TITLE:
Singing Exercises Improve Sleepiness and Frequency of Snoring among Snorers—A Randomised Controlled Trial
AUTHORS:
M. P. Hilton, J. O. Savage, B. Hunter, S. McDonald, C. Repanos, R. Powell
KEYWORDS:
Snoring; Obstructive Sleep Apnoea; Upper Airway Resistance; Pharyngeal Exercises
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery,
Vol.2 No.3,
May
24,
2013
ABSTRACT: Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of regular singing exercises in reducing
symptoms of snoring and sleep apnoea. Methods: A prospective single blinded randomised controlled trial was
conducted in the otolaryngology department of a UK teaching hospital (Exeter).
127 adult patients with a history of simple snoring or sleep apnoea were
recruited. 93 patients completed the study. Patients were excluded because of
severe sleep apnoea (apnoea index > 40), or morbid obesity (BMI > 40). The
study group completed a self-guided treatment programme of singing exercises contained
on a 3CD box set, performed for 20 minutes daily. Outcome measures included the
Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the SF-36 generic quality of life assessment tool,
visual analogue scales (VAS range 0-10) of snoring loudness and frequency, and
visual analogue scale of compliance (for intervention group). Results: The
Epworth scale improved significantly in the experimental group compared to the
control group (difference -2.5 units; 95% CI -3.8 to -1.1; p = 0.000).
Frequency of snoring reduced significantly in the experimental group
(difference -1.5; 95% CI -2.6 to -0.4; p = 0.01),
and loudness of snoring showed a trend to improvement which was non-significant
(difference -0.8; 95% CI -1.7 to 0.1; p = 0.08). Compliance with exercises was
good; median 6.6 (quartiles = 4.1, 8.3). Conclusions: Improving
the tone and strength of pharyngeal muscles with a 3 months programme of daily
singing exercises reduces the severity, frequency and loudness of snoring, and
improves symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnoea.