Conch blowing could help sleep apnoea symptoms, study finds

Blowing into a conch shell could help tackle the symptoms of a sleep disorder that affects millions of people across the UK, according to a study.

- Tobi Thomas

Conch blowing, also known as shankh blowing, is an ancient ritual which involves breathing in deeply and exhaling into the spiral-shaped shell.

According to the research, the practice could improve sleep for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is usually treated with uncomfortable machinery. OSA occurs when breathing starts and stops in sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring and making gasping or choking noises.

Thirty people aged between 19 and 65 living with the disorder took part in the trial, which was led by researchers at the Eternal Heart Care Center and Research Institute in Jaipur, India.