In this episode, Dr. Yishan sits down with Dr. Kendall Stewart — a former skull-based surgeon who has spent the past two decades pioneering a data-driven approach to functional medicine, genetics, and neuroimmune health. Together, they explore the biological roots of sleep struggles that behavioral advice alone often can't fix: neurotransmitter imbalances, genetic variants, and inflammation in the nervous system. Dr. Stewart breaks down how genes governing GABA production, melatonin receptor sensitivity, dopamine methylation, and adenosine signaling can silently undermine sleep — and how targeted nutritional support can restore the balance that makes the brain ready for rest.

Dr. Stewart also shares remarkable insights from his work with thousands of patients, including children on the autism spectrum, revealing how lessons from neuroimmune research are shaping a new model of precision sleep medicine. He explains why psychological and behavioral sleep therapies work dramatically better when the brain is first supported biologically, and introduces accessible tools — including at-home genetic panels through his company Helix Revolution — that are making personalized care available without a doctor's visit. If you've ever felt that generic sleep advice just doesn't apply to you, this conversation will show you why — and what to do about it.

Show Notes: deepintosleep.co/episode/ep209-kendall-stewart

RESOURCES

Are you so sleepy that you cannot focus? Are you tired of getting through the day drinking coffee? Are you worried how your poor sleep may impact your health? Checkout Dr. Yishan Xu's Insomnia Treatment Course!

Connect with Dr. Yishan

1. Instagram: @dr.yishan
2. Twitter: @dryishan
3. Facebook: @dr.yishan

Connect with Dr. Kendall Stewart

1. Podcast: Coffee with Dr. Stewart
2. Genetics: Fagron Genetics (formerly GX Sciences)
3. Longevity: ExtendingMe
4. Direct-to-Public Panels: Helix Revolution

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If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.