Now, let's talk about breathing.
We do it about 20,000 times a day, often without a second thought.
But how you breathe matters—a lot.
Nasal breathing is nature's intended way. When you breathe through your nose:
- Air is filtered, warmed, and humidified before reaching your lungs
- Nitric oxide production increases, improving oxygen absorption by up to 18%
- Your parasympathetic nervous system activates, promoting relaxation and better sleep
However, 61% of people habitually breathe through their mouth, especially during sleep (Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2019).
This can lead to:
- Increased risk of sleep apnea and snoring
- Dry mouth and throat irritation
- Lower oxygen saturation in the blood