218: Emma Cooksey,  Patient Advocate, Project Sleep: The Hidden Face of Sleep Apnea…What We’re Getting Wrong

218: Emma Cooksey, Patient Advocate, Project Sleep: The Hidden Face of Sleep Apnea…What We’re Getting Wrong

Author: Mollie McGlocklin, Mollie Eastman July 19, 2025 Duration: 50:10

Emma Cooksey is a writer, speaker, and patient advocate. She was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea at the age of 30, after more than a decade of unexplained health issues. In 2020, Emma launched a weekly podcast, “Sleep Apnea Stories”  to break down stereotypes of sleep apnea while also raising awareness of symptoms and treatment options.

In her current role as Sleep Apnea Program Manager, Emma runs Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Education and Awareness Program. Through this program, she develops and implements new awareness and educational initiatives, events, and activities to empower people with sleep apnea to seek diagnosis, support, and care.

 

SHOWNOTES:

😴  Why did a terrifying moment behind the wheel became a wake-up call that changed Emma Cooksey’s life forever?

😴  How did this once-exhausted suburban mom become one of sleep apnea’s most powerful advocates?

😴  What’s the real face of sleep apnea, and why is it not what you think?

😴  Can a smartwatch really detect signs of sleep apnea?

😴  What breakthrough treatments are emerging are sleep apnea pills, implants, and stimulators the future?

😴  Why CPAP therapy isn’t the only option anymore and what Emma is using instead

😴  What’s the “Let’s Face It” campaign—and how can you be part of this movement?

😴  Could your teen’s “laziness” or fatigue be a sign of undiagnosed sleep apnea?

😴  How perimenopause impacted Emma’s sleep and what changes helped her take control

😴  Why just “losing weight” is an oversimplified—and harmful—response to sleep apnea

😴 Is it time we made sleep apnea screening as routine as a blood pressure check?

😴  What’s Emma’s biggest “aha” moment after 16 years of living with sleep apnea?

😴  And so much more!

 

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GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://project-sleep.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_sleep/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-cooksey-sleep-apnea/


DISCLAIMER:

The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.

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Hosted by Mollie McGlocklin and Mollie Eastman, The Sleep Is A Skill Podcast grew from a personal struggle with insomnia into a mission to fundamentally change how we think about rest. It moves beyond generic advice, framing quality sleep as an active, learnable practice essential to every aspect of our lives. Conversations with a diverse range of experts-from scientists and physicians to philosophers and fitness innovators-explore sleep’s profound connections to culture, society, and personal performance. You’ll hear nuanced discussions that treat sleep not as an isolated chore, but as a central pillar of wellness intertwined with our daily routines, beliefs, and environment. The dialogue is geared toward actionable insights, offering tangible strategies you can apply immediately, whether you’re dealing with jet lag, stress, or simply seeking deeper, more consistent rest. This podcast operates on the conviction that by prioritizing and skillfully cultivating our sleep, we unlock a more resilient, healthy, and focused existence. Tune in for thoughtful explorations that demystify the science and art of rest, providing a comprehensive toolkit for anyone ready to make transformative shifts in their health and overall well-being.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 260

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