Ancient Aborigines never would have expected the didgeridoo to be used in sleep medicine. But research links didgeridoo playing to a significant reduction in snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.Didgeridoo is a wooden musical instrument dating back over a 1000 years. The Australian Aborigines used the didgeridoo mainly for ceremonial dancing and singing, but today it is widely used as a recreational solo musical instrument.
Health benefits of didgeridoo playing
Positive effects of didgeridoo playing on sleep was demonstrated in a study published in the British Medical Journal. The research involved 25 subjects with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Their sleep habits were assessed using standard scales like Epworth's sleepiness scale and Pittsburgh quality of sleep index. Sleep disturbance of the partner (i.e. due to snoring etc) was also rated.
After the initial assessment some of them underwent a 4 month training on playing the didgeridoo. They practiced for at least 20 minutes for more than 5 days per week. The other group received no training.
The results were astonishing. All the subjects who played the didgeridoo had improved their sleep related symptoms. They had,
- Less snoring
- Reduction in obstructive sleep apnoea
- Less daytime sleepiness
- Less disturbance to partners
Why is this research important?
Poor compliance to treatment a major obstacle in managing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is useful for severe OSA, it is not suitable for those with moderate OSA. So didgeridoo playing can bridge that gap in treatment. It is also a natural way of curing sleep apnoea and snoring.
How does didgeridoo playing reduce OSA?
Playing the didgeridoo requires you to master circular breathing - the ability to breath through the nose and simultaneously blowing air through the mouth. Circular breathing improves the muscle tone of the upper airways and helps to keep them open during sleep. Collapse of upper airways is main cause of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
How can you improve your sleep with the didgeridoo?
Didgeridoo isn't the mostly popular musical instrument. Maybe you've heard of it for the first time on this blog post. But there are plenty of helpful websites and instructional vidoes on YouTube to help you get started on the basics. If you are happy with the results then you can enroll to a class to get proper training. While long term studies are yet to be done on the connection between the didgeridoo and sleep, it is a fun thing to try if you want to fight snoring.
If you want more conventional methods of preventing snoring, read our post Get Rid of Snoring Once and for All.
How does didgeridoo playing reduce OSA?
Playing the didgeridoo requires you to master circular breathing - the ability to breath through the nose and simultaneously blowing air through the mouth. Circular breathing improves the muscle tone of the upper airways and helps to keep them open during sleep. Collapse of upper airways is main cause of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
How can you improve your sleep with the didgeridoo?
Didgeridoo isn't the mostly popular musical instrument. Maybe you've heard of it for the first time on this blog post. But there are plenty of helpful websites and instructional vidoes on YouTube to help you get started on the basics. If you are happy with the results then you can enroll to a class to get proper training. While long term studies are yet to be done on the connection between the didgeridoo and sleep, it is a fun thing to try if you want to fight snoring.
If you want more conventional methods of preventing snoring, read our post Get Rid of Snoring Once and for All.
