Innovators of Health

Dr. Ashley Spooner talks about dental sleep medicine, oral appliances, and photobiomodulation for better sleep

RedVive Season 1 Episode 17

In this episode of Innovators of Health, Dr. Ashley Spooner unpacks the foundations of dental sleep medicine—why sleep is a vital sign, how to spot risk beyond weight and snoring, and where oral appliance therapy fits as a patient-friendly alternative to CPAP. She shares practical protocols and lifestyle tactics that improve sleep quality, plus how photobiomodulation (red/NIR light) can support airway tissues, reduce inflammation, and extend results from clinic to home. The discussion focuses on awareness, measurable outcomes, and step-by-step adoption for clinicians.

Takeaways

  • 😴 Sleep = vital sign: Poor sleep drives systemic risk; screen beyond BMI and snoring.
  • 🦷 Appliances that patients use: Oral appliance therapy can be an effective CPAP alternative for many.
  • 🔦 Adjunct tech: Laser and photobiomodulation may support airway function, healing, and sleep quality.
  • 🏠 Clinic → home: Simple at-home PBM routines can extend treatment gains and adherence.
  • 🧠 Educate & empower: Raise sleep-disorder awareness and set clear expectations for therapy.
  • 🥗 Lifestyle levers: Caffeine timing, late-night eating, and habits meaningfully impact sleep.
  • 📊 Measure what matters: Track sleep patterns to personalize care and refine protocols.

To learn more about Redvive and red-light therapy visit us at redvivehealth.org.

This podcast is hosted by Jaydev Karande and Dr. Rahul Desai.

Watch all of our Innovators of Health Video Episodes at:

https://www.youtube.com/@InnovatorsofHealth

Learn more at Red Light Therapy at redvivehealth.org