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About Breathing | |
| | An Overview What is overbreathing? What are its effects? Overbreathing & performance Overbreathing & health Why do we overbreathe? What can you do about overbreathing? |
| About breathing Are you overbreathing?
Which brain is yours? | OVERBREATHING AND PERFORMANCE Oxygen concentration and glucose supply in the brain can be reduced by 50% through decreased blood flow as a result of CO2 deficit. Further, the blood alkalosis means that hemoglobin is less inclined to distribute oxygen actually present in the brain. Thus, together the net effect of reduced blood flow and disinclined hemoglobin is major reduction in oxygen supply. This dramatic shift in chemistry can result in the following kinds of performance decrements: Cognitive deficits: attention, memory, thinking, problem solving, concentrating, multitasking, and judgment. Consider, for example, the impact on attention deficit disorder (ADD) in children and adults. Emotional reactions: anger, anxiety, phobia, fear, apprehension, panic, stress, and depression. Overbreathing triggers emotion, e.g., anger in a challenging discussion with a significant other. Personality changes: self-esteem, defensiveness, withdrawal, and type-A behavior. Overbreathing leads to state shifting, to dissociative shifts much like the effects of a drug, where defensive personality patterns may emerge. Consciousness shifts: dizziness, feelings of unreality, confusion, fuzziness, disorientation, and disconnection. Consider, for example, the impact of these effects on listening skills. Interpersonal skills: communication, public speaking, romantic encounters, social ease, openness, and presence. Consider, for example, the impact of emotional reactivity and attention deficit on public speaking. Perceptual-motor skills: coordination, physical precision, fine motor skills, and balance. Consider the impact of these effects on precision behavior along with emotional and cognitive effects in piloting an aircraft. |
