Effect of oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama on snoring, daytime sleepiness and quality of sleep in patients with moderate obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a significant health problem related to repetitive episodes of upper airway occlusion during sleep which is associated with sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, snoring and increased cardiovascular risk.

Objectives: To determine the impact of oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama in patients with moderate OSAS.

Methods: Total 40 patients were selected patients with moderate OSAS were randomized to two groups oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama group and sham therapy. Patients were evaluated at study entry and at end by snoring frequency (range 0–4), intensity (1–3), Epworth daytime sleepiness (0–24) and Pittsburgh sleep quality (0–21) questionnaires and anthropometric measurements.

Results: No significant change occurred in the control group in all variables. In contrast, patients randomized to oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama had a significant decrease in neck circumference, snoring frequency, daytime sleepiness and improved sleep quality. Changes in neck circumference also correlated inversely with changes in apnea-hypopnea index.

Conclusions: Oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama are effective in reducing snoring and daytime sleepiness .its also effective in improving in quality of sleep in patients suffering from OSAS.

Keywords: obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, daytime sleepiness, oropharyngeal exercises, PSQI.