Exercises for Sleep Apnea: Role, Evidence and Limits

Exercises for sleep apnea should be considered within a clinical treatment plan. Structured mouth and throat exercises are different from general fitness activity and should not be promoted as a guaranteed replacement for established care.

What structured therapy involves

Myofunctional or orofacial therapy uses a programme of exercises involving the mouth, tongue and related muscles. A suitable professional can explain whether it is appropriate and how it should be performed. A few improvised movements from a video are not necessarily equivalent to a studied programme.

What the evidence can tell you

Research suggests possible benefits for some outcomes, but the studies have limitations and do not establish that every person will respond. A reduction in reported snoring is different from demonstrating control of breathing interruptions.

Questions before starting

Ask who will teach the exercises, what commitment is needed and how the effect will be assessed. Avoid universal promises about a fixed number of minutes or a guaranteed response after a certain number of days.

Keep effective care in place

Continue prescribed therapy while discussing exercises with your treating team. If CPAP is uncomfortable, ask for help with that problem rather than stopping it independently. Persistent sleepiness, gasping or breathing pauses deserve review even if an exercise programme seems to reduce noise.

Keep reading

• Exercise and Snoring: General Activity and Mouth Exercises

Sources and further reading

• Cochrane: Myofunctional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea
• NHLBI: Sleep apnea treatment

Published by TannerMedico A/S, the manufacturer of Asonor. This article provides general information for adults and does not replace individual medical advice.