Episodic slow breathing in mice markedly reduces fear responses
bioRxiv – December 09, 2024
Source: medRxiv/bioRxiv/arXiv
Summary
Controlled breathing can significantly lower stress and anxiety, as shown in a study using mice. By slowing their breathing for 30 minutes daily over four weeks, researchers observed marked reductions in fear responses. This suggests that the benefits of deep breathing extend beyond mere psychological effects, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
We sought to delineate neural mechanisms underlying the effects of controlled breathing in humans, such as in meditation or breathwork, which can reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and pain. Thus, we developed a murine model, where breathing frequency in awake mice can be substantially slowed. When done for 30 min/day for 4 weeks, these mice had significant reductions in stress-related changes in behavior compared to control mice. We conclude that slow breathing effects on emotional state are present in mice, and which cannot be attributed directly to top-down influences such as volitional or emotional control or placebo effects. Our study paves the way for investigations of the neural mechanisms underlying body-brain interactions related to the effects of controlled breathing as well as a platform for optimization of its therapeutic use for amelioration of ordinary and pathological stress and anxiety in humans.