Morning Leaves -- Writing Through Grief with Laing Rikkers

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Laing Rikkers – author of Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief and Connection and Co-Founder and Executive Chair of ProSomnus Sleep Technologies.  

Laing is a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an often hidden - and potentially fatal - medical condition. After her sister died of undiagnosed OSA, Laing sought solace from nature and creativity, and wrote Morning Leaves, a book of poetry to help others navigate grief. Her mission now is to save lives by encouraging people to recognize the symptoms of OSA before it's too late.

The discussion focuses on Laing’s upcoming book and the comfort she found in writing it following the sudden loss of her sister. The discussion also focuses on Laing's work as an expert in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, along with the innovative technology to help those living with OSA developed by her company ProSomnus Sleep Technologies. 

This is a robust conversation focused on insights and awareness to help people recognize the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, while taking important steps to improve their sleep, health and function across domains. 

Signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Observed episodes of not breathing
• Waking up with dry mouth
• Headaches and difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, including depression

Increased likelihood of OSA associated with:

• Obesity
• Family history of OSA or snoring
• Male or post-menopausal female
• Large neck
• Alcohol consumption

The Takeaway is OSA increases the risk of:

• Hypertension
• Heart disease - including heart attacks and heart failure
• Stroke
• Diabetes

To learn More, visit:
www.laingrikkers.com
www.prosomnus.com

Laing Rikkers is a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an often hidden - and potentially fatal - medical condition. After her sister died of undiagnosed OSA, Laing sought solace from nature and creativity, and wrote Morning Leaves, a book of poetry to help others navigate grief. Her mission now is to save lives by encouraging people to recognize the symptoms of OSA before it's too late.

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/