Playing the Tuba Prevents Sleep Apnea

Researchers in India compared the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea in 64 people who played a wind instrument versus 65 people who did not.

Researchers theorize the difference is due to the increased muscle tone of the upper airways that wind players have likely developed. Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, briefly cutting off the ability to breathe. The patient awakens momentarily to catch his breath - as many as 30 times an hour. Besides causing fatigue, it can also lead to high blood pressure.

Strengthening those muscles by playing a wind instrument could be "a cheap and non-invasive method" of preventing sleep apnea.

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