The Impact of Heartbeats on Memory and Reaction Time

Each heartbeat affects cognitive function significantly, diminishing short-term memory while enhancing reaction time, particularly in stressful situations. Research indicates that during systole, when the heart beats, brain activity in processing information is disrupted, leading to poorer cognitive performance. Snipers, for example, are trained to take their shots between heartbeats to optimize accuracy, a technique further utilized in biathlon sports where timing heartbeats can be crucial for performance. In essence, understanding how heartbeats influence the brain can lead to better strategies in high-stakes environments.