Sleep Apnea
Myofunctional programs improve symptoms of sleep apnea in children and adults. Recent studies reported by National Institute of Health (NIH) shows myofunctional therapy helps decrease sleep apnea by 50-60% in adults and kids. Data showed improvement in sleeplessness and snoring after program completion. Myofunctional coaching serves as an adjunct to other obstructive sleep apnea treatments.
Our power to heal lies in optimizing our sleep ability so we can breathe and sleep as nature intended.
When the tongue is not in the correct place the airway becomes restricted at night. This leads to decrease oxygen to the brain. Lack of oxygen leads to many health disparities, the body is unable to repair and heal. Signs of sleep apnea include:
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Daytime drowsiness
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ADD/ADHD behavior
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Nightmares
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Bed wetting
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Snoring
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Restless sleep
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Irritable
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Crowded, crooked teeth, malocclusion
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Chronic Allergies
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Asthma
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Swollen tonsils and adenoids
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Tooth decay, dry mouth
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TMJ
How Does Myofunctional Coaching Improve Sleep Apnea?
Breaking habits and re-patterning how the muscles function, changing routine slowly over time creates muscle memory that is sustainable.
There is a "Spot" where the tongue naturally should rest and when the tongue is in the "Spot" equilibrium is created and the facial and oral muscles function naturally.
Myofucntional programs change habits, re-patterns the oral and facial muscles to function in harmony.
We can control how we breathe at night. Sleep breathing is something that needs constant periodic evaluation just like blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. Mild to moderate range today leads to sleep apnea later!
REFUSE TO WEAR CPAP? There is help beyond an appliance in your mouth all night or wearing a CPAP machine. AAPMD (American Academy Physiological Medicine Dentistry) advocates a multidisciplinary evaluation for SDB (Sleep Disorder Breathing). A team approach including a myofunctional therapy along with diet and weight loss can reduce or eliminate SDB!
Client Comments about Myofunctional Program
I am a "graduate" of Marie's Myofunctional Therapy program, and what a great experience it was. The exercises assigned to me each week were manageable and in fact I enjoyed the feeling of strength over the course of the therapy in my facial muscles, my tongue and my swallow. I greatly appreciate Marie's expertise, patience, good humor and enthusiasm for my progress during these 11 weeks. She took care explaining all aspects of the treatment and the goals of the course, an I am so glad to have improved my breathing habits.
Linda K, Ph.D.
Professor
"Marie coached me through a dozen sessions and is very knowledgeable about myofunctional therapy . She thoroughly demonstrated the exercises and helped me make a lot of progress during our sessions. My sleep has improved, and my old habits of tongue thrusting and mouth breathing are fading away. I would recommend her program to anyone interested in improving their health” Tony K, Minnesota
