Snoring, Sleep Apnea & Sleep Disordered Breathing
Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which a person stops and restarts breathing while sleeping. Myofunctional Therapy strengthens the muscles that relax during sleep apnea thus reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
​OSA occurs when muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep.
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When these muscles relax the airway is either narrowed or closed off as you breathe.
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This restricts the amount of air you taken in and therefore decreases the amount of oxygen in blood.
The brain then senses that you can't breathe and briefly wakes you to open the airway. You may reposition yourself, get up to use the bathroom or not even remember it at all.
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A bed partner may notice a snort, choke or gasp.
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Waking restarts the sleep cycle which makes it difficult if not impossible to reach the deep and restorative phases of sleep which allow you to wake feeling rested.
Sleep Disorders in Children
OSA affects up to 9.5% of pediatrics and if left untreated can show up as:
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growth and developmental delay
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cardiovascular dysfunction
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insulin resistance
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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ADD & ADHD in Children: The Answer is Right in TheirNose
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Critical role of myofascial reeducation in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing
Sleep Apnea if Left Untreated
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Approximately 30 million people have sleep apnea but only 6 million are diagnosed. Research shows that untreated Sleep Apnea can lead to:
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Daytime Fatigue​
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High Blood Pressure/Heart Disease​
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Stroke
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Metabolic Syndrome
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Type 2 Diabetes
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Stroke
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Research
Myofunctional Therapy to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
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Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Snoring: A Randomized Trial
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Myofunctional therapy applied to upper airway resistance syndrome: a case report
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Upper airway muscle exercises outcome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Myofunctional Therapy's Role
Myofunctional Therapy strengthens the tongue and areas of the airway that collapse and restrict the airway during sleep.
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Myofunctional Therapy introduced to developing children has been shown to guide growth and facial development and potentially prevent sleep disorders in adulthood.