Sleep apnea affects not only adults but some children as well. Sleep Apnea is a medical condition where you repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep. There are several types of sleep apnea, but by-far the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This type of apnea occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax to the point of collapse and block your airway during sleep. A noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring.
Orofacial Myology / Myofunctional Therapy treats the OMDs that contribute to sleep apnea. Unhealthy swallowing habits, holding your tongue in certain resting positions, and other OMDs reinforce the shape of a narrow jaw and small airway
According to the National Library of Medicine, current literature demonstrates that orofacial myology / myofunctional therapy decreases apnea-hypopnea index by approximately 50% in adults and 62% in children. Lowest oxygen saturations, snoring, and sleepiness outcomes improve in adults. Orofacial Myology / Myofunctional Therapy could serve as an adjunct to other obstructive sleep apnea treatments.
Therapy may be an attractive alternative treatment for sleep apnea. There is some evidence that it can decrease sleep apnea severity.