CITED CLIPS
Cyclic Sighing Benefits
Cyclic sighing, a simple practice involving a double inhale followed by a long exhale, has been shown to significantly reduce stress and improve mood when performed for just five minutes a day. This technique not only calms the body in real-time but also leads to lasting benefits, such as better sleep and lower resting heart rates throughout the day. One physiological sigh can quickly restore balance in the nervous system, making it a powerful tool for managing stress effectively.In this clip
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Huberman Lab
How to Breathe Correctly for Optimal Health, Mood, Learning & Performance | Huberman Lab Podcast
Related Questions
Is this correct: The physiological sigh is a natural breathing pattern that occurs in humans and animals to regulate stress and enhance calmness. It involves taking a deep inhale, followed by a brief second inhale (through the nose), and then a long exhale (preferably through the mouth). This double inhale inflates the alveoli, tiny sacs in the lungs, ensuring they remain open (they deflate when we are stressed) and can rebalance the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body?
In plain language, why does the physiological sigh work?
The physiological sigh helps rebalance the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. During stress, there is a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2), and the sigh helps to eliminate this excess CO2. It also inflates the sacs in the lungs that may deflate during stress, allowing for better oxygen uptake. Additionally, the physiological sigh activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts like a brake, promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s stress response.