Objective To explore the impact of pharyngeal cavity and genioglossus exercise on the therapeutic effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods From Jan 2018 to June 2020, 80 patients with OSAHS were randomly divided into two groups (40 cases in each group). The patients of group A received modified UPPP, while those of group B received pharyngeal cavity and genioglossus exercise after UPPP. The total effective rate, sleep apnea hypopnea index, sleep status index and quality of life score of the two groups were compared. Results The total effective rate of group B was 92.50%, which was higher than that of group A (75.00%, P<0.05). After treatment, the nocturnal oxygen saturation in group B was higher than that in group A (P<0.05), while the hypopnea index, apnea hypopnea index and apnea hypopnea index in group B were lower than those in group A (all P<0.05). The actual sleep duration of group B was longer than that of group A (P<0.05), and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score of group B was lower than that of group A (P<0.05). The quality of life score of group B was higher than that of group A (P<0.05). Conclusion On the basis of UPPP, pharyngeal cavity and genioglossus exercise can effectively reduce the nocturnal sleep apnea and hypopnea of OSAHS patients, improve their sleep status and quality of life.