Didgeridoo to the Rescue?

It’s no secret that music can make life easier on us in many ways—it can effect our emotions, relieve stress, and even help our memory. Some people listen to music to help them sleep better at night. And some people learn to play an instrument that helps them sleep better.

Sleep apnea is a fairly common ailment many Americans struggle with—night after night. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and occurs when the airway is obstructed. People suffering from OSA wake up several seconds after their airway has been blocked, often choking and high with adrenaline.

Traditional treatment involves using a CPAP machine that pumps air through the nose at night to provide a steady flow of oxygen to the body. But not everybody relishes the idea of being hooked up to a sometimes inconvenient machine every night. Some want to find a better, more progressive cure for their problem.

That’s where our unlikely rescuer comes in: the didgeridoo. According to a study published by the British Medical Journal, learning how to play the instrument can strengthen the muscles in the back of the throat, toning the airway and making it less likely to collapse during the night. But the player has to be dedicated to learning and practicing the instrument for it to be effective, and it generally only works as an alternative for those with mild or moderate cases.

Experts agree that it is certainly plausible that playing the didgeridoo could have significant benefits to those with OSA, but they also agree that there needs to be more research conducted on the topic before they’ll give it an official seal of approval like the CPAP.