🩺 Is chronic fatigue caused by improper breathing?

The way we breathe could play a role in the characteristic exhaustion of chronic fatigue syndrome. A recent study, published in Frontiers in Medicine, examines this innovative lead.

To test this hypothesis, researchers compared the breathing of 57 people with the syndrome to that of 25 healthy volunteers. For two consecutive days, they performed exercise tests while measuring heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen uptake efficiency, and other respiratory parameters. These examinations allowed for the evaluation of the coordination and frequency of breathing movements.


The results show that 71% of participants with the syndrome present breathing abnormalities. Nearly half of them display dysfunctional breathing, characterized by frequent series of sighs or poor thoraco-abdominal coordination. About one-third hyperventilate, breathing too quickly for the body's needs. These disorders are significantly less frequent in the control group.

According to the researchers, these problems could be associated with dysautonomia, a state where the nerve signals that regulate automatic functions like breathing and circulation are disrupted. This condition is often present in people with chronic fatigue syndrome and can cause intolerance to an upright position, leading to an acceleration of heart rate and hyperventilation.

Hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing can cause symptoms similar to those of the syndrome, such as dizziness, concentration difficulties, shortness of breath, and intense fatigue. Their coexistence can also trigger heart palpitations, chest pain, and increased anxiety, thereby worsening the feeling of exhaustion after physical or mental effort.

Therefore, improving breathing habits could help alleviate some symptoms for affected individuals. Approaches such as yoga, swimming, or biofeedback are being considered to correct these abnormalities, by promoting slower and better-coordinated breathing. For now, additional studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of these methods and integrate them into care protocols.

Controlled breathing techniques

Controlled breathing is a practice that involves voluntarily altering one's breathing rhythm and depth to influence physical and mental state. It is widely used in disciplines like yoga or meditation to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Methods such as heart coherence or diaphragmatic breathing aim to stabilize the autonomic nervous system by regularizing breathing. By adopting slow, deep breathing, one can reduce the risks of hyperventilation and its negative effects, such as anxiety or dizziness.

For people suffering from dysfunctional breathing, specific exercises can help restore normal coordination between the thorax and abdomen. These practices are often taught by physiotherapists or specialized instructors, who guide patients toward more efficient and less tiring breathing patterns.

Integrating controlled breathing sessions into the daily routine can offer long-term benefits, such as better emotion management and reduced fatigue. It is recommended to start under professional supervision to adapt the techniques to individual needs and avoid any discomfort.