Sighing could be associated with several things, such as relief, stress, frustration, or even awe. But why exactly do people sigh?
Sighing Explained
A sigh is a type of reflex that is defined as a deep and long breath that is similar, but not quite the same, to the typical inhale and exhale. These exhales could happen because of an emotional response, such a relief or stress, though it is also possible to sigh with no notice. In fact, people release around 12 spontaneous sighs on average in a span of an hour.
In most cases, a sigh involves inhaling for a second time before exhaling. In most cases, there is a breathing pause that follows. This is sometimes known as post-sigh apnea.
Sighing and the Respiratory System
It also appears that a sigh has a crucial role in one's respiratory system. When a person breathes normally, the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs, work hard to exchange oxygen and CO2. At times, the air sacs end up collapsing. A sigh could aid with their resetting. Sighing typically involves a long inhale and may give the lungs a necessary air boost and boost the oxygen levels of the blood.
This means that sighing every now and then could help keep the balance in breathing, on top of releasing emotional steam.
Sighing has also been often linked to feelings. At times, taking this deep breath could reduce anxiety. There are also experts who hypothesize that individuals who are in situations that can provoke anxiety could sigh in order to obtain temporary relief.
A 2022 study also found that sighing is linked to certain emotional responses, such as pain, anxiety, and arousal. Dr. Anna Hayburn, PsyD, a psychologist and biofeedback specialist, explains that negative emotional states, such as sadness, anxiety, and fear, are typically more connected with sighing more often.
People with certain conditions could also be more prone to sighing than usual. Such conditions could include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, respiratory problems, frequent panic attacks, and dysautonomia.
When Sighing Becomes Unhealthy
Though sighing is the body's way to release emotional steam, too much sighing could end up burdening the system of the body. The worrisome part of this can be explained through the breathing pause that comes with a sigh.
Dr. Hayburn says that when frequent sighing persists over a long period, it may end up worsening panic, stress, and anxiety. This is due to how it can boost hyperventilation and a heightened response to stress.
This means that if a person sighs enough and does not make it up through measured breathing and deep breaths, this could signify mental-related stress or even an underlying respiratory condition.
To help keep one's breathing and sighing balanced, some breathing exercises can be done. Dr. Hayburn explains that for those who experience chronic stress, panic, or anxiety, it may be good to consult a doctor regarding breathing retraining. Such an intervention could help the body and the mind.
Other at-home breathing exercises include alternate nostril breathing, the 4-7-8 breathing exercise, and box breathing.
What's crucial is to be able to know when a sigh is induced by stress or not, as not all sighs are equal.
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