Expert reveals staggering number of Kiwis suffering from this sleep disorder

Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze where he’s joined by sleep doctor Dr. Sumit Samant, Jamie Summers from Health 15, CEO of LSKD Jason Daniel, nutritionist Natasha from Athena and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera. 

Featured Guest: Dr. Sumit Samant 

Dr. Sumit Samant from Auckland Sleep joined the show to discuss the importance of sleep health.

He busted the myth that sleep issues are just about snoring, revealing that untreated sleep apnea affects close to 25% of the population, yet remains largely undiagnosed because symptoms often occur unnoticed during the night. 

He outlined how disrupted breathing during sleep can contribute to serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, brain fog, hormonal changes and cognitive decline. 

Dr. Sumit explained that modern sleep care has now evolved beyond overnight clinic stays, with most patients now able to complete medical-grade sleep studies from home.  

While CPAP machines remain the gold-standard treatment, he urges a broader wellness-focused approach that includes breathing exercises, nutrition, lifestyle changes and treating related conditions such as insomnia. 

Featured Guest: Jamie Summers

Founding member and ambassador of Health15, Jamie Summers, shared how his own stroke recovery inspired a nationwide workplace health initiative focused on construction workers. 

After suffering a stroke in 2019 that left him needing to relearn how to walk, eat and drink, Jamie said the experience revealed the physical and mental toll serious illness can have. 

Health15 was created to bring free health and wellness checks directly to construction sites, allowing workers to access screenings and education in just 15 minutes, without leaving work. 

Jamie hopes the initiative will shift the industry’s focus beyond traditional safety measures toward preventative health and early intervention. 

Featured Guest: Jason Daniel

CEO of LSKD Jason Daniel shared his entrepreneurial journey from making his very first embroidered hat in high school to building a global sportswear brand.

He opened up about his upbringing, finding his professional purpose, and how his personal passion for fitness shaped the brand's core philosophy.

Jason explained their mission to inspire people to be "1% better every day," detailing how everyday Kiwis can use their online tools and goal planners to shift their mindsets. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera 

This week, Piyara was in to share essential tips for managing and preventing sports injuries during the chilly winter months. 

She explained that cold weather naturally tightens muscles and joints, making sudden weekend sports sessions a shock to the body, especially when combined with winter dehydration. 

Piyara cleared up the confusion between using ice or heat for recovery, recommending immediate ice for acute swelling and heat patches later on to restore circulation to stiff muscles 

Featured Product: Athena

This week we’re looking at Athena Daily Creatine Unflavoured and Athena Protein Shake + Iron.

Creatine is a compound naturally made and stored in your muscles, fundamentally supporting your body to use energy effectively. It’s especially relevant for women because they typically have 70-80% lower total body creatine stores than men due to factors like hormones and muscle mass. 

Protein isn’t just for athletes, it’s an important everyday nutrient for anyone with an active lifestyle. 

Athena is a sports nutrition range designed with women in mind. The range includes both blended plant proteins for a complete amino acid profile as well as whey isolate options for those who are lactose sensitive. 

Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Vitaco Health NZ Ltd, Auckland.

Catch the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday from 8 am for The House of Wellness on the Breeze.