Memory can be improved by breathing
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Confused, improper breathing interferes with memorization of information and makes learning much more difficult.
The fact that memory and breathing are interrelated has long been known. Earlier studies were conducted in which brain rhythms were recorded with electrodes, then analyzed with the results of psychological tests and breathing rhythm. It was found that the picture or emotion that people noticed on the breath was remembered better. In addition, it was experimentally proved that, thanks to breathing, there is an information exchange in memory centers during night rest.
A new round of research scientists from the Medical University of Hego directed to further obtain information about the interaction of memory and respiration centers. Scientists involved genetically modified rodents, which arbitrarily activated the neurons of the respiratory center, located in the medulla oblongata. Specialists used optogenetic systems: in the necessary nerve cells introduced photosensitive protein, then brought fiber and further light pulses induced neurons to produce pulse oscillations or, conversely, to return to a calm state.
The rodents were tested for memory. At the moment when they needed to remember something, they were stimulated respiratory failure in the form of a short apnea. In this case, the brain did not have time to feel the violation of blood supply, but memory at this point did not work: rodents did not remember anything. Scientists note that the respiratory failure affected the work of nerve cells hippocampus: neurons and further produced impulses, but their activity did not allow to be folded into typical clusters, causing the fixation of new information.
By changing the respiratory rhythm, speeding up or slowing it down, making breathing more shallow or deep, it is possible to influence the processes of memorization, to worsen or improve them. Of course, we must not forget that the study was conducted on rodents, not on humans, and scientists have not yet given specific practical recommendations. However, if we look ahead, it is quite possible that in the near future memory disorders can be cured with the help of breathing exercises, selected individually, according to the peculiarities of brain activity.
Nevertheless, some conclusions can be drawn already now. For example, deeper and more frequent breathing, in addition to saturating the blood flow and the brain itself with oxygen, can perform a number of additional functions. For example, optimizing the limbic system by increasing the number and depth of breaths will help to better identify emotions and stimulate memory processes.
Respiration is the most important part of life support. Many details of the respiratory function are not yet known to science. But scientists continue to study the human body and its capabilities, discovering more and more details.
Details of the study and results can be found at of the journal Nature Communications