Most people are unaware of the fact that they sleep with their mouths open. Since we usually breathe through our noses, mouth breathing can be different, resulting from various causes. Whether it’s because of seasonal allergies, a clogged nose, or an underlying health condition, its effects are disastrous. Mouth breathing can be linked to oral, mental, and heart-related issues. To find the answer to “Why does my mouth open when I sleep?”, keep reading this blog.
Why Does My Mouth Open When I Sleep?
Whether you inhale with your mouth when asleep or open your mouth but breathe through the nose, it is still a health hazard. However, ranging from minor to severe, all the causes behind this phenomenon are treatable. Here are some of the most common reasons why people breathe through their mouths at night:
Asthma
People with asthma have trouble breathing normally. Thus, it is common for them to sleep with their mouth open to prevent wheezing attacks and suffocation.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious and chronic sleep disorder that can affect your sleep quality along with the rest of your health. It occurs when the upper airway in your mouth gets blocked, restricting the airflow.
Allergies or Flu
Seasonal allergies often come with a blocked nose, much like the flu. Thus, it is ultimately due to nasal congestion that people sleep with their mouths open.
Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are the biggest motivators behind an irregular breathing pattern.
Deviated Septum
The septum is the thin cartilage that separates your nostrils. When it moves out of place or is deviated, it can make breathing through the nose extremely painful.
Nasal Polyps
When lumps form on the inner lining of your sinus, it is known as nasal polyps. These growths can make it difficult to breathe freely through the nose, which is why people prefer breathing through the mouth instead.
Cleft Palate
A cleft palate is a birth effect that can alter the structure of your mouth. Because of this, it is babies who often suffer from its symptoms.
Is It Normal To Sleep With Your Mouth Open
No matter the reason, sleeping with your mouth open and breathing through it is not normal. If anything, it signifies something is severely wrong with your health. Be it a sleeping disorder or a heart condition, mouth breathing can make things much worse. It also disrupts your oral health and can possibly lead to other health concerns.
How Do You Stop Sleeping With Your Mouth Open?
You might be able to control or change your breathing while awake. But doing that when fast asleep can be a little difficult. Thus, to stop yourself from sleeping with your mouth wide open, try following the tips mentioned below for restful sleep.
- Avoid eating before bedtime.
- Try to breathe through your nose as much as you can when awake.
- Fix your posture.
- Make sure your head is elevated when sleeping.
- Change your sleeping position. Try not to sleep directly on your back.
- Invest in a nightguard.
- Get a CPAP machine.
- Consult a sleep therapist.
- Try mouth taping.
- Sleep with an air purifier near you.
- Try nasal decongestants or antihistamines.
Long Story Short
If you commonly wake up to your throat feeling dry or a frozen jaw, it might be because you breathe with your mouth open. There are many reasons why that happens, but to make sure a chronic condition isn’t the cause of the habit, it is best to consult a professional sleep therapist about the matter. You can schedule an appointment with Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness today by dialing 832-952-1199 or visiting us in person at 303 Longmire Rd Suite # 102, Conroe, TX 77304, United States.