Understanding the Importance of Sleep for Your Health
3/7/2025
LAREDO, Texas – Sleep is not a luxury – it's a critical component of maintaining our health. As we approach World Sleep Day on March 14, it's an important time to highlight the significant impact sleep has on a person’s mental and physical well-being. In the United States alone, more than 50 million people suffer from chronic sleep disorders, with an additional 20-30 million experiencing occasional sleeping problems, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“Sleep is a cornerstone of overall health,” said Luis Guevara, DO, a board-certified physician in sleep medicine and family medicine at Primary Care Associates of Laredo. “Chronic sleep difficulties, like insomnia or sleep apnea, are not just an inconvenience – they can have serious long-term effects on both physical and mental health, including an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even depression.”
Common Sleep Disorders
The most prevalent sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia - difficulty falling or staying asleep with impairment of daily functions
- Sleep Apnea - breathing disorder during sleep associated with oxygen desaturations and/or disruption of sleep
- Restless Legs Syndrome - discomfort in the legs at night that prevents restful sleep
- Narcolepsy - excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden “sleep attacks.”
These disorders affect millions of people worldwide, impairing daily functioning and quality of life.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Sleep difficulties can affect anyone, but certain factors can make it more likely for individuals to experience sleep problems. These include:
- Gender- Men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, while women are at a higher risk of insomnia
- Age- Sleep patterns change with age, and sleep problems become more prevalent after 40
- Physical factors- A large neck circumference, large tonsils, tongue size, a small jaw or neuromuscular disease can increase the risk of sleep apnea
- Health conditions- Obesity, hypertension, strokes, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, heart arrhythmias, and family history of sleep disorders have a significant association with having sleep disorders
“Sleep apnea and insomnia in women are often misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety, which delays proper treatment,” noted Dr. Guevara. “In fact, the biological changes that women experience, such as hormone fluctuations during menstruation or menopause, can also significantly affect their sleep patterns.”
“Similarly, sleep apnea in kids is often misdiagnosed as attention deficit disorder, which may lead to chronic conditions such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, if not treated in a timely manner,” added Dr. Guevara.
Diagnosing Sleep Disorders
The first step for a person who is struggling with sleep is to seek professional help. A full sleep evaluation is essential to determine the root of the problem. Sometimes a sleep study is necessary to provide insight on what is the best treatment for the patient. During a sleep study, medical professionals monitor the person’s sleeping patterns and physical activity to assess potential issues like snoring, pauses in breathing and other abnormal behaviors.
“Many people don't realize that their struggles with sleep could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition,” said Dr. Guevara. “A sleep study may be crucial for identifying the cause of these issues and developing an effective treatment plan.”
Treatment Options
Effective treatment for sleep disorders depends on the specific diagnosis, but it often involves a combination of good sleep hygiene, lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and sometimes even surgery. In some cases, losing weight, positional therapy (sleeping on the side or belly down) can alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea, while nasal anti-inflammatory therapy may help ease sleep for individuals with chronic nasal obstruction.
For those with sleep apnea, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is the gold standard and most effective treatment, particularly for severe sleep apnea. The CPAP device uses a mask to deliver a steady flow of air to keep the airway open throughout the night.
“Incorporating a CPAP machine or other sleep aids can make a world of a difference in quality of life,” said Dr. Guevara. “It's about finding the right solution that helps you breathe easier and sleep more soundly.”
Other treatments that may help, if a patient is unable to tolerate a positive airway pressure device, include special pillows to improve sleeping positions and oral appliances to move the jaw forward to increase airway space (for mild sleep apnea), or in some cases, for moderate to severe sleep apnea, surgical intervention such as hypoglossal nerve stimulator surgery may be needed.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore Sleep Issues
While sleep disorders can feel frustrating and overwhelming, they are treatable. If you're experiencing trouble sleeping, it's essential to speak with a healthcare provider. Untreated sleep disorders can lead to long-term health problems, but with proper care, patients can regain their health, energy, and well-being.
“Sleep is vital to our overall health,” said Dr. Guevara. “Taking steps to understand and address sleep difficulties can drastically improve your quality of life and help prevent more severe health complications down the road.”
If you, your partner or any other family member have symptoms of a sleep disorder, talk with your doctor about getting referred to a sleep specialist for a thorough sleep medicine evaluation. A sleep study may be ordered as well, if warranted. A physician’s order from your primary care doctor is generally required for a sleep study. Search for a primary care provider by visiting https://www.laredophysicianassociates.com/family-medicine-care.
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