Sleep Disordered Breathing and Myofunctional Therapy
Getting a good night’s sleep can be a real challenge for some people. And when sleep isn’t providing the rest and recovery that we need, it can take a toll on many different aspects of our daily lives. Just think about the last time that you didn’t get as much sleep as you needed – the next day, you likely found it hard to focus, had a poorer memory, and maybe found yourself struggling to make decisions.
Sleep disordered breathing is one of the things that, if left unchecked, can really wreak havoc on your health and wellbeing over the long-term. The good news is that there are research-backed treatments that can help to address your symptoms and help you to get back on track with quality sleep.
Keep on reading to find out more about sleep disordered breathing and how it can be addressed with a tailored Myofunctional Therapy program.
What is Sleep Disordered Breathing?
Sleep disordered breathing is a term used to describe a wide array of sleep-related conditions including:
- Heavy snoring
- Hypopnea (reduction in airflow)
- Sleep apnea (complete cessation of breathing)
- Increased resistance to airflow through the upper airway
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the more well-known types of sleep disordered breathing. A 2023 study estimated that OSA impacts 4% of the total Australian population aged 20-65 years of age. This condition is marked by a repetitive narrowing and closure of the upper airway during sleep that can cause frequent awakening from sleep.
How is Sleep Disordered Breathing Diagnosed?
Sleep disordered breathing is generally diagnosed through an overnight sleep study, where wires and sensors are placed over the face and body to allow for continuous monitoring during sleep.
After a sleep study has completed, and if a need for it has been established, many people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea are recommended a positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. While this device is highly effective in reduced sleep-disordered breathing events, around half of all patients with OSA who try CPAP are either completely intolerant or only partially adherent to its use (see more information about that here).
How Can Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Treat Sleep Disordered Breathing?
If you or someone you care about are looking for other options for treatment that can help you to address sleep disordered breathing, you might want to try Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy involves the assessment and treatment of oral and facial muscle dysfunction and oral habits that disrupt activities of daily life like swallowing, talking, and even breathing. This therapy can only be provided by clinicians who have received recognised training in the approach, and when used to address sleep disordered breathing, can offer incredible results.
A recent systematic review of nine different studies of the effectiveness of Myofunctional Therapy in addressing sleep disordered breathing in adults found that it can decrease apnea-hypopnea by approximately 50% in adults. Orofacial Myology has also been shown to reduce the severity of snoring and improve sleep quality.
Getting Started with Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Sleep Disordered Breathing
After you’ve completed a sleep study and received a diagnosis for your Sleep Disordered Breathing, we’d highly recommend getting an assessment done by a Speech Pathologist trained in Orofacial Myology.
During the assessment your Speech Pathologist will be able to note the impact of any movement or muscle tone abnormalities in the face, tongue, and jaw, and recommend a tailored treatment plan to address these concerns to improve your breathing.
Speak & Swallow provide Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Brisbane from a private practice clinic in Burpengary East. If you, a teenager or adult in your care, could benefit from the professional and personalised support we provide at Speak and Swallow, please get in touch by phoning 1300 867 732 or visit our Orofacial Myology page for more information.