In this NEW episode of the Buteyko Clinic Podcast, Patrick McKeown speaks with Professor Dave Singh (Stanford, craniofacial sleep medicine) about why the upper airway is a living system—not just a pipe—and how this controls sleep, breathing, and long‑term health. We cover: What good sleep really is (beyond “8 hours in bed”) Upper airway homeostasis – why the airway behaves like a dynamic, self‑regulating system Sleep apnea causes: craniofacial structure, obesity, neurology, muscle tone and more Tongue posture & nasal breathing – why waking up with your tongue on the palate matters Children’s sleep: bedwetting, grinding, mouth breathing, pacifiers, tongue‑tie & development Women’s sleep & UARS (Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome) – the subtle, underdiagnosed side of sleep‑disordered breathing Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia & sleep fragmentation Hormones, melatonin, growth hormone, cortisol and weight gain when sleep is disrupted Breathing retraining: nasal breathing, diaphragm function, nitric oxide and loop gain Cultural insights: didgeridoo, conch shells, bagpipes and airway vibration for sleep apnea The future of integrative craniofacial sleep medicine and accessible, affordable care worldwide

🔍 Who this episode is for People with snoring, sleep apnea, UARS, insomnia or unrefreshing sleep Women with chronic fatigue, pain, “normal” sleep studies but poor sleep Parents worried about children’s sleep, mouth breathing, bedwetting or teeth grinding Dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, sleep physicians, OMTs, breathing instructors & therapists Anyone interested in breathing retraining, nasal breathing and airway-focused dentistry

📅 Professor Dave Singh’s London Event Craniofacial Sleep Medicine – London, UK

📅 May 1–2

🔗 More info & registration: https://rema-sleep.com/product/sleep-medicine-london-2026/

🔗 Resources & Links Professor Dave Singh – REMA Sleep: https://rema-sleep.com Buteyko Clinic & breathing retraining: www.buteykoclinic.com

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction & Prof. Dave Singh’s background

4:20 – Why sleep is central to human health

8:00 – Upper airway homeostasis explained

13:30 – Causes of airway collapse & sleep apnea

20:00 – Tongue posture, breastfeeding, pacifiers & development

27:30 – Women, UARS & underdiagnosed sleep disorders

36:00 – Sleep hygiene, blue light, diet & nervous system

45:30 – Hormones, weight, growth hormone & cortisol

52:30 – Breathing retraining, nasal breathing & nitric oxide

1:02:00 – Didgeridoo, conch, bagpipes & airway vibration

1:10:00 – Future of integrative craniofacial sleep medicine

1:18:00 – Dave’s London course & closing thoughts

Breathing plays a critical role in mental health, stress, and anxiety. In this talk for IMMH, Patrick McKeown, founder of the Buteyko Clinic, explains why up to 75% of people with anxiety and panic disorders experience dysfunctional breathing patterns.

Patrick explores how chronic stress leads to over-breathing, mouth breathing, and irregular breathing habits that can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response. He explains the role of the brain’s pre-Bötzinger complex in regulating breathing and how fast, shallow breathing can negatively impact the nervous system, sleep quality, focus, and emotional regulation.

You’ll learn why generic breathing advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how Buteyko breathing techniques—including nose breathing, reduced breathing, and gentle breath holds—can help retrain your breathing for better mental performance, calmer states, and improved sleep.

This evidence-based presentation includes:

- The link between breathing dysfunction and anxiety

- How breathing affects the default mode network

- Why nose breathing is essential for mental health

- Practical Buteyko Clinic breathing exercises to reduce stress

- How to improve breathing patterns for long-term wellbeing

Whether you’re struggling with stress, panic attacks, poor sleep, or simply want to improve your breathing efficiency, this talk offers practical tools to help you breathe better and live better.

👉 Learn more about the Buteyko Method and breathing for mental health at Buteyko Clinic

👉 Subscribe for expert insights on breathing, anxiety reduction, and optimal health #buteykomethod #buteykohealth #breathingexercises #patrickmckeown #buteyko #breathingtechniques #breathwork

Join Patrick McKeown at the Vienna Airway Congress 2025 as he shares his powerful journey from childhood asthma to becoming a leading authority on breathing. Discover the surprising impact of nasal breathing on sleep, cognitive function, and overall health. Learn practical exercises and actionable advice for transforming your well-being—starting with your next breath!