utilizing ancient seafaring practice of conch-blowing might potentially aid in resolving typical sleep disorders

In a groundbreaking study led by researchers in India, a traditional Indian practice known as shankh blowing has shown promising results in improving symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

OSA is a condition characterised by the relaxation and narrowing or closure of the walls of the throat during sleep, causing symptoms such as choking noises, loud snoring, and frequent awakenings. It is estimated that approximately eight million people in the UK are affected by this condition.

The small trial, involving 30 participants aged 19-65 with OSA, compared the effects of shankh blowing with standard deep breathing exercises. For six months, participants who practised shankh blowing reported sleeping better and were 34% less sleepy during the day. They also had higher levels of oxygen in their blood during the night and had four to five fewer apnoeas, where breathing stops during sleep, per hour on average.

Shankh blowing involves deep inhalation followed by forceful exhalation into a conch shell. The unique method creates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which likely strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, according to Dr. Krishna K Sharma, one of the study's lead researchers.

Dr. Sharma suggests that shankh blowing could be a promising alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for treating OSA. Professor Sophia Schiza, head of the European Respiratory Society group on sleep disordered breathing, considers the study intriguing and suggests that shankh blowing could potentially offer an OSA treatment for selected patients by targeting muscle training.

Building on these findings, researchers are planning a larger trial involving several hospitals to validate and expand on their results. The next phase of the trial will study how shankh blowing affects airway muscle tone, oxygen levels, and sleep in greater detail.

Shankh blowing is a simple, low-cost breathing technique that could help improve sleep and reduce symptoms without the need for machines or medication. If the larger study provides more evidence for this intervention, it could be of benefit as a treatment option or in combination with other treatments in selected OSA patients.

utilizing ancient seafaring practice of conch-blowing might potentially aid in resolving typical sleep disorders