Conch Blowing Shows Potential to Help Sleep Apnea

A small Indian trial tests shankh blowing as a potential noninvasive option for obstructive sleep apnea.

Conch Blowing Shows Potential to Help Sleep Apnea

In Jaipur, India, a six month trial enrolled 30 adults with obstructive sleep apnea to compare two breathing techniques. Half learned to blow into a conch shell, while the other half performed deep breathing exercises. Participants practiced for 15 minutes, five days a week. After six months, the shell group reported 34 percent less daytime sleepiness, higher overnight blood oxygen levels, and four to five fewer sleep apnea episodes per hour on average. The researchers frame the technique as a low cost, noninvasive option that could complement existing treatments, with a larger trial planned to confirm the findings.

Experts caution that the small sample size limits conclusions and emphasize the need for independent replication and comparison with established strategies. They also note that understanding how shankh blowing could reduce symptoms remains unclear. If future studies verify benefit, the approach could join other simple lifestyle practices alongside devices like CPAP, especially for patients who struggle with current therapies.

The idea is appealing because it relies on a simple habit rather than equipment. Yet a group of 30 cannot prove whether conch blowing truly helps sleep apnea or simply reflects a placebo effect or a testing bias. The proposed mechanism—that the action strengthens upper airway muscles—needs solid physiological proof. Cultural and personal acceptance will also shape whether people embrace a shell method over familiar devices. If later studies show consistent benefits across diverse groups, the method could complement existing care and widen access to treatment, especially where machines are hard to use or unavailable.

Even with promising signs, researchers must rigorously test effectiveness, safety and how it stacks up against lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol, staying active, and maintaining good sleep habits. The next phase should include multiple centers, longer follow up and direct comparisons to standard therapies to map real world value.

Highlights

Future studies will determine if shell therapy becomes a reliable option for sleep apnea.