Mouth breathing during ZZZZs. You may have seen it (mouth wide open) or heard it. Mouth breathing during sleep is often associated with disordered sleep patterns, including snoring, sleep apnea and enlarged adenoids.
The phenomenon of mouth agape during sleep is far more common than you might think, and it can have significant consequences on your overall health and quality of life.
Benefits of Nasal Breathing
Breathing is a vital process we often take for granted, but how we breathe can significantly impact our health. Many experts agree that nose breathing, rather than mouth breathing, offers a range of health benefits. Breathing through the nose can improve sleep quality, immunity, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Nasal breathing allows for improved oxygen exchange in the lungs. This can enhance your body’s ability to absorb oxygen, increasing energy levels. Breathing through your nose helps regulate airflow, promoting a deeper level of relaxation and leading to more restorative sleep cycles.
Symptoms of Mouth Breathing
The prevalence of mouth opening during sleep is surprisingly high, with some studies suggesting that up to 61% of adults may breathe through their mouths while sleeping.
Several factors can contribute to mouth breathing during sleep, ranging from temporary conditions to chronic issues. One of the most common culprits is nasal congestion and blockages. When your nasal passages are obstructed due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections, your body naturally resorts to mouth breathing to ensure an adequate oxygen supply. This can lead to a habit of mouth breathing that persists even after the congestion has cleared.
Breathing through the mouth can also lead to dryness of the mouth and throat and contribute to dental and respiratory issues as air passes through the mouth and throat without being adequately filtered and humidified by the nasal passages.
Mouth Taping for Better Sleep
One effective technique to mitigate mouth breathing is to practice mouth taping. Mouth taping involves placing a gentle, skin-safe tape over your lips to encourage breathing through your nose instead of your mouth while you sleep.
Mouth taping is a resource for promoting diaphragmatic breathing, which often helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing sleep disturbances and improving sleep quality.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Address Mouth Breathing
Regular chiropractic care with Dr. Lydia and Dr. Rachael can help address the underlying causes of mouth breathing, such as misalignments in the cervical spine that may affect the airway or nervous system regulation. By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic adjustments can improve breathing patterns and support sleep quality.
At Vaida, our mouth tape of choice is Myotape to support nasal breathing. We also recommend Isagenix’s Renewal and Sleep Support Mist. L-theanine works with melatonin, valerian root, and chamomile to help the body relax before bed. You can purchase some during your next visit with us.