Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children & Adults: Why Better Sleep Starts with the Airway
If you or your child snores, tosses and turns at night, or wakes up tired despite “sleeping” for 8+ hours… something deeper might be going on.
Sleep isn’t just about how long you rest, it’s about how well your body breathes during sleep. And when breathing is compromised, so is everything else: mood, focus, growth, metabolism, and immune function.
At Integrative Family Dentistry, we don’t just look at teeth. We look at airway health, and how it impacts your quality of sleep and life.
What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a spectrum of breathing disruptions that occur during sleep, ranging from mouth breathing and snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Common symptoms of SDB in children:
Snoring or noisy breathing at night
Mouth breathing
Restless sleep or bedwetting
Dark circles under the eyes
ADHD-like behavior, irritability, or fatigue
Night terrors or frequent waking
In adults:
Loud snoring or gasping
Daytime sleepiness
Brain fog or mood swings
Clenching/grinding
Morning headaches
Many people suffer from undiagnosed SDB and don’t realize it’s connected to their airway.
Why the Airway Matters
During sleep, the muscles of the throat relax. If the airway is small or collapses, airflow becomes restricted, forcing the body to work harder to breathe. This creates micro-arousals interrupting deep, restorative sleep even if you’re not fully awake.
That’s why we evaluate jaw development, tongue posture, nasal breathing, and airway size as part of your dental exam.
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy helps retrain the muscles of the face and airway to:
Support nasal breathing
Improve tongue posture
Reduce airway collapse during sleep
Complement expansion or oral appliance therapy
For children, myo can be life-changing. And for adults, it can be a powerful non-surgical option for improving sleep quality.
Sleep Hygiene Tips for Better Rest Tonight
🛏 Keep a consistent bedtime routine
📵 Avoid screens at least 60 minutes before sleep
🌙 Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet
😴 Encourage nasal breathing (mouth tape or nasal sprays may help)
📏 Assess for airway concerns if snoring or fatigue persists
At Integrative Family Dentistry, we combine airway screening, gentle therapy, and whole-body awareness to help your family sleep deeper and breathe better!
