Breathing New Life: The Impact of Tongue Positioning on Sleep and Behaviour in Children

In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara welcomes Yulli Tamayo-Myerson, a specialist in myofascial release and craniosacral therapy, to discuss the critical role of tongue positioning and breathing in the development of neurodiverse children. Yulli shares her personal journey into this field, sparked by her son's ADHD diagnosis and the discovery of how breathing disorders can impact behaviour and sleep quality. The conversation delves into the importance of proper tongue function for overall health, including its effects on jaw alignment, sleep quality, and even digestive health. Yulli outlines key red flags for parents to look for, such as mouth breathing and grogginess upon waking, and emphasises the significance of early intervention in addressing these issues. KEYTAKE AWAYS Understanding Tongue Function: The tongue is a complex organ with multiple muscles that plays a crucial role in various functions such as speech, swallowing, and maintaining proper jaw alignment. Impact of Breathing Patterns: Mouth breathing and improper tongue posture can lead to a range of behavioural and physical issues, including sleep disorders, ADHD-like symptoms, and poor posture. Red Flags for Parents: Parents should look for specific signs in their children, such as grogginess upon waking, mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, and forward head posture. BEST MOMENTS "When the tongue is not able to perform the job that it is supposed to do... it can actually obstruct the airway partially or completely." - Yulli "The tongue is a really misunderstood organ... it has a very complex function and together they have to work really hard in synchrony." - Yulli "You may not run properly. You may end up with injuries as you go through life... because you're not holding yourself in the right way." - Lara SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk https://www.myofunctionaltherapy.co.uk/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orofacial-Myofunctional-Therapy-Journey-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0C5XQDY7L https://www.myofunctionaltherapy.co.uk/product-page/yulli-s-book-paperback- formathttps://www.instagram.com/myofunctionaltherapy.uk/?hl=en This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. GUEST BIO Yulli Tamayo-Myerson is the founder of Myofunctional Therapy UK, bringing over 30 years of multidisciplinary expertise to the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Her extensive background spans eight key disciplines, including: Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Buteyko Breathing Education Dental Hygiene & Therapy TMJ & Sleep Therapy This comprehensive training allows her clinic to deliver evidence-based, whole-body care focused on the belief that oral and airway health are essential to lifelong wellness. She also serves as the volunteer President of the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy (BSMFT), actively advocating for public and professional education on the links between orofacial dysfunction, breathing, and sleep to promote early detection and better patient outcomes.