Effects of breath-holding on the brain

A new study has shown that breath-hold training in free diving alters the way brain regions communicate, especially areas involved in memory and attention, and enhances brain resilience against oxygen deprivation. During the study, which involved 17 professional divers training for seven months, an increased connection between the hippocampus and the cerebellum was observed, helping to preserve memory despite low oxygen conditions. The findings suggest that repeated exposure to hypoxia may redirect brain communication and improve its ability to adapt, but experts warn of the risks associated with free diving without proper training, emphasizing that these results require further research before recommending prolonged breath-holding.