Oral Exercise Could Help Treat Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome(OSAS) is a common condition that can lead to snoring and possibly far more severe effects. Now new research points the way to a possible treatment through mouth and tongue (oropharyngeal ) exercises derived from speech therapy.
The research, Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Patients with Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, is published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The study, led by Dr. Geraldo Lorenzi-Filho at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, looked at 31 patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Those who followed a procedure of tongue and pharyngeal exercises showed an average 40% decrease in the severity of their symptoms.
The researchers concluded: "Oropharyngeal exercises significantly reduce OSAS severity and symptoms and represent a promising treatment for moderate OSAS."
The research, Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Patients with Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, is published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The study, led by Dr. Geraldo Lorenzi-Filho at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, looked at 31 patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Those who followed a procedure of tongue and pharyngeal exercises showed an average 40% decrease in the severity of their symptoms.
The researchers concluded: "Oropharyngeal exercises significantly reduce OSAS severity and symptoms and represent a promising treatment for moderate OSAS."
Labels: sleep apnea
