Why Nasal Breathing At Night Is Important For Children

If your child is waking up tired, has restless sleep, or is struggling to focus, the real underlying issue could be how they’re breathing at night.

As part of our expert series, we spoke with leading dentist Dr Anne O’Donnell about the powerful connection between nasal breathing, sleep quality, and healthy development in children.

Because when a child is breathing through their mouth during sleep, it doesn’t just impact sleep quality. It can influence their learning, energy, and even how their teeth and jaws develop.

How Mouth Breathing Disrupts Your Child’s Sleep

Children who breathe through their mouths at night are more likely to experience:

• Restless, fragmented sleep
• Reduced oxygen efficiency
• Dry mouth and snoring

Even if they spend enough time sleeping, the quality of that sleep is often much lower.

And as Dr Anne explains:

“If a child doesn’t sleep well, they’re not going to perform well the next day. They’re going to be scattered. Any of us who have a bad night’s sleep don’t perform as well, it’s the same for a child.”

This can show up as:

• Poor concentration
• Low energy
• Irritability
• Hyperactivity

When in reality, it’s a breathing/sleep issue.

The Link Between Nasal Breathing & Daytime Focus

Deep, restorative sleep is essential for:

• Brain development
• Memory and learning
• Emotional regulation
• Steady energy levels

Nasal breathing helps children reach this deeper sleep by:

• Regulating airflow
• Supporting oxygen delivery
• Reducing sleep disruption

Which is why something as simple as breathing through the nose can have such a big impact on how a child feels and functions the next day.

Why It Also Matters For Dental Development

Breathing patterns don’t just affect sleep — they influence how a child grows.

When a child nasal breathes, the tongue rests naturally on the roof of the mouth, helping to guide:

• Proper jaw development
• Wider dental arches
• Better natural spacing for teeth

Chronic mouth breathing, on the other hand, is associated with narrower arches and crowded teeth, increasing the likelihood of orthodontic treatment later.

When Should You Check Your Child’s Airway?

If your child has:

• Constant nasal congestion
• Enlarged adenoids
• Ongoing difficulty breathing through their nose

It's important to have this assessed.

But if the nose is clear and mouth breathing has become a habit, there is a simple, gentle step that can help support the transition to nasal breathing.

As Dr. Anne puts it:

“You’ve really got nothing to lose by trying this.”

Supporting Nasal Breathing During Sleep

Because mouth breathing at night is unconscious, children can’t simply choose to stop.

Mouth tape works by gently supporting the lips in staying closed, encouraging the body to:

• Breathe through the nose throughout the night
• Experience deeper, more settled sleep
• Maintain healthy oral posture

“An absolute no-brainer, particularly for children who are mouth breathing at the moment.”

A Small Change That Supports Long-Term Development

Naze Tape is designed to be:

• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Comfortable for overnight use
• A simple way to encourage nasal breathing

Because better breathing at night helps children grow, learn, and feel their best every day.