Q: What is sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)?
A: Sleep-disordered breathing is a spectrum of airway issues during sleep, ranging from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Both children and adults can be affected, but the signs, risks, and treatments differ by age.
Q: How does sleep-disordered breathing look different in children vs adults?
A:
- Children
- Symptoms: snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, mouth breathing, hyperactivity, poor focus, learning difficulties.
- Risks: poor growth, behavioral challenges, orthodontic concerns, long-term airway issues.
- Often misdiagnosed as ADHD symptoms.
- Symptoms: snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, mouth breathing, hyperactivity, poor focus, learning difficulties.
- Adults
- Symptoms: loud snoring, gasping/choking during sleep, morning tmj headache, daytime fatigue, irritability, memory problems.
- Risks: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, reduced work performance.
- Symptoms: loud snoring, gasping/choking during sleep, morning tmj headache, daytime fatigue, irritability, memory problems.
Q: What causes SDB in kids vs adults?
A:
- Children: Enlarged tonsils/adenoids, allergies, narrow palate, tongue tie ankyloglossia, chronic mouth breathing.
- Adults: Airway collapse from muscle weakness, obesity, tongue posture, TMJ dysfunction, or nasal obstruction.
Q: Why is early detection so important?
A:
- Children: Early therapy and airway support promote healthy growth, prevent long-term orthodontic relapse, and improve school performance.
- Adults: Treatment reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, accidents from drowsy driving, and poor quality of life.
Q: How does BreatheWorks help children with SDB?
A: Therapy focuses on:
- Restoring nasal breathing and oral rest posture
- Strengthening tongue and airway muscles
- Supporting orthodontic and ENT interventions
- Coaching parents on sleep-friendly routines
Q: How does BreatheWorks help adults with SDB?
A: Therapy supports:
- Myofunctional training to reduce airway collapse
- Improved continuous positive airway pressure or oral appliance success rates
- Restoring nasal breathing during day and night
- Reducing snoring and mild-to-moderate apnea symptoms
Q: Can therapy be done virtually?
A: Yes. Our telehealth therapy matches in-person outcomes. Virtual care allows:
- Real-time airway and posture evaluation
- Exercise coaching for kids and adults
- Progress tracking and ongoing support nationwide
Q: Where does BreatheWorks provide in-person care?
A:
- Portland, Oregon
- Eugene, Oregon
- Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Bellevue, Washington
- Amarillo, Texas
We also offer virtual therapy across the U.S.
Quick FAQs
Is snoring normal in children? No—habitual snoring is a red flag for SDB and needs evaluation.
Can children outgrow sleep apnea? Not always—airway therapy helps prevent long-term issues.
Does SDB always mean sleep apnea? No—snoring and upper airway resistance can exist without apnea, but still disrupt sleep and health.
Can therapy help with CPAP tolerance? Yes—therapy strengthens muscles, making CPAP more comfortable and effective.
Next Steps
If you or your child struggle with snoring remedies, restless sleep, or other signs of sleep-disordered breathing, therapy can make a lasting difference.
- Schedule a sleep & airway evaluation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers: Refer a patient to BreatheWorks
