Can slow breathing alter fear responses?

Andrew asks about meditation studies; Jack describes training rodents to slow breathing and the resulting reduction in fear conditioning.

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Episode notes

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Jack Feldman, PhD, a Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a leading expert in the science of breathing.

We explain the mechanics of breathing and the neural circuits that generate and regulate our breathing rhythm. We also discuss how breathing patterns profoundly influence mental states, including their role in reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional resilience. Dr. Feldman also shares practical tools, such as box breathing for daily performance and magnesium L-threonate supplementation to support cognitive health and longevity.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Jack Feldman

00:00:23 Breathing Mechanics, Diaphragm; Pre-Bötzinger Complex & Breath Initiation

00:03:25 Nose vs Mouth Breathing

00:04:23 Sponsor: Mateina

00:05:24 Active Expiration & Brain; Retrotrapezoid Nucleus

00:08:32 Diaphragm & Evolution; Lung Surface Area & Alveoli, Oxygen Exchange