No need to shell out to cure sleep problems

A LARGE shell may offer a low-cost way to help those who struggle to breathe while sleeping, say scientist.

- By Hanna Geissler

Conch or shankh blowing is thought to strengthen airway muscles as it involves a deep inhalation followed by a forceful exhalation.

Some 30 adults with obstructive sleep apnoea or OSA blew through a conch shell or did a deep breathing exercise for a minimum of 15 minutes, five days a week.

Six months later those in the shankh-blowing group were 34% less sleepy during the day than the deep breathers.