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Sleep 
Poor sleep quality, snoring, sleep apnea, ADHD

Myofunctional therapy may help reduce the severity of sleep apnea and snoring, improve sleep quality in all ages, and assist in alleviating acid reflux symptoms. 

Those who use a CPAP/BPAP may benefit from an enhanced mask seal, improved nasal breathing, reduced oral air escape, and minimized discomfort and dryness. This often results in a decrease in the level of pressurization needed at night. 

Current literature demonstrates that myofunctional therapy decreases apnea-hypopnea index by approximately 50% in adults and 62% in children. Lowest oxygen saturations, snoring, and sleepiness outcomes improve in adults. (1)​

Sleep disorders are often associated with the clinical presentation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 

Warning signs of sleep apnea may include:

  • ADD/ADHD
  • Snoring
  • Mouth breathing   
  • Restless Legs
  • Restless Sleep
  • Clenching/Grinding
  • Night Terrors
  • Sleepwalking
  • Bedwetting with children
  • Slowed growth with children

Common symptoms associated with sleep-disordered breathing
 

Photo demonstrating how the position of the tongue can result in snoring and OSA / sleep apnea
The symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, which includes conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), hypopnea, snoring, and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), can vary in severity from person to person.

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  1. Open Mouth / Audible Breathing / Mouth Breathing
  2. Loud and Persistent Snoring: While not everyone who snores has a sleep disorder, especially loud or chronic snoring can be a sign of an underlying issue.
  3. Pauses in Breathing: This is a hallmark symptom of OSA. Individuals with OSA may experience repeated, brief interruptions in their breathing during sleep. A bed partner can observe these pauses and notice any gasping or choking sounds as breathing resumes.
  4. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Interrupted sleep due to breathing problems can lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. 
  5. Morning Headaches: Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels and sleep disturbances can lead to headaches upon waking.
  6. Difficulty Concentrating and Memory Problems: Cognitive impairments, ADD, and ADHD are often associated with sleep-disordered breathing. Individuals may struggle with memory problems, poor concentration, and a reduced ability to focus on tasks.
  7. Irritability and Mood Changes: Sleep disruption can lead to mood swings, increased irritability, and emotional instability.
  8. Insomnia: Some individuals may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to breathing problems during the night.
  9. Frequent Nighttime Awakenings: People with sleep-disordered breathing may wake up frequently throughout the night, disrupting their overall sleep pattern.
  10. Dry Mouth or Sore Throat
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It's important to note that not everyone with sleep-disordered breathing will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary. 

How can myofunctional therapy help?

Sleep quality is intimately linked to the way we breathe. Myofunctional Therapy recognizes this connection and focuses on transforming unhealthy breathing habits that may compromise your rest. Here's how Myofunctional Therapy becomes your ally in achieving a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep:

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  1. Eliminate Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing disrupts the natural airflow, leading to shallow breathing and decreased oxygen intake during sleep. Myofunctional Therapy targets and eliminates mouth breathing, paving the way for a transition to more efficient nasal breathing, ensuring a better supply of oxygen to your body and brain.

  2. Alleviate Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Myofunctional Therapy addresses the muscle weaknesses and improper oral habits contributing to snoring and sleep apnea. Strengthening key muscles and promoting proper tongue posture helps create unobstructed airways, reducing or even eliminating these common sleep disturbances.

  3. Enhance Respiratory Function: Myofunctional Therapy exercises are designed to improve overall respiratory function. By strengthening the muscles involved in breathing, these exercises help optimize airflow, promoting a more relaxed and steady breathing pattern throughout the night.

  4. Combat Restless Sleep: Restlessness often stems from underlying issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and improper tongue posture. Myofunctional Therapy addresses these concerns, promoting muscular balance and relaxation, which can contribute to a more peaceful and undisturbed sleep.

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(1) Camacho M, Certal V, Abdullatif J, Zaghi S, Ruoff CM, Capasso R, Kushida CA. Myofunctional therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. SLEEP 2015;38(5):669–675.

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