Sleeping baby

Sleep Issues & Optimal Breathing

My work investigates and addresses the root cause of sleep issues. I solve wakefulness in babies, children and adults properly, instead of simply offering a temporary solution. Did you know our gut bacteria programs our circadian rhythm? I have scoured sleep and settling research data directly.

Despite what we’ve all been told; sleep is NOT a learned skill. Neuroscience has proven it. Basic sleep issues can be controlled easily with lifestyle changes like wind-down time. However, most sleep issues are related to the gut, eating and breathing. We cannot be fully relaxed when we are shallow breathing.

What Causes Sleep Issues?

Many of my clients are surprised to realise that sleep issues can be caused by a range of issues such as:

  • Sniffly nose, persistent runny nose, blocked nose feeling

  • Ear blockage, infection, ear tickle, or excess ear wax

  • Swallowing air with food

  • Fast or slow eating

  • Gulping

  • Needing to burp regularly

  • Mucous in stools

  • Muscle tightness

  • Tongue tie

  • Reflux (silent)

  • Runny stools

  • Microbiome imbalance

  • Candida

  • Antibiotics (directly or through breastmilk)

  • Tonsil, adenoid enlargement

  • Nasal turbinates

  • Upper airway obstruction

  • Cardiac issues

  • Cardio-respiratory issues

  • Asthma

  • Eczema

  • Allergy

  • Food intolerances

  • Salicylate, amine, or glutamate sensitivity

  • Bedwetting (root cause, not dog-training style)

These issues can present themselves in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Tooth grinding

  • Snoring

  • Holding the breath

  • Insomnia

  • Parasomnias:

  • Sleep talking

  • Sleepwalking

  • Mouth breathing crowded teeth

  • Orthodontic relapse prevention


How A Sleep Specialist Can Solve Sleep Issues?

Sleep doctors don't teach “baby sleep training” for a reason – it doesn’t work. Brain research shows it stresses children to the point they detach psychologically and give up hope. Sleep doctors are Respiratory Physicians – breathing function impacts sleep above all else, and is a complex interplay with the gut and immune system

That’s where I come in.

My work focuses on finding and addressing the root cause of your sleep issues. I work to end wakefulness in babies, children and adults for good, instead of simply offering a temporary solution.

Optimal Breathing

A leading cause of sleep waking is Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) and Breathing Disordered Sleep. Breathing is critical to our survival. It is the foundation of our health and happiness. Dysfunction is surprisingly very common. A leading cause of sleep disturbance is Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) and Breathing Disordered Sleep.

Symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) and Breathing Disordered Sleep can include:

  • Sniffly nose

  • Snoring

  • Noises while sleeping (may be cute, but our breathing should be quiet)

  • Sounds while feeding, such as clicking

  • Breathing pattern disorders and over breathing

  • Depth and rate of breath are in excess of the body’s need

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Dry cough

  • Throat palpitations, or noticeable heartbeats

  • Weakness 

  • Chest pain 

  • Unreal feelings 

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Recurring headaches 

  • Air hunger like sighing or yawning 

  • Tight chest 

  • Asthma 

  • Cramps and tremors 

  • Excess wind 

  • Pins and needles in fingers and toes

Alissa O'Keefe from Thrive Health with a happy toddler during a session

Your breathing expert specialist

Let me support you to reach your goals for optimal functional breathing. I can help you to navigate this journey so you and your family can thrive.

Sleep

Eat

Breathe

Learn

Regulate

Thrive

Sleep • Eat • Breathe • Learn • Regulate • Thrive •