Yes, myofunctional therapy can be an effective way to help people sleep better! Myofunctional therapy is a type of exercise therapy that targets the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth to improve their function and strength. This therapy can help to address a range of issues, including sleep-disordered breathing and snoring.
Current literature demonstrates that myofunctional therapy decreases apnea-hypopnea index by approximately 50% in adults and 62% in children.
Myofunctional therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals with sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. In many cases, sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of the soft tissues in the mouth and throat, which obstructs the airway and disrupts breathing.
In other words, when we go to bed, our muscles also relax and get floppy and in many instances the tongue is dropping back and clogging the throat area as well. Myofunctional therapy can help to strengthen the muscles that support the airway and improve overall breathing function, reducing the severity of sleep apnea and improving sleep quality.
Myofunctional therapy can also be beneficial for individuals with other sleep-related issues, such as snoring or bruxism (teeth grinding). By improving the strength and function of the muscles involved in these conditions, myofunctional therapy can help to reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality.
Many times a person does not realize they have any problems with their sleep, because they haven’t had good sleep to compare it to. This type of therapy is painless, so it is a great opportunity to explore prior to more invasive options.
It is important to note that myofunctional therapy is just one of many possible treatments for sleep-related issues, and the most appropriate treatment will depend on the individual's specific condition and needs. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of any sleep-related issues and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
For a free myofunctional therapy consultation call (316)689-4229
or book online at www.myofunctionaltherapyofkansas.com
Dalanna Hanson
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