Tomorrow is World Sleep Day and I felt to share this case study of one of my clients with his permission (name changed to protect privacy).

I'm sharing this story to demonstrate the intricate connections between the body are and how even breathing practices cannot help if mechanical function is inhibited.

Today I share about John, who was referred by a client who thought he could benefit from meditation. John had no interest in meditation but was experiencing low energy and mental fog and was willing to give this a shot.

the challenge

John, worked 7 days a week running a very successful business. He had flexibility in his work day, but could seldom take the day off. He had put on weight, was constantly feeling tired, had trouble sleeping, and woke up feeling unrested. He was in his 30's and knew that wasn't normal and something had to shift. He didn't know what.

the observations

The first thing I noticed was that he was mouth-breathing. When he lay down, I noticed a disparity in the aperture of his nostrils. I asked him a few questions which confirmed he was snoring in his sleep and mouth breathing in the daytime. He mentioned his partner slept in another room since his snoring was bad. The doctors had recommended an apnea machine, but he wasn't convinced.

the Rx

We made changes to his lifestyle, introducing specific short daytime breathing practices to retrain his breathing muscles and increase lung capacity and stamina. We introduced Ayurvedic practices to cleanse the sinuses, lubricate the paranasal and sagittal sinuses, and stimulate key marma (energy circulation points)of the nose. A mechanical function check revealed a deviated septum and ankyloglossia (tongue tie). I referred him to an ENT for surgical correction. We incorporated protocols that trained him to breathe nasally during the night. This had him sleeping better and increased compliance to Ayurvedic Agni (digestive fire) balancing that allowed him to get off the ghrelin-leptin cycles that induced unhealthy eating.

the results

In 5 weeks John began sleeping through the night. He stopped snoring and his partner moved back to sleep in the same bed. (me doing a whoop whoop dance). His energy levels increased. He reported more focus at work, was able to notice overwhelm before it became full-blown, and shifted using techniques he knew from experience work. John lost 15 lbs, his skin is glowing and he feels vitalized. He's been able to get more done, and take more downtime. Right now, his left nostril breathing is still restricted and he is awaiting septum reconstruction surgery that will help fix this.

Every month I share a case study to appreciate and acknowledge the power of this work and the courage and determination of my clients who show up for themselves silently in daring ways. I hope that their journeys provide you with insight and inspiration.

Should you have any questions on anything sleep or breathing-related, email me and I'll share some insights on Instagram reels.

Want to sleep better? Practice this at bedtime for 21 days

English

Spanish

Heartfelt appreciation to Dolly Dadlani for the translation and rendition and Studio G Corp for the recording and editing facilities.

Hindi

Heartfelt appreciation to Ritu Garg for the translation and Studio G Corp for the recording and editing facilities.