follow the author’s advice and just give it a try and see. There is no lifetime commitment. I’ve just started using a CPAP machine and found that modern devices are surprisingly quiet. The mask isn’t as uncomfortable as I feared, especially since I sleep steadily on my back. The author also recommends trying simple, inexpensive oral appliances before committing to custom-made ones, which I think is practical advice.
It’s worth mentioning that many smartwatches can now track sleep, measure oxygen saturation, and even screen for potential sleep apnea. I use mine every night to monitor my sleep.
One thing I missed in the book was information on tongue-tie release surgery and its impact on sleep quality. I’d also be curious to hear the author’s opinion on whether sleep apnea could sometimes serve as a protective mechanism for the body.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about sleep problems. It’s an important topic that I feel is still significantly underdiagnosed today.
May 6, 2023
Read for 52 Book Club Challenge 2023 #9. A book with a dedication - "For my patients"
Interesting read from ENT surgeon looking at relatively new diagnosis - UARS (Upper Airways Resistance Syndrome) as well as the more established OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea). Park argues that all humans are at risk of disordered sleep breathing because of the way our airways have evolved to allow us to speak. Modern living has also meant that we have smaller jaws (see also Breathe by James Nestor). He believes that many sleep problems are actually breathing problems and that links can be drawn between disordered sleep breathing and many chronic disorders. OSA remains under-diagnosed but any chronic disordered sleep breathing can be part of a downwards health spiral that feeds itself.
If you are interested in this area, influential NHS ENT surgeon, Vik Veer's YouTube channel is also very informative and well-researched. I suspect these two medical practitioners are ahead of the curve and it will take a while for this to become mainstream medicine, but given the average life expectancy of someone with OSA is 58 years, snoring and gasping for breath in your sleep should not be ignored!!
Interesting read from ENT surgeon looking at relatively new diagnosis - UARS (Upper Airways Resistance Syndrome) as well as the more established OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea). Park argues that all humans are at risk of disordered sleep breathing because of the way our airways have evolved to allow us to speak. Modern living has also meant that we have smaller jaws (see also Breathe by James Nestor). He believes that many sleep problems are actually breathing problems and that links can be drawn between disordered sleep breathing and many chronic disorders. OSA remains under-diagnosed but any chronic disordered sleep breathing can be part of a downwards health spiral that feeds itself.
If you are interested in this area, influential NHS ENT surgeon, Vik Veer's YouTube channel is also very informative and well-researched. I suspect these two medical practitioners are ahead of the curve and it will take a while for this to become mainstream medicine, but given the average life expectancy of someone with OSA is 58 years, snoring and gasping for breath in your sleep should not be ignored!!
March 2, 2018
Dr Park's approach to fragmented sleep focuses on breathing problems. This approach is broader than standard medicine and may help explain the constellation of unexplained issues that many people face.
Of course, sleep apnea is discussed, but as part of a more complicated paradigm. The connection between interrupted breathing and many diseases such as heart disease, anxiety, thyroid, and cancer are put into this perspective.
I found this book very useful as someone with Sleep Apnea, and explained a lot of my symptoms prior to diagnosis. It is refreshing to get the full perspective, and what the full benefit of treatment may be!
The book is full of insights and tips and is recommended for those with sleep difficulties.
Of course, sleep apnea is discussed, but as part of a more complicated paradigm. The connection between interrupted breathing and many diseases such as heart disease, anxiety, thyroid, and cancer are put into this perspective.
I found this book very useful as someone with Sleep Apnea, and explained a lot of my symptoms prior to diagnosis. It is refreshing to get the full perspective, and what the full benefit of treatment may be!
The book is full of insights and tips and is recommended for those with sleep difficulties.
November 7, 2018
This is an excellent, informative book useful for anyone with sleep issues. A take-away for me is a more complete realization of the inter-connectivity of all the systems of the human body. Many of us have a tendency to isolate a medical problem and forget it impacts and is impacted by many other systems. Very thoughtful...
November 12, 2019
This was recommended by my dentist. I found the book very useful since I was diagnosed with UARS (Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome) and I’m now trying to understand what long term solutions to move forward with.
August 27, 2021
Some worthwhile educational bits, especially those related to children. And learning that I’ve got bruised rib syndrome from my wife. Outside of those things it wasn’t super the Wild or insightful for me
January 26, 2024
An important message
This is an excellent book discussing a vital factor of living, namely a good night's sleep. I learned a lot about how to analyse my sleeping and what steps to take.
This is an excellent book discussing a vital factor of living, namely a good night's sleep. I learned a lot about how to analyse my sleeping and what steps to take.
August 28, 2018
Very Informative, Especially for Those Not Already Diagnosed With a Sleep-breathing Disorder
September 24, 2018
I found the book interesting and informative, but it didn't offer much in the way of a solution to the problem if one is unable to use CPAP and isn't crazy about the idea of surgery.
January 5, 2020
Simple, well explained and conversational. Holistic view of breathing, sleeping, and reflux issues. Excellent insight to snoring, apnea, fatigue, and stress.
March 29, 2020
Very interesting and written well. There was a lot I already knew, but enough new-to-me information to earn four stars.
February 10, 2017
As someone with sleep apnea and probably UARS, I found this book to be not a breath of fresh air, but a gale of fresh air. Dr. Park brings creative thinking and caring to a field of medicine that is more often characterized by a lack of both. While the book is packed with so much that it's hard to take in at once, I'm returning to it again to find more useful information. Dr. Park aims to inform patients of the serious consequences of impaired sleep and to give us options for improving our sleep and lives. In addition, he has taken part in patient forums online, giving his knowledge and learning, as well, from those who suffer with sleep apnea and other sleep conditions every night and day. Though I've never had the chance to go to the Bronx and meet him, I hope I will do so one day. Thank you, Dr. Park, for caring and helping!
January 21, 2011
Currently reading. Lots of stuff that I didn't know but that make sense so far.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews