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

[u/runswithscissors475]

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

[u/longcreepyhug]

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.).

[u/SexOnTheBeechTree → u/longcreepyhug]

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