Do you suffer from sleep apnea? You may not realize it, but if you’re waking up feeling exhausted or experiencing loud snoring during the night, you may be a victim of this common sleep disorder. Sleep apnea affects people of all ages, and it can have serious health effects if left untreated. One option for treating sleep apnea is myofunctional therapy, which has been shown to help alleviate symptoms and even reduce the risk of other health problems that can arise from sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder marked by loud snoring and episodes of breathing stopping and starting during the night. These interruptions in breathing can cause poor sleep quality, which can lead to daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even a greater likelihood of experiencing a health-related accident.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles in the face and neck. This therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, but it is particularly effective in treating sleep apnea. It accomplishes this goal by retraining the muscles of the mouth and throat. This retraining can help to keep the airway open during the night, which can reduce snoring and eliminate or minimize episodes of breathlessness during the night.
Lifestyle Changes to Help with Sleep Apnea
Myofunctional therapy is just one approach to treating sleep apnea. In addition to myofunctional therapy, many people find that making certain lifestyle changes can also be effective in lessening the severity of their sleep apnea symptoms. These lifestyle changes may include:
- Establishing a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Avoiding large meals shortly before bedtime
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
Myofunctional Therapy for Sleep Apnea Relief
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, you may benefit from myofunctional therapy. During a myofunctional therapy session, a trained practitioner will examine your mouth, neck, and skull to identify any potential issues. The practitioner will then work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan, which may include exercises to help strengthen the muscles in your mouth and throat and techniques to help you control your breathing during sleep. You may also be given exercises to help improve your overall posture, as poor posture can lead to blocked airways, which can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms.
Treating Sleep Apnea with Myofunctional Therapy: An Effective Option
Thanks to advances in medicine and technology, there are more treatment options available than ever before for people suffering from sleep apnea. One of the most effective and least invasive options is myofunctional therapy. If you believe that you may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, a visit to a trained myofunctional therapist may be just what you need to get the restful, peaceful night that you need. Follow through with treatment, and you may finally breathe easy once again.