Let's get real for a moment. If you're reading this, you're probably one of two people:
The person whose partner threatens to smother you with a pillow every night
The person who's been told to wear a CPAP machine and would rather wrestle an alligator
Welcome to the club of noisy humans and the people who thankfully love them too much to live in a different state.
The Snoring Saga: More Dramatic Than Reality TV
Picture this: You're sound asleep, dreaming about... well, whatever adults dream about (batteling venin from the back of a dragon? Winning the super bowl?) — if you can even dream that is.
Suddenly, you're producing a sound that's somewhere between a chainsaw, a dying whale, and a lawn mower with attitude.
Your partner pokes you until you wake up. Then they just look at you with a mixture of horror and fascination before they get up and leave to sleep across the hall.
Congratulations! You've reached peak sleep dysfunction.
CPAP: Your Darth Vader Cosplay Starter Kit
Ah, the CPAP machine. Nothing says "romance is alive" quite like strapping a Hannibal Lecter mask to your face every night.
Let’s get real. Most people aren’t wearing their CPAP’s anyway. Studies show that a third to more than 50% of people don’t use their CPAP as prescribed or never got one in the first place. Even better, long term use only happens in about 30-40% of cases.
I get it! I didn’t want to accept that I snored, because that would mean I needed a sleep study and probably a CPAP…. And I work in Health Care!!! I know I’m not the only one out there.
But what if the Darth Vader costume wasn’t the only way?
What if we could treat the root cause and not have to be hooked up to a hose all night??
Enter Myofunctional Therapy: The Plot Twist You Didn't Know You Needed
Imagine solving your breathing problems without looking like you're about star in a sci-fi movie.
Myofunctional therapy is kinda like physical therapy for your mouth – yes, you read that right. It's a series of exercises that basically tell your tongue, "Hey, you're doing this wrong. Get your act together."
What Exactly Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Keep that idea of physical therapy in your mind.
We start out by seeing how you’re doing with breathing, eating and speaking. Then we put together an exercise regime that will help you:
Strengthen your tongue, lip and jaw muscles
Keep your tongue on the top of your mouth throughout the day
Improve your breathing
Reduce snoring (Snoring SOS)
Improve your sleep
Make you look only slightly ridiculous while you exercise (bonus!) - But I’ll be doing them with you so we can jam out to music and laugh about it together. 😆
The Exercises: Not as Scary as You Think
Don't worry – you won't need to join a circus or become a professional tongue contortionist.
These exercises are simple enough that you can do them while binging your favorite show or pretending to listen during work meetings. 😉
I like to help you fit the exercises into your everyday life instead of just piling on a bunch of homework.
After all, you have to breathe all day anyway. Why not just make some tweaks and improve your everyday life while we’re at it?
Snoring SOS: Why Bother? Because Sleep Is Awesome (And So Is Breathing)
It’s literally my one rule. Breathe.
But when you can’t breathe the right way, you snore all night, or you stop breathing in the middle of the night - you literally don’t get enough oxygen.
Untreated sleep apnea and disordered breathing can lead to:
High blood pressure
Heart problems
Daytime fatigue
Brain fog
Sinus and allergy problems
Or — Your partner plotting your mysterious "disappearance"
The Bottom Line
You've got options.
CPAP machines work (if you wear - and wash - the mask).
Myofunctional therapy works.
Sleeping separately works - kinda.
Just do something – because nobody wants to be the human equivalent of a lawn
mower at 3 AM. And no one wants you to have to live with the consequences of not breathing. 💚
A Final Word of Encouragement
Your journey to better sleep might be awkward, funny, slightly embarrassing or downright annoying.
Embrace it.
You're not just improving your breathing and your sleep; you're improving your health. Making these changes now can mean you get the chance at a better tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This blog post is brought to you by people who care about your sleep, your relationship, and your right to breathe like a normal human being. Please consult a physician if you think you or your loved one may be dealing with sleep apnea. As a Speech Language Pathologist and Myofunctional therapist, I can not diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. If you are looking for additional treatment options after your diagnosis, please reach out.
Pro tip: Your partner will thank you. Your brain will thank you. Your heart will definitely thank you.
Sleep well, you beautiful, slightly noisy human. 🌙✨
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