Understanding the Impact of Smartphone Reading on Brain Function
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Chapter 1: The Breathing Connection
Breathing is an automatic process that we perform approximately 22,000 times each day. For most people, unless engaged in meditation or breath-focused practices, breathing is largely subconscious. This lack of awareness might seem harmless, but there’s a particular type of breathing we all engage in, often without realizing it. This reflexive breathing technique consists of two quick inhales followed by a prolonged exhale, referred to by researchers as a physiological sigh. On average, this type of sigh occurs every five minutes.
A decrease in the frequency of physiological sighs can lead to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which in turn elevates stress levels. Stanford Professor Dr. Andrew Huberman elaborates on the mechanics of physiological sighs, stating that the double inhale helps to expand the air sacs in the lungs (known as alveoli), facilitating oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion during the lengthy exhale.
Dr. Huberman discusses the connection between breathing and brain function, emphasizing the importance of physiological sighs in managing stress.
What implications do physiological sighs have for reading on a smartphone? A recent study published in the journal Nature sheds light on this question. It found that reading on a smartphone not only leads to fewer physiological sighs but also causes increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, ultimately resulting in diminished comprehension compared to reading from paper.
Section 1.1: Study Insights
The study titled “Reading on a smartphone affects sigh generation, brain activity, and comprehension” was conducted by the physiology department at Showa University School of Medicine. Researchers involved 34 healthy participants who read text of similar dimensions from either a smartphone or a traditional book, followed by comprehension assessments. The researchers also observed and measured changes in breathing patterns and brain activity.
Regardless of the medium, participants exhibited increased respiratory rates and shallower breathing. However, a notable difference emerged: there were significantly fewer physiological sighs when reading on smartphones. Brain function assessments indicated heightened prefrontal cortex activity during reading, particularly for those using smartphones. Previous research has linked this increased activity to poorer reading comprehension.
Subsection 1.1.1: Limitations of the Study
The Showa researchers acknowledged certain limitations, suggesting that factors like physical movements involved in turning pages and cognitive load may also influence results. Future studies might involve instructing participants to consciously perform physiological sighs every five minutes while reading on a smartphone.
Section 1.2: Harnessing the Power of Physiological Sighs
Interestingly, the physiological sigh is a tool that individuals can consciously use. Dr. Huberman notes that this breathing technique can be employed anytime and anywhere to alleviate stress. Based on findings from the Showa study, it may also help moderate prefrontal cortex activity.
In this video, the significance of reading and how it affects our brain is explored, highlighting the advantages of traditional reading methods.
Next time you find yourself engrossed in lengthy content on your smartphone, try employing the physiological sigh every five minutes: take two quick inhales through your nose and then exhale through your mouth. This practice not only enhances comprehension but also serves as an effective method to reduce stress and anxiety, which we can all benefit from.
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