Why Being Aware Of Types Of Breathing Can Affect Your Well-Being

There is an intricate connection between respiratory habits and overall health.

A recent study has uncovered the health benefits associated with predominantly breathing through the nose in contrast to breathing through the mouth. Led by Joseph Watso, an assistant professor of health and human sciences at Florida State University in Tallahassee, the research indicates that nasal breathing can contribute to lower blood pressure and an overall sense of bodily relaxation, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease.

The study represents a significant step forward in understanding how nasal breathing influences crucial cardiovascular variables with clinical relevance. Researchers highlighted that a majority of U.S. adults have developed the habit of breathing through their mouths, a behavior that can impact blood pressure and heart rate – both key indicators of heart disease.

While previous research has emphasized the positive effects of nasal breathing on airway relaxation and breathing efficiency, its specific impact on heart health had not been thoroughly explored until this study. The research enlisted 20 young adult volunteers who were randomly assigned to breathe through either their nose or mouth during periods of rest or exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.

The findings revealed that nasal breathing during rest resulted in lower average and diastolic blood pressure, measuring the pressure within the arteries between heartbeats. Additionally, nasal breathing triggered a shift in the body’s nervous system towards a “rest and digest” mode rather than a “fight or flight” response.

However, it’s important to note that the benefits of nasal breathing were predominantly observed during rest, with no significant differences noted between nasal and mouth breathing during exercise. The researchers concluded that nasal breathing, when compared to oral breathing, brings about modest yet potentially clinically relevant improvements in cardiovascular variables during periods of rest. This underscores the significance of nasal breathing in promoting heart health during moments of relaxation.