Sighing or "sigh" is a type of long and deep breath. This action is usually done reflexively, but we also often do it unconsciously. It typically occurs as a form of emotional response, such as relief, sadness, fatigue, or even stress. Sighing usually starts with a deep inhalation, followed by a pause in breathing before it is exhaled.

Interestingly, besides being a form of communication and expressing emotions, "sigh" also plays an important role in maintaining lung health. This action can provide the much-needed boost of air to the lungs, increase blood oxygen levels, and make breathing more balanced.

Why Do We Sigh?

On average, humans sigh about 12 times per hour or once every 5 minutes. So, when it occurs more frequently, what does it mean? Increased sighing frequency is associated with several factors, such as emotional conditions, including stress, anxiety, or underlying health conditions. Here's the explanation.

1. Stress

The causes of stress can come from anywhere, including environmental, psychological, or physical factors. When experiencing stress, both physical and psychological, many changes occur in the body, one of which is shortness of breath. Therefore, the higher the level of stress, the more frequent sighing may occur.

2. Anxiety

People with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or phobias, often have a higher frequency of sighing.

3. Depression

Sadness or despair triggers someone to "sigh" more because it is a form of negative emotional signal.

4. Respiratory Health Conditions

People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) tend to sigh more frequently than normal people. Additionally, the symptoms are accompanied by a feeling of wanting to breathe more air.

Is It Good or Bad?

Sighing is good for health if it occurs at a normal frequency. This is because sighing can help alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs) to re-expand after they spontaneously collapse. However, if it occurs more frequently, there may be a reason behind it, either from a mental or physical health aspect.

For example, if the condition is accompanied by shortness of breath disproportionate to age and activity level, persistent stress or anxiety, continuous feelings of sadness or despair, disruption of daily activities, or thoughts of ending life. Therefore, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.

How to Improve Breathing

Sighing is understandable, especially if the cause is stress or anxiety. Besides consulting a doctor to find the cause and seek solutions, you can also try practicing breathing exercises at home. Here are some breathing exercises you can do.

• Pursed lip breathing
• Alternate nostril breathing
• Belly breathing
• Lion’s breath
• Resonance breathing

So, sighing is a normal thing. It is a response to emotional conditions such as stress, anxiety, or even fatigue. You don't need to worry if this happens occasionally. But if the frequency increases, it may be a sign of another health condition. So the key is to know when the sighing is caused by stress or not.

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