Holding your breath, also known as voluntary apnea, is a practice that has various effects on the human body. Breathing plays a crucial role in facilitating gas exchange and supplying oxygen to the body’s cells for energy production. When you hold your breath, the body receives less oxygen, which can impact its efficiency.
Despite the potential risks, voluntary apnea is commonly practiced by athletes as a training method. Additionally, some meditation practices believe that breath-holding can provide certain benefits.
The Process of Breathing
When it comes to breathing, human lungs do not have the ability to pull in air on their own. Instead, the contraction of the diaphragm causes it to move downwards, thereby increasing the volume of the chest. In certain cases, humans can consciously use certain accessory muscles to facilitate the breathing process. As a result, the lungs expand, allowing air to enter and fill tiny air sacs known as alveoli. Within these alveoli, oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the surrounding blood vessels, while carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction, entering the alveoli from the blood vessels. The blood, now rich in oxygen, then travels to the heart, which pumps it throughout the entire body, supplying oxygen to various tissues and organs. On the other hand, when it is time to exhale, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, causing the lungs to contract and effectively expel air that is high in carbon dioxide.
The Physical Effects of Holding Your Breath
When you hold your breath, various physical effects take place within your body. The exchange of gases between the alveoli and the blood occurs independently of any airflow to or from the lungs. Even during voluntary apnea, the body can rely on its stored oxygen reserves to supply the blood vessels for a short period of time. However, holding your breath causes the body to release less carbon dioxide compared to the amount of oxygen it absorbs. This imbalance can gradually lead to the collapse of the lungs.
Furthermore, without breathing, the body cannot expel carbon dioxide, resulting in an accumulation of this gas in the blood. This condition, known as hypercapnia, can lead to respiratory acidosis. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis include headaches, restlessness, and confusion.