Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) encompasses conditions such as snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and central sleep apnea (CSA) (Mohammadieh et al., 2017).

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), including symptoms like mouth breathing, snoring, and teeth grinding, are often linked to factors like enlarged tonsils, allergies, or tongue ties. These issues can affect sleep quality.

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Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for improving symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in mild to moderate cases. Studies have demonstrated that OMT strengthens and tones the muscles of the oropharynx and surrounding areas, which helps reduce airway collapsibility during sleep. This muscle strengthening is crucial for improving nasal breathing, repositioning the tongue, and reducing snoring and apneic events.

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Research, such as that conducted by Guimaraes et al. (2009), found that oropharyngeal exercises significantly reduced the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with moderate sleep apnea. Similarly, Camacho et al. (2015) conducted a meta-analysis which concluded that OMT can improve snoring and reduce AHI, making it a complementary treatment alongside CPAP or surgery. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of Sleep-Disordered Breathing, please contact me for an assessment.

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See below more information on Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing.