New Approach to Sleep Apnea
It’s quite surprising, really. Nearly 54 million adults across the United States are estimated to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when throat muscles relax and periodically block the airways, disrupting sleep and often leading to loud snoring. But it doesn’t stop there. OSA can increase one’s chances of developing hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even strokes. Plus, there’s the real concern about accidents due to daytime drowsiness.
Typically, the go-to treatment for OSA is a continuous positive airway pressure machine—the CPAP. Dr. Krishna K. Sharma, from the Eternal Heart Care Centre in Jaipur, India, pointed out that while CPAP machines are effective, many people find them uncomfortable and struggle to use them consistently.
Interestingly, Sharma suggests that ancient Indian practices, like blowing into conch shells (known as Shankh spraying), could help relieve OSA symptoms without the complications of machinery. He led a small study and found that patients engaging in this practice for six months had fewer interruptions in their breathing at night and felt more alert during the day.
Sharma noted, “In my clinical practice, numerous patients mentioned feeling more rested and experiencing fewer symptoms after regularly practicing Shankh spraying. This traditional yoga technique involves blowing into conch shells.” He is eager to conduct more rigorous scientific research on whether this simple, historical practice could be a viable treatment for OSA.
In the study that he led, thirty participants aged 19 to 65 were divided into two groups. One group practiced conch blowing, while the other did deep breathing exercises. The Conch group received training and practiced daily at home before the formal study commenced.
The research was conducted from May 2022 to January 2024, focusing on individuals with moderate OSA. They were monitored during their sleep and asked about their sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. After six months, the Conch group reported 34% less daytime drowsiness compared to the deep breathing group.
Medical evaluations showed that the Conch group experienced an average reduction of 4-5 apneic events per night. Furthermore, they registered higher blood oxygen levels during sleep, which is encouraging.
This study’s findings were recently published, and Sharma stated, “For those dealing with OSA, especially if CPAP is uncomfortable or inaccessible, these results provide a promising alternative. Shankh blowing is a straightforward, cost-effective technique that enhances sleep quality and lessens symptoms without relying on machines or medications.” A conch shell could cost between $20 and $100.
Dr. Sofia Sza, a professor of respiratory and sleep medicine at the University of Crete, described the study as “interesting.” She emphasized the need for larger-scale research to substantiate the effectiveness of Shankh spraying. Such research could potentially expand treatment options for selected OSA patients.
Sharma plans to conduct more extensive trials involving multiple hospitals and participants with various severity levels of OSA. The aim is to delve deeper into how conch blowing impacts muscle tension, oxygen saturation, and sleep patterns, and to compare these effects with traditional treatments like CPAP.
Beyond this, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, reducing alcohol intake, and exploring different sleep positions can also help manage OSA. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
