Sleep Awareness Month

Send us Fan MailBeyond Breathing PodcastEpisode: Sleep: The Most Powerful Health Habit You’re Probably IgnoringNational Sleep Awareness Month SpecialEpisode OverviewMarch is National Sleep Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about one of the most powerful — yet most overlooked — pillars of health: sleep.In this episode of Beyond Breathing, host Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, explores the science of sleep, why breathing plays such a critical role in restorative sleep, and why millions of people are unknowingly living with disrupted sleep due to airway issues.You’ll learn how sleep functions as the body’s overnight repair system, why poor breathing during sleep can leave you exhausted even after a full night in bed, and why sleep screening may soon become a routine part of preventive healthcare.Lancette also discusses how dental professionals are increasingly involved in sleep medicine, the early signs of sleep-disordered breathing in both adults and children, and why annual sleep testing beginning as early as age two may help identify problems before they impact long-term health.The episode also highlights telehealth sleep services available through Sierra Sleep, Airway & Wellness Center, making sleep evaluation more accessible than ever.If you’ve ever wondered why you feel tired despite sleeping, or if snoring and mouth breathing could be affecting your health, this episode will open your eyes to the critical role breathing plays in sleep quality and overall wellness.In This EpisodeYou’ll learn about:Why sleep is one of the most powerful biological recovery processes in the bodyHow the brain cleans itself during sleep through the glymphatic systemThe connection between breathing disorders and poor sleep qualitySigns and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathingWhy snoring should never be ignoredThe growing role of dental professionals in identifying airway problemsHow oral appliance therapy can support airway stability during sleepWhy modern lifestyle factors are disrupting sleep for many peopleWhy sleep screening should start as early as age twoHow telehealth sleep services are making sleep testing more accessibleSigns Your Sleep May Not Be HealthyEven if you’re getting 7–8 hours of sleep, these symptoms may indicate disrupted breathing during sleep:Nighttime signsSnoringMouth breathingTeeth grinding or clenchingRestless sleepNight sweatsWaking up gasping or chokingMorning symptomsHeadachesDry mouthBrain fogFeeling unrefreshedDaytime symptomsFatigueDifficulty concentratingMood changes or anxietyLow motivationAfternoon energy crashesWhy Annual Sleep Screening MattersSleep-disordered breathing can affect people of all ages, including children.Research suggests that 1–5% of children have obstructive sleep apnea, with many more experiencing milder airway obstruction that can impact:behaviorattentiongrowthemotional regulationlearningEarly evaluation helps identify airway and breathing issues before they affect long-term health.At Sierra Sleep, Airway & Wellness Center, sleep assessments are recommended beginning as early as age two and periodically throughout life.Sleep testing is becoming an important part of preventive healthcare, similar to vision, hearing, and blood pressure screenings.Telehealth Sleep ServicesSleep evaluations are now more accessibleSupport the showMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-anthemLicense code: SSRYVZTXKZ9U33WQ