Didgeridoo Therapy for Sleep Apnea: Can Playing an Instrument Help?

Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, M.D.

Written by Nicole Hernandez, PT, DPT

Posted on May 19, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Didgeridoo therapy is an alternative approach that some people with obstructive sleep apnea are exploring to help strengthen the airway muscles that keep breathing steady during sleep.

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Are you considering alternative treatments for your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? If so, you may want to explore didgeridoo therapy.

A didgeridoo (or didjeridu) is a wind instrument, likely originating from the Aboriginal people of northern Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).

You play it by blowing air through pursed lips, creating a deep vibrational sound you might associate with the Australian outback. Playing the didgeridoo requires strength and coordination of the muscles that control our breathing and airways — a skill that may also benefit some people with OSA.

This article explains what research says about didgeridoo therapy for sleep apnea and when to ask your healthcare team if it’s worth a try. Always talk to your doctor or sleep specialist before replacing your current treatments with other options.

What is Didgeridoo Therapy?

Didgeridoo therapy is a type of treatment that uses the didgeridoo to train breathing and airway muscles.

When you start didgeridoo therapy, you may start by learning the basics of playing the instrument, including breath control and mouth positioning. Eventually, you’ll learn how to play a note and control sounds using your lips, mouth, and throat.

Many wind instruments work in a similar way, like trumpets and tubas. But didgeridoos are special because they produce music through changes in timbre and formants rather than through pitch.

In other words, you “talk” to create music, rather than using an instrument’s valves or changing lip tightness to form higher or lower notes.

How Can Playing the Didgeridoo Help Sleep Apnea?

Didgeridoo sounds come from the vocal cords and the shape of the lips, mouth, and throat, just like singing. Both singing and playing the didgeridoo are believed to activate, strengthen, and coordinate the muscles needed to stabilize the airway and improve airflow in people with mild to moderate OSA.

The main muscles needed to play the didgeridoo are the same ones trained during physical therapy for sleep apnea. These include the oropharyngeal muscles, which are the tongue, mouth, and throat muscles that support the airway.

The main goal of training these muscles is to increase muscle tone or the level of muscle activity at rest. With a higher tone, the muscles are more active at rest, and the airway is more likely to remain open throughout the night.

How Effective is Didgeridoo Therapy?

There aren’t many high-quality studies on the effectiveness of didgeridoo therapy, so it’s hard to know how well it works and for whom.

As it stands, research suggests that playing a wind instrument can have a small effect on sleep disorders such as OSA. Playing the didgeridoo has potential benefits, but more research is needed.

One small but popular study specifically explored the impact of didgeridoo therapy on moderate OSA symptoms. After practicing for at least 20 minutes, five days per week for four months, participants reported less daytime sleepiness and better airflow at night. Their partners also reported better sleep quality.

Even though didgeridoo therapy doesn’t have much supporting research yet, many people are attracted to the idea. For example, on average, participants in the study above were motivated to practice more than they were instructed.

Also, while positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy or oral devices are important treatments, they can be uncomfortable.

One study found that up to 67 percent of people with OSA have trouble with their PAP therapy and would be willing to try structured airway strengthening programs — including didgeridoo therapy.

Considerations Before Trying Didgeridoo Therapy

Didgeridoo therapy isn’t for everyone. Consider the following before starting.

Condition severity — Research on didgeridoo therapy suggests it can be somewhat helpful for those with mild to moderate OSA. It’s not yet clear whether it can support those with severe OSA.

Time commitment — Studies required people to practice didgeridoo for about 20 to 30 minutes per day, five days per week, for four months before measuring its effect on OSA. For best results, you may need to set aside the same amount of time and stick to it.

Cost — Didgeridoo therapy isn’t an approved treatment that most insurances will cover. Expect to pay for a didgeridoo out of pocket (between $100 to $2,000, depending on material and the seller).

Noise — Learning any instrument can cause a ruckus unless you have a secluded space where you can practice. You may need to let your family know when you’re about to play, or you may need to find a place or time when you can practice freely.

Learning curve — You might not learn the instrument as quickly as others, leading to disappointment or more practice before seeing results.

Lessons — In-person lessons may be hard to find. Also, paying for in-person or virtual lessons may add to the overall cost.

Combine Didgeridoo With Other Lifestyle Changes

Practicing didgeridoo — or doing exercises to strengthen the airway, like singing or physical therapy — doesn’t have to feel like homework. Instead, think of it as a fun pivot toward positive lifestyle changes needed to find long-term OSA relief.

Didgeridoo therapy can complement other healthy adjustments, such as:

Eating nutritious foods — Avoiding sugary and highly processed foods and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and quality protein can support a healthy weight.
Regular physical activity — Exercise programs also support a healthy weight while improving OSA symptoms like daytime sleepiness and sleep quality.
Quitting smoking — Smoking habits are associated with heart and lung health issues, especially when combined with OSA.
Reducing alcohol — Drinking alcohol is linked to worsening OSA symptoms and poorer sleep quality.
Managing weight — Lower body fat, especially around the neck and tongue, can help reduce OSA symptoms by placing less pressure on the airway.
Improving sleep hygiene — By limiting caffeine in the afternoon or avoiding screen time before bed, you may improve sleep quality and feel better during the day.
Addressing coexisting health issues — To set yourself up for success, make sure any overlapping issues, such as asthma, are also being treated by your doctor.

Talk To Your Doctor

If you’re interested in alternative treatments to manage your mild to moderate OSA, ask your doctor or sleep specialist if didgeridoo therapy is right for you.

If didgeridoo therapy isn’t for you but you’re interested in a similar approach, ask if other specific exercises could help. Some options include respiratory muscle training, tongue and soft palate exercises, facial muscle strengthening, and therapeutic exercises.

Keep in mind that playing the didgeridoo is not a first-line treatment. It’s important to follow your care team’s recommendations to keep your symptoms under control. Don’t change your current treatment plan before discussing it with your doctor.

If you’re having trouble with your main treatments, know that you’re not alone. Some MySleepApneaTeam members have expressed frustration with their CPAP therapy, like dry mouth or air leakage from their mask. “I’m having trouble sleeping all night because of my CPAP machine mask’s fit. I’ve tried just about all of them. What can I try next?” wrote one member.

If this sounds familiar, read about other CPAP alternatives and bring them up at your next doctor visit.