Southland support group for sleep woes

Southlander Karen Barnes was motivated to set up set up Sleep Apnoea Support Southland after being diagnosed with the condition following a near-fatal fatigue-related vehicle smash three years ago.

The initial meeting drew 80 people, and the group has continued meeting every two months, mostly sharing information on the use of CPAP machines.

Karen had not heard of Buteyko training, and emphasises the group does not endorse any particular therapy.

However, the Sleep Apnoea New Zealand website does, by implication, endorse the mechanical approach to correction through its website links to the major suppliers of CPAP machines or appliances.

There is no visible discussion of any form of breathing training, not even yoga, despite the body of scientific knowledge of neurophysiological effects of yoga breathing and meditation practices on the heart, brain and autonomic nervous system. The organisation appears to be too under-resourced to offer any independent guidance.

On the other hand, longer-established bodies like Asthma New Zealand have the professional staffing, and nurse educator Ann Wheat says that learning to slow the breathing (as taught by physiotherapists for example) is useful for those with asthma who have hyperventilation syndrome.

Anecdotally, she was aware that some people swear by the Buteyko method, but others do not, and her organisation does not actually recommend it because they consider there is not yet sufficient research to evaluate its benefits.

Which leaves the inquirer in the position of evaluating the information for themselves.

Buteyko websites are crammed with endorsements from students, crediting training with immediate benefits, and eventually major health improvements.

They also provide links to clinical trials, though so far only with asthma patents, like that in 2003 at Gisborne Hospital where participants reduced reliever medication by a startling 85 per cent, and preventer by 50 per cent.

Buteyko trainer Jennifer Stark says the major study, in 1993 at Brisbane hospital, happened only through public pressure.

Maybe that's what's got to happen before those with sleep apnoea will have satisfactory independent well-informed advice on whether Buteyko offers an answer.

However, with a money-back guarantee, those who are motivated enough would seem to have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

» Sleep Apnoea Support Southland contact is Karen Barnes (03) 213 0027. The group's next meeting will be in April.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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