The Surprising Science Behind Why We Breathe Out of One Nostril at a Time
Take a deep breath in through your nose. Which nostril feels more open? Chances are, the airflow is much stronger in one nostril than the other. This phenomenon is called the nasal cycle, and it ensures our breathing stays healthy and efficient.
The Nasal Balancing Act
Few of us think much about our breathing, as long as air flows in and out easily. But pay close attention, and you’ll notice that the nostrils don’t work equally at the same time. Instead, they alternate every few hours, with one nostril taking on more of the workload as the dominant passageway while the other rests.
For around 4 hours, one nostril will provide up to 80% of the air intake, while the other manages just 20%. Then they swap roles, allowing the formerly minor nostril to become the main thoroughfare. This endless cycle repeats throughout our lives, though we rarely even sense the switch.
Master Switch: The Nervous System
What controls this back-and-forth rhythm of alternating nostrils? The autonomic nervous system is in charge of all unconscious processes like breathing, digestion, and heartbeat. It directs the nasal cycle by triggering erectile tissue called the nasal turbinates inside the nose.
When the autonomic nervous system signals it’s time to switch the cycle, erectile tissue will engorge with blood on one side of the septum. This congests the nostril, narrows airflow, and reduces its dominance. At the same time, erectile tissue on the other side deflates, allowing that nostril to widen and take over as the prime air channel.
The Benefits of Alternate Breathing
Why does our body go through all this effort to alternate nostrils rather than use both equally? Researchers point to several potential perks of the nasal cycle:
- Filters the air: The nose traps debris, pathogens, and allergens before they reach the lungs. Alternating nostrils may help capture more particles through sustained high air velocity.
- Balances temperature and humidity: Air is conditioned as it passes through the turbinates. Switching nostrils may prevent drying or oversaturation.
- Improves smell: Odor molecules linger differently in fast vs. slow air currents. Alternating may allow better identification of diverse smells.
- Rests tissue: Switching dominant nostrils may prevent overuse strain on one side from constant high airflow.
Of course, the body strives for balance in all its systems. So the nasal cycle exemplifies how our built-in biological processes subtly adjust to keep us healthy – even when we hardly notice the change.
When the Cycle Is Disrupted
In most people, the nasal cycle flows seamlessly back and forth every few hours without conscious thought or effort. But sometimes, this rhythmic balancing act gets thrown off for a variety of reasons:
- Illness or allergies: Congestion can clog both nostrils, interrupting the cycle.
- Medications: Decongestants may artificially open both airways.
- Nasal polyps or deformity: Growths or structural issues can block airflow.
- Nerve damage: Injuries or disorders impairing the autonomic nervous system can disrupt cycle regulation.
- Sleeping position: Gravity’s effects may close off one nostril’s airflow for prolonged periods when lying down.
Luckily, the nasal cycle tends to automatically restore itself once the underlying problem is treated. And temporary lifestyle factors like sleep position only throw off the rhythm temporarily before the body resets the cycle.
However, if nasal cycle disruptions become chronic, a doctor can help identify potential causes and solutions to restore smooth breathing.
The Optimal Breath
Breathing is so elemental to life that we easily take it for granted. But the amazing nasal architecture that warms, filters and balances the air we inhale is critical for respiratory health. The nasal cycle illustrates how finely tuned biological systems work constantly in the background to sustain vital functioning.
So next time you inhale, appreciate how your nose’s alternating airflow delivers the optimal breath in that very moment. With each nasal switch every few hours, our bodies display the brilliance of natural design.