Normal respiration is characterized by smooth diaphragmatic inhalations and exhalations, quiet and invisible, without wheezing or panting.

But most people don’t realize that there’s a natural pause at the end of an exhalation observed in humans and other mammals. It’s a vital reflex at the bottom of a respiratory cycle, its absence is a sign of respiratory distress.

Observe someone who’s sleeping and you’ll notice the pattern.

The expiratory pause is a neurologically neutral state we take advantage of by bringing our attention to it!

Here’s the research on the topic:

1. Normal breathing
2. Effects of inspiratory pause on CO2 elimination and arterial PCO2 in acute lung injury (inspiratory pause, on the other hand, isn’t always beneficial)
3. Respiratory Rate and Pattern

More interesting videos: