Benefits of Myo for Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)
Sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring, mouth breathing, upper airway resistance syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, can affect children and adults alike. These disruptions often lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even long-term health consequences. Myofunctional therapy targets the muscles of the tongue, lips, and jaw to improve oral posture, strengthen the airway-supporting muscles, and promote nasal breathing, helping the body maintain open airways throughout sleep.
Therapy focuses on retraining the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth, the lips to remain gently closed, and the jaw and facial muscles to maintain proper alignment. These changes reduce airway obstruction, support better airflow, and improve oxygenation during sleep. With consistent practice, patients often experience less snoring, more restorative sleep, improved daytime energy, and enhanced overall health.
In addition to immediate breathing improvements, myofunctional therapy supports long-term airway and facial and orthodontic development, particularly in growing children. By addressing the functional root of sleep-disordered breathing rather than only treating symptoms, therapy helps prevent future complications and fosters healthier lifelong sleep patterns.
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Loud or frequent snoring
Mouth breathing during sleep
Restless or interrupted sleep
Daytime fatigue or irritability
Difficulty concentrating or learning challenges in children
Frequent night waking or bedwetting beyond age 3
Observed pauses in breathing
Lots of movement at night
If you recognize one or more of these signs, we encourage you to schedule a free 10-minute phone screening to see if you could benefit from myofunctional therapy. This brief conversation allows us to answer your questions, discuss your concerns, and help you determine the next best step—without pressure or commitment.
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Can therapy help both children and adults?
Yes. Myofunctional therapy benefits patients of all ages by strengthening the airway-supporting muscles and promoting proper oral posture to improve breathing during sleep.How does therapy reduce snoring and sleep interruptions?
Exercises retrain the tongue, lips, and upper airway to encourage nasal breathing and prevent weak musculature and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway space during sleep, which promotes more restful, uninterrupted and restorative sleep.How long does it take to notice improvements?
Some patients notice reduced snoring and improved sleep within a few weeks, while long-term functional retraining for airway stability may take several months of consistent therapy.