Q Does exercise help with snoring and sleep apnea?
A Losing weight through aerobic exercise improves AHI. In addition, studies show that exercises to strengthen the upper airway muscles (oral myofunctional therapy) are effective at reducing apnea.
Detailed Answer
The Dual Benefits of Exercise
Exercise helps with sleep apnea in two ways.
- Weight loss: at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) reduces body fat, improving AHI
- Upper airway muscle training: oral myofunctional therapy (MFT), which strengthens the muscles of the tongue, pharynx, and soft palate, has been shown in studies to reduce AHI by an average of 39%
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective — Qi-Blood Circulation and Removing Phlegm-Dampness
At Dongjedang, we consider exercise important for promoting Qi-Blood circulation and creating a body environment in which phlegm-dampness does not accumulate. Combining herbal treatment with regular exercise speeds up the improvement of phlegm-dampness.
For those receiving sleep apnea treatment in the Dong-gu area of Incheon, we also offer consultations on customized exercise routines.
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