Overview
In this episode, listeners will explore the behaviorist approach to sleep health and how it can be applied to improve overall health and treatment outcomes. Dr. Michael Grandner will discuss how COMISA affects patients using treatments for OSA and how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses insomnia. The conversation will also highlight practical behaviorist strategies for encouraging OSA treatment compliance, along with insights from Dr. Grandner’s newly published book, Sleep and Sport, which examines the critical role of sleep in athletic performance.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this podcast episode, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the behaviorist approach to patient care for improved health outcomes.
- Explain how CBT for insomnia can maximize OSA interventions in patients with co-morbid COMISA.
- Discuss key insights on the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythm and athletic performance.
- Identify behavioral strategies that promote a patient’s pursuit of diagnosis or treatment adherence.
Target Audience
Dentists screening or treating patients with sleep-related breathing disorders.
Guest
Dr. Michael Grandner is a licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine. He is the Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona and Director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the Banner-University Medical Center in Tucson. Dr. Grandner is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, Medicine, Nutritional Sciences, and Clinical Translational Science at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on downstream cardiovascular, metabolic, and behavioral health outcomes associated with poor sleep health and/or circadian disruption, upstream social, behavioral, and biological determinants of habitual sleep and circadian health, and development and implementation of real-world interventions for sleep and circadian health as a domain of health behavior. He is an internationally-recognized expert in sleep health, has over 300 academic publications, and frequently consults with health, technology, athletics, and nutritional companies and organizations regarding sleep, health, and performance.
Host
Tanya DeSanto, DDS is a graduate from Northwestern University Dental School. She has been practicing dentistry in Springfield, IL for 30 years and dental sleep medicine for the last several years. Dr. DeSanto is a Diplomate of the ABDSM and member of the AADSM, AASM, and SRS. She has lectured at the AADSM Annual Meeting and co-chaired the AADSM Breaking Down Barriers for a Successful Practice Course. She is an adjunct faculty member at the SIU School of Medicine where she enjoys teaching medical residents the importance of dental sleep medicine. She currently serves as chair of the AADSM Education Committee.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Dr. Grandner reports consulting fees from Idorsia, Eisai, Fitbit, Unilever, Kenvue, Haleon, Celesta, Pharmavite, Canyon Ranch, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. DeSanto has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
Additional Information
Content for this podcast episode was last reviewed and approved by the AADSM Director of Education, Dr. Trish Braga, on September 25, 2025. Dr. Braga does not has any relevant financial interest/other relationships to disclose.
Original release date: October 1, 2025
Expiration date: None*
*Course content is reviewed every 3 years to ensure it is current and accurate. Should it be determined that course content is no longer current or accurate, content will expire. The AADSM will communicate that information to all registered attendees and course access will be removed.
This educational offering was funded exclusively by the AADSM. For questions regarding the content of this program or for technical assistance, contact the AADSM at info@aadsm.org or 630-686-9875.
Continuing Education
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ADA.org/cerp. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine designates this activity for 1.75 continuing education credit(s).
Topic/Guest Suggestions
Have an idea for a topic or guest that you think would make an interesting podcast episode? Submit your idea(s) to
info@aadsm.org.