When it comes to sleep apnea
treatment, many people find success using multiple options, such as a
combination of oral appliance and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
device.
However, one
Minneapolis man is trying an unusual blend of methods to treat his obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially life-threatening condition that affects
approximately 20 million Americans. According to an article in
the Star Tribune, he is battling his OSA with the use of a custom-made oral
appliance and a didgeridoo.
Employing the
didgeridoo to treat sleep apnea has been something of a fringe trend since
2006, when a Swiss study indicated that playing the Aboriginal Australian
instrument decreased nighttime snoring and daytime drowsiness. The study
suggested that playing the didgeridoo regularly strengthened muscles in the
back of the throat, where tissue collapse during sleep can block the air
passage and contribute to OSA.
The sporadically
documented cases of patients who have tried it imply that it may be effective
for those who have mild to moderate cases of OSA, especially when used in
conjunction with another treatment, such as oral appliances
similar to sports mouthguards.
Of course, while
learning a musical instrument is encouraged, it’s also encouraged to seek
medical advice if you believe you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea
before signing up for didgeridoo lessons alone. A dentist who is experienced in
sleep apnea
diagnosis and treatment can assess your individual condition and recommend
a custom treatment plan.
Please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate
a qualified sleep dentist near you.