Sleep is a fundamental pillar of human health. Beyond simply resting, quality sleep plays a crucial role in physical recovery, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. In Paraguay, Morpheus Sleep Clinic is a specialised clinic working to address sleep-related disorders with both clinical and surgical approaches.
Morpheus Sleep Clinic is the first institution in the country that focuses on the clinical and surgical treatment of snoring and sleep apnoea. Founded by otolaryngologists Dorcas Sanabria and Diego René Samudio, the clinic aims to diagnose sleep disorders accurately and provide personalised treatment plans to improve patients’ quality of life. The Asunción Times sits down with Dr. Sanabria about the importance of healthy sleep and the services the clinic provides.
What is Morpheus Sleep Clinic?
“Morpheus Sleep Clinic specialises in sleep disorders, snoring and sleep apnoea,” explains Dr. Sanabria. “My husband, Diego Samudio, and I are otolaryngologists. We studied in Monterrey, Mexico, to specialise in sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, sleep apnoea, and applied rhinology. We have been treating patients in Asunción since July 2024.”
The clinic takes its name from Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams, reflecting its focus on restorative sleep. Most patients consult due to snoring, which is often reported either by the patient or their partner.
Each consultation lasts approximately 45 minutes. “We evaluate not only the physical aspects, but also the patient’s reason for consultation, lifestyle habits, and how sleep affects their daily life,” she says. Following the initial evaluation, doctors make a presumptive diagnosis that is later confirmed through a home sleep study.
Diagnosing sleep disorders
Patients undergo a Home Sleep Test, which allows doctors to analyse sleep quality in a natural home environment. Morpheus Sleep Clinic works with two types of sleep studies, and results are manually reviewed by specialists the following day.
“With the data collected, we determine which treatment best suits the patient. The entire diagnostic and decision-making process usually takes between three and five days,” Dr. Sanabria explains.
Appointments are scheduled in advance. The clinic operates Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, and Saturdays from 09:00 to 12:00. “Consultations are long and personalised, so patients are attended at their scheduled time,” she adds.
Morpheus Sleep Clinic, a pioneer in Paraguay
According to Dr. Sanabria, one of Morpheus Sleep Clinic´s main goals is to prevent patients from having to travel abroad for specialised treatment. “We want patients to find everything they need here in Paraguay. We perform precise and personalised surgical procedures tailored to each case of sleep-disordered breathing.”
She emphasises that sleep is one of the three essential pillars of well-being, alongside exercise and nutrition. “Sleep directly impacts longevity. When patients recover healthy sleep habits and improve their sleep quality, it significantly enhances their overall health.”
Preventing and treating sleep disorders
Lifestyle factors often play a role in sleep disturbances. Smoking and excess weight, for example, can contribute to snoring. Weight reduction and sleeping in a lateral position may help alleviate symptoms in certain cases. All of these can be diagnosed or treated at Morpheus Sleep Clinic.
In more complex situations, surgical intervention may be necessary. “Today, surgeries are personalised according to the specific degree and location of airway collapse. In the past, procedures were more standardised and less predictable,” Dr. Sanabria explains.
She also highlights the biological importance of sleep: tissues recover, hormones regulate properly, and cognitive processes, including memory consolidation, are strengthened. Adults generally require between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
Practical sleep hygiene recommendations
Dr. Sanabria recommends maintaining consistent sleep habits. Among her advice:
- Avoid mobile phone use for at least one hour before bedtime.
- Limit naps to a maximum of 30 minutes, ideally between 12:00 and 15:00.
- Avoid caffeine at least six hours before sleeping.
- Refrain from strenuous physical exercise within three hours of bedtime.
- Finish work-related activities at least two hours before sleeping to allow the mind to relax.
“The bed should be a sacred place reserved only for sleep,” she says. Activities such as reading, eating, or using electronic devices should ideally take place elsewhere. Dinner should be eaten at least two hours before bedtime and consist of easily digestible foods. Warning signs of sleep disorders may include persistent fatigue, morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day.
Why sleep matters
“It is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis to understand the root cause of poor sleep,” Dr. Sanabria concludes. “Sleep habits must be improved gradually, and strategies should be tailored to each individual. People who sleep well are better equipped to make sound decisions and maintain long-term health. Sleep is the foundation of everything.”
With a specialised and personalised approach, Morpheus Sleep Clinic positions itself as a pioneer in Paraguay’s growing focus on sleep health and overall well-being. To contact them, find Morpheus Sleep Clinic on Instagram.
