VIDEO: Snorers seek cure with ancient Australian instrument

At Music 4 Life in the southwest part of the Las Vegas Valley, seven people are blowing into an instrument whose origins date back 40,000 years in hopes it will help them sleep better by curing their snoring or sleep apnea.

Judith Pinkerton, founder of Music 4 Life and Nevada’s first licensed music therapist, stumbled upon using the didgeridoo to treat snoring after her husband saw a game show that talked about using the ancient instrument from Australia’s Outback. He began playing the didgeridoo nightly and quickly noticed an improvement in his breathing, leading to less snoring.

A scientific study conducted at Cambridge University showed how blowing into the instrument strengthens muscles in the throat that are weakened and cause snoring. By strengthening the muscles a person can open the airway during sleep to prevent snoring.

The class just underwent its first six weeks, but Pinkerton says clients should expect at least six months of treatment to see real improvement.

For more information on the class, go to www.music4life.us/