Conch blowing for sleep: Blowing into a conch shell, an ancient practice known as shankh blowing, may help reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), according to research conducted in India.
The small trial, led by the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Jaipur, involved 30 adults aged 19 to 65 with diagnosed OSA. Half of the participants were taught the conch blowing technique, while the rest practiced deep breathing exercises. Both groups were asked to train for at least 15 minutes a day, five days a week, over six months.
Results showed that those practicing shankh-blow were 34% less sleepy during the day, had higher nighttime blood oxygen levels, and experienced an average of four to five fewer apnoea episodes per hour compared to the start of the study.
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“Shankh blowing is a simple, low-cost breathing technique that could help improve sleep and reduce symptoms without the need for machines or medication,” said lead researcher Dr Krishna K Sharma. He explained that the distinctive blowing action creates vibrations and airflow resistance, likely strengthening the muscles of the upper airway, which often collapse during sleep in OSA patients.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often causing loud snoring and gasping. The standard treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which is effective but can be uncomfortable to use. Previous studies have also found that playing woodwind instruments may benefit those with the condition.
Experts cautioned that the small size of the trial necessitates further research, despite the promising findings.
