Don’t hold you breath, The dangers of Email Apnea!
Email apnea, also known as screen apnea, is a phenomenon where people unconsciously hold their breath or breathe shallowly while checking their email or using electronic devices. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, and poor concentration.
Email apnea can be bad for our health because it can lead to chronic stress and poor oxygenation of the body's tissues. When we hold our breath or breathe shallowly, it can trigger the body's stress response, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and tension in the muscles. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, shallow breathing can lead to poor oxygenation of the body's tissues, which can contribute to fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms.
There have been several studies conducted on email apnea/screen apnea and its effects on health.
One study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that email apnea can cause significant stress in people who frequently use electronic devices. The study involved monitoring the breathing patterns of participants while they used their devices and found that they were more likely to hold their breath or breathe shallowly while reading or responding to emails. The researchers also found that this behavior was associated with increased stress levels and reduced cognitive function.
Another study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior found that email apnea was associated with negative health outcomes, including increased feelings of stress and fatigue, decreased mood and cognitive function, and increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Overall, research suggests that email apnea can have negative effects on health and well-being, particularly in individuals who use electronic devices frequently or for long periods of time.
However, the good news, a formal conscious breathing practice can help build better subconscious breathing habits over time. By practicing slow, deep breathing consciously, we can help train the body to naturally breathe in a more relaxed and efficient way, even when we are not consciously aware of our breathing.
There are several types of conscious breathing practices that can be helpful for building better subconscious breathing habits. For example, diaphragmatic breathing involves breathing deeply into the belly, which can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce feelings of stress and tension. Other practices, such as pranayama in yoga or qigong in Chinese medicine, can help increase lung capacity and improve overall breathing function.
It's worth noting that building better subconscious breathing habits can take time and consistent practice. However, by incorporating conscious breathing practices into our daily routine, we can gradually retrain our bodies to breathe in a way that supports our overall health and well-being.
Studies demonstrate that conscious breathing exercises do positively influence subconscious breathing patterns.
One study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that a four-week program of conscious breathing exercises was effective in improving respiratory muscle strength and reducing breathlessness in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study also found that conscious breathing exercises were associated with improvements in quality of life and overall well-being.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, which included conscious breathing exercises, was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. The study also found that mindfulness meditation, which involves conscious breathing and other mindfulness practices, was associated with improvements in respiratory function and overall physical health.
Overall, research suggests that conscious breathing exercises can be effective in improving subconscious breathing patterns, particularly in individuals with respiratory conditions or stress-related disorders. By practicing conscious breathing regularly, we can help retrain our bodies to breathe in a way that supports our overall health and well-being.