12 Sleep Podcasts You Might Not Know Yet

There are hundreds of podcasts that pop up on Spotify when you search for “sleep.” But with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? Maybe you’ve already tuned into popular sleep podcasts like Sleep Cove, Get Sleepy, or Listen to Sleep. But have you ever heard directly from sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia advocates? Or explored the latest sleep research and expert insights?

We’ve curated a list of 12 Sleep Podcasts You Might Not Know Yet to help you dive deeper into the world of sleep. This list of podcasts share real stories from people navigating sleep challenges, the latest medical insights and research on all things sleep, and perspectives from leading sleep organizations. Happy listening!

Sleep Podcasts from Organizations

Talking Sleep

With technology influencing every facet of our lives, the realm of sleep-related innovations is growing rapidly. Join clinicians, researchers, and sleep experts as they discuss the latest technology for managing insomnia, as well as other factors affecting the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of sleep disorders in this American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) podcast: Talking Sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a leading source of research advancing the field of clinical sleep medicine.

Episode Highlight | KPAP: Exploring a Novel PAP Therapy Approach 

In this episode, Dr. Seema Khosla chats with Dr. David White, former AASM president, and Dr. William Noah, creator of the V-com device, about KPAP—an innovative PAP therapy. They dive into how this new technology could make positive airway pressure more comfortable and effective for sleep apnea patients.

Explore KPAP’s advantages over traditional CPAP, its impact on central apneas and CO2 rebreathing, and its clinical trial outcomes. This conversation provides essential insights for both clinicians and patients interested in the development of sleep apnea treatments.

Sleep Research Society Podcast

Sleep Research Society (SRS) is an organization for investigators and academics who educate and research sleep and circadian science by providing a forum for its members to exchange information relating to sleep research. The SRS Podcast discusses the latest findings published in SLEEP and SLEEP Advances.

Episode Highlight | Development of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Narcolepsy: A Feasibility Study

In Episode 22 of Season 1 of this podcast, Dr. Jesse Cook sits down with Dr. Jennifer Mundt and Matt Horsnell to discuss Mundt’s newly published study on a mindfulness-based intervention for narcolepsy, featured in SLEEP journal. Jennifer M. Mundt, PhD, DBSM is an Associate Professor of Neurology (Sleep Medicine) and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. Matt Horsnell is an award-winning patient advocate for sleep disorders and someone living with narcolepsy. Together, they explore the feasibility of this innovative intervention and delve into how it could impact patients’ lives.

Narcolepsy 360

Wake Up Narcolepsy (WUN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to driving Narcolepsy awareness, education, and research towards improved treatments and a cure. Their Narcolepsy 360 Podcast is a series of interviews that shed light on issues related to narcolepsy from the patient, care-giver, research, and clinical perspective. Episodes feature patient leaders such as Tatiana Corbitt, Ginger Zee, and Lauren Thomas, and researchers such Dr. Michael Grandner and Dr. John Peever. 

Narcolepsy is rare enough that I have no one who can relate with my life experiences. It is refreshing, emotional, and vindicating to find and hear from others who know what life is like with narcolepsy and cataplexy.”

– Narcolepsy 360 Listener

Episode Highlight | Grace McGinnis

Grace McGinnis is a college student studying pre-med, a Division 1 athlete, and a person living with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy.. In this episode, she and Claire discuss Grace’s experience growing up as a “sleepy child” and how she realized early on that her sleepiness was abnormal. After struggling with her health and swimming performance in high school, Grace was finally diagnosed with Narcolepsy Type 1 after seeing multiple doctors and undergoing a sleep test.

Now a competitive swimmer at the University of Miami, Grace shares how she manages her busy life, balancing practice, school, and friendships. She emphasizes the importance of structure, schedules, and naps for navigating daily life with Narcolepsy. She also recommends joining Narcolepsy groups on Facebook for support and connection. You can find her on Instagram at @sleepyg_zzz and @Grace_McGinnis.

The Project Sleep Podcast

The Project Sleep Podcast aims to improve public health by educating individuals about the importance of sleep health, sleep equity, and sleep disorders. This podcast features four dynamic series: Narcolepsy Nerd Alert, Sleep Insights, Rising Voices, and Sleep Apnea Squad!

Narcolepsy Nerd Alert delves into everything narcolepsy, exploring the science, stories, and the multiple facets of this condition. Similarly, in Sleep Apnea Squad, viewers can expect a wide range of practical advice, education, and emotional support to help those with sleep apnea and their loved ones navigate the medical and social challenges they face. Rising Voices shares powerful personal stories from around the world, giving a voice to those living with sleep disorders. Sleep Insights takes a broader approach, unpacking our society’s beliefs about sleep and exploring why we rest the way we do.

Project Sleep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about sleep health through events, campaigns, and programs to bring people together and spark conversations about sleep.

I feel nothing but gratitude that there is a podcast about sleep disorders such as mine, Narcolepsy type 1. TY! TY!! TY!!!”

– The Project Sleep Podcast Listener

Episode Highlight | Breaking Barriers in Sleep Research with Dr. Robert Turner

Dr. Robert W. Turner II, a former professional football player and Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, recently shared his story of venturing into groundbreaking, community-oriented sleep research. In the interview, he highlights his exciting collaboration with Project Sleep and Dr. Michael Grandner to explore Black Americans’ perspectives on sleep and sleep disorders, with the goal of improving awareness and shaping future efforts in this area.

Sleep Podcasts from Medical Professionals

Sleep is My Waking Passion

Wellness is about maintaining our health as long as possible, and maximizing our potential for restful sleep is a critical part of the equation. Dr. Alison Kole is on a mission to empower her listeners to improve their sleep through her Sleep Is My Waking Passion Podcast and other public speaking events. She is a fellowship trained and board-certified doctor specializing in sleep, pulmonary, and cardiac medicine, and knows firsthand what it’s like living with insomnia. Each episode covers a unique aspect of sleep, from its essential role in health and well-being to holistic strategies for better rest. Topics include insomnia as a sign of underlying issues, such as circadian misalignment, sleep apnea, and rare hypersomnia disorders. Medical insights are paired with self-care tips, with a particular focus on women’s health. Every season offers fresh perspectives, helping listeners gain a deeper understanding of sleep and its impact on overall wellness.

Episode Highlight | The Sleep Secret Every Exhausted Person Needs to Hear: How Haley Wall’s Mystery Diagnosis Could Save Your Life

Check out S6E4 and meet Haley Wall, a 25-year-old occupational therapist and passionate patient advocate. For years, she was known as the “tired friend” before uncovering the surprising truth: she had idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), a rare neurological disorder that causes persistent exhaustion, even after getting 10+ hours of sleep.

Deep Into Sleep

Are sleep and health concerns on your mind? Tune in to the Deep Into Sleep Podcast to discover fresh perspectives for improving your well-being. Hosted by Dr. Yishan Xu, a licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified sleep medicine specialist, and member of Project Sleep’s Expert Advisory Board, this podcast features guests from a variety of fields, including small business owners, students, parents, entrepreneurs, doctors, mental health professionals, and more. Explore topics ranging from sleep and business to lifestyle, relationships, and beyond, all aimed at fostering a healthier mindset.

Episode Highlight | Finding Effective Insomnia Treatments: Insights into BBTI with Dr. Christina Pierpaoli Parker

Dr. Yishan Xu dives into the world of insomnia treatment with expert guest Dr. Christina Pierpaoli Parker. Join them as they explore the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) and its faster alternative, Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI). They’ll uncover the challenges and solutions in making these treatments more accessible, particularly in primary care settings, and discuss the significant advancements aimed at expanding access to sleep disorder care. Dr. Parker will share valuable insights into the individualized nature of sleep issues, the benefits of a stepped care model, and practical resources to guide listeners on their journey toward better sleep. Whether you’ve struggled with insomnia for years or are just starting to experience it, this episode is packed with information to help you navigate your sleep health more effectively.

Sleep Talking with Dr. Shelby

Dr. Shelby Harris is a licensed clinical psychologist, behavioral sleep medicine (BMS) specialist, and member of Project Sleep’s Expert Advisory Board.  As host of Sleep Talking with Dr. Shelby, she educates all about the sleep challenges that affect real people and solutions that will help them get the rest they deserve. Dr. Harris is also the director of sleep help for Sleepopolis, a company that offers sleep related content and reviews by sleep specialists, with the goal of helping individuals enhance their sleep quality.

I’ve already learned so much from this podcast, and love Dr. Shelby’s no-nonsense approach to sleep health. Particularly enjoy the Q&As with questions from listeners.”

– Sleep Talking with Dr. Shelby Listener

Episode Highlight | How Sleep Became a Luxury: Social Determinants of Quality Sleep

Sleep is often marketed as something that requires expensive gadgets, accessories, and elaborate wake-up and wind-down routines. But for most people, time and money aren’t available for so-called sleep luxuries. In this episode, viewers can expect to learn about the social determinants of sleep—the factors related to the environments where people live, learn, work, and age, and how they impact overall health.

In this episode, Dr. Shelby is joined by novelist and journalist Jessica Grose. A New York Times opinion writer, Jessica covers culture, politics, religion, health, and the American family through her twice-weekly newsletter. She is also the author of books such as Home Economics: How Couples Manage Their Money, Sad Desk Salad, and most recently, Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood.

Sleep Science Today

The Sleep Science Today Podcast, hosted by behavioral sleep medicine expert Andrew Colsky, features insights from top sleep professionals and advocates. In upcoming episodes, listeners will hear from distinguished experts like Dr.Hrayr Attarian, a neurology professor specializing in narcolepsy, and sleep advocate Matt Horsnell, who will explore narcolepsy, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Episode Highlight | Does what we eat impact our sleep?

Andrew Colsky and RJ Adolfi explore the intricate relationship between diet and sleep quality. They discuss how food choices, particularly the differences between the US and Europe, impact overall health and sleep. RJ emphasizes the importance of understanding the ingredients in our food and how processed foods can lead to detrimental health effects. Being mindful of what we consume and cultivating a sleep-friendly environment are essential for better rest. The dialogue emphasizes the connection between our choices and overall well-being, advocating for a more mindful approach to nutrition and sleep habits.

Community-Led Sleep Podcasts

Narcolepsy Navigators

“Share a story to change a story” is Narcolepsy Navigators’ mantra when it comes to changing the narrative around narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, and Kleine-Levin syndrome. Real people. Real stories. Every episode is a peek into the lives of those navigating these conditions every single day.  

Kerly Bwoga, founder and producer of Narcolepsy Navigators, is a Rising Voices speaker and patient advocate living with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy, sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and REM sleep behavior disorder. She also founded the peer support group NapsForLife.

Episode Highlight | Narcolepsy, Mental Health, and Self-Love: A Conversation with Dawn

In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Kerly Bwoga speaks with Dawn Super, a passionate advocate who has lived with Narcolepsy Type 1 for over 40 years. Dawn takes us on a journey through her experiences, from childhood isolation and feeling misunderstood to learning self-acceptance and managing the challenges of a chronic illness. She shares valuable insights on resilience, mental health struggles, and the importance of community for those with narcolepsy. Dawn emphasizes that positivity isn’t about denying reality but about embracing it with strength and grace. Whether you’re navigating narcolepsy, mental health challenges, or simply looking for inspiration, Dawn’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

The Snooze Button

There are millions of people in North America with sleep issues. You might even be one of them. Neil Hedley is on a personal journey to improve his sleep and is dedicated to helping others do the same. Each week, he sits down with a diverse array of guests, from celebrities to world-renowned neuroscientists, to explore and unravel the ultimate mystery: sleep.

Episode Highlight | Hello Sleep: Dr. Jade Wu

Don’t miss out on this episode with Dr. Jade Wu. After having her baby, Dr. Wu from Duke University School of Medicine faced every sleep challenge imaginable. Hear what it’s like when the doctor becomes the patient!

Sleep is a Skill

Mollie Eastman is the creator host of Sleep is a Skill Podcast and she’s on a mission to change the conversation around sleep by giving you agency with your sleep. Sleep is a Skill is a company dedicated to improving sleep by combining technology, accountability, and behavioral change. After struggling with insomnia while traveling abroad, Mollie created the solution she couldn’t find, a resource to teach people the essential skills for better sleep.

Episode Highlight | Dr. Valerie Cacho – Integrative Sleep MD & Women’s Sleep Expert | Sleep Apnea in Women: The Overlooked Epidemic You Need to Know About

In this insightful discussion, Valerie Cacho, MD, a sleep expert, highlights the major gaps in care for women’s sleep health that she observed while working in a sleep lab, particularly during perimenopause and menopause when hormonal shifts can disrupt sleep. She addresses the common yet often overlooked signs of sleep apnea in women, such as morning headaches, exhaustion, and difficulty falling asleep despite being tired. Valerie also sheds light on the hidden health issues beyond sleep disorders that could be sabotaging sleep and emphasizes that sleep apnea can occur even without snoring. 

Valerie Cacho, MD, is an integrative sleep medicine physician and women’s sleep expert. She specializes in diagnosing sleep disorders, mind-body approaches to insomnia, and promoting sleep health through self-compassion, mindfulness, and clinical hypnotherapy. Dr. Cacho is the founder of Sleep Life Med, a tele-sleep practice in Hawaii and California, and the CEO of Sleephoria, a sleep health resource for women, dedicated to helping women achieve the energy and clarity needed to change the world.

Sleep Apnea Stories

Are you or a loved one struggling with how to manage sleep apnea? Join a community of sleep apnea advocates and medical experts and learn everything there is to know about the condition.

After struggling with a variety of health issues for 30 years, Emma Cooksey, the host of Sleep Apnea Stories, advocated for a sleep study, which led to her diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea. As she began her CPAP treatment, she found herself wondering if there were others like her facing similar challenges of adjusting to their new diagnosis. This curiosity inspired her to launch a podcast, creating a space for people to connect and share their experiences managing sleep apnea.

Since listening to the podcast, I feel more informed and empowered about my OSA and even optimistic about my current struggles with CPAP.”

– Sleep Apnea Stories Listener

Episode Highlight | Dr. Adam Goldberg – A Cardiologist Shares His OSA Journey

Emma is joined by Dr. Adam Goldberg M.D., a Cardiologist at Electrophysiology at Cardiovascular Associates of Charlottesville and at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Dr. Goldberg shares his medical journey, beginning with his exposure to patients with sleep apnea during his training. He explains the link between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation (AFib), where an irregular, rapid heartbeat often occurs, and discusses studies showing that managing sleep apnea can improve AFib. Adam also reflects on his own struggles with exhaustion as a young doctor, initially unsure if it was caused by long hours or an underlying sleep issue. After dealing with worsening reflux and his wife pointing out his snoring, he decided to seek treatment. He saw a pulmonologist, underwent a sleep study, and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, leading to the use of a CPAP machine for treatment.

In Conclusion: 12 Sleep Podcasts You May Not Know Yet

By sharing these 12 sleep podcasts, we aim to help you navigate the overwhelming sea of sleep-related content and find something that truly resonates with your interests. Whether you’re dealing with sleep challenges or simply looking to enhance your rest, these sleep podcasts cover a wide range of topics and feature patient experiences, expert insights, and the latest medical research. So, take a moment to dive into one of these podcasts— you might just find your next binge-worthy listen!

Have you listened to any of these 12 sleep podcasts? Have another to recommend? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts!

Learn More About Sleep