Conch shell technique shows promise for sleep apnea

A small Indian study suggests blowing into a conch shell may reduce daytime sleepiness and improve night-time oxygen in people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Ancient conch shell technique eases sleep apnea

A small trial in India tested a traditional method for sleep apnea. Thirty adults aged 19 to 65 blew into a conch shell for at least 15 minutes, five days a week, for six months. Those who followed the routine reported they were less sleepy during the day and showed improved sleep quality, along with higher blood oxygen levels at night, compared with participants doing deep breathing exercises.

Researchers note CPAP remains the standard treatment, especially since many patients struggle with masks or air pressure devices. The study describes shankh blowing as simple, low cost and potentially an alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. The findings also indicate fewer breathing pauses per hour and better overall sleep metrics, though the trial is small and not yet confirmed by larger studies.

The report taps a familiar impulse in health coverage: a low-effort, culturally rooted option that could supplement or replace more demanding therapies if proven effective. Yet the evidence is preliminary. A small, single-country trial cannot establish long-term safety or the breadth of benefit. The outcome should prompt cautious optimism and a push for larger, multi-site trials to test different populations and durations.

Separately, a broader health context is highlighted by research linking obstructive sleep apnea to other health risks, including a potential association with lung cancer. That connection reinforces the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea early, while reminding readers that new remedies must meet the same scientific standards as established therapies.

Highlights

As research progresses, patients should rely on medical guidance and avoid replacing proven therapies without evidence.