Do you think you simply snore or sleep poorly? What if the real problem came from elsewhere? Behind a difficult awakening or a dry mouth in the morning, a discreet reflex can say a lot about your health. A detail of sleep that few pay attention to… and yet.
When mouth breathing comes into your sleep
Sleeping with your mouth open is not just a matter of habit: it is often a sign of respiratory imbalance. During the night, some people unconsciously stop breathing through their nose, allowing air to pass only through their mouth. Result: dry mouth, morning fatigue, even jaw pain.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, warns of an often overlooked symptom: “Mouth breathing impairs sleep quality, which can cause you to feel exhausted when you wake up“.
Signs that should alert
If you wake up with a pasty mouth or a damp pillow, that could be the problem. Mouth breathing is often accompanied by:
- An irritated throat in the morning;
- Dark circles due to insufficient oxygenation;
- Snoring and bad breath;
- More frequent cavities and inflammation of the gums.
These symptoms, although seemingly benign, can reveal unbalanced breathing, particularly in cases of a blocked nose or chronic allergies.
How do you know if you sleep with your mouth open?
Several methods allow you to find out for sure. Some are simple, like asking your partner to observe your breathing at night. Others, more specific, involve medical tests such as the Glatzel mirror or the Rosenthal test.
But for Dr. Kierzek, there is no substitute for a complete examination: “An accurate diagnosis requires a polysomnography performed by a sleep specialist“.
Health effects, often underestimated
Breathing through your mouth disrupts the body’s natural functioning. The nose filters, heats and humidifies the inspired air: the mouth does not. This disruption weakens the mucous membranes and opens the door to several complications:
- Repeated ENT infections (colds, sore throats, ear infections);
- Possible worsening of asthma;
- Increased risk of sleep apnea and cardiovascular disorders;
- In children, facial deformity and poor jaw growth.
Solutions to regain natural breathing
Fortunately, treatments exist to correct nighttime mouth breathing:
- Nasal rehabilitation: a speech therapist or physiotherapist can teach specific exercises;
- Correcting tongue posture: a well-positioned tongue helps keep the airway open;
- Treatment of nasal obstructions: sprays, allergy treatments or surgery in case of deviation of the septum;
- Orthodontic solutions: certain devices help to widen the palate or move the jaw forward.
The goal: to restore stable and fluid nasal breathing, essential for restful sleep.