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Is it possible to reduce
snoring and sleep apnea by playing a didgeridoo? According to
an article posted in the British Medical Journal (12/05) the answer
is YES! The results of a study conducted in Switzerland concluded
that “Regular didgeridoo playing is an effective alternative
treatment well accepted by patients with moderate obstructive
sleep apnoea syndrome. In this randomized controlled trial we
found that four months of training of the upper airways by didgeridoo
playing reduces daytime sleepiness in people with snoring and
obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. In addition, the partners of
participants in the didgeridoo group were much less disturbed
in their sleep.”
In the study, 25 people with moderate to severe sleep apnea and
snoring problems were split into 2 groups. One group was given
didgeridoo lessons, while the control group was told it was on
a waiting list to receive lessons. Participants
in the lesson group received standardized acrylic plastic didgeridoos
similar to the ones available on this website because according
to the researchers “acrylic didgeridoos are easier for beginners
to learn on than conventional wooden didgeridoos.”
Participants received weekly didgeridoo lessons from an expert
player for 3 weeks, a general review lesson after 8 weeks, and
were told to practice 5 days a week for 20 minutes each day. The
results of the 4 month study were encouraging! In one person,
the apnoea-hypopnoea index decreased from 17 to 2! This is attributed
to the fact that playing the didgeridoo strengthens the muscles
in the upper airways which can reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea
and snoring.
In order for didgeridoo treatment to be effective, the researchers
stressed the importance of regular daily practice. It was also
noted that the effectiveness of the treatment varied for each
participant, due in part to the severity of their symptoms prior
to receiving lessons. Also noted was the relatively small size
of the study, and that further research is needed.
If you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea, we at Feather
River Didgeridoos encourage you to give the didgeridoo a try;
you will find it a pleasant and relaxing experience in any case,
but make no claims as to the effectiveness of the treatment in
your particular case. Here’s to a good night’s sleep!
To view the British Medical Journal article in it’s entirety,
go to:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/332/7536/266 |
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