By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
If you’ve been snoring loudly or feeling exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, you might be experiencing sleep apnoea—a disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture provide natural treatments for sleep apnoea, along with related issues like insomnia and fatigue.
Sleep apnoea, also referred to as sleep apnea, occurs when a person’s breathing is irregular during sleep, leading to insufficient oxygen intake. This condition often goes undiagnosed, as individuals may not recall the brief awakenings at night caused by the need to breathe. Sleep apnoea is most prevalent in older, overweight men and postmenopausal women and is commonly associated with conditions like type-2 diabetes.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most common form, involves physical blockages in the airway due to the positioning of the neck, jaw, and soft throat tissues. This type of apnoea not only disrupts sleep but also raises the risk of serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and strokes. Additionally, OSA can contribute to mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline and is linked to erectile dysfunction in men.
While the standard treatment for sleep apnoea involves using a CPAP machine (continuous positive air pressure machine) that keeps the airway open by pushing air into the nose, some find this machine to be noisy and uncomfortable. As an alternative, acupuncture and other TCM practices aim to holistically address the root causes of snoring and sleep apnoea, improving overall sleep quality and respiratory function.
Sleep apnoea is a condition that leads to a reduction in oxygen levels due to shallow breathing (hypopnea) or interrupted breathing during sleep. This disorder is categorised into distinct types based on their physiological origins.
Additionally, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, often complicates sleep apnoea. RLS triggers an irresistible urge to move the legs or other body parts, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like itching or throbbing, primarily as one tries to sleep. This condition can exacerbate the sleep disruption caused by sleep apnoea.
Narcolepsy, another sleep disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, frequently co-occurs with sleep apnoea. However, narcolepsy’s impact on sleep cycle regulation, such as REM sleep, means CPAP machines typically offer little benefit to those affected.
Unlike sleep apnoea, parasomnias—such as sleepwalking, night terrors, or sleep-related eating disorders—do not typically involve issues with snoring or breathing disruptions during sleep.
Sleep apnoea often goes unnoticed, as many who snore heavily might not be aware of it. It’s crucial to be alert to the more subtle signs of this condition. The top symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
Snoring can be triggered by various factors, including sleep apnoea, which may stem from a physical blockage in the throat and airways, or issues with the brain signalling the breathing mechanisms. It’s important to note that not all individuals who snore have sleep apnoea, and not everyone with sleep apnoea necessarily snores. Other common causes of snoring include:
People diagnosed with sleep apnoea are often recommended to sleep on their side to help keep the airways open, although it can be challenging to maintain this position throughout the night.
To determine if someone suffers from sleep apnoea and its specific type, doctors often recommend a sleep study. During this study, patients spend the night at a sleep centre where their heart and respiratory functions are continuously monitored using polysomnography.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are widely regarded as the most effective treatment for sleep apnoea. These devices help reduce snoring, improve sleep quality, and decrease the risk of severe health issues like heart disease linked to sleep apnoea. However, CPAP machines do not address the underlying weak muscles causing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) or the abnormal brain signals responsible for Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA). Users may also experience side effects such as air swallowing, leading to bloating and gas. Additionally, the face mask, which needs to be tightly fitted, can be uncomfortable, and the machine’s noise might disturb both the user and their partner. Adapting to the CPAP machine can be challenging, and inconsistent use diminishes its health benefits.
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are another type of oral appliance designed to modify the position of the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep. These devices offer a more silent, discreet, and cost-efficient alternative to CPAP machines, potentially improving breathing during sleep. However, their acceptability varies as they may lead to side effects like toothaches or dental discomfort, pain in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), dry mouth, or excessive saliva production. The key issue remains whether individuals can comfortably use these devices without significant discomfort.
Surgical interventions for snoring and sleep apnoea are typically considered only after other treatments have failed. These surgeries might involve removing tissues like the uvula, tonsils, or adenoids, altering the jaw’s structure, or inserting small rods into the upper palate to maintain an open airway. Alternatively, an implantable device that monitors breathing and stimulates tongue movement might be placed in the chest.
Melatonin, a natural sleep aid, is sometimes used to promote an easier onset of sleep and has potent antioxidant effects, potentially aiding in respiratory control and reducing oxidative stress during sleep. While generally safe, melatonin can cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and may interact adversely with other medications. Particularly, it can affect blood clotting, posing risks for those on blood thinners.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on health and disease, focusing on the balance and flow of Qi (vital energy) within the body. According to TCM theory, the spleen and stomach play crucial roles in converting nutrients from food and fluids into Qi, which is essential for all bodily functions, including sleep. Here, we explore how TCM approaches conditions like snoring and sleep apnoea:
TCM identifies sleep apnoea often as a result of phlegm and Qi stagnation. This condition is primarily linked to the spleen, where accumulated phlegm impedes the flow of Qi to the lungs. Patients with this condition typically experience feelings of heaviness and bloating.
Excess internal heat can aggravate sleep apnoea symptoms. Signs of this include snoring, night sweats, and waking up with a sore throat, suggesting the need to clear heat and detoxify the body.
Research, including a comprehensive meta-analysis of over 200 randomised trials, demonstrates that acupuncture is often more effective than CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) treatments in improving breathing and oxygen levels for those suffering from sleep apnoea.
TCM provides a holistic approach to treating sleep apnoea and snoring, emphasising the restoration of balance and proper energy flow within the body to alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality.
Acupressure along the Stomach Meridian can be an effective natural remedy for snoring and sleep apnoea. This technique aims to clear heat and phlegm from the stomach, spleen, and large intestine by targeting specific points along the Stomach Meridian, which runs down the leg. Begin by applying pressure with your thumb on the front of the shin, a few inches below the knee, to the side of the shin bone. Move down about three inches and repeat the process. Knead each of these four points approximately 30 times as you progress down the leg. Additionally, if you notice during the night that one nostril is more congested than the other, perform the acupressure on the opposite leg. For instance, if the left nostril is more blocked, apply acupressure to the right leg.
If you’re concerned about symptoms of sleep apnoea in yourself or loud snoring and breathing difficulties in a partner, it’s important to seek assistance promptly.
Our acupuncturists at Aston Clinic London offer acupuncture and TCM herbal remedies that can alleviate fatigue caused by snoring and help mitigate the more severe health risks associated with sleep apnoea.
To book a session with our practitioners, click here. Alternatively, you can contact us at 020 8942 3148 to learn how our treatments can benefit you.
Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic located in New Malden, serving Kingston, Norbiton, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Richmond, and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.
By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
