Slaying Sleep Apnea with Myofunctional Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder associated with significant health, cognitive, and quality-of-life consequences. Speech-language pathologists are increasingly involved in the identification and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders that may contribute to airway dysfunction. This intermediate-level course will provide participants with an overview of sleep apnea, including risk factors, pathophysiology, and common diagnostic measures such as the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Participants will explore the evidence supporting myofunctional therapy as part of a multidisciplinary approach to sleep-disordered breathing. Through an in-depth case study, attendees will examine how targeted intervention addressing oral rest posture, tongue strength and function, and tongue thrust swallow patterns corresponded with improvements in nightly sleep biometrics and AHI over time. Clinical applications, treatment considerations, and outcomes measurement strategies will be discussed.