If you live with sleep apnoea, you’ll know it’s about far more than “snoring too loudly.” This condition happens when the muscles in your throat — like the tongue and soft palate — relax too much during sleep. That relaxation causes your airway to collapse, leading to pauses in breathing, sudden awakenings, and drops in oxygen levels.
The most common treatment, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), works very well — but let’s be honest, it’s not always comfortable or easy to stick with. Other options like oral appliances, positional therapy, or even surgery can help, but many people still look for something less invasive.
That’s where laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), comes in.
What Is Photobiomodulation (PBM)?
PBM is a type of gentle light therapy that uses red or near-infrared light. Unlike surgical lasers that cut tissue, this therapy works at the cellular level. Think of it as giving your cells a boost of energy to work better.
How it may help with sleep apnoea:
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Boosts energy: PBM helps your cells produce more ATP — the fuel they need for strength and recovery.
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Reduces inflammation: By calming irritation in the throat muscles, PBM may help them function more effectively.
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Improves circulation: Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach tired muscles.
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Supports nerve and muscle function: Which could make the muscles in your airway more responsive while you sleep.
What Does the Research Say?
Researchers are only beginning to explore PBM for sleep apnoea, but early signs are encouraging:
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Clinical trial protocols: In 2020, a group of researchers designed a formal study to test PBM on the soft palate and tongue in people with sleep apnoea. Their aim? To see whether it improves breathing and cardiovascular outcomes (Camargo et al., PubMed PMID: 32195961).
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Reviews of laser therapy: Several reviews suggest lasers can reduce snoring and sometimes even enlarge airway space. However, many studies are small, and more large-scale trials are needed.
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Mechanistic evidence: In lab and clinical settings, PBM has been shown to improve muscle strength, reduce fatigue, and support healing — all highly relevant for airway stability.
One exciting possibility is combining PBM with throat and tongue exercises (called myofunctional therapy). Together, they may strengthen the airway more effectively than either therapy alone.
Common Questions Patients Ask
“Does it really work for sleep apnoea?”
The research is still developing. Some people have seen improvements in snoring and airway function, but scientists are still studying its impact on reducing apnoea episodes.
“Is it safe?”
Yes — when used properly. PBM is non-invasive, painless, and generally considered very safe. Unlike surgery, it doesn’t remove tissue.
“Can I use it with other treatments?”
Absolutely. PBM may work best as an add-on, complementing CPAP, oral appliances, or exercise-based therapies.
From Scepticism to Support: Feel–Felt–Found
It’s natural to feel doubtful when you hear about “laser therapy” for sleep apnoea. Many people have felt the same way, especially with so many over-hyped treatments out there. But what researchers have found is that, when done correctly, PBM can support muscle function and reduce snoring in some people. The key is to see it as part of a holistic plan — not a quick fix.
Practical Next Steps
If you’re curious about PBM, here are some simple steps:
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Talk to your sleep specialist before trying anything new.
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Use it as an add-on, not a replacement, for proven treatments like CPAP.
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Look for safe, clinically tested devices, such as the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device from Pulse Laser Relief.
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Keep an eye on new research — clinical trials are underway, and clearer answers are coming soon.
The Bottom Line
Photobiomodulation is an exciting, non-invasive therapy that may help strengthen airway muscles linked to sleep apnoea. Early evidence is promising — especially for reducing snoring and improving mild cases — but larger studies are needed to prove its long-term benefits.
For now, think of PBM as a promising partner to existing treatments, especially when paired with throat exercises or oral devices. If CPAP isn’t comfortable or you’re looking for ways to support your airway health, laser therapy is definitely worth keeping on your radar.
References:
de Camargo FCF, DeMoura JR, Cepeda FX, de Almeida Correia M, Nascimento RC, Fortes-Queiroz L, Ferreira FG, Palma RKD, Hussid MF, Chavantes MC, Trombetta IC. Photobiomodulation by low-level laser therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant). Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Mar;99(12):e19547. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019547. PMID: 32195961; PMCID: PMC7220119.
