Are you scared that you might have sleep apnea? Guess what? I was, too.
Hey, I’m Tierney. I’m a physiotherapist and a sleep apnea coach who has dedicated part of my practice to this exact question.
When it came to my own sleep health, I found that long after my son stopped nursing, I was waking up in the night.It turned out I was actually suffering from a sleep disorder. (I was one step away from sleep apnea!)With 20 years experience as a physiotherapist with a love for the outdoors, I knew the importance of sleep and the role breathing played in my patients’ health.
The sad truth is most healthcare professionals don’t receive a lot (if any!) education in sleep health — so I started pursuing further training in order to help people just like you. Did you know that up to 80% of sleep disorders go undiagnosed? Eighty percent! By exploring unconventional symptoms linked to how we sleep and utilizing myofunctional therapy — exercises that help strengthen how we breathe — I have been able to help people who suffer from sleep apnea all over the world.Let’s face it: sleep is not talked about enough as a root cause for why our bodies are unwell.
It’s my goal to make that discussion (and your sleep restoration) happen.
Here's How It All Started - More Of My Story
I thought my body was simply locked into a programmed nightly feeding "Go Mode!" and all I needed to do was re-train myself on how to sleep.
However, after a bit of research and reflection, I realized I was suffering from a form of sleep apnea.
Looking back on my childhood, I managed to identify several symptoms that seemed related to this discovery. Being the youngest of three and born via C-section, I dealt with seasonal allergies, earaches, and regular headaches while growing up. These aren't the typical symptoms you'd associate with sleep apnea, but for me, the puzzle pieces started to fit together.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist and a passion for the outdoors, I understood how vital sleep and breathing are for my patients' health. However, I lacked the specific training needed for administering proper sleep-related healthcare—a common shortfall among healthcare professionals.
So, I became a Sleep Coach to figure out what to do about it.
In my journey to understand sleep better, I explored myofunctional therapy, which focuses on strengthening a person's airways and their breathing technique. My research led me to Dr. Mark Burhenne's book, "The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox," which was a turning point in changing my life and how I now address sleep apnea with my clients and patients. I look into unconventional symptoms that many might not link to a good night's sleep.
Thanks to my program, I've been able to assist people worldwide who suffer from sleep apnea.
Frequently sleep is the root cause of our bodies being unwell.
Right now, this isn't identified early or often enough.
It’s my goal to make that discussion happen.
How well do you sleep at night? Book your assessment today.
