title: Oral structures and sleep disorders: a literature review.
abstract: In recent years, a wealth of studies revealed the many physiological and histological changes the oropharyngeal muscles go through as a result of sleep disorders, in particular, as a result of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This article presents a literature review of the most recent findings regarding sleep disorders and their effect on oropharyngeal structures. The article includes classifications and definitions of various sleep disorders; explains the negative implications of sleep disorders in children, as well as in adults; reviews the viable options to treat sleep disorders; suggests steps in which the orofacial myologists could be instrumental in identifying and referring patients with possible sleep disorders; and suggests further studies on the subject conducted by orofacial myologists.
authors.affiliation: liciala@mail.com
authors.forename: Licia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Coceani
mesh_terms: D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D020247:Myofunctional Therapy; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D010609:Pharyngeal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*