Benefits of deep breathing

Deep breathing is often recommended as a simple method to relax, reduce stress and improve focus, yet its benefits go far beyond mental calm.

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According to researchers, deep breathing can play a significant role in maintaining optimal lung function, supporting oxygen delivery, and even enhancing the mechanical health of the lungs. Professor Jan Vermant, who leads the Soft Materials group at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), has been studying the physics of lung tissue and surfactant films, providing scientific insight into why the simple act of taking a deep breath may carry real, measurable benefits.

Vermant’s work focuses on the thin fluid layer, known as surfactant, that coats the alveoli, the tiny air sacs of the lungs. This layer behaves like a soft material whose surface tension changes depending on the pattern of breathing. In his studies, Vermant observed that when a lung model was exposed only to shallow, regular breaths, surface tension remained relatively high. However, introducing occasional deeper expansions—similar to a “sigh” or full breath—caused the surface tension to drop. Vermant explains, “We think that occasional deep breaths might be an important factor in reducing surface tension and making it easier to breathe.” This insight links fundamental physics to everyday physiology, demonstrating that even small changes in breathing patterns can influence the mechanical efficiency of the lungs.