Are You Struggling to Breathe at Night?
Experiencing loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, or feeling tired upon waking can indicate airway blockage during sleep. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Kansas City, we assess whether your breathing difficulties arise from airway constriction, jaw alignment, or muscle tone, and we create a treatment plan that restores your ability to breathe easily.
Over 70 Centres
Decades
Tens of Thousands
Comprehending Breathing Challenges and Sleep-Related Breathing Issues
Experiencing breathing difficulties during the night is often a neglected symptom of a sleep-related breathing disorder. Common signs such as snoring, disrupted sleep, or episodes of choking are frequently dismissed as normal. However, these can be initial warnings of airway obstruction or collapse during sleep.
“Sleep-disordered breathing affects nearly 1 in 4 adults and can contribute to fatigue, cardiovascular stress, and TMJ strain.”
When breathing is hindered, your body must exert more effort to obtain air. This can lead to frequent awakenings, teeth grinding, and reduced oxygen levels, which place additional strain on the heart and nervous system.
Over time, the muscles in the jaw, neck, and upper airway can become excessively active, worsening TMJ and postural issues.
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Kansas City, we explore more than standard sleep assessments to identify the structural factors contributing to your breathing challenges. By utilizing imaging, airway evaluations, and muscle assessments, we create treatment plans that promote healthy breathing—both during sleep and while you are awake.
When To Seek Treatment
Sudden awakenings or difficulty breathing may indicate an airway blockage or sleep apnea requiring prompt medical assessment.
Persistent snoring and mouth breathing can suggest constricted nasal passages or jaw alignment problems that disrupt airflow.
Inadequate oxygen during sleep may cause vascular headaches and leave you feeling fatigued, even after a full night’s sleep.
When breathing is obstructed, your body engages jaw muscles to clear the airway, potentially leading to TMJ discomfort or tooth wear.
