Sleep Awareness Month

Beyond Breathing Podcast

Episode: Sleep: The Most Powerful Health Habit You’re Probably Ignoring

National Sleep Awareness Month Special

Episode Overview

March 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 Episode

You’ll learn about:

• Why sleep is one of the most powerful biological recovery processes in the body
• How the brain cleans itself during sleep through the glymphatic system
• The connection between breathing disorders and poor sleep quality
• Signs and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing
• Why snoring should never be ignored
• The growing role of dental professionals in identifying airway problems
• How oral appliance therapy can support airway stability during sleep
• Why modern lifestyle factors are disrupting sleep for many people
• Why sleep screening should start as early as age two
• How telehealth sleep services are making sleep testing more accessible

Signs Your Sleep May Not Be Healthy

Even if you’re getting 7–8 hours of sleep, these symptoms may indicate disrupted breathing during sleep:

Nighttime signs

• Snoring
• Mouth breathing
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Restless sleep
• Night sweats
• Waking up gasping or choking

Morning symptoms

• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Brain fog
• Feeling unrefreshed

Daytime symptoms

• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes or anxiety
• Low motivation
• Afternoon energy crashes

Why Annual Sleep Screening Matters

Sleep-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:

• behavior
• attention
• growth
• emotional regulation
• learning

Early evaluation helps identify airway and breathing issues before they affect long-term health.

At Sierra Sleep, Airway & Wellness Center