Better Breathing = Better Sleeping = Better Days.
Poor sleep and excessive daytime fatigue often begin with airway dysfunction. We work to improve nasal breathing and oral rest posture for better sleep, focus, and energy, allowing you to maintain a healthy upper airway that allows air to flow from your nose or mouth to your lungs. Orofacial Myofunctional therapy is an effective way to enhance airway health by retraining the muscles involved in the breathing process. Left untreated, airway dysfunction can contribute to serious sleep disorders that affect your overall health and well-being.
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Airway Health Issues
Our experienced team conducts a thorough evaluation to identify the root causes of your airway concerns and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Common signs and types of sleep issues we address include:
Narrowed Airway
Factors such as enlarged tonsils, incorrect tongue positioning, or weak muscle strength can lead to a narrowed airway. In some cases, excess tissue in the throat or a soft palate that relaxes during sleep can further restrict airflow. Myofunctional therapy focuses on strengthening and retraining these muscles, which may help increase airway space and minimize airflow resistance.
Sleep Apnea
A constricted airway can collapse at times during sleep, leading to sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common types of sleep apnea and occurs when the throat muscles intermittently block the airway during sleep. Central sleep apnea, while less common, involves the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Both forms of untreated sleep apnea can impact blood oxygen levels and contribute to serious health concerns such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Myofunctional therapy may improve muscle tone and function, potentially lowering the occurrence and severity of sleep apnea episodes.
Mouth Breathing
Persistent mouth breathing can hinder sleep quality and create further airway complications. Myofunctional therapy encourages nasal breathing, which is generally regarded as healthier.
Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Treatment
for Airway Issues
Orofacial myofunctional therapy consists of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in the oropharynx, particularly the tongue. It also promotes proper tongue positioning within the mouth. Our trained therapists can utilize orofacial myofunctional therapy to address breathing issues during sleep, especially in children, making it a viable alternative for treating sleep apnea. It may also help alleviate daytime sleepiness and snoring.
