This group of sleep-disruptive physiopathological conditions is included because of their abnormal respiratory patterns whilst we sleep. They include Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Complex Sleep apnea. So, in laypeople’s terms, are you snoring, pausing your breathing during sleep, grinding or clenching your teeth whilst asleep, waking with a dry mouth, choking and upon waking to feel as tired as when you went to sleep?
We need to sleep deeply well, and experience completed REM cycles in order to be more alert, more energetic, happier, and better able to function following that good night of sleep. However, if that sleep is disrupted, we become sluggish, crave carbohydrate foods, have poor concentration and behaviour patterns, and our body will not renew and rejuvenate.
Participating in orofacial myofunctional therapy will promote changes in the musculature of the upper airways and promote nasal breathing over mouth breathing. You will work on where your tongue should be in your mouth and tone up the tongue and the soft palate so it’s not ‘fat and bulky’ at the back of your mouth. We’ll also work together to make your lips flexible enough to remain closed. These changes can make a significant difference because a good night’s sleep is priceless.
