The Importance of Nasal Breathing for Learning, Communication and Wellbeing

Written by Debora Marchini da Costa

Speech and Language Therapist, Dover Court International School

Breathing is something we often take for granted, yet how a child breathes can significantly impact their learning, communication, and overall development. For children in particular, nasal breathing plays a crucial role in supporting attention, speech, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.

As Speech and Language Therapists, we frequently observe that breathing patterns can influence multiple areas of a child’s functioning, both in and out of the classroom. Understanding the importance of nasal breathing can help parents and educators better support children’s development.

Why is Nasal Breathing So Important?

Breathing through the nose is the body’s natural and most efficient way of breathing. The nose plays a key role in filtering, warming and humidifying the air, supporting optimal oxygen delivery to the brain and body.

In contrast, habitual mouth breathing may affect several areas of development.

Impact on Learning and Attention

Research suggests that nasal breathing supports:

• Improved oxygenation of the brain, which is essential for concentration and cognitive processing
• Better sustained attention and focus in the classroom
• Increased mental clarity and alertness

Children who predominantly breathe through their mouths may appear more fatigued, distracted, or may have difficulty maintaining attention during tasks.

Impact on Speech and Language Development

Nasal breathing is closely linked to oral posture and muscle function, which are essential for speech. When a child is mouth breathing, we may observe:

• Low tongue posture, with the tongue resting on the floor of the mouth rather than on the palate
• Reduced oral muscle tone
• Differences in speech sound production (articulation)
• Less efficient coordination of breathing and speaking

Optimal tongue placement, resting against the palate, supports clearer speech and overall oral development.

Impact on Feeding and Oral Development

Nasal breathing also plays an important role in feeding, chewing and swallowing. When a child is breathing through their mouth, it can be more challenging to coordinate breathing with eating. This may impact:

• Chewing efficiency, as the mouth may remain open for breathing rather than closed for eating
• Lip closure, which is important for managing food and liquids safely
• Tongue function, affecting how food is moved and prepared for swallowing
• Swallowing patterns, which may become less mature or efficient over time

Children who predominantly mouth breathe may also show:

• A preference for softer foods
• Picky eating behaviours
• Fatigue during meals
• Difficulty managing a variety of textures

Optimal nasal breathing supports a more stable oral posture, which is essential for safe, efficient and comfortable feeding.

Impact on Sleep and Energy Levels

Nasal breathing is also essential for quality sleep. Mouth breathing during sleep has been associated with:

• Poor sleep quality
• Increased restlessness
• Daytime fatigue
• Reduced readiness for learning

Well-regulated breathing supports deeper, more restorative sleep, which directly impacts a child’s energy, mood and engagement at school.

Sensory Regulation and Emotional Wellbeing

Breathing plays a key role in nervous system regulation. Nasal breathing helps:

• Promote a calm and regulated state
• Support emotional regulation
• Reduce physiological stress responses

Children who breathe efficiently are often better able to manage transitions, challenges and sensory input.

What Can Parents Look Out For?

• Does your child frequently breathe through their mouth during the day?
• Do they sleep with their mouth open or snore?
• Do they often appear tired, even after a full night’s sleep?
• Do they have difficulty sustaining attention?

How Can We Support Children?

Simple strategies can make a meaningful difference:

• Encouraging nose breathing during rest and quiet activities
• Promoting good posture and oral awareness
• Supporting healthy routines for sleep and hydration
• Seeking professional advice (e.g. ENT specialist, paediatrician, or therapist) if concerns persist

Final Thoughts

Nasal breathing may seem like a small detail, but it plays a foundational role in a child’s development. From supporting speech and language to enhancing attention, learning, feeding, sleep and emotional regulation, healthy breathing patterns are key to a child’s overall wellbeing.

At Dover Court, we take a holistic approach to wellbeing and learning. Alongside their classroom teachers, children are supported by a dedicated team of specialists. Alongside their classroom teachers, students benefit from a dedicated team of specialists who work closely together to support individual needs and nurture each child’s strengths. This includes Speech and Language Therapists, who play an important role in helping children develop clear communication skills and the confidence to express themselves.

If you have any concerns about your child’s breathing, communication, or development, the Speech and Language Therapy team at Dover Court International School is always happy to support DCIS families and provide further advice.

References

• American Academy of Paediatrics (2012). Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Practice Portal
• International Association of Orofacial Myology – Resources on orofacial myofunctional disorders
• Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (various studies)
• Sleep Medicine Reviews (various studies)
• Nestor, J. (2020). Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art