The Educated Patient Podcast: Why Sleep May Be the Missing Piece in Your Health Routine

Sleep is often treated as a luxury, but according to Michael Howell, M.D., it is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting brain health, heart health and overall wellness. On our latest episode of The Educated Patient Podcast, host Mike DeMarco spoke with Howell, a sleep neurologist, chief medical officer at GEM SLEEP, and professor and division head of sleep medicine at the University of Minnesota, about why sleep deserves far more attention in modern health care.

Howell explained that many sleep problems stem from simple but widespread habits — staying up late, relying on caffeine and living in a culture that normalizes chronic sleep deprivation. While some people struggle with insomnia or circadian rhythm disruptions, one of the most common and underdiagnosed conditions is obstructive sleep apnea. An estimated 70 million Americans live with sleep apnea, yet only a fraction have been properly diagnosed. This condition occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, preventing the brain and body from getting restorative rest.

Poor sleep doesn’t just leave people feeling tired. Howell emphasized that untreated sleep disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. During deep sleep, the brain activates the glymphatic system, which clears out toxic waste proteins. When sleep is fragmented or breathing is impaired, these waste products can build up over time, potentially contributing to long-term brain damage.

The conversation also highlighted how sleep impacts people across the lifespan. In children, breathing problems during sleep — often caused by enlarged tonsils — can affect growth, attention and behavior. In adults, sleep quality plays a major role in metabolism, inflammation, recovery from exercise and mental focus. For elite athletes, optimizing sleep can translate into faster reaction times, fewer errors and better performance — but Howell stressed that the same principles apply to everyday life.

Encouragingly, accessing sleep care has become easier. Many people can now be evaluated for sleep apnea at home using simple wearable tests, avoiding long waits and overnight lab studies. Treatment options have also expanded beyond CPAP machines to include oral appliances, weight management strategies and personalized coaching.

Howell’s message was clear: Sleep is not passive. When prioritized and supported, it becomes a foundation for better health, sharper thinking and a lower risk of chronic disease.