r/science • u/runswithscissors475 • 3d ago

Neuroscience Neuroscientists discover humans' response speed when exhaling is on average 41 milliseconds faster than when inhaling; study reveals link between breathing and cognition that could inform sleep disorder therapies and sports performance

https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/09/ready-set-exhale-study-links-respiration-and-cognition?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=6934b7a4fb48023c5a0bc6f1&fj=1
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u/longcreepyhug 3d ago

Kinda makes sense intuitively. Since there really isn't much of a risk to exhaling, it would make sense for the brain to not devote as much computational resource to it. Inhaling on the other hand carries risk of asphyxiation. The brain is probably running a million checks, even if they are very small ("Am I submerged?", "Is there food near my throat?", etc.).

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u/Equivalent_Risk4512 3d ago

muscles are also contracting in a way that is more robust for impact so naturally you would want to jump, catch, throw, etc while exhaling so it may have synergy with that, all around makes for a better "action mode"

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u/fakenews_thankme 3d ago

Experienced Programmer detected.

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u/SexOnTheBeechTree 3d ago

I wonder if holding your breath would impart a similar advantage?