Ep175: Optimizing Sleep Quality: Unveiling the Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy and Mouth Taping with Renata Nehme

OVERVIEW

“Collaboration is the heart of healthcare. When professionals come together and learn from each other, we can truly make a difference in patient care"

Discover the benefits of myofunctional therapy and the importance of addressing orofacial muscle dysfunction on this latest episode of Deep Into Sleep Podcast with guest Renata Nehme - Owner of Myo Moves and Founder of Airway Circle - Education & Resource Center for AIRWAY Professionals.

Renata shares insights on improving sleep quality through mouth taping and the role of myofunctional therapy and learn about the impact of mouth breathing and the benefits of myofunctional therapy on improving overall health.

Renata introduces the concept of myofunctional therapy, which is similar to physical therapy but focuses on orofacial muscle dysfunction. This therapy aims to improve functions like chewing, swallowing, breathing, and tongue lateralization. It is beneficial for both children and adults, with improvements seen in facial muscle development and sleep quality.

They discuss the importance of early intervention and diagnosis in children, as problems like picky eating, bedwetting, open mouth sleeping, and crooked teeth can be signs of orofacial muscle dysfunction. Factors such as breastfeeding, chewing, and mouth breathing can affect facial growth and contribute to muscle dysfunction.

The guests emphasize the impact of mouth breathing on overall health. While breathing through the nose is preferred for rest and relaxation, mouth breathing is acceptable during high-intensity activities. Breathing well through the nose produces nitric oxide, which has numerous health benefits. On the other hand, mouth breathing can lead to cortisol production, which is inflammatory and has negative effects on health.

Investigating the reasons behind mouth breathing is crucial, including factors like allergies, gut health, enlarged tonsils/adenoids/turbinates, deviated septum, and trauma. Renata explains that myofunctional therapy can help correct mouth breathing habits and promote healthy habits such as nose breathing and correct tongue position.

However, they also caution that mouth taping is not safe for everyone and should be approached with caution. Proper nasal hygiene and addressing the root cause of mouth breathing are important factors to consider. Mouth taping should not be considered a lifelong strategy; rather, it should be part of an intervention for certain individuals.

Different methods of mouth taping have varying effectiveness in addressing muscle function, so it's crucial to work with a myofunctional therapist for proper guidance. Renata discusses the importance of myofunctional therapy being part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with various professionals such as ENTs, orthodontists, dentists, speech pathologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

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"Breathing issues can have serious consequences, from chronic diseases to poor sleep quality. But the good news is that with the right intervention, we can optimize our sleep and improve our overall health." - Renata Nehme

Are you so sleepy that you cannot focus? Are you tired of getting through the day drinking coffee? Are you worried how your poor sleep may impact your health? Checkout Dr. Yishan Xu’s Insomnia Treatment Course! 

WHAT WILL WE LEARN

10:30 - What is Myofunctional Therapy?

13:45 - Early Intervention for Children

16:30 - Factors Affecting Facial Growth

21:00 - Importance of Nose Breathing

25:00 - Myofunctional Therapy and Mouth Taping

29:30 - Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Approach

33:45 - Warning Signs and Risks

Are you so sleepy that you cannot focus? Are you tired of getting through the day drinking coffee? Are you worried how your poor sleep may impact your health? Checkout Dr. Yishan Xu’s Insomnia Treatment Course! 

Connect with Dr. Yishan

Connect with Renata Nehme

  • https://www.instagram.com/myomoves/

  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-nehme-rdh-bsdh-com%C2%AE-146739124?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

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Yishan Xu, PhD, DBSMsleep, sleep disorder, sleep better, sleep apneaComment