Latest news with #sleepdisorder
The Guardian
a day ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Conch blowing could help to alleviate sleep apnoea, study suggests
Blowing into a conch shell could help tackle the symptoms of a sleep disorder that affects millions of people across the UK, according to a study. Conch blowing, also known as shankh blowing, is an ancient ritual that involves breathing in deeply and exhaling into the spiral-shaped shell. The practice could improve sleep for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which usually needs to be treated with uncomfortable machinery, according to the research. OSA occurs when breathing starts and stops during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring and making gasping or choking noises. Thirty people living with the disorder and aged between 19 and 65 were involved in the trial, led by researchers at the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Jaipur, India. About half of the group were taught how to use the shell, while the others carried out deep breathing exercises. Both groups were encouraged to practise their techniques for at least 15 minutes, five days a week. Six months later, the trial found that those who had practiced shankh blowing were 34% less sleepy during the day. They also had higher blood oxygen levels during the night, and four to five fewer OSA episodes an hour on average. '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 Dr Krishna K Sharma, who led the research. 'The way the shankh is blown is quite distinctive. This action creates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which likely strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, including the throat and soft palate, areas that often collapse during sleep in people with OSA.' The most common form of treatment for sleep apnoea is a continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) machine, which involves patients wearing a mask that blows pressurised air into the nose and throat while asleep. Previous research has also found that playing a woodwind instrument could help with the condition. Although the machines are effective, they can be uncomfortable, leading the researchers to suggest that shankh blowing could be a promising alternative. A larger trial involving several hospitals is being planned. 'The findings of this trial are encouraging, but the small scale of the trial means it's too soon to say for certain that conch blowing can help people manage their obstructive sleep apnoea,' said Dr Erika Kennington, the head of research and innovation at Asthma + Lung UK. 'It's also not clear from this research why blowing through a conch shell regularly might improve someone's symptoms. It would be good to see the conch blowing approach tested on a larger scale and compared with other proven strategies, such as limiting alcohol, staying active and maintaining good bedtime habits. 'OSA is a long-term condition, but with the right treatments and lifestyle changes, people can make a real difference to their symptoms.'
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Conch blowing could help to alleviate sleep apnoea, study suggests
Blowing into a conch shell could help tackle the symptoms of a sleep disorder that affects millions of people across the UK, according to a study. Conch blowing, also known as shankh blowing, is an ancient ritual that involves breathing in deeply and exhaling into the spiral-shaped shell. The practice could improve sleep for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which usually needs to be treated with uncomfortable machinery, according to the research. OSA occurs when breathing starts and stops during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring and making gasping or choking noises. Thirty people living with the disorder and aged between 19 and 65 were involved in the trial, led by researchers at the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Jaipur, India. About half of the group were taught how to use the shell, while the others carried out deep breathing exercises. Both groups were encouraged to practise their techniques for at least 15 minutes, five days a week. Six months later, the trial found that those who had practiced shankh blowing were 34% less sleepy during the day. They also had higher blood oxygen levels during the night, and four to five fewer OSA episodes an hour on average. '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 Dr Krishna K Sharma, who led the research. 'The way the shankh is blown is quite distinctive. This action creates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which likely strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, including the throat and soft palate, areas that often collapse during sleep in people with OSA.' The most common form of treatment for sleep apnoea is a continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) machine, which involves patients wearing a mask that blows pressurised air into the nose and throat while asleep. Previous research has also found that playing a woodwind instrument could help with the condition. Although the machines are effective, they can be uncomfortable, leading the researchers to suggest that shankh blowing could be a promising alternative. A larger trial involving several hospitals is being planned. 'The findings of this trial are encouraging, but the small scale of the trial means it's too soon to say for certain that conch blowing can help people manage their obstructive sleep apnoea,' said Dr Erika Kennington, the head of research and innovation at Asthma + Lung UK. 'It's also not clear from this research why blowing through a conch shell regularly might improve someone's symptoms. It would be good to see the conch blowing approach tested on a larger scale and compared with other proven strategies, such as limiting alcohol, staying active and maintaining good bedtime habits. 'OSA is a long-term condition, but with the right treatments and lifestyle changes, people can make a real difference to their symptoms.'
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Ancient ritual of blowing into shell ‘could help with common sleep disorder'
An ancient ritual which involves blowing into a large shell could tackle the symptoms of a common sleep disorder, a study suggests. The practice of conch blowing, also known as shankh blowing, could improve sleep for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) without the need for uncomfortable machinery, according to researchers. Shankh blowing involves breathing in deeply before exhaling forcefully into a conch, the spiral-shaped shell from a species of sea snail. The small trial, led by researchers in India, involved 30 people aged with 19 and 65 with OSA. OSA happens with the walls of the throat relax and narrow or close, with symptoms including choking noises, loud snoring and waking up a lot. The condition is thought to impact about eight million people in the UK. For the trial, 16 people were provided with a traditional shankh used in yogic practices and trained in how to use it properly before taking it home, while the remaining 14 people were asked to carry out deep breathing exercises. Both groups were encouraged to practice for a minimum of 15 minutes five days a week. They were monitored during sleep and asked questions about sleep quality and how tired they felt during the day. After six months, the study found those who practised shankh blowing reported sleeping better and were 34% less sleepy during the day. They also had higher levels of oxygen in the blood during the night and had four to five fewer apnoeas, where breathing stops during sleep, per hour on average. They also had higher levels of oxygen in their blood during the night. Dr Krishna K Sharma, of the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Jaipur, India, said: 'The way the shankh is blown is quite distinctive. 'It involves a deep inhalation followed by a forceful, sustained exhalation through tightly pursed lips. 'This action creates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which likely strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, including the throat and soft palate, areas that often collapse during sleep in people with OSA. 'The shankh's unique spiralling structure may also contribute to specific acoustic and mechanical effects that further stimulate and tone these muscles.' Continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) machines are the first line of treatment for OSA. They involve patients wearing a mask that blows pressurised air into the nose and throat while they sleep. However, they can be uncomfortable. Speaking of Cpap, Dr Sharma said: 'While effective, many patients find it uncomfortable and struggle to use it consistently.' He suggests shankh blowing could be a 'promising alternative'. 'Shankh blowing is a simple low-cost, breathing technique that could help improve sleep and reduce symptoms without the need for machines or medication,' Dr Sharma said. Researchers are now planning a larger trial involving several hospitals. Dr Sharma added: 'This next phase will allow us to validate and expand on our findings in a broader, more diverse population and assess how shankh blowing performs over longer periods. 'We also want to study how this practice affects airway muscle tone, oxygen levels and sleep in greater detail. 'We're particularly interested in comparing shankh blowing with standard treatments like Cpap, and in examining its potential help in more severe forms of OSA.' Reacting to the findings, Professor Sophia Schiza, head of the ERS group on sleep disordered breathing, based at the University of Crete, Greece, said: 'We know that OSA patients have poor quality of sleep, and higher risks of high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease. 'A proportion of patients experience sleepiness during the day. 'While Cpap and other treatments are available based on careful diagnosis of disease severity, there is still need for new treatments. 'This is an intriguing study that shows the ancient practice of shankh blowing could potentially offer an OSA treatment for selected patients by targeting muscles training. 'A larger study will help provide more evidence for this intervention which could be of benefit as a treatment option or in combination with other treatments in selected OSA patients.'
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
The ancient ritual that could help improve your sleep
An ancient ritual involving the forceful blowing of a conch shell could offer a surprising, non-invasive treatment for a widespread sleep disorder, according to new research. Known as shankh blowing, the practice involves a deep inhalation followed by a powerful exhalation into the spiral-shaped shell of a sea snail. Researchers suggest this technique could significantly improve sleep for individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), potentially negating the need for cumbersome medical equipment. Obstructive sleep apnoea, which affects an estimated eight million people in the UK, occurs when the throat muscles relax and narrow during sleep, leading to symptoms such as loud snoring, choking noises, and frequent awakenings. The findings stem from a small trial conducted in India, involving 30 participants aged between 19 and 65, all diagnosed with OSA. For the trial, 16 people were provided with a traditional shankh used in yogic practices and trained in how to use it properly before taking it home, while the remaining 14 people were asked to carry out deep breathing exercises. Both groups were encouraged to practice for a minimum of 15 minutes five days a week. They were monitored during sleep and asked questions about sleep quality and how tired they felt during the day. After six months, the study found those who practised shankh blowing reported sleeping better and were 34 per cent less sleepy during the day. They also had higher levels of oxygen in the blood during the night and had four to five fewer apnoeas, where breathing stops during sleep, per hour on average. They also had higher levels of oxygen in their blood during the night. Dr Krishna K Sharma, of the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Jaipur, India, said: 'The way the shankh is blown is quite distinctive. 'It involves a deep inhalation followed by a forceful, sustained exhalation through tightly pursed lips. 'This action creates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which likely strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, including the throat and soft palate, areas that often collapse during sleep in people with OSA. 'The shankh's unique spiralling structure may also contribute to specific acoustic and mechanical effects that further stimulate and tone these muscles.' Continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) machines are the first line of treatment for OSA. They involve patients wearing a mask that blows pressurised air into the nose and throat while they sleep. However, they can be uncomfortable. Speaking of Cpap, Dr Sharma said: 'While effective, many patients find it uncomfortable and struggle to use it consistently.' He suggests shankh blowing could be a 'promising alternative'. 'Shankh blowing is a simple low-cost, breathing technique that could help improve sleep and reduce symptoms without the need for machines or medication,' Dr Sharma said. Researchers are now planning a larger trial involving several hospitals. Dr Sharma added: 'This next phase will allow us to validate and expand on our findings in a broader, more diverse population and assess how shankh blowing performs over longer periods. 'We also want to study how this practice affects airway muscle tone, oxygen levels and sleep in greater detail. 'We're particularly interested in comparing shankh blowing with standard treatments like Cpap, and in examining its potential help in more severe forms of OSA.' Reacting to the findings, Professor Sophia Schiza, head of the ERS group on sleep disordered breathing, based at the University of Crete, Greece, said: 'We know that OSA patients have poor quality of sleep, and higher risks of high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease. 'A proportion of patients experience sleepiness during the day. 'While Cpap and other treatments are available based on careful diagnosis of disease severity, there is still need for new treatments. 'This is an intriguing study that shows the ancient practice of shankh blowing could potentially offer an OSA treatment for selected patients by targeting muscles training. 'A larger study will help provide more evidence for this intervention which could be of benefit as a treatment option or in combination with other treatments in selected OSA patients.'
Fox News
04-08-2025
- Health
- Fox News
The best secret weapons to prevent and overcome jetlag from travel, says doctor
As many travelers return from trips with souvenirs of their adventures, some also bring back an unwelcome case of jetlag. Jetlag is a sleep disorder caused by traveling across different time zones in both international and domestic travel. Flying can take a toll on the body, including dehydration, leg swelling and jetlag in many cases, according to Brunilda Nazario, M.D., WebMD's chief physician editor of medical affairs. "Jet lag, a very common symptom of longer travel, is much more than just several days of excessive sleepiness or insomnia," said Nazario. Long periods of sitting on a plane and lack of oxygen and decreased air pressure in the airplane cabin can contribute to the issue, according to Cleveland Clinic. Jetlag disrupts our internal clock and its relationship with the outside world, said Nazario. "In our external world, the cycle of daylight and darkness helps influence sleep patterns through melatonin. Jetlag also affects other circadian rhythms," said Nazario. "Our internal clock also helps regulate the release of daily or monthly hormones, like growth hormone and hormones of the menstrual cycle." Symptoms of jetlag include problems with focus, coordination and drowsiness. The hormones also help regulate our appetite and digestive hormones, as well as the body's temperature fluctuations, she said. Flying from the West Coast to the East Coast can mess up the body's biological internal clock, leading to a mismatch of various symptoms. "Flying east requires you to advance your internal clock, while flying west means having to manipulate your internal clock to delay it," said Nazario. Symptoms of jetlag include problems with focus, coordination and drowsiness. If a person is consistently traveling across time zones, it can lead to longer-term health problems, even increasing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, mood disorders and obesity. There are ways to prevent or lessen the impacts of jetlag, said Nazario. "One common way to help prevent jetlag is to adjust your routine a few days before traveling by advancing or delaying your daily routine, depending on the direction of your travel," she said. Nazario suggested going to sleep earlier or later to help realign the timing of sleep and internal clocks. While booking flights, opting for short stop-over connecting flights can help the body adjust to the changes you'll experience at the destination, including sleep quality and alertness, she said. Medications like over-the-counter sleep aids or prescription muscle relaxants can induce sleep, while caffeine can help combat daytime sleepiness. One hack Nazario shared that may help some flight passengers sleep is melatonin. "Melatonin has sleep-inducing effects. It's known as the 'darkness hormone' because exposure to light shuts it down. Sleep masks can be a simple way to block light," she said. "The best sleep comes when the timing of your sleep is synced with the release of melatonin," said Nazario. "Melatonin supplements can help reset your body clock." Anyone considering taking the supplements should first consult with a doctor or medical professional about approved products and proper dosing, experts advise. While melatonin is generally considered safe in the short term, it may interfere with certain medications, so caution is best.
