 
Sleep |
Singing, Music and SnoringIMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor. Music is often said to be the food of love - so it is perhaps appropriate that some research has shown singing and playing a wind instrument can reduce snoring, in some patients. This isn't as far-fetched as it might seem. Snoring is sometimes a symptom of sleep apnea which is in turn sometimes linked to obstruction of the airways due to weakness or flabbiness of the associated muscles. (If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea then consult your doctor.)
SingingIn 2005, researchers at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital began research to see whether singing could help to reduce snoring.The research is inspired by work done by local singing teacher Alise Ojay. In 1999 Ojay conducted a pilot study which suggested that singing lessons might be an effective snoring treatment for some people. Based on this trial she created her Singing for Snorers course. The new trial will test the effect of singing lessons on patients with snoring problems and/or sleep apnea. It is hoped that singing will exercise the relevant throat muscles and reduce the snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
MusicIn 2005 the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published research that studied the effect of learning to play a musical instrument on snoring symptoms. The instrument chosen was the didgeridoo! This is an ancient Australian wind instrument that was originally made by hollowing out a tree trunk.The BMJ published research found that after four months of daily didgeridoo practice, patients saw a marked reduction in their snoring and related sleep apnea symptoms. The didgeridoo was chosen because of anecdotal evidence as to its effectiveness as a snoring cure. Learning to play it involves a lot of breathing exercise. This is possibly what led to the reduction in snoring - other wind instruments might also prove effective.
External Links: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital British Medical Journal All original material Copyright © Trevor Mendham 2003-2005. See home page for contact details. This is not a medical site. Nothing on this site constitutes personal advice. Please read the site terms of use. |