Sleep Apnea

Why it works: Hangekobokuto (Hange-koboku-to, Banxia-houpu-tang) has plausible mechanisms (improves swallowing/cough reflex, reduces phlegm/upper-airway secretions, and can affect upper GI motil...

Instructions: Typical commercial extract (Tsumura / medical extract):. • Medical prescribing information (example: Tsumura Hange-koboku-to extract granules): usual adult dosing in the medical pr...

Warnings: Common / reported adverse reactions: hypersensitivity reactions (rash, pruritus), possible liver-fun...

Studies: Randomized pilot trial — aspiration pneumonia in elderly wit...

Why it works: Chamomile can modestly improve sleep quality (insomnia/anxiety) — likely via its flavonoid apigenin acting on GABA and by reducing inflammation — but there is no strong clinical ev...

Instructions: Capsule/extract doses used in trials. • 270 mg twice daily (standardized chamomile extract) for 28 days (pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with chr...

Warnings: Chamomile is not a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Do not stop CPAP, oral appliance, or other...

Studies: Key systematic reviews & meta-analysesTherapeutic effica...

Why it works: Valerian root is used for insomnia and can help some people fall asleep or sleep longer by acting on GABA/serotonin systems, but there is no good clinical evidence that valerian tr...

Instructions: If you and your clinician agree to try valerian for insomnia or sleep difficulty that coexists with sleep apnea, common evidence-based usage is:. • Typical dose (adults): 300–600 m...

Warnings: These are important — some make valerian unsafe for people with sleep apnea or on other meds:. • May...

Studies: Systematic reviews / meta-analyses (insomnia focus):A 2006 m...

Why it works: Manuka honey contains bioactive compounds (notably high methylglyoxal — MGO — plus polyphenols) with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mucosal-soothing properties....

Instructions: There is no standardized medical dosing for Manuka honey to treat sleep-disordered breathing. What’s commonly suggested (based on reviews, product guidance and small sleep/honey st...

Warnings: Do not give honey to infants under 12 months — risk of infant botulism. This is a strong, well-estab...

Studies: Randomized pediatric trial (Pediatrics 2012) — single noctur...

Why it works: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has reasonably good evidence for improving sleep quality, insomnia, and stress-related sleep problems, but there is no high-quality clinical eviden...

Instructions: Examples of doses and regimens reported in human trials:. • 120 mg once daily of a standardized Shoden® ashwagandha extract for 6 weeks — improved measures of “non-restorative slee...

Warnings: Major warnings. • Not a treatment for OSA. Do not stop CPAP/oral appliance therapy based on taking a...

Studies: Systematic reviews / meta-analysesPLOS ONE — Effect of Ashwa...

Why it works: There is biological plausibility and observational evidence that low magnesium is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and magnesium can improve sleep in some contexts (i...

Instructions: These are common, evidence-informed practices used in clinical and consumer guidance — treat as general guidance, not a prescription.. Forms to prefer (better absorbed or better to...

Warnings: Main safety points (with sources):. • Kidney disease / reduced renal function: magnesium is excreted...

Studies: Systematic review — serum magnesium in OSA (MDPI paper): rev...

Why it works: Less fat around the airway. Obesity increases fat deposition in the neck and pharyngeal tissues, which narrows the upper airway and makes it more likely to collapse during sleep. L...

Instructions: Overall principle (guideline-level): For adults with OSA who are overweight/obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m²), guidelines recommend a comprehensive lifestyle program that combines a reduced-ca...

Warnings: Weight loss/exercise does not reliably cure OSA for everyone. Many patients will improve but still r...

Studies: Authoritative guidelines / position statementsAmerican Thora...

Why it works: Nasal dilator strips (external adhesive strips such as Breathe Right) can reduce nasal airway resistance and may help snoring or sleep quality for people whose sleep problems are d...

Instructions: Manufacturer instructions vary slightly by brand, but standard, evidence-based steps:. • Clean & dry: wash and thoroughly dry the bridge and sides of your nose. Remove oils, moistu...

Warnings: Not a reliable treatment for moderate/severe OSA: if you have diagnosed moderate or severe OSA, rely...

Studies: Systematic reviews / meta-analysesCamacho et al., Pulmonary...