Ancient Breathing Technique Eases Sleep Apnoea

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest News from NourishThe Nourish Mission (formerly OneSub)Get answers to today's big questionsAncient Breathing Technique Eases Sleep Apnoeawellbeing > healthRecent studies from India, Australia, and the UK reveal that shankh blowing, an ancient Indian practice involving deep inhalation and exhalation into a conch shell, can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The research suggests this low-cost method may serve as an alternative to traditional treatments like CPAP machines, especially for mild to moderate cases. The studies also highlight how weekend behaviors influence sleep health, with social habits impacting OSA severity and overall sleep quality.

What's happened

Recent studies from India, Australia, and the UK reveal that shankh blowing, an ancient Indian practice involving deep inhalation and exhalation into a conch shell, can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The research suggests this low-cost method may serve as an alternative to traditional treatments like CPAP machines, especially for mild to moderate cases. The studies also highlight how weekend behaviors influence sleep health, with social habits impacting OSA severity and overall sleep quality.

What's behind the headline?

The emerging evidence on shankh blowing as a treatment for OSA underscores a broader shift towards low-cost, non-invasive therapies rooted in traditional practices. The studies from India, Australia, and the UK collectively suggest that simple breathing exercises can significantly reduce sleep disruptions and improve oxygen levels, challenging the dominance of mechanical interventions like CPAP. The research also reveals a critical insight: weekend behaviors, such as social drinking, smoking, and irregular sleep schedules, exacerbate OSA symptoms, a phenomenon termed 'social apnoea.' This highlights the importance of consistent sleep routines and lifestyle modifications in managing sleep disorders. The findings imply that integrating ancient techniques with modern behavioral strategies could transform sleep medicine, especially in resource-limited settings. Future research should focus on larger, diverse populations and long-term effects, but current evidence indicates that shankh blowing could become a valuable adjunct or alternative to existing treatments, reducing reliance on uncomfortable devices and improving quality of life for millions.

What the papers say

The Independent reports on multiple studies demonstrating that shankh blowing, an ancient yogic breathing practice, can improve sleep quality and reduce apnoeas in patients with OSA. Dr. Krishna Sharma from Jaipur led a trial showing a 34% reduction in daytime sleepiness and fewer breathing interruptions after six months of practice. The Guardian highlights the potential of this low-cost, simple technique as an alternative to CPAP, emphasizing its mechanical and acoustic effects on airway muscles. Both sources note the need for larger trials to validate these promising results. Contrasting opinions from experts like Dr. Erika Kennington caution that the small scale of current studies limits definitive conclusions, advocating for further research to compare shankh blowing with established treatments and lifestyle changes. Overall, the coverage underscores a growing interest in integrating traditional practices into modern sleep medicine, with early evidence suggesting significant benefits for mild to moderate OSA cases.

How we got here

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects millions worldwide, caused by airway collapse during sleep. Traditional treatment involves CPAP machines, which many find uncomfortable. Recent research explores alternative methods, including ancient Indian practices like shankh blowing, which may strengthen airway muscles and improve sleep. Studies from India, Australia, and the UK have shown promising results, especially in younger adults, emphasizing the influence of lifestyle and weekend behaviors on sleep health.

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