Learn How To Stop Snoring Without Surgery Blog

Researchers in Switzerland examined 25 patients who suffered from snoring and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, both common sleep disorders.

Half the group were given daily lessons in playing the didgeridoo, a wind instrument about 1.5 meters (yards) long which originated in northern Australia and is traditionally made from the trunk of a tree hollowed out by termites.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal’s online edition found that those who played the unusual instrument over a four-month trial period saw a significant improvement in their daytime sleepiness and apnea.

Their partners also reported less disturbance from snoring.

About 5% of the population has the syndrome, which can cause people to wake up regularly during the night, and common advice from doctors is to lose weight.

But the team, from the Zuercher Hoehenklinik Wald hospital, decided to investigate whether playing the Aboriginal wind instrument helped patients after hearing reports that it had solved some sleep-related problems.

The researchers said training the upper airways through the breathing techniques required to play the didgeridoo was behind the improvement.

“Our results may give hope to many people with moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and snoring, as well as their partners,” the report’s authors said.

“There have been reports that people who have done singing have benefited in a similar way. However, most doctors would advise people to lose weight.”

(info from http://hawaiihealthguide.com/healthtalk/display.htm?id=174)