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My friend thinks she will get rid of her sleep apnoea by going to the gym — does this work?
Question:
What are the effects of exercise on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
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Research suggests that exercise reduces the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and reduces daytime sleepiness. It also increases the efficiency of your sleep and your fitness. You can gain these benefits from exercise even if you do not lose any weight.
It is recommended that you take moderate intensity aerobic exercise for two and a half hours per week spread over four days. Moderate intensity means you become warm, slightly out of breath, with an increased heart rate.
You should also aim for two sessions of strength training per week. This involves working each group of muscles in turn by repeating an exercise for that particular muscle group eight to 12 times. For example, you could lift a weight up and down eight times to build strength in specific arm muscles.
It is crucial that you do each strength training exercise correctly to ensure you do not hurt yourself, so it is best to receive tuition from an expert before you start. Also remember to warm up at the beginning and cool down at the end!
It is also best to consult a doctor or nurse before starting an exercise programme if you have a heart or lung condition. You may be referred to a rehabilitation programme where you will receive specialist support while exercising.