The effects of unilateral nostril breathing during the night on heart rate and sleep apnea in young sportsmen

ObjectiveLiterature reveals that unilateral nostril breathing affects systolic and diastolic pressures, heart rate, intraocular pressure, cognitive functions, etc. In the present study, the effects of passive unilateral nostril breathing were investigated during the night in sportsmen on heart rate and the number of sleep apnea events.MethodsTwenty one right-handed sportsmen were included in the study. They ranged in age from 18 to 24 years. The mean heart rate and number of sleep apnea were measured by polisomnography.ResultsThe mean heart rate was decreased during sleep with the left unilateral nostril breathing compared to sleep with the right unilateral nostril breathing. Also, the maximum heart rate was decreased during sleep with the left unilateral nostril breathing compared to sleep with the right unilateral nostril breathing. The number of apnea was decreased during sleep with the right unilateral nostril breathing compared to sleep with the left unilateral nostril breathing.ConclusionsThe lateralized right or left unilateral nostril breathings can be helpful for health and can be used in alternative and complementary therapy.