Improper breathing patterns, such as mouth breathing, have been linked to a number of health issues, including anxiety, aches and pains, migraines, fatigue, depression, and more. Many people who suffer from Bruxism (teeth grinding), similar issues like TMJ, as well as anxiety or panic attacks, and symptoms found in asthma patients, commonly experience restless sleep or have a sleep disorder.

These breathing disorders can cause serious problems if left untreated. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common issues that occur from improper breathing, and sleep apnea comes with its own host of symptoms and health concerns.

One of the best ways to address improper breathing is with special exercises designed to retrain the body to breathe properly. The Buteyko breathing method was first invented by Konstantin Buteyko, a Ukrainian doctor who noticed there was a significant connection between how human beings breathe, and illness. While the Buteyko method is used to help diminish asthma symptoms and anxiety, it can also help improve or cure sleep apnea.

Long Term Benefits

The benefits of Buteyko breathing exercises are vast, but the most significant effects we see in sleep apnea patients who benefit from this method are reduction or total elimination of the condition, as well as symptoms of sleep apnea, like snoring, lack of concentration, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, etc.

How It Works

If you are wondering how to do the Buteyko breathing technique, our team at Beyond Smiles can help. Our team member Gerri Huffman, RDH, is also a Certified Orofacial Myofunctional therapist, and has become a Certified Buteyko Breathing Practitioner. Gerri is here to advise patients on whether they might benefit from Buteyko breathing coaching.

Frequently, coaching is done during individual, personalized sessions, but periodically group sessions are scheduled.

The Buteyko method includes a series of breathing exercises, and guidelines for those exercises, which are specifically designed to reduce overbreathing and therefore, mouth breathing. Those who do not practice nasal breathing often suffer from sleep apnea, as well as various other health issues.

Sleep apnea can cause cardiovascular issues which lead to heart palpitations, cold extremities, etc.; respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, air hunger, sighing; muscle pains and cramping; GI issues; and other symptoms like anxiety, depression, impaired memory and performance, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, fatigue, etc.

Causes of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing can be caused by a genetic issue, or influences such as lifestyle and environment. Below is a list of some of the causes of mouth breathing.

• Lack of exercise
• Talking too quickly or excessively
• Stress
• Hectic lifestyle
• Taking too deep of breaths
• Genetic predisposition
• High temperatures in the home
• Asthma

Nasal breathing has many benefits since it is actually the way our bodies are supposed to perform. When breathing properly, blood circulation is improved, we release nitric oxide from the body, breathe in cleaner air, sleep better, and reduce stress levels.

Beyond Smiles – Your Trusted Source for Buteyko Breathing Coaching in Park Ridge, IL

If you have been searching for “breathing coaching near me” or a place that treats sleep apnea in Park Ridge, and other breathing issues, reach out to our office today! The team at Beyond Smiles is here to help patients breathe easier, smile better, and improve their overall health.

Contact us to schedule your appointment!