Oboe Players May Lower Sleep Apnea Risk

The oboe and other double reed woodwinds (bassoon, contrabassoon, and English horn) are difficult to play properly. You need to train yourself to inhale and exhale in a certain manner to be able to blow correctly into the mouthpiece. Unlike brass instruments (trumpets, for example) or single reed instruments (clarinets), double reed instruments have a very small mouth piece and there is a lot of resistance when the player blows into the instrument.

It’s this resistance that researchers have found may reduce the risk for obstructive sleep apnea in those players. On the other hand, another theory is that these instruments are often practiced more often and the increase in practice time may play a role in reducing sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathing for short periods of time while asleep, is most often associated with people who are overweight, but it can affect just about anyone. More studies need to be done, but it is an interesting finding.

Music has long been considered a good way to encourage proper breathing. Singing and choirs are often encouraged in seniors’ groups or residences because of how helpful the breathing techniques and exercises may be.

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